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What is the meaning of the word "الأحوط" (the most cautious/safest) in Fatwa No. 323152? And is it obligatory to do the thing, or does the questioner have the right to choose without sin? And how can the annulment be done after 6 years, knowing that what is inside her is doubt and that going back on her word with the young man might ruin her current life?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The term "most cautious" means what is preferable, and it involves avoiding doubt, achieving certainty, and resolving disagreement, based on the jurisprudential rule: "Emerging from disagreement is recommended." Its evidence is the hadith: "Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt." In this matter, acting by divorce or annulment is preferable, and it is advised to act in the most cautious way. It is permissible for a woman to speak with a non-mahram man when there is a need, provided that Islamic guidelines are observed, such as avoiding seclusion and softening the voice.

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

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