A couple are due to get married. The husband studies 300 miles away from his house which he shares with his mother, 2 unmarried boys (brothers) above baaligh age. He will come home every two weeks or so for the weekend.

He has tried to get a transfer but he can not. Can she stay at her in laws like this until the period of study is finished or not?

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,  

 Answer

Allah states in the Quran, “Lodge them where you dwell, according to your means…” (Surah At-Talaq: 6)

It is the husband’s responsibility to provide the wife with a residence where they can reside freely, which is within his means. If a specific part of the house is given to her exclusively (a bedroom etc), which is only what the husband can afford, then the responsibility will have been discharged by the husband. However if the wife agrees to live with other relatives (in-laws), then that is also permissible. (Durrul Mukhtar, Vol 2, P719)

In conclusion if the wife agrees to the arrangements of the husband while he is away studying and to living with the in-laws, then there is no harm as long as the conduct of Shariah is followed in relation to intermingling.

And Allah knows best.

Sayeedur Rahman

Darul Ifta, Birmingham