Sheikh Mohamed Kamal, a fatwa advisor at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, received a question about repeatedly hearing people discuss divorce among friends and whether the spread of such statements could be linked to weak religious or moral commitment or distance from prayer.
He explained that the spread of divorce has become a phenomenon requiring attention, stressing that divorce is prescribed as a last resort when married life becomes impossible to continue rather than as an immediate reaction to minor disagreements.
Divorce Is a Last Resort
Sheikh Mohamed Kamal said divorce should not be the first option when disputes arise between spouses. Instead, couples should initially attempt to address their differences and seek solutions that preserve family stability.
He explained that marital problems should be handled gradually, similar to dealing with an illness, beginning with identifying the problem and attempting treatment before resorting to final solutions.
Reconciliation Efforts Should Come Before Divorce
The fatwa advisor stressed the importance of exhausting reconciliation efforts before reaching a decision to divorce, including allowing room for dialogue, understanding and addressing the causes of disagreement.
He emphasized that ending a marriage should not result from a moment of anger or a temporary dispute, but should only be considered when reconciliation efforts have failed and continuing the marriage has become difficult.
Lack of Awareness About Married Life
Sheikh Mohamed Kamal identified a lack of understanding of the true nature of married life as one factor behind marital problems, along with insufficient awareness of the rights and responsibilities shared by both spouses.
He pointed to the Quranic principle that marriage is based on tranquility, affection and mercy:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy.”
He also stressed the importance of following the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings concerning good treatment and conduct between spouses.
Family Interference and Social Media Comparisons
The fatwa advisor noted that interference by relatives in marital disputes can sometimes increase tensions rather than help resolve them.
He also highlighted the effect of constant comparisons with what people see on social media, explaining that such comparisons can create unrealistic perceptions of married life and expectations that do not reflect the realities of family life.
Awareness and Patience Can Help Preserve Family Stability
Sheikh Mohamed Kamal emphasized that marital disagreements require awareness, patience and dialogue, while couples should avoid acting impulsively or being driven by outside influences.
He stressed the importance of preserving family stability and avoiding rushed decisions about divorce, particularly when disagreements can potentially be addressed through communication and reconciliation.
Should divorce be the first solution when marital disputes occur?
No. The fatwa advisor said divorce should be considered only after available reconciliation efforts have been exhausted.
What are some reasons behind increasing marital disputes?
They include limited awareness of married life, misunderstanding rights and responsibilities, outside interference and unrealistic comparisons.
Can family interference affect marital stability?
Yes. Inappropriate interference can sometimes intensify disputes rather than help resolve them.
How should couples deal with marital disagreements?
Through dialogue, awareness, patience and efforts to understand the causes of the dispute before making final decisions.
What is married life based on?
It is based on tranquility, affection and mercy, along with good treatment and fulfilling mutual rights and responsibilities.
