All praise is due only to Allaah. We laud Him and beseech His

The proper manner of effecting a 
Talaaq
When we consider the condition of the Muslims in general, 
especially insofar as issue of marriage are concerned, then we 
will note the level of crass ignorance prevalent nowadays. 
Things which previously even children were aware of, adults 
are ignorant. When I had initiated this column some weeks 
previously and touched on the subject of marriage, I felt it only 
appropriate that we discuss the issue of 
Talaaq
, which, even the 
basic rulings thereof are unknown by many. 
Firstly many people regard and use 
Talaaq
as a means of 
venting anger and frustration. Whenever there is a heated 
argument between the spouses, the husband will blurt out a 
Talaaq
, whereas a 
Talaaq
is no swear word which cools the 
anger. This is the final stage in breaking and terminating a 
family union and bond. The effects and consequences of it runs 
much more deeper than just severing ties. 
This is precisely the reason why when the Shariah had 
consented to 
Talaaq
it also regards it as the worst of all 
permissible things. Islaam, being the complete way of life has 
not forbidden the concept of 
Talaaq
because there are some 
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occasions where a marriage simply cannot progress and the 
only way out is 
Talaaq
. It is an honourable means of 
separation. When the marriage cannot continue harmoniously, 
then 
Talaaq
is an honourable way of breaking up. If it were not 
for this option life would become pure hell and unbearable. The 
Christians have moved away from their age-old decree that a 
marriage cannot be dissolved. Islaam has consented to divorce 
so that the spouses may extricate themselves from the shackles 
of a disastrous marriage.
Regarding those advices offered which may prevent 
Talaaq
, 
the first we mention is the Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi 
wasallam), 
“If a husband dislikes anything of his wife, then he 
must reflect on all her good qualities.”
In other words, there is 
no person who is flawless. Everyone has some good traits as 
well as bad. When we become angered by a bad trait in 
someone then think of her good qualities and perhaps you will 
appreciate her. 
Allaah Ta`ala states in the Qur`aan Majeed, 
“If you dislike 
something in your wife then (reflect) because perhaps you 
dislike a thing wherein Allaah has placed much good.”
[Surah 
Nisaa, 19] 
At another juncture it is mentioned in the Qur`aan Majeed that 
when there is a dispute between the spouses, and it cannot 
resolved amicably between the two of them, then instead of 
separating, individuals from both families should be appointed 
to discuss the matter and try to resolve the issue. Allaah Ta`ala 
further states that if the couple are make an attempt at 
rectifying themselves then Allaah Ta`ala will create 
compatibility between them. [Surah Nisaa, 35] 
But then after all attempts if there is still no reconciliation, then 
the only option left is 
Talaaq
. Regarding 
Talaaq
, Allaah Ta`ala 
states that it be issued at an appropriate time. This appropriate 
time is explained in the Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi 

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We have some pertinent request to make in this regard. Firstly, 
we make dua that this stage never comes in any Muslim’s life, 
but if it does come down to this situation (where the parties 
wish to separate), then please do not be hasty. Try every means 
possible to avert the situation. Consult extensively with the 
pious Ulama and Muftis. Make every possible attempt at 
reconciliation. We will cite here an excerpt from an article 
written by Hadhrat Mufti Taqi Uthmaani Saheb (daamat 
barakaatuhum): 
May Allaah Ta`ala grant us all the proper understanding of the 
Deen and may He imbibe in us the spirit to follow His Way and 
the Sunnat of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in every step of 
ours throughout the 24 hours.