What Is Khula In Islamic Law That The Dubai Princess Used To Divorce Her Husband (Photo @hhshmahra)
Dubai Princess and daughter of the emirate’s ruler, Sheikha Mahra today shared an Instagram post, announcing her divorce from her husband whom she married in April 2023. The divorce left many wondering how a woman initiates her divorce in Islam. The answer lies in a provision in Sharia (Islamic law), granting the right for a woman to seek divorce from her husband.
The provision known as ‘Khula’ allows the woman to ask for the termination of marriage from her husband through the intervention of a religious authority. She can opt for Khula if she feels undue difficulty in living with her husband. The provision shows the recognition of women’s rights and their authority in Islam.
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The practice of empowering Muslim women to unilaterally seek separation from their husbands through Khula has been mentioned in the Quran. The Quranic verse relating to khula can be found in Chapter 2, verse 229, in unequivocal terms, stating that a wife has the right to terminate her marriage.
The practice involves the wife formally requesting the separation from the court by presenting a valid reason such as the the incompatibility among the couple, neglect or abuse from the other side.
The court then, finding valid reasons, grants divorce to the woman, who might be required to return the Mahr (dower) or the agreed financial compensation, to the husband. The provision stresses mutual consent and fair treatment in marriage in Islam. In husbands’ case, it is Talaq that gives them the right to seek divorce from their wives.
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Announcing her separation, the Dubai price Shikha Mehra in a post on Instagram wrote, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You. Take care. Your ex-wife.
