نكاح الشيوخ
One of our six core goals
Elderly Marriage
For those who lose a partner in old age, the greatest lack is company, care and respect. There is no age limit for a lawful marriage in Islam — the remarriage of an elderly parent is not a shame for children but a responsibility.
A companion is needed in old age too
The Qur'an says Allah created for you mates from among yourselves that you may find tranquillity in them, and placed love and mercy between you. The need for this tranquillity does not end at any age.
The children's responsibility
Obstructing a parent's lawful marriage out of social shame or fear about property is wrong. Rather it is the children's duty to help find a suitable, trustworthy companion and to keep up respect and contact after the marriage.
Caution
The elderly are at greater risk of fraud. So verifying the new partner's identity and past, not transferring property before marriage, making the mahr and Nikahnama clear and discussing health and care openly beforehand are essential.
How IMB helps
For elderly men and women alike we arrange honourable, verified introductions, keep the family involved in the discussion and protect everyone's privacy.
Evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ، وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِي
The Arabic text and translations are checked by a scholar before publication; please tell us if you see any mistake.
Common questions
Is it permissible to marry in old age?
Certainly. There is no age limit for a lawful marriage; ijab-qabul, witnesses and the consent of both are enough.
Does the children's share of property change when a parent remarries?
The Shariah shares of inheritance are fixed; the children are not deprived of their fixed share by the marriage, but the new wife / husband is also entitled to a fixed share. Take a scholar's advice on a specific distribution.
Our articles on this topic
Read the articles below for more detail.
- Marriage of the Elderly and Those Without a Companion: Loneliness in Old Age, Shariah Guidance and Society's ResponsibilityFor those who lose a partner in old age the greatest lack is company, care and respect. The right to a lawful marriage for both elderly men and women, the children's responsibility and a guide to protection from fraud.Read →
- Marriage of Elderly Parents: The Children's Responsibility, Society's Misconceptions and Shariah GuidanceWhat should the children's role be if an elderly father or mother who has lost a partner wants to marry again? The responsibility towards parents in light of the Qur'an and hadith, and advice for freeing oneself from fears about property and shame.Read →
We are by your side
Application, verification and introduction — all under scholarly supervision, in a Shariah-compliant and lawful way. If you have questions, contact us.