“MARRIAGE” A PERMANENT RELATIONSHIP – SURAH TALAQ
A translated excerpt from Mariful Quran on Surah Talaq
WHY MARRIAGE IS A PERMANENT RELATIONSHIP FOR THE WHOLE LIFETIME
According to the drift of Islamic teachings, when a man and a woman contract marriage, it should establish a permanent relationship for the whole lifetime. This will maintain stability of husband and wife in mundane, as well as, in religious affairs, and also in the up-bringing of the children born to this wedlock, so that their moral conduct is proper and upright.
AVOID BITTERNESS AND RECONCILE
Therefore, Islam at every step of the way, guides marriage partners to avoid bitterness in their marital relationship, and even if it does arise, utmost efforts are made to remove it and to patch up differences and reconcile. However, despite all these attempts, it is possible in some cases that there remains no way out for the welfare of the estranged parties except to terminate this relationship.
DIVORCE – THE MOST DETESTED PERMISSIBLE ACT
Religions that do not allow divorce cause hardship for their followers when faced with such complicated situations and lead to serious consequences. For that reason, Islam has, like the laws of marriage, laid down principles and rules for divorce as well. However, it has at the same time declared to its followers the guiding principle that, out of all permissible acts, divorce is the most detested one in the sight of Allah. [ narrated by Sayyidna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (Radiallahu Anhu)], meaning that people should avoid it as far as possible.
ALLAH DOES NOT LOVE THOSE WHO DIVORCE AND MARRY FOR CARNAL DESIRES
They should use this provision only as a last resort, only when they are compelled to do it.
Sayyidna ‘Ali (Radiallahu Anhu) has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said:
تزوّجوا ولا تطلقوا فانّ الطّلاق یھتزّ منہ عرش الرّحمٰن
Marry; do not divorce because divorce causes the Throne of the All-Merciful to shudder.
Sayyidna Abu Musa Ash’ ari (Radiallahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said:
“ Do not divorce women without their committing the evil act, because Allah does not love men who merely wish to experience the taste of intercourse, nor does He loves women who merely wish to experience the taste of intercourse.” [ Qurtubi vide Thalabi ]
Sayyidna Mua’ dh Ibn Jabal (Radiallahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said:
“ Allah has created nothing on the face of the earth dearer to Him than emancipation of slaves, and Allah has created nothing on the face of earth more hateful to Him than divorce.” [ Qurtubi ]
Nevertheless, Islam has though discouraged divorce and has advised its followers to avoid it as far as possible, it has allowed it in cases of necessity under special rules and regulations which require that if termination of marital relationship becomes necessary, it should be done in a fair and dignified manner. Divorce should not be taken as a means of satisfying anger and revenge.
Mariful Quran-Surah Talaq
