Is Separate Accommodation Enough Without Privacy?

Question

To my understanding, a wife has the right to separate accommodation on account of privacy.

If her in-laws have unrestricted access to her home, she is not allowed to lock it when she goes out, they barge in to fight with her and even enter her bedroom during fights, and when asked to leave they refuse, saying, “This is our son’s house, so it belongs to us,” with the husband agreeing—would the husband’s obligation of providing separate accommodation still be considered fulfilled?

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui · Accepted Answer

If the husband has provided a separate place for accommodation, such as a house, that meets her needs and is separate from her in-laws’ home, then the condition to provide separate, proper accommodation is fulfilled. However, the wife is entitled to her own private space where no one barges in and disturbs it. While she can’t stop her in-laws from visiting their son’s home, there should be a discussion about the daughter-in-law’s right to privacy. As far as possible, any matters or difficulties should be dealt with amicably, without creating any fights or resentment among the family members.

There seem to be deeper underlying problems with your husband and in-laws. You may consult with our social department and, In Sha Allah, through counselling, problems may be ironed out, and issues should be resolved. This is a great way for the couple to communicate properly with each other in a space where they aren’t influenced or coerced, but can get each other’s feelings across, and through advice and consultation, most matters can be resolved, and the couple can move forward.

We encourage people who are going through difficulties and require counselling, marital or otherwise, to contact our social department by emailing social@jamiat.org.za.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

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