Q: I recently did a nikaah with my first cousin from Pakistan. This was my fathers choice and happiness. Deep down I wanted to marry somebody from here who I was deeply interested in. I have never spoke to this person but I have seen her around people and she performs her Salaah on time. Please consider I have never spoken to this person but I wanted to marry her, from UK. Anyway I married my cousin in hope that she is a practising Muslim and she will follow Islam completely, and we will have an understanding based on this. But unfortunately it’s the total opposite. She prays Alhamdulilah but other things such as hayaah around males, hijaab or even adab with me, I can’t bare it. I still have feelings for this sister from UK and I want to re marry. I want to divorce my cousin. What do I do? I fear family fights, break ups. My mother has already passed away and my father is 67. What must I do? I know if I were to remain married with my cousin, it would be difficult because bringing up kids in western society and for her to get used to it is very hard. I know the sister from here will definitely understand this society. Please give some advice. Jazaak’Allah
A: We suggest that you discuss this with her. If she refuses to conform then you may separate from her.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)