Malala Yousafazi and Assir Malik Marry in Private Ceremony
Human rights activist Malala Yousafazi married longtime partner Assir Malik in a private ceremony on the weekend of November 6. The couple wed in a Nikkah ceremony, a tradition within the Islamic faith. It looked like a beautiful event, and we’re gushing over the pictures.
Today marks a precious day in my life.
— Malala (@Malala) November 9, 2021
Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home in Birmingham with our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead.
📸: @malinfezehai pic.twitter.com/SNRgm3ufWP
At just 24 years old, Yousafazi is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Growing up in war-torn Pakistan, she was injured at the hands of the Taliban as a teenager, and this inspired a life of activism and fighting for the right of women and girls in the country and around the world. She frequently meets with world leaders and even published a memoir at 16 years old.
Yousafazi has spent the last few years earning a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics from Oxford University. She graduated in three years with honors. All the while, she fostered her relationship with Malik.
In Malala, I found the most supportive friend, a beautiful and kind partner — I’m so excited to spend the rest of our life together.
— Asser Malik (@MalikAsser) November 10, 2021
Thank you all for the wishes on our Nikkah. In following our cricket team’s tradition, we had to do a victory cake cutting. pic.twitter.com/KSGQOHsY64
The internet believes that Yousafazi and Malik met over their mutual interest in cricket. Yousafazi shared how the international sport taught her to be “bold, competitive, and resilient.” For Malik, it’s more than just a passion. According to his LinkedIn, Malik is the general manager for Pakistan’s Cricket Board. It’s safe to assume the couple bonded over this mutual respect for the game (and each other).
“Conversations with my friends, mentors, and my now partner Asser helped me consider how I could have a relationship and remain true to my values of equality, fairness, and integrity,” Yousafazi wrote on Instagram.
There was confusion amongst the public following Yousafazi’s announcement. She is outspoken about women’s rights and changing roles in society. In July, Yousafazi gave her thoughts on marriage that seemed to counter last weekend’s events.
By handsome and progressive English guy does she just mean white…? Malala didn’t choose so much of the path of her youth, allow her to choose her adulthood and stop judging. Side note: Malala’s husband is hot and they look happy.👌🏽👍🏽❤️ https://t.co/uccA5O7duu
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) November 11, 2021
“I just thought, ‘I’m never going to get married, never going to have kids – just going to do my work,” Yousafazi told Vogue UK in July. “I’m going to be happy and live with my family forever.'”
So what changed? It’s clear that she and Malik love one another. “I didn’t realize that you’re not the same person all the time,” Yousafazi added in her interview. “You change as well, and you’re growing.”
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
