Is it permissible for a divorced woman to take more than what Islamic Law allows her to take from her husband’s wealth?

Question

As-salaamu ’alaykum,

If a non-Islamic law permits a divorced woman to take half or more of her husband’s wealth, is it permissible for her to take more than what Islamic Law allows her to take?

Answer

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

Once a woman is divorced, she is entitled to her mahr (dowry) if the husband has not yet paid it. The husband must also provide nafqah (financial support) and sukna (living arrangements) during her ‘iddah if her husband is still alive. According to the shari’ah she is not entitled to demand anything beyond this.

والله اعلم

And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Waqas Memon

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani