Before proceeding with divorce, it is strongly encouraged that the couple attempt reconciliation. This may involve an arbitration meeting facilitated by elders or trusted community members from both sides.
If reconciliation fails and the husband believes the marriage cannot continue, he may pronounce Talaq, either verbally or in writing. It is recommended that two witnesses be present at the time of this pronouncement.
To ensure the process is ethical and respectful, the following conditions apply:
These conditions are encouraged to preserve fairness and dignity; however, the Talaq will still be valid and applicable according to Islamic law even if these conditions are not fulfilled.
After the Talaq is pronounced, the wife must observe a waiting period known as Iddat, which lasts for three menstrual cycles or three lunar months. During this time:
If the husband wishes to take his wife back (known as Ruju’), he can do so by verbal statement preferably in the presence of two witnesses. Or by resuming marital relations.
If no reconciliation occurs by the end of Iddat, the divorce becomes complete and binding.
According to the majority opinion among Islamic scholars, if a man pronounces three Talaqs—whether all at once or on separate occasions—the divorce is considered final and irrevocable (Talaq al-Mughallazah).
In such cases, the couple cannot remarry unless:
This rule is designed to prevent misuse of divorce and to uphold its seriousness.
Once the divorce is finalised, the Islamic Shari’a Council issues an Islamic Divorce Certificate, based on a Talaq Nama (divorce declaration) signed by the husband in the presence of two witnesses. The husband is also required to pay the full amount of Mahr (dower) owed to the wife.
Complete, and send the Talaq Form by email or post to My Sheikh Online Islamic Shari’a Council. Include the main reasons for giving a divorce.
The application will be registered only if all required information and documents are submitted. Incomplete forms cannot be processed.
The Council will reach out to the wife via email, phone, or post to inform her of the divorce application. She will be asked:
The Qur’an recommends mediation, so if both parties agree, a joint session will be offered.
If the wife does not respond, the husband will be asked to provide proof of her residence. Apps like WhatsApp or Facebook may be used to help establish contact.
If mediation is declined by both parties or proves unsuccessful, and the Mahr has been paid, the office will issue a Talaq document, signed by the husband in the presence of two witnesses. The wife will be informed of the date to begin Iddat.
After the Iddah is completed, the Council will provide official Islamic Divorce Certificates to both husband and wife.
This process constitutes one valid Talaq (divorce) unless otherwise specified or if a previous Talaq has already been issued. This allows the option of reconciliation (rujoo) during the waiting period (iddah) without the wife having to marry another man.