Gaddafi was married twice. His first wife was fatih, and his father-in-law was General Halid. He was a senior officer in King Idris' army and Gaddafi's immediate superior. General Khalid took a fancy to Gaddafi and betrothed his daughter to him. Shortly after their marriage, Gaddafi launched the "91"revolution and soon announced his divorce from Fatih. Gaddafi divorced for two reasons: first, he was unwilling to marry a young lady from an old middle-class family because of his hasty marriage; Second, the relationship between husband and wife is not harmonious after marriage.

Gaddafi's second wife is Safiya, and their marriage is legendary. After Gaddafi came to power in 1997, he often visited various places. One day, when he visited this place, he felt abdominal pain and high fever. The guards rushed him to the local area for treatment. The diagnosis on duty was wrong, but Safiya, a female nurse standing by, boldly expressed her opinion that Gaddafi was suffering from appendicitis. After repeated examination, it was appendicitis, and effective treatment was carried out accordingly. This accidental meeting made their life-long marriage. Safia said that she fell in love with Gaddafi at first sight, and Gaddafi said that Safia left an unforgettable impression on him. Safiya, with long black hair and shawl, sharp eyes and quick thinking, is a striking and somewhat intimidating woman. They have a happy family life after marriage and have seven children, including six sons. Gaddafi once said that he hoped that all his six sons would become, thus serving the poor in Africa. He dotes on his only daughter, thinking that she may have potential talents. He expressed his hope to have another daughter, and later adopted a daughter, Hannah. Unfortunately, Hannah, who was under 3 years old, was killed in the US air raid on April 15, 2008.