If the husband neither takes his wife back nor divorces her, what should she do?

Question

Question: Zayd took his wife Zaynab to his home, but because circumstances turned unfavourable, Zayd began to torment his wife in all sorts of ways, beating and thrashing her. Zaynab wanted to be sent to her parents for a few days, but nearly four years passed in this trial and Zayd paid no attention at all. After persistent requests he sent Zaynab to her parents’ home for a short time, but hardly a few days had passed when Zayd arrived to take her back.

Answer

Zaynab’s parents should try to take her to her husband’s house. If Zayd is not willing to keep her, they should tell him to pronounce talaq. If he does not pronounce talaq either, Zaynab should try to obtain a talaq in exchange for the mahr.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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