TRUSTPOLITICS

Recognise the Islamic Nikah as a legal form of marriage

63
signatures
openMinistry of Justiceby Mariam AbbasOpened 29 July 2026

Background

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.

Additional details

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.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Luton NorthSarah Owen
15
Luton South and South BedfordshireRachel Hopkins
6
Oldham West, Chadderton and RoytonJim McMahon
4
Milton Keynes CentralEmily Darlington
2
BridgwaterSir Ashley Fox
1
Burton and UttoxeterJacob Collier
1
Doncaster CentralSally Jameson
1
Dunstable and Leighton BuzzardAlex Mayer
1
HalesowenAlex Ballinger
1
Ilford SouthJas Athwal
1
Leicester EastShivani Raja
1
Mid BedfordshireBlake Stephenson
1
St Austell and NewquayNoah Law
1
St Neots and Mid CambridgeshireIan Sollom
1
StockportNavendu Mishra
1
WatfordMatt Turmaine
1
WycombeEmma Reynolds
1
Edinburgh SouthIan Murray
1
Ashton-under-LyneAngela Rayner
1
Newport West and IslwynRuth Jones
1

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 774721.