Research and development in private law

Research and development in private law

Moral Interpretation of Family Law Provisions and Its Judicial Functions: A Case Study of Allegations of Nushūz (Marital Disobedience)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Amraei 1
Seyed Mohammad Hadi Saei 2
Mehrzad Abdali 2
Habibollah Ramezani Akordi 2
1 Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU)
2 Imam Khomeini International University
10.22034/jpl.2026.2087227.1308
Abstract
Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the application of the “moral interpretation of family law provisions” and its implications for judicial proceedings, particularly in cases involving allegations of nushūz (marital disobedience). The point of departure is the recognition that spousal relations—unlike ordinary contractual relations—are inherently emotional, ethical, and human in nature. Accordingly, legal intervention in this domain must be limited and tailored to the distinctive character of the family institution. On this basis, where family law provisions are ambiguous or allow for multiple interpretations, they should be construed in a manner that preserves the protective function of the law while preventing the transformation of ethical and emotional disagreements into extensive legal disputes.

The case study on allegations of nushūz demonstrates that adopting this approach enhances coherence and analytical rigor within judicial reasoning. Under this framework, the burden of proof for nushūz lies with the party alleging it, as the presumption favors the validity of marital relations and the fulfillment of reciprocal duties, rendering any claim to the contrary dependent on affirmative evidence. Furthermore, the establishment of nushūz requires the husband to have actually provided the essential conditions for common life and the absence of legal impediments such as the wife’s right of retention (ḥaqq al-ḥabs) or reasonable fear of harm.

In addition, assessing the husband’s good faith in bringing an action for compliance (tamkīn), considering the practical state of the marital relationship, and avoiding judgments that are indeterminate or likely to intensify conflict constitute essential components of this interpretive approach. A restrictive construction of the “marital duties” referenced in Article 1108 of the Iranian Civil Code is also among its significant consequences, such that only the wife’s refusal to perform legally enforceable obligations—particularly those directly related to conjugal relations—may justify the loss of maintenance rights. The findings indicate that embracing the principle of moral interpretation in family law can limit the scope of coercive legal sanctions, prevent excessive juridification of spousal relations, and strengthen the role of ethics, forbearance, and human interaction in the resolution of family disputes. This study employs a descriptive–analytical method and draws on Islamic jurisprudential sources, statutory provisions, and judicial practice. The novelty of the article lies in proposing a normative interpretive framework grounded in ethical considerations, offering a structured approach for harmonizing judicial analyses in family law disputes, including cases involving allegations of nushūz.
Keywords
Moral interpretation
Family law
Family litigation
Family law disputes
Allegation of nushūz (marital disobedience)
Subjects
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