Legal experts, Islamic jurisprudence experts, and religious scholars say that providing suitable shelter is the husband’s responsibility and is considered part of maintenance (nafaqah). They say that consultation and mutual understanding between husband and wife, as well as considering the family’s needs when choosing a place to live, help promote peace, empathy, and a stronger married life.
According to experts, both Islamic teachings and the laws emphasize consultation in family decisions, and mutual understanding between husband and wife when choosing a place to live can prevent many family disputes. They add that if disagreements arise, they should first be resolved through dialogue and, after that, through mediation by family elders.
A number of family members told Salam Watandar that, in some cases, because of heavy workloads, they did not have enough opportunity to express their views when choosing a place to live. They say that the distance of their homes from healthcare centers and other essential services has sometimes created difficulties in their daily lives.
Madina Noori from Parwan says that living far from healthcare centers has made daily life difficult for her and her family.
“Our current home is far from my family, and the school and clinic are also far away. This sometimes makes traveling difficult for me and my children. I hope that in the future we will be able to live in a place that is closer to our family’s needs,” she says.
Saeeda Ahmadi also says, “We have been living in an apartment block for two years. Traveling with two children is difficult for me, and there is no suitable space for them to play. Sometimes I also worry about my children’s safety. I hope that, when choosing a place to live, the views and needs of all family members will be given greater consideration.”
Freshta Eshani from Balkh says, “My family and I currently live in a house with only one room. Because of the limited space, carrying out some daily activities is difficult. I hope that in the future better facilities will be available for our family to live independently.”
Meanwhile, experts say that one of the husband’s obligations is to provide shelter for the family. However, when choosing a place to live, factors such as security, peace, well-being, preserving the family’s dignity and honor, religious needs, health, education, and the surrounding environment should also be taken into consideration. They add that Islamic teachings also emphasize consulting one’s spouse on this matter.
Parwiz Khalili, a legal expert, says that providing shelter is part of maintenance and that the husband is obliged to provide it for his wife.
“According to Hanafi jurisprudence, providing shelter is one of the husband’s obligations and is part of maintenance (nafaqah). The obligation of maintenance is based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and Islamic jurisprudence. However, when choosing a place to live, in accordance with the principle of consultation, it is better to consider the needs and circumstances of all family members so that a suitable environment for family life can be provided,” he says.
Gul Hamid Hamid, an expert in Islamic jurisprudence, says, “From the perspective of Islamic Sharia, one of a wife’s rights over her husband is that he provide her with a home to live in. This home should be safe and suitable in terms of both security and health. Islamic jurists have also emphasized these conditions. If living in a particular place causes harm or hardship, efforts to remove that hardship are emphasized under Islamic Sharia.”
Sharifullah Sharifi, a religious scholar, referring to Verse 38 of Surah Ash-Shura, says that the principle of consultation in family decision-making can contribute to a stronger married life.
“Consultation between husband and wife in family affairs, including choosing a place to live, is consistent with Islamic teachings,” he adds.
Marziya Yaqin, a women’s rights activist, also says that mutual understanding between husband and wife in making important life decisions strengthens the family and reduces disputes. According to her, when the views of both parties are taken into account, a more peaceful family environment will be provided.
“Husband and wife are the two main members of the family, and they should consult each other and make decisions together about the place of living. This strengthens mutual respect and leads to a better family life. If husband and wife do not consult each other on this matter, disagreements may arise, and in some cases, these disputes can harm the stability of the family,” she says.
Experts emphasize that consultation and mutual understanding between husband and wife when choosing a place to live, in addition to meeting the family’s needs, can help reduce disputes, strengthen mutual respect, and reinforce the stability of married life.
Reporter: Sharifa Qasemi
