Fiqh of Marriage series - Rules on Accommodation (Sukna)

What is Sukna? – It is providing adequate accommodation for your wife to separate from other family members to raise a family. The Messenger of Allāh (saw) provided separate living quarters for his wives. When the Messenger of Allāh (saw) married his daughter, he relocated them to a separate accommodation. This has been the advice of the pious predecessors.

What is the minimum requirement? – As a general ruling, it should comprise a separate private room, kitchen bathroom, and all that entails necessary living arrangements. Classical scholars mention a room and kitchen but this should reflect the custom of the time. What the Shariah requires is for her to have a private living arrangement secured from everyone else for her personal belongings. In this day and age, in can include a separate home, flat, apartment or if they live in a huge mansion for instance with multiple families and each family have a separate floor for themselves then she would be entitled to that.

Is owning a house a requirement? – No that is not a requirement to fulfil his obligation. Only providing a private an and secured roof for her separate from everyone else with all of the essentials outlined is sufficient.

Can the Husband force her to live and serve his parents? – No he cannot compel her to do so. Serving the parents is the obligation of the children. If the daughter-in-law voluntarily chooses to live and serve them then that is an act of reward.

Final word – Whilst the above clarifies the legal positions, circumstances must be taken into consideration. Marriage requires compromise as in in certain situations, the man may not be able to provide a separate accommodation immediately. Therefore, it is suggested to follow the ethical protocols, compromise where possible and to be more considerate towards each other.