Can You Give Divorce by Text in Islam? Key Insights and Guidelines

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Hi, dear readers! Are you looking for an explanation of "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?"? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that's what I will explain here. As Muslims, it’s essential for us to understand this topic. That's why I wrote this article, so you should read it to the end!

Specifically, I will discuss three important points about "Can you give divorce by text?" in this article. The three key points are as follows:

Can You Give Divorce by Text in Islam?

The first important point about "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" is what I’m going to explain now: a specific answer. I want you to understand this before you read any further explanations in this article.

By the way, have you read the explanation about "What does divorce mean in Islam?" which I wrote in some previous articles? I highly recommend you read it. In that article, there is an explanation of the literal meaning of divorce and the meaning of divorce in Islam. I want you to understand "What is divorce?" first so that you can grasp the topic of this discussion well.

In the article about "What does divorce mean in Islam?", I have explained some aspects of "the literal meaning of divorce and the meaning of divorce in Islam." One of the "literal meanings of divorce" is as follows:

اِنْفِصَالُ أَحَدِ الزَّوْجَيْنِ عَنِ الْآخَرِ

This translates to: "The separation of one partner from the other (the separation of husband and wife)."

One of the meanings of divorce in Islam is as follows:

إِزَالَةُ عَقْدِ النِّكَاحِ بِلَفْظٍ مَخْصُوْصٍ ، أَوْ بِكُلِّ لَفْظٍ يَدُلُّ عَلَى الطَّلَاقِ

This means: "Elimination of the marriage contract with certain words or with any words that indicate divorce."

In Islamic legal terminology, divorce is the annulment of the marriage contract (aqd an-nikah) using words that denote divorce. Because of this, many Muslims understand that divorce consists of specific phrases that must be spoken, such as "I divorce you." This is what leads to confusion among some Muslims when a husband gives "divorce by text" to his wife.

According to the majority of Islamic jurists, a text is not a clear expression. A text is another form of communication and lacks the clarity of spoken words.

Thus, a divorce given through text will be valid only if two conditions, or two divorce rules, are met. In other words, if you are an adult, aware that it is a divorce, and not under duress (unless the duress comes from a court), and you write a divorce statement to your wife who is not menstruating and not after sexual intercourse, then the divorce is valid.

In simple terms, you can give a divorce by text if both divorce conditions or rules are met.

That’s a brief explanation of "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" As Muslims, we must understand this.

Is Divorce Valid via SMS in Islam?

The second important question about "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" that I will explain now is, "Is divorce valid via SMS in Islam?" I want you to understand this because some Muslims may do it. It’s essential to grasp this well.

In the previous paragraphs, I have explained that "you can give divorce with text if there is a niyyah (intention) for divorce." Generally, people understand text as writing on paper that is given to the wife. But "Is divorce valid via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, or similar applications?"

One important aspect of "divorce by text" that I want to clarify here is that it is a method of giving divorce. It will be valid if all the conditions for divorce have been met.

In other words, "divorce via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, and similar applications" is valid if both divorce conditions or rules are satisfied.

That’s a brief explanation of "Is divorce valid via SMS in Islam?" As Muslims, we must understand this.

How Do You Write Divorce in Islam?

The third important question regarding "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" is "How do you write a divorce in Islam?" I want you to understand this so you know what to write if you decide to proceed. However, I strongly discourage you from giving your wives a divorce unless you are compelled to do so, because although divorce is lawful in Islam, Allah dislikes it.

One important point I want to clarify before I delve deeper into "How do you write a divorce in Islam?" is that "divorce by text" can be expressed clearly or incoherently (through parables or satire), just as divorce can be pronounced clearly or incoherently (using similar methods).

Thus, there are two ways to write divorce with text:

  • You can write a divorce with clear wording, such as "I divorce you," "You are no longer my wife," and so on.
  • You can write a divorce using a parable or satire, such as "Your body is like my mother’s body," or "You are like my sister," along with the niyyah (intention) for divorce.

That’s a brief explanation of "How do you write a divorce in Islam?" As Muslims, we must understand this.

This is a quick overview of "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" and some important points about it. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

I think that’s enough for this article. I hope it is useful. Ameen.

See you again in the next article!

Akhmad Syafiuddin
Akhmad Syafiuddin An expert in Islamic discourse and law, and a graduate of Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

6 comments for "Can You Give Divorce by Text in Islam? Key Insights and Guidelines"

Comment Author Avatar
I must express my gratitude to the author for writing such a detailed and informative article on "Can You Give Divorce by Text in Islam?" As a new Muslim, I found this article to be incredibly enlightening and helpful in understanding this significant topic. Divorce is a sensitive and often misunderstood subject, and the clarity provided in this article is truly commendable.

The way the article breaks down the topic into three essential questions—whether divorce via text is permissible, valid via SMS, and how to write it—makes the information digestible and easy to follow. I appreciate how each section provides clear references from Islamic teachings and emphasizes the importance of meeting specific conditions for a divorce to be valid. This approach ensures that readers, regardless of their level of knowledge, can grasp the key points effortlessly.

Moreover, the inclusion of Arabic texts, their translations, and a step-by-step explanation of the rules adds authenticity and depth to the article. It’s evident that the author has put considerable effort into researching and presenting this topic in a way that aligns with Islamic principles.

As someone eager to deepen my understanding of Islam, I found the article not only educational but also inspiring. It reinforces the importance of intention (niyyah) and adherence to proper procedures, even in difficult situations like divorce.

Thank you for providing such valuable content! I highly recommend this article to others seeking clarity on Islamic teachings regarding divorce. May Allah reward the author for their efforts in spreading knowledge.
Comment Author Avatar
Hello Rashid,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.
Comment Author Avatar
As a Muslim woman, I truly appreciate the clarity provided in this article regarding divorce by text in Islam. Before reading this, I had many questions about whether or not divorce could be given through text messages or online communication platforms like WhatsApp or SMS. The author's explanation helped me understand the concept in detail and addressed the legal aspects of it in a clear and structured manner.

What I found most helpful is the emphasis on the importance of intention (niyyah) and meeting the necessary conditions for a valid divorce, regardless of the method used to communicate it. It's reassuring to know that as long as the proper conditions are met, such as the wife not being in menstruation and the husband being aware of his actions, divorce can be valid even through a text. This is something I hadn't fully understood before, and it's comforting to have a well-rounded explanation.

I also appreciate the advice to avoid divorce unless absolutely necessary, as divorce is something Allah dislikes. This balanced view on the topic is very insightful and respectful of the complexities surrounding relationships. Overall, this article has given me a much better understanding of divorce in Islam, especially in the modern context where digital communication is so prevalent. Thank you to the author for this informative piece!
Comment Author Avatar
Hello Neswa,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.
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I am extremely grateful to the author for writing this incredibly informative article about divorce in Islam, specifically addressing the question, "Can you give divorce by text in Islam?" As a Muslim, understanding the correct way to approach divorce in any form, including through text, is crucial, and this article clears up many misconceptions.

The author has done an excellent job of breaking down complex legal and spiritual concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. By explaining the literal and Islamic meanings of divorce, as well as the conditions under which a divorce via text might be valid, the article offers valuable guidance. The inclusion of the two conditions for a valid divorce—awareness and lack of duress—is particularly important, as it ensures that readers fully grasp the circumstances under which a divorce can occur through text message or other forms of written communication.

Additionally, the distinction between clear and incoherent wording in divorce texts was insightful. I appreciate how the author emphasized the significance of intention (niyyah) in the process, which aligns with the teachings of Islam. The article also wisely cautions against using divorce lightly, reminding us that although divorce is permitted in Islam, it is something that should only be used in the most serious of circumstances, as it is disliked by Allah.

This article is a great resource for anyone looking for clear, accurate, and accessible information on the topic of divorce in Islam. I would highly recommend reading it to anyone seeking to understand this important issue more deeply. Thank you to the author for sharing this invaluable knowledge in such a thoughtful and concise way. May Allah bless you!
Comment Author Avatar
Hello Hafsa,

Thank you for reading this article.

Warm regards.