Question:

I'm considering a brother for marriage, however one of the things that is concerning me is that he wishes to live in a joint-family system. I, on the other hand would prefer to live seperately for the purpose of privacy and observing proper hijaab (i would have to wear niqaab infront of his brother whenever he comes in the house-this can become so difficult!). Also because I am still studying, I feel living with the in-laws might make it difficult for me to continue. Culturally it seems unacceptable for the wife to request living seperately because it creates a lot of friction between the daughter in-law and the parents, but what is the ruling based on the shar'iah?

Answer:

In an ideal situation the couple should live separately in their own home, as in this manner one can still show respect to your husband's parents and the problems you mention will also be avoided. The husband too should seriously consider this. However, in terms of rights, it is a wife's right that she have, as a minimum, her own section of a house, be it a large room that others cannot enter without her permission. Thus Islamically he will not be sinful if he wishes his wife to stay with him in his parents home.

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab

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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation.