What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a husband abandoning his wife and refusing to divorce her, while threatening to cut off her expenses and expel her from the home if she requests khulʿ? Is it permissible to leave the wife in a state of suspension, and what is the solution to this problem?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a husband abandons his wife without a valid legal () reason, leaving her "like one suspended," this is impermissible, as Allah Almighty says: "So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave her [the other] hanging." The wife should try to reach an understanding with him, or involve sensible people as mediators. If he does not respond, she has the right to take the matter to court to redress the injustice or to request a divorce due to harm.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 187295
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy