Can a husband give divorce in the case of disliking his wife?
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
If a wife is not beautiful or has other shortcomings which is disliked by the husband, it does not mean that he should separate from her without further consideration. There is more to life than just beauty and looks which are not lasting; the real beauty is from within and lasting. It may be that she has other qualities which you may like and be much greater than beauty. It is to this that Allah refers in the Quran, “Treat them with kindness even if you dislike them; it is quite possible that you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good.” (Surah Nisa v.19)
Divorce is the last thing a person should resort to and only after every other avenue has been exhausted should a person contemplate divorce. Before that stage the elders should be consulted as to who should arbitrate between the couple and try to reconcile the differences between them. Allah states in the Quran, “If you fear a breach of marriage between a man and his wife, appoint one arbiter from his family and another from hers; if they wish to reconcile, Allah will create a way of reconciliation between them. Allah is the knowledgeable, aware.” (Surah Nisa v.35)
If despite this the couple cannot live in harmony then Islam does permit that divorce is issued. However as mentioned above I would state that you try to look at the other qualities of your wife and be content and pleased with them and Insha Allah, Allah will bless your marriage.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
