Is the wife considered sinful if she requests a divorce because of hurting her parents' feelings? And should she divorce in a case of incompatibility with her husband, or should she try to continue without success?
The sister who is asking the question is obligated to reconcile her father's feelings with her husband's rights. If she is unable to fulfill her husband's rights, she may seek a khulʿ (divorce at the wife's instance). The difference between ṭalāq (divorce initiated by the husband) and khulʿ is that ṭalāq comes from the husband, and he must give her all her rights. The divorced woman observes an ʿiddah (waiting period) of three menstrual cycles, or three months, or until she gives birth if she is pregnant. As for khulʿ, it is at the wife's request, whereby she gives the husband money in exchange for their separation. It is preferable for the husband not to demand more than what he gave her as mahr (dowry). Her ʿiddah for khulʿ is one menstrual cycle. The Sunnah confirms this matter, such as the story of Thabit ibn Qays's wife, who did not find fault with her husband's religiosity or character, but she disliked staying with him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered her to return his garden to him in exchange for the khulʿ. The summary is to try to reconcile with the husband; otherwise, khulʿ is the solution, along with convincing the father that remaining with the husband is detrimental to both religious and worldly matters.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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