Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas
Question: Could you clarify whether a wife is obliged or recommended to have a relationship with her husband’s ex-wife? There are children from the first marriage and this requires their father to be in touch with his ex-wife.
Answer: assalamu `alaykum
An individual’s wife does not have any obligations towards the ex-wife of her husband. However, given that she is the mother of her husband’s children and still involved in the upbringing of the latter along with the former, it would be best to at least ensure that they get along in a manner that does not lead to family disputes and tensions. This is admittedly easier said than done, but it is potentially the more positive approach. However, in certain situations it may be best for the ex-wife to maintain her distance from the wife, such as when any sort of relationship itself contributes to problems.
The specific course of action that should be taken will differ from individual to individual and context to context. As I am unaware of the particulars of the situation, I can only provide a very general answer and advise everyone involved to keep in mind both their own interests and those of the family at large before deciding on any course of action.
Salman
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.