❀ Ruling on a Woman Leaving the House Without Her Husband’s Permission ❀
This fatwa is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the rulings of the scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
What is the ruling if a woman goes to the market without her husband's permission?
If a woman intends to leave the house, she should inform her husband of her destination and purpose. It is necessary for the husband to grant permission provided the destination is a place where there is no fear of fitnah or corruption. This is because the husband is more knowledgeable about what is beneficial or harmful for his wife.
Allah ﷻ says:
«وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ»
“And women have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.”
[Sūrah al-Baqarah: 228]
Also, it is stated:
«الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ»
“Men are caretakers over women because Allah has given some of them advantage over others.”
[Sūrah an-Nisāʾ: 34]
Therefore, a woman should not leave her home without her husband’s consent, as this is a matter connected to family responsibility, protection, and order in the home. The husband’s permission ensures that her actions remain within the boundaries of Sharīʿah and free from fitnah.
(Fatwa by: Dār al-Iftāʾ Committee)
This fatwa is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the rulings of the scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
❖ Question:
What is the ruling if a woman goes to the market without her husband's permission?
❖ Answer:
If a woman intends to leave the house, she should inform her husband of her destination and purpose. It is necessary for the husband to grant permission provided the destination is a place where there is no fear of fitnah or corruption. This is because the husband is more knowledgeable about what is beneficial or harmful for his wife.
Allah ﷻ says:
«وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ»
“And women have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.”
[Sūrah al-Baqarah: 228]
Also, it is stated:
«الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ»
“Men are caretakers over women because Allah has given some of them advantage over others.”
[Sūrah an-Nisāʾ: 34]
Therefore, a woman should not leave her home without her husband’s consent, as this is a matter connected to family responsibility, protection, and order in the home. The husband’s permission ensures that her actions remain within the boundaries of Sharīʿah and free from fitnah.
(Fatwa by: Dār al-Iftāʾ Committee)
