A Wife’s Right

Among the huqooq which the Shariah has granted a wife is separate living quarters. If she wishes to live apart from her in-laws, the husband is obliged by the Shariah to fulfil her right. Although a wife should not unnecessarily create conflict between her husband and his parents by demanding to live separately, nevertheless if she does demand to live separately, the husband has no option other than acceding to her request.

Many husbands are faced with a dilemma in this situation where they have to choose between the wishes of their parents and the demand of their wives. For lack of understanding the Shariah’s command to obey parents and fulfil the rights of wives, they are thrown into a confusion when this situation develops. However, the Shariah’s ruling is quite clear on this issue.

The wife’s in-laws have no Islamic right of ordering their son to ignore the rights of his wife. In fulfilling her right by providing her with a separate home, he will not be guilty of sinning. When a conflict arises between the commands of parents and the commands of Allah, the latter have priority. A wife’s right to live separately is by the Command of Allah. Thus, the parents’ wishes in negation of this command cannot be acceded to. As long as the wife does not voluntarily waive her right, the husband is obliged by the Shariah to fulfil them.

(The Majlis Archives)