Glossary of Key Terms

Ahliyya

Legal capacity to act in legal or financial transactions.

Madhhab

School of Islamic law or jurisprudence.

Mu'arif

A male relative able to verify the identity of a woman wearing niqab (a face veil).

Mahram

A close male relative whom it would be unacceptable to marry.

Qiwama

The act of being superior to, a degree above, or given more physical strength.

Wakil

A legal proxy.

Wali al-amr

The guardian who acts on behalf of a minor or any person not qualified to act in legal matters on his or her own behalf.

Wilaya

Guardianship or the appointment of a person to act on behalf of and in the interest of a person of limited legal capacity.