Answered by: Maulana Naieem Mohammad
Question:
The husband says, “I am considering giving you a divorce.” The wife replies, “Does that mean you’ve given me one?” The husband answers, “Yes.”
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The above incident is a very simple conversation with a serious impact. Islam considers the meanings of the words uttered by the human being as long as a clear and real meaning can be understood or benefitted from it. The literal meaning of all speech is initially considered in the shariah[1] and if a literal meaning is not possible or beneficial, then a metaphorical meaning is attributed to it.[2] In this incident, the literal meanings will be taken into account and not any metaphorical possibility.
It is absolutely clear that the wife had asked if the husband had given her a Talaq. Her question was a response to the earlier statement of the husband and his reply to her question was confirmation that Talaq was given. His reply of “yes” will be enough to confirm a Talaq. All statements will be considered as connected and not separate.[3]
One Talaq Raji’ (revocable) will be considered in this case.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Naieem Mohammad
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham