Islamic marriage advice and family advice

In-laws not returning my jewelry after divorce

Muslim dowry jewelry

This the kind of jewelry that might typically be given to the bride as mahr or dowry in some Muslim cultures

I got married in 2001, I soon found that my husband was a A-class drug and alcohol addict who would often hit me. However I did not want to give up and for 6 years I tried everything to help him. During this time he stole from me and beat me alot. I was the sole breadwinner he did not work and then in ramadan 2007 one day I came back from work and he was drunk and started hitting me. I begged him to stop as I was fasting but he did not.

Thats when I decided I had enough and I left and returned to my parents. Since then no-one from his family have even come to see me. After two years of waiting and not seeing or hearing from them I have applied for a divorce and khula.

My question is that my parents gave me jewellery alot of it my husband sold but there are a few items with my in-laws but they are not giving this back to me.

Islamically do they not have to return this

- sis79


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4 Responses »

  1. Dear sis79, As-salamu alaykum,

    The jewelry is yours and you absolutely have a right to it, under Islamic law and under civil law as well. Your in-laws should return it. Also, if your husband sold your jewelry without your permission, then he owes you the money from that as well.

    The problem is how you are going to collect. Although it is your right, it doesn't sound like either your husband or your in-laws are respecting your rights. If you are in the USA or the west, you can take them to small claims court and recover your property. If you are in India or Pakistan, or the Arab world, I don't know the legal system there and I don't know what recourse you have to recover your property.

    Wael
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  2. Assalamu'alaikum sister

    Brother Wael answered your question perfectly but in the hope of giving you some sort of comfort please remember this. There is not a leaf that falls and Allah swt does not know of it. Just as you have been wronged, and your rights taken away from you; Allah swt Knows! He is Just, and Wise, and All Powerful, so be content you are no longer with a man that abuses you (ALHAMDULILAH), and be even more content knowing that Allah swt will deal with those that take the rights of others. Fear not if you have Allah swt by your side. It takes patience, it takes accepting the Will of Allah swt ......but when you do you will feel at ease, and calm. He will Provide for you in ways you will not even imagine, so Trust Allah swt Alone and do not grieve wordly losses 🙂

    I know...with all tests in life this is easier said than done. You've got through the hard part and I really admire your strength and patience Masha'Allah. Now relax, do not worry about what is not in your control. If you made the effort to ask and get it back, then Alhamdulilah.......wait.......Allah swt is Just 🙂

    • I answered the question technically, but I neglected the spiritual aspect of it. Thank you Shireen for filling the gap so well.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  3. after a woman takes khula, what according to law and muslim ulama has she to give in return?also what is it according to the law of pakistan?

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