In my current books, I have been seeing how easily young readers comment the female protagonist should divorce the guy. But is it really that simple?
Yes, Islam allows divorce but Allah has again and again stressed in the Holy Book to have patience and reconcile. It is not about a woman getting her freedom from the man but rather many other people are involved especially when there are children.
God – Allah has given man and woman the right to seek for a divorce if they are not happy in a marriage. However, it is to be noted that divorce should be the last resort a man or woman should seek for. This is to safeguard the family and the interest of the children involved in a divorce case. It is advised that man and woman should work towards making their marriage work.
This is seen in Quran verse where Allah advice men even if they don't like their wives they should look for positive qualities.
"... live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and God brings about through it a great deal of good." (Quran, Surah 4 Verse 19)
Similarly, Allah advices women in the following verse.
"If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; ..." (Quran, Surah 4 Verse 128)
It is stressed in the Holy Scripture Quran that reconciliation should be tried at all levels.
"If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, God will cause their reconciliation: For God hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things" (Quran, Surah 4 Verse 35).
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) has stressed again and again that a man should be kind to his wife no matter what. The following is the saying of the Prophet.
"Live with them (your wives) on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a great deal of good."
But this doesn't mean we should tolerate all kinds of abuse in one's marriage. When after trying there is no hope, it is a right of a woman to seek separation / divorce.
In the end, we should remember to be patient ... Allah is with those who have preserverance.
