09/01/2024
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Divorce is a sensitive issue addressed in the Quran, and Allah has urged avoiding it except in cases of extreme necessity, in order to maintain family stability and protect the rights of both spouses. Here are some Quranic guidelines on the prohibition of divorce:
1. **Deliberation and Avoiding Hasty Decisions in Divorce:**
Allah says in Surah An-Nisa:
*"And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Acquainted with all things."*
(Surah An-Nisa: 35)
Here, Allah calls for attempting reconciliation between the spouses before resorting to divorce by appointing arbitrators from both sides.
2. **Tolerance and Patience in Marriage:**
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
*"And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike something through which Allah brings much good."*
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 19)
This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and tolerance in marriage, as there may be great benefit in continuing the marriage despite some challenges.
3. **Prohibition of Mistreatment or Injustice Towards Women:**
Allah says in Surah At-Talaq:
*"O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands'] houses, nor should they leave unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself."*
(Surah At-Talaq: 1)
Allah forbids injustice towards women during divorce and commands the preservation of their rights and protection from mistreatment.
4. **The Importance of Fairness in Divorce:**
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
*"Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment."*
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 229)
Allah calls for fairness and kindness in divorce, ensuring that the separation respects the rights of both parties.
By reflecting on these Quranic guidelines, spouses can avoid divorce and maintain the stability of their marital life, thereby strengthening the family unit.
Hasty divorce between spouses has become a concerning phenomenon in modern societies, with various causes leading to it, whether from the man or the woman. These causes may range from rushing into marriage without sufficient understanding of one's life partner, to economic and social pressures, lack of mutual understanding, and unrealistic expectations about marriage.
Without sufficient social and educational awareness about the importance of communication and mutual understanding between spouses, hasty divorce can be catastrophic for family life, affecting not only the couple but also their children, extended family, and even the entire society. Therefore, it is essential to raise societal awareness about the importance of building strong and lasting marital relationships through education, psychological support, and social counseling.
Here are some solutions to avoid making hasty decisions about divorce:
1. **Effective Communication:**
Open and honest dialogue between spouses is one of the most important means to avoid divorce. Speaking candidly about feelings, needs, and expectations helps resolve problems before they escalate.
2. **Marriage Counseling:**
Seeking marriage counseling can provide a safe environment to discuss sensitive issues under the supervision of a professional counselor who offers appropriate advice to overcome them.
3. **Patience and Understanding:**
Spouses should exercise patience and understanding, accepting that conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, and work together to find common ground.
4. **Managing Expectations:**
Properly managing expectations reduces frustrations and protects the relationship. Marriage is not perfect, and couples will face challenges, so it is important to have realistic expectations.
5. **Continued Investment in the Relationship:**
Spouses should not stop caring for their relationship after marriage. Dedicating time for shared activities, celebrating small successes, and continuously working on the relationship strengthens marital bonds.
6. **Forgiveness and Reconciliation:**
Everyone is prone to mistakes, and forgiving a partner’s errors can be key to maintaining the relationship. Forgiveness helps overcome crises and renews commitment to the relationship.
7. **Education and Awareness:**
Learning life and marital skills through reading or attending specialized courses can help couples develop their relationship and understand how to deal with problems effectively.
By applying these solutions, couples can strengthen their relationship and avoid falling into the trap of hasty divorce, contributing to building a stable and happy family life.