Legal Status of Divorce During Anger

30-10-2025 | IslamWeb

Question:

2. I have read on your website about the opinion of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim, that in certain cases of extreme anger talaq does not take place. If my husband truly believes, and swears by Allah, that this was his condition, and we both sincerely believe this opinion applies to our case to prevent harm and consequences as we have children would we be sinful in the sight of Allah for following Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim’s view, even though majoroty of onion is differe

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu`alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The opinion we follow regarding divorce issued in a state of anger is that it takes effect, unless the anger reaches the point where the person loses consciousness and awareness.

As for the view chosen by Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Al-Qayyim —that a divorce uttered in a state of extreme anger does not take effect, even if the person has not completely lost his mind—it is a respected position. There is no harm in adopting it when needed, provided that this is not done out of mere desire for ease or in pursuit of concessions. Some scholars have allowed following such a view in matters of juristic difference to remove hardship.

We also advise exercising caution against anger, for it is an entryway for Satan and a key to many evils. The authentic Sunnah has therefore come with warnings against it. Likewise, we advise acting with wisdom, deliberation, and striving to resolve marital issues without resorting to words of divorce.

Allah knows best.