Is Civil Divorce Valid?
Aslamualikum, i would like to recieve some guidance on the issue of divorce. i separated in 2005 and applied for my divorce on the grounds that my husband was violent and abusive! i received my civil divorce (British Law) in 2007 although he didn't attend most Hearings or sign the divorce.As he promised that he will delay the procedure to make me suffer! Due to his character and violent behaviour the judge issued my divorce as my husband wouldn,t comply. Straight after i applied for my islamic divorce, he again delayed the procedure by only responding when matters nearly came to an end. We had a joint meeting in the presence of 6 islamic scholars (Islamic Sharia) where in their presence he was violent and abusive! The scholars verbally said i will receieve my divorce in a weeks time. Instesd they are telling me to get a letter from my solicitors to grant him coinact time with my child who doesn't even know her dad as he never wanted any contact or provide any support. They also want me to give back the gold set he gave me as a gift (not mahr). The scholars haven't given me any advice how the marriage will dissolve, they keep demanding what my husband wants and when i ask any question the answer they give is "WE WILL SEE". He has caused alot of physical and emotionall distress as he threatens me outside my house. He does not want to live with me and he wont divorce me so that i will suffer because i don't want me or my child to put up with his violent behaviour! I want this to end as it has been a long time and i want to lead a normal life with my child. He has the Mahr as he never gave it to me. I have been separated for a long time and have a civil divorce so why is it in his hands as i have applied for khulla? According to the British Law i am a free woman, but i am held back by the scholars! Please help as i have no where to turn to. Wasalam
