Divorce (Talaq) is one of the most sensitive matters in Islam. While Islam permits it, Allah describes it as the most disliked permissible act. The Qur’an and Hadith lay down strict guidelines for fairness, compassion, emotional control, and justice. This article presents the Islamic rulings on divorce with authentic Qur’anic verses, Hadith references, and the opinions of the four major Islamic schools of thought.
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Divorce in the Qur’an
The Qur’an commands fairness and dignity in divorce. One of the foundational verses is:
الطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتَانِ ۖ فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ
“Divorce is twice. Then, either keep (the wife) in an acceptable manner or release (her) with good treatment.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:229
Another verse emphasises respectful treatment during and after the waiting period (iddah):
وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ
“And when you divorce women and they have reached their term, either retain them in kindness or release them in kindness.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:231
Divorce in the Hadith
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised the seriousness of talaq:
“The most disliked permissible act to Allah is divorce.”
— Sunan Abu Dawood 2177
He also instructed fairness and compliance with proper procedure:
“When you divorce women, divorce them for their prescribed period (Iddah)… do not expel them from their homes…”
— Sahih Muslim 1480
Types of Divorce in Islam
1. Talaq-e-Sunnah (Revocable)
- Most recommended method.
- One pronouncement followed by the iddah period, allowing reconciliation.
2. Talaq-e-Bid’ah (Instant/Triple Talaq)
- Three talaqs in one sitting.
- Considered sinful by scholars but legally effective in most madhhabs.
3. Khula (Wife-Initiated Divorce)
- Permits the wife to seek divorce in exchange for mahr compensation.
- Allowed by Qur’an in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:229.
4. Faskh (Judicial Annulment)
- Granted by a qazi in cases of abuse, neglect, impotence, or harm.
- Backed by scholarly consensus across all madhhabs.
The Four Schools of Thought on Divorce
Hanafi School
- Prefers revocable talaq.
- Triple talaq is sinful but effective.
- Khula and faskh are valid paths for women.
Maliki School
- Discourages bid’ah divorce.
- Extensive grounds for faskh, including harm and prolonged absence.
Shafi’i School
- Emphasises procedure and witnesses.
- Triple talaq at once does not follow the Sunnah.
Hanbali School
- Focus on reconciliation.
- Khula and faskh accepted with valid cause.
Modern Implications of Divorce
- Fair treatment: Respect during and after iddah is mandatory.
- Financial support: Husband must cover expenses during iddah.
- Child Custody: Determined by Islamic rules and the child’s welfare.
- Civil requirements: Overseas Pakistanis may need embassy/legal documentation.
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Common Questions About Divorce
1. Is divorce permissible in Islam?
Yes, but it is the most disliked halal action.
2. What is the proper method?
Talaq-e-Sunnah — one pronouncement and waiting period.
3. Can a woman initiate divorce?
Yes — through Khula or judicial annulment (Faskh).
Recommended Islamic Resources
- Sunnah.com – Hadith Database
- Quran.com – Verified Qur’an Translations
- Darul Ifta – Contemporary Fatwas
- InstantNikah Islamic Research Articles
For guidance on nikah, wali rules, and Islamic marriage procedures, read:
Bride’s Right to Choose Wali