Empower women to divorce abusive husbands without compensation - Sheikh Gumi urges Islamic judges and clerics

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Advocates for Women's Right to Divorce Abusive Husbands Without Compensation

In a powerful and timely intervention, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on Islamic judges and clerics to uphold justice by empowering women to divorce abusive husbands without being compelled to offer any form of compensation.

Speaking during his weekly Tafsir session at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, Gumi addressed the topic, “How Wives in Islam Can Also Divorce Their Cruel Husbands Without Compensation,” drawing attention to the plight of women trapped in oppressive marriages.

Gumi’s message was rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly referencing Al-Mukhtasar Al-Khalil, a foundational text in Maliki law. He emphasized that Islam does not condone oppression within marriage and that both men and women are granted the right to end a union when mutual respect and compassion have eroded. He lamented the societal and judicial double standards that make it easy for men to dissolve marriages with a mere pronouncement, while women seeking divorce due to abuse, neglect, or humiliation are often burdened with the requirement to pay compensation through khul’, a form of divorce initiated by the wife.

The cleric condemned this practice as unjust and contrary to the principles of Islam. He argued that when a husband insults, humiliates, or physically abuses his wife, he forfeits any right to demand compensation. In such cases, Gumi asserted, it becomes the duty of the judge to dissolve the marriage immediately, without delay or financial penalty to the woman. He cited verses from the Qur’an (Q4:35, Q4:19, and Q4:130) to support his stance, highlighting that Allah permits separation when harmony between spouses is no longer attainable and promises to enrich both parties after divorce.

Gumi also criticized the rising cases of domestic violence and the refusal of some husbands to release their wives from unhappy marriages unless they are paid. He urged Islamic judges (Qadis) to act with courage and fairness, positioning themselves as protectors of women’s rights. According to him, the justice system must not perpetuate oppression but instead serve as a beacon of hope for those suffering in silence.

Speaking in Hausa, Gumi reiterated that a healthy Islamic marriage is built on kindness, mercy, and mutual respect. Where these qualities are absent, either partner has the divine right to walk away with dignity. His message resonated deeply in a society where many women face systemic barriers to escaping abusive relationships, and it sparked conversations about the role of religious authorities in safeguarding women's rights within the framework of Islamic law.

This bold stance by Sheikh Gumi challenges entrenched norms and calls for a more compassionate and equitable interpretation of Islamic marital laws, one that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of women over rigid traditions and unjust practices.