Husband Said, 'If I Do Such-and-Such, I Will Divorce Three Times'

30-10-2025 | IslamWeb

Question:

AssalarmualikekomDear Scholors,I promised my wife not to borrow money again from others , not to talk strange women , not to contact my family members not get approval. If I did one of that's again I will be divorced (3 time Talaq).But I have done all , Its will real happen Divorce (Talaq) ?If real How I do forward ?

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 ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

It is best in matters of divorce to directly consult a qualified scholar, or to refer the case to the official body responsible for Muslim affairs -especially for those living in non-Muslim countries. This is because such issues often require clarification, further investigation, and an understanding of the husband’s intention as well as verification of the exact wording he used, all of which may affect the legal ruling.

For general benefit, we note the following:

If a husband says, “If I do such-and-such, I will divorce three times,” this statement may be taken as a promise of divorce or as a conditional divorce. The ruling depends on his intention. If his intent was merely a promise to divorce, then nothing takes effect, since a promise of divorce does not constitute an actual divorce, nor is it recommended to fulfill such a promise. However, if he intended it as a conditional divorce, then the majority of scholars hold that divorce is effected once the condition occurs, regardless of whether he intended its actual execution or not.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him however, held that divorce does not take effect in case the husband did not intend divorce, but rather intended it to serve as a deterrent for example; so in the event of violation he would only be required to offer the expiation for an oath.

As for pronouncing three divorces in a single statement, the majority of jurists consider it to constitute three divorces. Ibn Taymiyyah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him on the other hand, held that it counts as only one.

We also stress the importance of maintaining good companionship between spouses, with each recognizing the status of the other, treating one another with respect, and resolving problems with wisdom. By doing so, they will close the door to Satan and prevent conflict and eventual separation which will shatter the family and leave children neglected.

Allah knows best.

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