Is it one of the wife’s rights to have her own accommodation?

Praise be to Allah.

One of the wife’s rights is that her husband should provide her with safe accommodation. This may vary according to what the husband can afford. A rich man should provide something that is appropriate for him, and a poor man is not obliged to do any more than that which is in accordance with what Allaah has given him. It is not permissible for a husband to make anyone live with his wife whose presence will cause her harm such as his mother, father or sons from another wife. If one of his parents needs him, and she will not be affected by his or her presence, then we advise the wife to fear Allaah with regard to this one who is in need. She should realize that honouring her husband’s parents is part of treating him kindly, and the wise husband should  appreciate his wife’s actions which will increase the bonds of love between them. 

But if the husband can provide one house for his parents and another for his wife close by, this is a good action, and by doing so he will be giving each of them their rights, without causing any separation or arguments.  

We have discussed in detail the wife’s right to accommodation in the answer to question no. 7653. 

Anyone who has seen the problems and arguments that affect families and cause trouble between couples because of the wife living with her husband’s family and vice versa will see the wisdom in what the scholars say, and in the wife’s right to live in her own accommodation. But if the wife agrees to live with her husband’s family in order to be kind to her husband, and to honour his parents, especially if they need help, then there is nothing wrong with that and she will be rewarded by Allaah for this kindness in sha Allah. But she must be patient and forbearing. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek and in Whom we put our trust. 

And Allaah knows best.