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Relationships

Muslim divorce

17 replies

quidco · 02/05/2011 15:32

Does anyone know anything about this? someone has suggested to me that getting a muslim divorce would be a good solution to my problems, but i am wary.
I would appreciate any thoughts from anyone who knows anything about this.

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littleducks · 02/05/2011 15:36

I know a little, but what do you mean.....are you in the UK/a muslim country? Where were you married and by whom? I think we need a few more details to comment

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quidco · 02/05/2011 15:40

i was married in a muslim country according to the legal system there. Marriage certificate is not in english. both british citizens however and living here in uk for forever. married almost fifteen years. relationship broke down a long time ago, but he wont divorce me and if i divorce him the kids suffer financially. someone suggested this to me as a sort of separation thing. but i am very very wary

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AyeRobot · 02/05/2011 15:50

You could try calling Rights of Women. They may be able to advise you, or point you in the right directon.

Hope it all works out for you.

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Firawla · 02/05/2011 15:56

have you tried the shariah council, if you contact them u may be able to get advice? whereabouts r u based?

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nailak · 02/05/2011 15:57

you need to contact the shariah council, they wont automatically ive you divorce, they will first try to contact your husband, and when it is clear that he is not interested in supportin you and ivin you your rihts which include intimacy etc then they can ive you a khula which is islamic divorce.

i dont know where you are but this is the london sharaih council www.islamic-sharia.org/ most of their work is divorce cases and there is more info on their website.

ive them a call and see what they say about your situation, it cant harm, and if you dont like what they have to say dont proceed, however they do chare.

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teahouse · 02/05/2011 15:58

I suggest you see an Iman in this country for advise.
Good luck

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littleducks · 02/05/2011 16:01

Sorry if this is too personal, but are you muslim? I dont think that a religious divorce will help you without it being recognised in law here.

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eandz · 02/05/2011 16:39

quidco
not sure if this will help or not, but there is a new project in London called the sunshine project who help women realize whats right, and I think they offer counseling that is religiously/culturally sensitive.


I know Islamically you're entitled to financial support for you and your children even if you ask for a khulah. The only thing you have to give up is the original dowry that was supposed to be given to you either at the wedding/start of marriage.

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eandz · 02/05/2011 16:49

There is an organization starting up in London who are supposed to be able to help by giving culturally/religiously sensitive information regarding what you can do to make your situation better as well as ways out of your relationship while maintaining support. Although, it's a good idea I don't know if this organization has actually started up or if it's still in it's infancy stages.

pm me if you need any more info. i know a few things about this subject.

xx

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quidco · 02/05/2011 16:50

never got given the dowry, but then again, it was a laughably tiny amount set by trusting parents. think less than a weeks groceries.
I will have a look at the shariah council , thank you. I dont know why i didnt think of them

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quidco · 02/05/2011 16:50

eandz, will do. thank you

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mathanxiety · 02/05/2011 18:30

A religious divorce would be recognised in the UK as the Arbitration Tribunals that administer sharia law are recognised as competent to administer divorces.

But you should talk with a solicitor, who deals in British civil law. You may have more rights to custody of your children or to financial support under the civil law. It is there for Muslims just as much as it is for anyone else. It doesn't matter if the marriage certificate is not in English. Official documents can be translated. Either way, you need to see where you stand wrt the civil law, no matter how you end up divorcing. The civil law is the law of the land and your marital status has an impact on issues such as benefits, decisions about your children, etc.

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quidco · 02/05/2011 20:17

thank you math. I am currently just trying to get information together. Not sure that a divorce is the correct way to go, but need information before i make any decisions.

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eandz · 02/05/2011 20:37

Quidco,


I just sent a brief message to my friend whose organization it is. She'll be back on Tuesday, anyway it's a free organization that can help you sort out in a responsible way what to do, how to do it and deal with the implications/aftermath with whatever you decide. I think they should be able to provide you tonnes of information.

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tspuk · 24/05/2011 16:49

Dear Quidco,

The Sunshine Project: Empowering Muslims Against Domestic Violence, is a new charity providing direct assistance to victims of domestic violence. We are based in Ilford and provide free, confidential emotional support and advice to Muslim women, men, or youth experiencing domestic violence, including spousal abuse, forced marriage, abuse by inlaws, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse.

Our services are non-judgemental, empathetic, culturally and religiously sensitive and administered by a qualified licensed social worker. Please feel free to contact us to request assistance or for more information.

Current opening times:
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Phone: 0208 514 0102
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.facebook.org/thesunshineproject.org.uk

Warm regards...

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eandz · 24/05/2011 17:19

yes, it's the Sunshine project!
do you want the ladies email address?

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butterflybee · 25/05/2011 16:10

Just wanted to add - I was also married abroad but lived almost all my married life in the UK. Solicitors have said that I can petition for divorce in the UK based on this.

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