Did I Sin by Reporting My Abusive Husband?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I have read that it is a sin to expose what was between two spouses. My husband was physically, emotionally, and financially very abusive to me. When he was angry, he would threaten to bash his patients’ heads in with a bat, blow oxygen into their tubes, or set the hospital on fire. I became very concerned for the safety of his patients and reported him to his program.
Did I commit a sin? In his mind, I wronged him. We are divorcing, which I am okay with. He never paid me ‘idda, and his mother spread rumors about me in my community. Is that my punishment for what I did?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question. I am sad to hear about your marital situation.
You did not sin, nor is the situation a punishment for you, as it was a reaction you thought he might carry out. If only you had lived with him after the incident as a spouse, you might have regretted it. However, since you’re okay with separating, let go of the past and his post-divorce actions. Start fresh, focus on the future, and plan well.
Your seeking guidance is a change for the better and a sign of faith (iman). Allah Most High just wants you to turn to Him, which is the reason for our tests, so we return to Him and recognise Him.
Wisdom Behind Everything
Some people and circumstances come into our lives, or we might want and desire, but Allah Most High has a different plan through His wisdom. As He mentions in the Quran,
“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” [Quran, 2:216]
Make dua for ease in the future, for him as well; perform the Prayer of Need, and remember that Allah controls hearts. He created life and death, and the ups and downs in between, so always turn to Him in your thoughts and duas.
I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
