When Can One Propose to a Divorcee?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: There is a girl in our community that was divorced about a month and a half ago. My family is interested for her hand in marriage for my brother. When will it be appropriate for us to initiate the talks with the girl’s family?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

It is not permitted to express one’s interest (ta`ridh) in marriage to a divorced woman whilst she is in her waiting period (`idda). [Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Allah Most High says, “And do not resolve on the knot of marriage until the book has reached its term” [Qur’an, 2:235]

The wisdom being that it gives the couple time for reconsideration (if revocable) and reflection, particularly as the former husband continues to financially support her during this time, and also shows the seriousness of divorce and its implications. But when the waiting period (`idda) is over and the former husband and wife are legally unrelated, one may initiate talk with the woman.

Please also see: Basic Rulings and Length of the Waiting Period (`idda)

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani