To what extent is it permissible for a wife to request a divorce when her husband marries another, in three cases: first, her fear of committing unlawful acts or falling short in fulfilling her husband's rights; second, her severe suffering from jealousy; and third, her having no objection to his marriage, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Any woman who asks her husband for divorce without a sound reason, the scent of Paradise will be forbidden to her," and his saying: "A woman should not ask her husband for divorce without a justifiable cause, lest she be deprived of the scent of Paradise"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle is that it is not permissible for a woman to seek a divorce simply because her husband married another woman, as this is a permissible act for him. However, clear and manifest harm permits a woman to seek a divorce. If the woman is harmed by her husband marrying another, she has the right to seek divorce (ṭalāq) or annulment (khulʿ). Nevertheless, a woman should not hasten to seek a divorce, as patience may be more appropriate, especially when there are children involved.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/112492
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 112492
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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