Petition · Ministry of Justice
Recognise the Islamic Nikah as a legal form of marriage
Open for signatures
25 signatures
What the petition asks
Amend the Marriage Act 1949 to recognise Islamic Nikah ceremonies as a legal form of marriage, granting them similar legal status as Anglican, Jewish and Quaker marriages.
Anglican, Jewish and Quaker marriages can all be legally recognised under the Marriage Act 1949. Nikah-only couples are legally cohabitants, denying women financial and property rights on divorce. The 2018 Sharia Review backed reform. We ask Parliament to amend the Act to give Nikah ceremonies equal legal status.
Timeline
| 29 Jul 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
25
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
29 Jul 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 30 Jul 2026.