🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #44
A husband is transferring to a job in another state. Must his wife move with him?
According to the Shafi'i school, a wife in principle follows the residence her husband provides if it is safe and suitable; yet conditions agreed at the contract, the wife's own circumstances and any harm must be taken into account.
Allah commands husbands to house their wives where they live, according to their means (at-Talaq 65:6), and life together is the purpose of marriage (ar-Rum 30:21). If the wife works, cares for frail parents, or a child is facing a major exam, the decision should be made by consultation and may be delayed or phased. If the wife refuses without good reason, it may affect her right to maintenance; but a husband may not force a move to an unsafe place or use it to cut his wife off from her family. Either may seek advice from the religious office. See Rights of husband & wife.
Allah commands husbands to house their wives where they live, according to their means (at-Talaq 65:6), and life together is the purpose of marriage (ar-Rum 30:21). If the wife works, cares for frail parents, or a child is facing a major exam, the decision should be made by consultation and may be delayed or phased. If the wife refuses without good reason, it may affect her right to maintenance; but a husband may not force a move to an unsafe place or use it to cut his wife off from her family. Either may seek advice from the religious office. See Rights of husband & wife.
Sources
Surah at-Talaq 65:6Surah ar-Rum 30:21Surah asy-Syura 42:38