Divorce

As in many cultures, divorce is viewed negatively in Muslim communities. In Islamic law, there are clear rights for both husbands and wives. Violence towards one’s wife is a serious breach of the wife’s rights and allows women to apply for a divorce. Divorce, when initiated by a woman, is called khula. khula requires a judicial decree issued by an Islamic court. The majority of Muslim women believe they have to obtain khula in order to be free. Women are reliant on individual Muslim leaders and scholars who may be acquainted with their abusers and may focus on maintaining the family unit.

In addition to experiencing disapproval and receiving very limited social support, women find that after divorce they no longer fit into the social structure of their communities. During the process and following divorce, Muslim women face significant family and/or community disapproval.