Divorce for no reason

Q 4: I want to ask Your Eminence about something. My parents are alive and they have forced me to marry a woman against my will. I had to please my parents and marry this woman who was willing to marry me. I have had the intention to divorce her since the first day I married her. Shall I divorce her if my parents agree? I fear the following words of Allah (Exalted be He): And turn them not out of their (husband’s) homes nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open illegal sexual intercourse.


A: We advise you to remain with your wife; not to divorce her and to fulfill your obligations towards her. One of the objectives of the blessed Shari`ah (Islamic law) is to preserve the family, keep it (Part No. 20; Page No. 8) united, and avoid anything that may spoil its harmony and lead to divorce. Do not resort to divorce unless there is a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) reason or necessity, such as hating the wife, being unable to live with her, and fearing to be unable to fulfill your obligations towards her. In this case, there is no blame on you if you divorce her. It is even permissible for the husband to divorce his wife when he fears that he will be unable to fulfill his marital obligations towards her, unless she gives up her rights. However, it is better to be patient and to fulfill your obligations towards your wife with the aim of pleasing your parents and saving the family from falling apart, and you will be rewarded In Sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). On the other hand, if you decide to divorce her because you dislike her, there is no blame on you and may Allah replace each one of you with someone better. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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