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The question

What is the ruling on a divorced Muslim woman traveling and residing alone for seven months in a foreign country to obtain citizenship? And what is the ruling on her legitimate marriage without documentation to a religiously committed Muslim man who is nominally married to a foreign woman to obtain citizenship, knowing that he will complete divorce procedures after obtaining it? And who would be her guardian (wali) in marriage in the event of the death of both her parents and paternal uncles, and the absence of male siblings? What is the ruling on her traveling and leaving her elderly mother whom she cares for, whether for marriage or to obtain citizenship, especially since the mother does not approve of the marriage due to the young man not completing his university education and her traveling with him? And is her marriage in a foreign country without the young man coming to her country to see her mother and for her to know him beforehand considered disobedience and disrespect to her mother?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

A woman is not permitted to seek a divorce unless there is a valid reason. A woman's travel without a mahram is not permissible. However, residency in foreign lands does not require a mahram. Nonetheless, residency in non-Islamic countries is not permissible unless there is an urgent need, a strong presumption of safety from fitan (trials/temptations), and the ability to openly practice the rituals of the religion. Obtaining foreign citizenship is not permissible except for a benefit or to avert a harm. The marriage is valid if it fulfills its legal conditions and pillars, even if it is not officially documented. The uncles' travel does not prevent them from solemnizing the marriage contract, and they can delegate. The mother's interest should be prioritized; if she orders to forgo a marriage that necessitates travel and separation from her, then obedience to her is obligatory. The mother's objection to the husband for not having a university degree is out of place as long as he possesses religiosity and good character.

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

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