Newly-divorced Muslim women advised not to leave marital home

MALACCA: Newly-divorced Muslim women are advised not to leave their marital home until after they complete their “edah” period because such actions can affect their application for alimony payment.

Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department director-general Tan Sri Ibrahim Lembut said the women had the right to stay in the house with their children throughout the “edah” period (waiting period for Muslim women to observe following divorce or death of spouse) and they could even lodge a report to the relevant authorities if they were forced to leave.