🕊️ Conflict & resolution · #27
Why does Islam place such emphasis on reconciliation before divorce?
Because marriage is a mithaqan ghaliza (a solemn covenant) and divorce has a great impact on the couple, the children and the family.
The Qur'an mentions steps towards peace repeatedly: advice (4:34), arbiters (hakam) (4:35), and "reconciliation is better" (4:128). The Prophet ﷺ told that Iblis is most pleased with the devil who succeeds in separating husband and wife (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Sifat al-Qiyamah wa al-Jannah wa an-Nar). He also urged that a believer should not hate his wife: if he dislikes one trait, he will like another (Sahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'). Nevertheless, divorce remains permitted when the marriage can no longer be saved or there is injustice. See Nushuz & conflict.
The Qur'an mentions steps towards peace repeatedly: advice (4:34), arbiters (hakam) (4:35), and "reconciliation is better" (4:128). The Prophet ﷺ told that Iblis is most pleased with the devil who succeeds in separating husband and wife (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Sifat al-Qiyamah wa al-Jannah wa an-Nar). He also urged that a believer should not hate his wife: if he dislikes one trait, he will like another (Sahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'). Nevertheless, divorce remains permitted when the marriage can no longer be saved or there is injustice. See Nushuz & conflict.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:21Surah an-Nisa' 4:35Surah an-Nisa' 4:128Sahih Muslim, Kitab Sifat al-Qiyamah wa al-Jannah wa an-NarSahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'