Question Summary:
Do I have the right to ask for Khula’

Question Detail:

My husband and I have had our Nikāh two years ago. However, we have not lived together yet.  He is out of country.  We were going to have our Rukhsati in December.  I just found out that he has been with another woman and she is four months pregnant with his baby  He is denying that the baby is his but admits he has been with her. 
He has cheated on me and I cannot accept that.  I want to file a divorce.  I cannot find in my heart to forgive him. 
Do I have a right to go through with Khula according to Islām?  Or will I be disobedient of our religion?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
 Life is full of trials and tribulations.  Each individual is tested in a different way.  Some are put to test physically while others suffer emotionally.  In a narration Nabī Sallallāhu Alaihi Wa Sallam gives glad tidings to the believers who are afflicted.  Nabi Sallallāhu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said:
“Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with any difficulty, Allah forgives the sins, even though he/she is pricked by a thorn.” (Al- Bukhāri, Hadīth No. 5640: Dar Tauq An-Najāh)[1]
You have stated that your husband is having a relationship with another woman.  Hence you want to seek Khula.  Before making a hasty decision, consult an elder in the family with adequate experience.  Also, try to resolve the matter by involving family members or friends from both parties.  Allāh Taālā says in the Glorious Qurān:
 “And if you fear a split between them, send one arbitrator from his people and one from her people.  If they desire to set things right, Allāh shall bring about harmony between them.  Surely, Allāh is All-Knowing, All-Aware” (Qurān 4/35)
 
Furthermore, continue to make Istikhārah, asking Allāh Taālā to guide you towards the right decision.  In any case, after making efforts to resolve the matter, you still feel emotionally hurt and do not believe you will be able to fulfill your husband’s rights, than it is permissible for you to seek Khula by offering to return your dowry back to him. [2] [3]  Only if the husband agrees then the Khula will take place.  However if your husband fails to agree, then you may apply for Faskh (annulment) of marriage from your local Ulama body who will consider your marriage based on the rules of Faskh of Nikah.  [4]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman,
Student Darul Iftaa
US
 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Husain Kadodia.
www.daruliftaa.net