Question: A man remarries and neglects his first wife and children. The first wife doesn’t want to live with him but hasn’t obtained a khula (divorce). Can she live in the same house without fulfilling marital duties?
Answer: A woman has two options in such a situation. One, she can forget the past, forgive her husband, and accept him, continuing to live with him. The second option is that it is not appropriate to live separately and disconnected while still being in the marital relationship. Therefore, she should clarify her life’s path. If living together is possible, they should remain together. If it is not, she should seek a khula (divorce initiated by the wife) or a regular divorce and separate.
Nevertheless, until divorce or khula takes place, they remain husband and wife and can stay together in one place; there is no harm in this. However, Islam does not teach living together with hatred, nor is it permissible for a Muslim man or woman to sever ties with their fellow Muslim for more than three days. The Prophet ﷺ said:
" It is not permissible for a Muslim to have estranged relations with his brother beyond three nights, the one turning one way and the other turning the other way when they meet; the better of the two is one who is the first to give a greeting."
(Sahih Muslim: 2560)
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
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