Is it permissible to force one's wife to wear the hijab, or else divorce her, out of fear of people's perception, and does this action contradict the principle of "there shall be no compulsion in religion"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If lack of means uncovering the head, then you must obligate your wife to cover it after attempting to persuade her kindly. If she does not respond, then consider divorcing her for what is most beneficial, bearing in mind that the presence of a Muslim woman in a non-Muslim society does not exempt her from wearing the hijab.
If what is meant by hijab is covering the face, then the matter is less strict, and there is no harm in uncovering the face and hands when there is a need or necessity.
As for your statement to your wife, "Otherwise, I will divorce you," it is a promise of divorce and does not constitute a divorce.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/128582
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 128582
- 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