The Ruling on the Divorce of One Who Does Not Handle Affairs Well

Question:
Is the divorce of a man who does not handle affairs well due to old age considered a valid divorce? This woman has been with him for more than thirty years, and she has not been blessed with a child from him. She wants a divorce. Is there any sin on her, or not? May Allah grant success.

Answer:
If he divorces her while he knows what divorce is, and he has not become senile, and his mind is still with him, then the divorce takes effect. If he divorces her while his mind is with him, it takes effect. As for her, if she is patient with him, that is better; being patient with him is better and more preferable. However, if there is hardship for her because he is violent toward her, or he harms her, or there are other reasons that necessitate it, then there is no blame on her in seeking a divorce. This is because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: As for this one, she has found harm; she has found distress. If she finds distress and harm, there is no barrier to her seeking a divorce. And if she is patient with him and treats him well in his old age, she will have a great reward.