Can a Muslim woman ask for a divorce?
Yes. A Muslim woman can end her marriage. The most common way is khul', where she asks for a divorce and usually returns her dowry. She can also go to an imam, a Muslim judge or a sharia council for a divorce when there's harm or neglect. In the West, she normally needs both an Islamic divorce and a civil one.
Khul': the woman's right to leave
The wife of Thabit ibn Qais came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said she didn't blame her husband's character or religion, but she couldn't stay in the marriage. The Prophet ﷺ asked her to return the garden Thabit had given her as a dowry, and the marriage was ended (Sahih al-Bukhari 5273). See Do I have to accept polygamy as a Muslim woman?
She didn't need to prove abuse. Unhappiness that made the marriage unworkable was enough.
Divorce for harm (faskh)
If a husband is abusive, doesn't provide, abandons his wife, or refuses to divorce her when the marriage is harmful, a Muslim judge or council can dissolve the marriage without his agreement. In this case, the wife usually doesn't have to return her dowry. See Is a big age gap in marriage okay in Islam?
Try reconciliation first, if it's safe
The Quran recommends appointing one mediator from each family when a marriage is in trouble (Quran 4:35). Counseling, an imam's advice or a trusted family member can sometimes save a marriage. But reconciliation is never required when there is abuse.
Islamic and civil divorce in the West
- Civil divorce ends the legal marriage, but many scholars don't consider it enough on its own Islamically.
- Islamic divorce is handled by an imam, mosque or sharia council in many cities in the UK, Europe and the USA.
- If your marriage was registered legally, you'll need a civil divorce too.
Get advice on both, especially if children or property are involved.
See also What if my husband won't let me practice Islam?
- A Muslim woman can request a divorce through khul'.
- She usually returns the dowry in khul'.
- A judge or council can end a harmful marriage.
- In the West, get both Islamic and civil divorce.
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