Reasons to consider divorce | SoundVision.com

Reasons to consider divorce

Reasons to consider divorce

The divorce rate in America is one of the highest in the world (over 50 percent). But the divorce rate of Muslims in North America is almost as high, according to New York based sociologist Ilyas Ba-Yunus.

Yes, it's true. Muslims today are divorcing in larger numbers than before. There are clearly problems within families that have not been addressed: dysfunction, miscommunication, and in a number of cases violence and abuse.

But while Muslims are taking this step in larger numbers, what does Islam have to say about it?

The Islamic perspective on divorce

"Divorce is something that is very much discouraged in Islam," explains Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

"It is called, according to one of the Hadith of the Prophet Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 'the most hateful thing that is permissible.'"

This stance discouraging divorce needs to be seen in a balanced way, notes Siddiqi.

"It has to be used very carefully," he says.

What are some legitimate reasons for a couple to consider divorce?

There are definitely valid reasons Muslim men and women can seek divorce.

"One legitimate reason is if there is immoral behavior, unIslamic behavior on the part of a spouse," says Siddiqi. "If a spouse is involved in that, then there is a breakdown."

"For example if one of the spouses, God forbid, is involved in adultery or fornication. In that case, they have a right to separate and this is a legitimate ground for separation."

Another valid reason for divorce is apostasy on the part of either spouse. If a Muslim man or woman's spouse leaves Islam, Siddiqi says the marriage is null and void and the couple can no longer be together.

Abdalla Idris Ali is a member of ISNA's executive body and former president of the organization. He adds to the list of legitimate reasons for seeking divorce dishonesty prior to marriage.

For instance, if a husband told his wife before marriage that he did not consume alcohol or drugs and she discovers after marriage that he is an alcoholic or drug addict.

Some other reasons are:

  • a woman was married before and she did not tell her husband
  • a woman marries man and he is impotent, and she finds out after marriage.
  • cruelty
  • a man's inability or refusal to support his wife
  • a wife's refusal to live with her husband or be with him.
  • if one of the spouses is unable to have conjugal relations
  • one spouse feels repulsion towards the other.

Ali, however, cautions against jumping to divorce quickly and adds that every case has to be looked at individually.

"It is one thing to speak about a ruling. It is another thing to speak about a judgement in a certain case," he says in an interview with Sound Vision and RadioIslam.com.

"If you ask me now, what is the ruling in Islam for a young man who commits Zina (adultery and fornication)? I'll tell you Allah says, give him 100 lashes. This is what the Quran says."

"But you bring me a man and say, this man committed Zina. I'm not going just to give him 100 lashes. This is a case. I have to investigate it, to see whether he did it, you cannot just go and apply the rule."

Illegitimate reasons to seek divorce

Along with legitimate reasons for seeking divorce, Siddiqi and Ali also point to those that are not so acceptable.

Siddiqi gives the example of a husband not liking the way a wife cooks or dresses.

"One should not expect perfection on the part of the spouse because nobody's perfect except Allah and His Messenger. Everybody has shortcomings," he says in an interview with Sound Vision from his home in Orange County, California.

"One should have willingness to sacrifice some of the things," he adds. "This is how the family is established, how it becomes a better family.

Another reason that should not be grounds for divorce is just moodiness on the part of a spouse, says Ali.

What can couples do to avoid divorce?

Siddiqi recommends the following steps to couples who are in difficulty:

1. Both spouses should have the fear of Allah. They should remember that if they are unfair to their spouse, they will be judged on their behavior by Allah.
2. They should try to resolve the problem amongst themselves, then within family members
3. They should not hesitate to involve other members of the community. For instance, they should not feel ashamed or embarrassed to meet and speak with their local Imam (if he is someone fair and trustworthy to the husband and the wife).
4. Seek counseling, preferably from a Muslim counselor. If that is not possible than from a non-Muslim counselor. However, they should be aware of Islamic guidelines so they can take advice from that which is in line with Islamic values.

"As physically we can get sick, our relations also can get sick sometimes," says Siddiqi. "The sooner we take care of this problem the better. We should not prolong it. We should resolve the differences as soon as possible and as much as possible. But when problems go on and on, then the wounds will grow."

Siddiqi recommends Muslim couples draft a prenuptial agreement and specify that all conflicts in marriage should be resolved Islamically and in the case of divorce, this process, if it happens, is also handled in a manner in line with Islamic guidelines.

Comments

i want to know from Islamic teachings, can a man speak to his ex-wife in secret while she is now married to another man?
What are the steps to follow?

Location

Sierra Leone

Assm, It is funny that suddenly all is bad. Did you let her know that you had to support your sister and her kids when you got married? Did you talk about your mom constantly having to be interfering in your lives? Men are really such jerks sometimes and yet you want her to take care of your kids and her studies and you while you take care of your sister, s financial responsibilities and your mother. Maybe, she is better off without you since it sounds that you are also a porn addict. Please, also do yourself a favor, next time you decide to get married, let the woman know what she is getting into. I hope your life turns into a nightmare just like you made hers and your sons!

Location

United States

Asalam Walakum,
just came to this forum by chance as i was looking to read some article about leaving your wife, i got married 10 years ago arranged had 2 kids, from the beginning things were ok but slowly slowly things get worst, now we are living separately in same house, whenever i try to speak anyone they simply said think about kids, my question is i am only alive to think about kids not myself, i really want to leave her but i have no idea how to do it.

Location

Hyderabad

I have a similar situation and I am not happy with my husband he is not a provider, not loves me he is not there in any aspect. When i decide to leave him. My parents told me i have kids. I am miserable what should do I do. I am tired exhausted from life. I just want someone to love me care me just be there. I

Location

Usa

I am having the same issue. No idea what is the solution. Did you get any response?

Location

Islamabad

Salamualikum brothers and sisters.

I am not one to take to social media, but was googling something and came upon this page.

I have been married for 15 years and have four wonderful children, but my husband and I are very unhappy.
He is Arab, I am a convert. He was always very emotionally / physically abusive. At the same time he has a very good heart, and always feels bad. But the damaged is done. I am now to the point where I can't stand him, look at him, sleep with him and just hate him for all the pain he has caused me within all these years.
Every time we try to make things right, I don't have anymore sympathy to treat him as I did before. We are both suffering but don't want our kids to be without parents. So this is my dilemma that I am struggling with.
How do we end this without hurting the kids or his family.?

Location

Canada

Have you tried going to marriage counseling?
Is he willing to work on his anger/control issues?
Many people who beat others feel bad about it, the question is, does it change afterward?
Your kids will see this pattern and do the same thing. Your daughters will allow themselves to be beat and attract men who will beat them, and your sons will beat their wives. It is what they were taught, for they are full mimics of us.
It is more important that they have models of good practices in relationships than it is for them to have an abusive pattern of relating and emotional manipulation. On some level, yes, think of the children.
And then there is you. Are you really able to be there for them, open hearted when you are being hurt by someone in your own home? How will you feel safe? How are they safe?

Just some thoughts. I know this is complicated. I went through this with my mother and my father. My Dad was always apologetic. But the children suffered because of the fear in the house all the time. I felt as an adult that my mother didn't protect us by leaving my Dad and when I talked to her, she told me that she stayed for us.
The kids need a safe stable home. You need a place you can be safe and stable too.

Location

USA

Prayer has Muslims believe its a sword of believers
But I will never advise you to leave with violent husband (you can get killed one day) its happened here.
You need to talk to your children, let them understand your stance and let them make a choice between you life or hellish matrimonia home
Allah only knows best

Location

Nigeria

My name is Gift , I am from Canada, I have great joy in me as i am writing this testimony about the great man called Dr,Ancient When my lover left me i never taught that i will be able to get him back after all he has put me through, But i am so happy that after the interference of Dr,Ancient i was able to get my lover back after 48 hours and i can proudly say that who ever need help in getting there lover back should contact Dr,Ancient on these contact details below ancientbeninshrine@gmail.com for proper understanding of what i have just witness.

Location

Canada

My husband is sneakily talking to woman in black people meet. Com.. Also, he's on Eharmony and Match.com... Can I seek kula?

Location

Cleveland

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