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Is it obligatory to provide accommodation for the wife after khul‘, and is it permissible to stipulate that the daughter's custody be in the wife's father's house, otherwise custody transfers to the husband?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The Shariah prohibits a wife from seeking divorce without a legitimate reason. However, if the wife dislikes remaining with her husband and fears she may neglect his rights, she may seek khul' (divorce at her instance) in return for compensation. The continuity of marital life and the preservation of the family unit are among the most important objectives of the Shariah. Scholars have differed regarding the husband's obligation to provide housing for the custodial mother, after agreeing on the obligation to provide maintenance and housing for the children. After the wife's iddah (waiting period) expires, she may reside wherever she wishes, provided the dwelling is safe. The husband is not permitted to stipulate that she must reside with her family. Her independent residence does not prevent the husband from seeing his daughter, provided that Islamic guidelines are observed, such that he does not seclude himself with her or prolong his stay.

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

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