KADUNA, Nigeria — Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on Islamic judges and clerics to uphold the rights of women suffering domestic abuse by granting them divorce without requiring compensation, describing such demands as unjust and contrary to Islamic teachings.
Speaking during his weekly Tafsir session at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, Gumi addressed the topic, “How Wives in Islam Can Also Divorce Their Cruel Husbands Without Compensation.” He cited classical Maliki jurisprudence and verses from the Qur’an to support his position.
“A husband can simply utter the words and end a marriage, but when a woman seeks freedom from an abusive man, she is made to suffer further by being told to pay compensation,” Gumi said. “That is injustice, and Islam stands firmly against oppression.”
He condemned the rising cases of domestic violence and criticized husbands who subject their wives to physical and emotional abuse while refusing to release them unless they pay through khul’ (compensatory divorce). “When a husband insults, humiliates, or beats his wife, he forfeits the right to demand compensation,” he added.
Gumi urged Islamic judges (Qadis) to act with courage and fairness, emphasizing that it is their duty to dissolve abusive marriages without delay. “When a woman brings forward her case, the judge should be her knight in shining armour,” he said.
His remarks have sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria’s Muslim communities. Women’s rights advocates welcomed the statement, calling it a bold and necessary intervention. “This is a powerful message from a respected scholar. It gives hope to many women who feel trapped,” said a Kaduna-based activist.
Islamic scholars from various schools of thought have weighed in, with many affirming Gumi’s interpretation. Scholars from the Maliki and Hanafi traditions noted that Islamic jurisprudence allows for judicial divorce (faskh) in cases of harm, abuse, or neglect. “Islam does not require a woman to pay for her freedom when her dignity is being violated,” said a Kano-based cleric.
Others emphasized that the Qur’an and Hadith consistently promote justice, mercy, and protection of the vulnerable. “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never tolerated cruelty in marriage. Judges must reflect that spirit in their rulings,” said an imam from Lagos. While some conservative voices urged caution in applying blanket rulings, the broader consensus supported Gumi’s call for reform and compassion.
Gumi concluded by reminding clerics and communities that Islam promotes mercy, dignity, and mutual respect in marriage — and where these are absent, either partner has the divine right to walk away.
