Fatwa: Community can force divorce

A Muslim cleric in Egypt issued a fatwa saying community members can file for divorce on a couple’s behalf.

 

Sheik Gamal Qutb, former head of Egypt’s top religious institution, the Fatwa Committee at al-Azhar, said Sunday during a meeting at the Egyptian Press Syndicate that his fatwa states that neighbors and family members can file for a couple’s divorce if the pair’s differences appear irreconcilable, al-Arabiya reported Friday.

Qutb said community members should first attempt to help solve a couple’s marriage problems, but should then present evidence of the marriage’s failings to a court if the husband and wife cannot live together in peace.

“If the evidence the neighbors present is verified, the court has the right to divorce the couple,” Qutb said.

Help keep Expat Cairo independent. If you value our services any contribution towards our costs would be greatly appreciated.