Author: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafidhahullah)
Question:
Is it permissible for a woman to arrange her own marriage or act as a Wali (guardian) for someone else’s marriage?
Answer:
Islamic teachings clearly establish that a valid marriage requires the presence of a Wali (guardian), and a woman cannot independently conduct her own marriage or act as a Wali for another woman. This ruling is derived from the Quran, authentic Hadiths, and the consensus of Islamic scholars.
Question:
Is it permissible for a woman to arrange her own marriage or act as a Wali (guardian) for someone else’s marriage?
Answer:
Islamic teachings clearly establish that a valid marriage requires the presence of a Wali (guardian), and a woman cannot independently conduct her own marriage or act as a Wali for another woman. This ruling is derived from the Quran, authentic Hadiths, and the consensus of Islamic scholars.
Evidence from the Sunnah
- Prohibition of Women Acting as Wali:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"لَا تُزَوِّجُ الْمَرْأَةُ الْمَرْأَةَ وَلَا تُزَوِّجُ الْمَرْأَةُ نَفْسَهَا، فَإِنَّ الزَّانِيَةَ هِيَ الَّتِي تُزَوِّجُ نَفْسَهَا"
(“A woman cannot marry another woman, nor can she marry herself. Indeed, the woman who marries herself is like a fornicator.”)
[Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, 7/110; Daraqutni, 3/227]
This Hadith clearly prohibits women from conducting their own marriages or acting as a Wali for others. - Scholarly Explanation:
Shaykh Muhammad bin Ismail Al-San’ani (رحمه الله) explained:
"فِيهِ دَلِيلٌ عَلَى أَنَّ الْمَرْأَةَ لَيْسَ لَهَا وِلَايَةٌ فِي النِّكَاحِ لِنَفْسِهَا وَلَا لِغَيْرِهَا"
(“This Hadith proves that a woman does not have the authority to act as a Wali for herself or anyone else in marriage. She has no authority over the matters of marriage, whether initiating or accepting it.”)
[Subul al-Salam, 3/1321] - Example of Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
It is authentically reported that Aisha (رضي الله عنها) once arranged the marriage of her nephew but refrained from conducting the contract herself. She said:
"لَيْسَ إِلَى النِّسَاءِ النِّكَاحُ"
(“Arranging the marriage is not the responsibility of women.”)
[Fath al-Bari, 9/186; Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 3/458] - Statement of Ali (رضي الله عنه):
Ali (رضي الله عنه) said:
"لَا تُشْهِدُ الْمَرْأَةُ، يَعْنِي الْخُطْبَةَ، وَلَا تُنْكِحُ"
(“A woman should neither deliver the marriage sermon nor conduct the marriage.”)
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 3/458, Hadith 15963] - Statement of Ibrahim al-Nakha’i (رحمه الله):
He said:
"لَيْسَ الْعَقْدُ بِيَدِ النِّسَاءِ، وَإِنَّمَا الْعَقْدُ بِيَدِ الرِّجَالِ"
(“The authority to conduct the marriage contract is not in the hands of women; it is exclusively the responsibility of men.”)
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 3/458, Hadith 15957]
Ruling and Conclusion:
- Authority of the Wali:
A valid marriage requires the involvement of a Wali (male guardian), typically the father or closest male relative. This is essential to ensure the marriage complies with Islamic guidelines. - Prohibition of Women Acting as Wali:
Women cannot act as Wali for themselves or for others in marriage, nor can they deliver the marriage sermon or facilitate the marriage contract. - Role of Women in Marriage Arrangements:
Women can participate in preparing for marriage while maintaining modesty and adhering to Islamic guidelines. However, the role of officiating and witnessing the marriage remains a responsibility assigned to men. - Scholarly Consensus:
Based on authentic Hadiths and statements of scholars, it is unanimously agreed that the authority to conduct marriage contracts lies with men, and women are not authorized to act in this capacity.