Can a Muslim woman initiate divorce (khula) in Islam?

Yes, a Muslim woman has the full right to initiate divorce through Khul; this is firmly established in the Quran and Sunnah. Khul works by the wife returning her mahr to the husband in exchange for releasing her from the marriage. Once agreed, the separation is complete and Islamically valid. If the husband refuses to accept, she does not remain trapped. She takes her case to a Shariah council or Islamic judge who holds the authority to grant Khul on her behalf without the husband's agreement. The Prophet ﷺ himself approved a woman's request for Khul when she no longer wished to remain in her marriage, even without wrongdoing on the husband's part. A woman does not need to prove abuse or harm to seek Khul. Not wanting to remain in the marriage is reason enough.