Assalamoalikum, My question is regarding a sister A, who's husband has taken a second wife B, and wants his kids (with wife A) to visit and socialize with the wife B and her children (from her previous husband). Wife A wants nothing to do with the wife B and her household, and wishes her children to not mingle with the wife B, or her household. Can my friend demand that husband must not force her to take her children against her wishes?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

A husband does not have the right to force his wife to visit her co-wife and she is not obliged to obey him in this regard because obedience is only in that which is good and acceptable and such an act is not. Therefore, scholars stated that it is principally impermissible for a man to accommodate his two wives (or more) in one house unless they accept that. Ibn Qudaamah said, “It is not permissible for a man to accommodate his two wives in the same house except with their consent, whether the house is big or small. This is because living together in the same house causes trouble for them, given the hostility and jealousy among co-wives. Verily, living together in the same house gives rise to dissension and dispute…” [Al-Mughni]

There is no doubt that co-wives are advised to overcome their improper personal urges and strive to develop a good rapport with one another as this is a sign of their noble manners and refined character. In addition, this is considered a manifestation of the good manners, courtesy and good behavior among Muslims. For further information, please refer to Fatwa 91150.

It should be noted that there is nothing wrong with the father accompanying his children when visit his other wife. Their mother has no right to prevent her husband from doing so because this does not incur any harm on the children or on her.

Allaah Knows best.