How can I seek a divorce?

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

May Allah, Most High, draw you close to him.

Marriage is a journey full of ups and downs. When a spouse or couple finds themselves not satisfied in marriage, they should immediately seek help to solve the marital problem.

Seeking help in a difficult relationship is either through confronting one’s spouse, seeking arbitration through family, or going to marital therapy.

No matter how difficult the marital problem is, it does not allow one spouse to have an extramarital affair. Adultery is an egregious transgression against Allah, Most High, and one’s spouse. You should immediately repent to Allah, Most High, from these actions and make a strong intention to never return to it.

Know that Allah, Most High, forgives all sins and descends his mercy upon all those who seek it. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“The one who repents from a sin is like one who did not sin.”

(Ibn Maja’, al-Sunan)

 If one is already divorced, then, of course, they may pursue marriage with another person.

As for seeking a divorce in this situation, you should first try to save your marriage through the aforementioned methods.

If you cannot save your marriage, you should express your desire for a divorce to your husband. Your intention should be that the divorce is amicable for the sake of the children.

If your husband is unwilling to give you a divorce, please read the following answer for more information.

And Allah alone knows best,

[Ustadh] Omar Popal

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani