Is a woman permitted to divorce herself if her husband tells her, "Do as you wish" or "Your matter is in your hands," and she says, "I have divorced myself from you"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The husband's giving his wife a choice by saying, "Your affair is in your hand" or "Divorce yourself," is considered an indirect (kinayah) and not an explicit (sarih) statement of divorce. Therefore, divorce does not occur unless the husband intended it. If the husband engages in forbidden acts, it is advisable to strive to reform him. If he repents, she should live with him honorably. If he does not repent and does not live with her honorably, she should ask him for a divorce. If he refuses, she should seek khul' (a form of divorce initiated by the wife).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 180187
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy