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Is it permissible to divorce a husband who abandoned his wife for four months, did not provide for her, and treated her poorly? And how is the maintenance for these months calculated from the deferred dower?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is recommended to attempt reconciliation between the spouses. If the estrangement continues, the wife has the right to seek divorce. If the husband refuses, she should refer her case to the judiciary, which will compel him either to divorce her or to live with her in a befitting manner. If recourse to the judiciary is not possible, she may ransom herself through khul‘ (divorce initiated by the wife in return for compensation). It should be noted that the husband is not permitted to take khul‘ if the harm originated from his side.

The husband is obligated to provide for his wife during his absence, unless she is disobedient (nashiz), because maintenance is a debt upon him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, permitted the wife to take her maintenance from her husband's wealth if he does not provide it.

The standard for maintenance depends on the financial status of both spouses: if they are wealthy, then it is the maintenance of the wealthy; if they are poor, then it is the maintenance of the poor; and if they differ, then it is the maintenance of those of moderate means.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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