Wife Depressed and their Culture Does Not Allow Divorce

12-9-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I got married at a young age and my wife was young as well. I feel that she is not happy with me; in fact she is clinically depressed. Is it Halal to get a divorce? I do love her but I feel that she is forced to stay with me because of our culture not allowing for divorce.
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

We advise you to avoid divorce unless it becomes hopeless to live with each other, then divorce becomes the best means of treatment.

Allah Says (what means): {But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise.} [Quran 4:130]

However, it is better to have patience as long as it is possible to live with each other without a grave hardship or distress.

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.” [Muslim]

The above opinion is the best and most proper one. As for the permissibility of divorce, basically it is permissible to divorce a wife even if there is no reason. However, a husband is not allowed to do such an action if he fears doing what is forbidden.

Allah knows best.

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