While marriage is sacred in Islam, the Quran provides compassionate guidance for when separation becomes necessary—emphasizing dignity, fairness, and proper procedure.
Islam views marriage as a sacred bond, but recognizes that in some situations, divorce may be the best option for both parties. The Quran dedicates an entire surah (At-Talaq) to this topic and provides detailed guidance to ensure the process is conducted with dignity and justice.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that divorce is the most disliked of permissible things to Allah, emphasizing that it should only be a last resort after genuine attempts at reconciliation. When divorce does occur, both parties have rights that must be respected.
الطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتَانِ فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ
"Divorce is twice. Then, either keep her in an acceptable manner or release her with good treatment."
Al-Baqarah 2:229
وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ
"And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms."
Al-Baqarah 2:231
وَالْمُطَلَّقَاتُ يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنفُسِهِنَّ ثَلَاثَةَ قُرُوءٍ
"Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods."
Al-Baqarah 2:228
وَلَا تُمْسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارًا لِّتَعْتَدُوا وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ
"And do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress against them. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself."
Al-Baqarah 2:231
فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ اللَّهِ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا فِيمَا افْتَدَتْ بِهِ
"But if you fear that they will not keep the limits ordained by Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself."
Al-Baqarah 2:229
وَإِن يَتَفَرَّقَا يُغْنِ اللَّهُ كُلًّا مِّن سَعَتِهِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ وَاسِعًا حَكِيمًا
"But if they separate, Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise."
An-Nisa 4:130
Divorce should only occur after sincere attempts at reconciliation, including appointing arbiters from both families to help resolve disputes.
Women must observe a waiting period of three menstrual cycles to ensure they are not pregnant and to allow time for possible reconciliation.
Women retain their mahr (dowry) and have the right to financial support during the waiting period. Children's maintenance is the father's responsibility.
Even in separation, both parties must treat each other with dignity. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes "release with kindness" (tasrih bi ihsan).
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