A woman’s right of shelter in a marriage

Q. When considering marrying someone, is a woman entitled to ask her future husband to provide separate accommodation from her future in-laws or does she have to live in the same house as them?

A. In regards to a man providing accommodation/shelter for a woman after Nikah, there are three situations that apply:

1. If a woman is from a family with a high financial status, a woman is entitled to a totally separate accommodation with a private kitchen, toilet and bathroom.

2. If a woman is from a family with an average financial status , a woman is entitled to a private room with a private kitchen and bathroom.

3. If a woman is from a family with a low financial status, a woman is entitled to a private room only. She may share a kitchen, toilet and bathroom. (Shaami 3/600 – Ahsanul Fataawa 5/476)

Thus, when a woman is considering making Nikah, she is entitled to ask the future husband to provide accommodation for her depending on the financial situation of her family. She may also forfeit her entitlement of the same and adapt to the situation of the future husband’s family.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com