“Talaq! Talaq! Talaq!” Is that really easy to divorce a wife just pronounce this words three times with immediate effect? According to Sura At-Talaq 65:1-7 has clearly mentioned that if a man declare Talaq, he has to wait for three months, so-called “waiting time” to ensure the woman is not pregnant for his baby. He cannot kick her out of the home or lock the home to refuse her back except she’s committing a clear immorality. He has to maintain her as usual at home. However, if any sexual intercourse happens during this waiting time, the marriage will be reinstated automatically.
During this waiting time, it is suggested trying to retain the wife; otherwise separate with her according to acceptable terms with two just men to witness and establish the testimony.
If the wife is found pregnant during this waiting time, the man has to keep her at home until the baby is born. The man has to responsible for all the expenses during the waiting time no matter she’s pregnant or not. Also compensate the woman if she feeds the baby. But if you cannot bear with each other then let another woman suckle the baby for you.
Below is the surah quoted for your reference. It’s so clear that Taqwa (awareness of Allah) is so important during this divorce process. Allah has given clear instructions and women’s rights during this process in the Quran. If anyone simply declare talaq three times at a time and refuse to take the woman back or push her out of the home, he is clearly not following Islam.
At-Talaq (Divorce)
Translation the Clear Quran
(65:1) O Prophet! [Instruct the believers:] When you [intend to] divorce women, then divorce them with concern for their waiting period, and count it accurately. And fear God, your Lord. Do not force them out of their homes, nor should they leave – unless they commit a blatant misconduct. These are the limits set by God. And whoever transgresses God’s limits has truly wronged his own soul. You never know, perhaps God will bring about a change [of heart] later.
(65:2) Then when they have [almost] reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably. And call two of your reliable men to witness [either way] – and [let the witnesses] bear true testimony for [the sake of] God. This is enjoined on whoever has faith in God and the Last Day. And whoever is mindful of God, He will make a way out for them,
(65:3) and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in God, then He [alone] is sufficient for them. Certainly God achieves His Will. God has already set a destiny for everything.
(65:4) As for your women past the age of menstruation, in case you do not know, their waiting period is three months, and those who have not menstruated as well. As for those who are pregnant, their waiting period ends with delivery. And whoever is mindful of God, He will make their matters easy for them.
(65:5) This is the commandment of God, which He has revealed to you. And whoever is mindful of God, He will absolve them of their sins and reward them immensely.
(65:6) Let them live where you live [during their waiting period], according to your means. And do not harass them to make their stay unbearable. If they are pregnant, then maintain them until they deliver. And if they nurse your child, compensate them, and consult together courteously. But if you fail to reach an agreement, then another woman will nurse [the child] for the father.
(65:7) Let the man of wealth provide according to his means. As for the one with limited resources, let him provide according to whatever God has given him. God does not require of any soul beyond what He has given it. After hardship, God will bring about ease.