Is My Husband’s Divorce Valid Through a Vague Text Message?
Question: Is my husband divorce valid through vague text message?
Answer:
Wa Alaykum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
When a husband writes a text message to his wife saying “I divorce you”, the divorce takes place, regardless of intention. [Ibn Aabideen, al-Hashiyah]
When a husband writes a text message to his wife only saying “divorce”, the divorce takes place only if the husband had the intention of divorce. If no intention was made at all or the husband did not intend divorce, then no divorce occurs. [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya]
If the husband intends three divorces with one utterance of divorce, then the divorce is binding. The husband and wife are now separated. [Jassas, Sharh Mukhtasar al-Tahawi]
Please reach out to your husband and get clarity on this serious issue. It is necessary that everybody who desires to get married learns the basic rulings of marriage and divorce so they can avoid problematic outcomes.
I pray Allah, Most High brings ease and clarity into your life. Remember that divorce is only a separation that occurs in this life. Protecting ourselves from separation from Allah, Most High is every Muslim’s highest aim.
Given the considerations in such cases, please consult reliable local scholars about the specifics of the situation. Jazakum Allah khayr.
May Allah, Most High reward you for your care in upholding his rights during this difficult time.
And Allah alone knows best.
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
