Fatwa No : 90291
Ruling on Divorce When the Husband Says “Go Away” in Response to “Leave Me”

Ruling on Divorce When the Husband Says “Go Away” in Response to “Leave Me”

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. My question to the respected Muftis is as follows: I have been married for 20 years. A few days ago, an argument took place between my wife and me over a certain matter. I was angry, and she was also angry. I said, “I have now become fed up with you.” She replied, “Then divorce me; why are you keeping me?” In response, I said, “Then you go away; why are you sitting here?” Neither did she intend to seek divorce, nor did I intend to give divorce. These words were uttered by both of us only in anger, exactly as written above. I now wish to know whether these words are considered kinayah (indirect expressions) and whether any divorce has taken place or not. I am very worried, and my wife is also worried. Kindly guide us in this matter. May Allah reward you abundantly.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

In the present case, if the husband did not, in reality, utter the mentioned words with the intention of divorce, then no divorce has taken place upon the wife. The marital bond between the husband and wife remains intact, and it is permissible for them to continue living together as husband and wife. However, for the future, caution should be exercised, and such expressions should be avoided.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

کما فی الدر المختار: (كنايته) عند الفقهاء (ما لم يوضع له) أي الطلاق (واحتمله) وغيره (ف) الكنايات (لا تطلق بها) قضاء (إلا بنية أو دلالة الحال) (الی قولہ) (وفي الغضب) توقف (الأولان) إن نوى وقع و إلا لا الخ (باب الکنایات، ج: 3، ص: 296-301، ط: سعید)۔
و فی رد المحتار: تحت: (قوله توقف الأولان) أي ما يصلح ردا وجوابا وما يصلح سبا وجوابا ولا يتوقف ما يتعين للجواب. بيان ذلك أن حالة الغضب تصلح للرد والتبعيد والسب والشتم كما تصلح للطلاق، وألفاظ الأولين يحتملان ذلك أيضا فصار الحال في نفسه محتملا للطلاق وغيره، فإذا عنى به غيره فقد نوى ما يحتمله كلامه ولا يكذبه الظاهر فيصدق في القضاء الخ (باب الکنایات، ج: 3، ص: 301، ط: سعید)۔