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Fatwa CenterSequence of woman's guardians in marriage
Question
I have no Wali currently as my father has passed away and I have no brothers. Is it ok for me to be my own Wali if I am of age? (34)
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
The presence of the guardian is a precondition for any valid marriage contract in Islam. The most liable person to the guardianship of the woman as far as marriage is concerned is her father, then her grandfather, then her son, then her full brother, then her half brother from the father's side, then her full brother's son, then her half brother's son, then her full paternal uncle, then her half paternal uncle, then her full paternal uncle's son, …etc.
Briefly, the closest man in kinship from the paternal side is the most liable guardian of the woman as far as marriage is concerned. If no such a man is available, then the ruler is the woman's guardian. The Qadi (Muslim judge) is a guardian as he is the representative of Muslim ruler. If there is no Muslim judge in your country, the Islamic centers can make the marriage contract for you.
Allah knows best.
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