Awareness of Islamic Provisions on Women’s Rights to Divorce (Khul) in Muslim Communities in Ondo State

This study investigates the level of awareness of Islamic provisions on women's right to seek divorce through Khul among Muslim communities in Ondo State, South West Nigeria. Khul refers to the Islamically recognised right of a woman to seek the dissolution of her marriage by returning the Mahr (dower) to her husband, yet evidence from Muslim communities across Nigeria suggests that this right is frequently withheld or unknown. The study employs a descriptive survey design, administering questionnaires to 220 Muslim women and 30 mosque leaders in Akure, Ondo town, and Ore. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings indicate that fewer than 35% of female respondents are aware of Khul as a formal Islamic right, and among those aware, practical barriers including social stigma, lack of access to Islamic legal counsel, and spousal family opposition prevent its exercise. Male respondents including mosque leaders demonstrated moderate awareness but mixed attitudes towards facilitating Khul applications. The study recommends women-focused Islamic legal literacy programmes, the provision of accessible Islamic family law advisory services in mosques, and the development of community-level support structures for women seeking Islamic divorce. Keywords: Khul, women's right to divorce, Islamic family law, Ondo State, gender and Islam.