How Long After the Nikah Should the Bride Be Sent to Her Husband’s Home?

Question

As far as I know, the revered shaykh’s tour of Gujarat is about to take place, and at that time I would like to have my nikah performed by the revered shaykh. My sister’s wedding has been fixed for six/seven months from now. On the occasion of my sister’s wedding I would like to have my wife sent to my home, that is, 6/7 months after the nikah. At present I am 26 years old and the girl is 20 years old.

Answer

This depends on the interests (maslaha) of both sides. On the part of the Shari‘a there is neither a requirement that it must be held back, nor a prohibition that it must never be held back. Rather, if circumstances call for holding back, that is permitted, and if they call for not holding back, that too is permitted.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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