Question:
Asalamu ‘alaykum. I am a convert to Islam and speaking to someone for the purpose of marriage but before we marry, I need to know the rulings on who is my wali. I was adopted but then re-entered foster care when I was 13. I found my biological grandparents on my mother’s side when I was 20, who happens to be Muslim. My mother passed away 4 years ago. Would my grandmother be my wali in this case although she has not raised me nor provided me with any sort of parental guidance or support?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
A lady’s wali is her nearest adult, male, Muslim relative. In the Hanafi school, a wali is not required for the lady to enter into a marriage if the suitor is meeting the criteria of suitability. [Maydani, al-Lubab]
For yourself, I would advise getting your maternal grandfather involved in the process as a guiding hand. You can make your own decision, but it is important to have him involved at some level, lest there be any manipulation or other foul behavior. Unfortunately, vulnerable people are often advantage of.
If need be, you can appoint any upright male as your wali, according to the Shafi’i school. [al-Mawsu’a al-Kuwaitiyya] I advise you to speak to a local scholar and get clarity on the whole process of the nikah and related matters beforehand.
May Allah facilitate all matters for you in the best way.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani