Fatwa ID: 03773

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

 

Question

Assalamu Alaykum

I have a query which a lot of sisters ask about, and something that is of concern in the Muslim community. A lot of sisters around the world are either in forced marriages or with a very abusive husband. At times due to stress from the abusive husband, a woman may pass away.

At a time like this, will that women still be with that husband in Jannah or does she get to choose someone else?

Jazakallahu Khairun

 

 

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

 

Answer:

Firstly, domestic abuse is a problem in every community and not just the Muslim community. You should know that the relationship between husband and wife should be one of love and compassion.

 

Allāh, The Most High, says:

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” (Sūrah Rūm: 21)

 

Allāh also says:

“…And consort with your wives in a goodly manner; for if you dislike (something in) them, it may well be that you dislike something which Allāh might yet make a source of abundant good.” (Sūrah Nisā: 19)

 

The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:

”None of you should beat his wife as a slave is beaten, and then have intercourse with her at the end of the day.” (Bukhāri)

 

Secondly, paradise is a place of eternal bliss and happiness where no one will be made to suffer harm or abuse:

 

“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (Surah as-Sajdah:17)

 

The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Whoever enters Paradise will enjoy bliss and will not be miserable, his clothes will not wear out and his youth will not fade.” (Sahīh Muslim)

 

Allah also informs us that people will be united with their righteous loved one in Jannah:

“Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring.” (Surah al-Ra'd: 23)

 

Imām Ibn Kathīr explains the above verse by saying that people will be united with their loved ones who are worthy of entering Jannah. Once they are in Jannah, Allāh will elevate the grade of those who are lower, to the grades of those who are higher, a favour from Him out of His kindness, without decreasing the grade of those who are higher up.

 

Therefore, if anyone had any negative traits in this world, once they enter paradise Allāh will remove the negative traits and make them better, purify them, and elevate their levels.

 

Also know that Allāh will reward His believing and pious servants and compensate them with better things in paradise. Allāh says:

“Verily for the Muttaqūn (Righteous and God-conscious) there will be a supreme fulfilment.” (Surah An-Naba: 31)

 

Lastly, in this temporal world sisters who suffer abuse, do not have to tolerate this and need to seek help if they are in an abusive relationship. Also, no one should be forced to enter and remain in an abusive or harmful relationship

 

If a woman separates and marries another husband, who is better, she can choose to be with this last husband who she likes and who treats her with love and kindness.

 

 

Only Allah knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham