Quora Answer: According to Shari’ah, What Can a Woman Do if Her Husband is Abusive?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “According to Islam, what is a woman supposed to do if her husband is abusive?” 

According to Islam, and logic, if the husband is abusive, she should seek a divorce, and consider a protection order.  Despite what some misogynistic cultural interpretations claim, Islam is inimical with any form of oppression, and this is clear oppression. It may be emotional, or physical abuse.  This is why divorce is an option, and that is in the Qur’an Itself.  Marriage is a contract, and part of the marriage contract is that the husband protect his wife, defend her honour, and fulfill her needs within reason.  She is an equal partner in that relationship, and not his property.  Should he fail in his duty, she has every right to avail herself to the court, shari’ah or otherwise, and seek a judgement against him that may include compensation.