Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra shocked the Arab world with her recent Instagram announcement of her divorce from her royal husband. The daughter of Dubai ruler and UAE Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, took a bold step by publicly declaring her decision to leave her husband and mock an outdated Islamic tradition.
In her Instagram post, Sheikha Mahra stated, "As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.
" By using these words, the princess appeared to be invoking the controversial practice where a man can instantly divorce his wife by declaring it three times. This practice, known as "triple repudiation," is frowned upon in much of the Muslim world but is still carried out by traditionalists.
Although many speculated that Sheikha Mahra's account may have been hacked, as the post remains active, others supported her decision and found it empowering.
Commenting on the post, one supporter wrote, "I find it empowering when a woman recognizes her worth and confidently stands her ground."
The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the UAE, but the House of Maktoum, the royal family that rules Dubai and Sheikha Mahra belongs to, has not issued an official statement.
The princess has nearly half a million followers on Instagram, and her decision to openly express her divorce is seen as a bold move, particularly for a woman of her status.
Sheikha Mahra had married her husband just last May, and the couple welcomed a daughter only two months ago. However, since the divorce announcement, all pictures of the couple have been removed from her Instagram page, and she is also absent from her husband's social media.
Sheikha Mahra has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights in the UAE, lending her voice to various causes. Her decision to publicly declare her divorce is seen as a reflection of her commitment to empowering women and standing up for her own worth.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
Next page
