The convert's marriage: wali, family and trials

The substitute wali

"There is no marriage without a wali" (Abu Dawud 2083); "any woman married without her wali's consent, her marriage is void" (Muslim 1414). The convert without Muslim kin: the wali falls to the judge or his delegate; classical fiqh establishes this for whoever has no wali (al-Mughni of Ibn Qudama). In Europe, a structured mosque or a recognized scholar performs this role, preferably in writing: the document protects the couple.

Practical questions

• The woman who embraces Islam, the husband not: the classical position required separation or the husband's conversion during the idda (Bidayat al-Mujtahid); the ECFR ruled in 2001 that she may stay with her husband, notably when a civil marriage contract exists. The wife takes her case to a scholar.
• The convert man: the woman of the Book is permitted to him (surah al-Ma'ida 5); the Muslim woman is permitted only to a Muslim.
• The non-Muslim family: kindness without obedience in sin (surah al-Ankabut 8): patience is the convert's sunna.

Practical note

The convert's path: contact a structured mosque, formalize the wali in writing, prepare the contract with a scholar, and announce the marriage with wisdom (neither hiding everything nor clashing needlessly). The community is his extended family: that is his strength.