Should I Divorce My Wife Because She Has Cheated on Me?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalamu alaykum,

I don’t know if I should divorce my wife. She has cheated on me. She doesn’t love me but when I threaten her of divorce she looks like she is ready to stay with me. I love her. I have consulted my family and prayed Istikhara but I am confused. What should I do?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

If you have thought about the matter, consulted those worthy of consultation, prayed the Prayer of Guidance (salat al-istikhara) and supplicated to Allah Most High to show you the way most pleasing to Him, then you should make your decision based on what appears to be facilitated for you in your current situation.

A man came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said, “I have a wife who rejects no one who wishes to have intercourse with her.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Divorce her.” He replied, “I love her.” So he (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Then prevent her from doing such.” [Abu Dawud]

Qastallani and others mention that the command here to divorce is for recommendation (istihbab) as the subsequent command indicates. Thus both options exist and you should make the decision that you feel will be best for your eternity.

Please also consider taking: Islamic Marriage: Guidance for Successful Marriage and Married Life

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani