Is it permissible for a husband to give his wife—a doctor whose work requires her to stay overnight outside the home—the choice between ceasing to stay overnight outside the home (due to work) or divorce?
A woman is permitted to work as long as there is no Sharia-based harm (mafsadah shari'ah), such as free mixing (ikhtilat) or being alone with a non-mahram man (khalwa bi ajnabi), or neglecting her familial duties. If these prohibitions exist, then she is not permitted to work, and the husband has the right to prevent her from working if he is fulfilling his duties. A woman should obey her husband and prioritize her home. Likewise, the husband is advised to treat his wife kindly and not prevent her from working if there is no Sharia-based prohibition and her services are necessary.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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