What is the ruling of the Sharia regarding a woman whose husband abandoned her for more than twelve years, married another woman, did not spend on her or their daughters, and the judiciary refused to divorce her?
It is forbidden for a husband to hold his wife for harm. He must either keep her with kindness, fulfilling her rights, or release her with goodness. The husband has committed an injustice by neglecting the rights of his wife and children. The wife has two options to be released from the husband's authority: to take her case to court to prove the injustice and neglect of rights, or to seek khul' (divorce by mutual consent, usually with compensation from the wife) from her husband in exchange for money.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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