Is the dowry required to be returned to the husband if a divorce is sought, especially after the husband refused to return her to the marital home and asked her to stay with her family?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A woman is not permitted to seek a divorce without a legitimate Shar'i (Islamic legal) justification. If the reason for seeking divorce is her inability to live in the same dwelling with his family, then she has the right to demand a separate residence. If he does not provide it, she is allowed to seek a divorce, and it is commendable for him to agree without compensation. However, if the reason is merely her dislike for him, then he has the right to request compensation (khul'). Reconciliation is advised first, as Allah Almighty says: "And reconciliation is best." He does not have the right to leave her in limbo.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/117340
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 117340
- 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.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy