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The question

Does a divorce take effect with the intention when saying to the wife, "I don't know," while in one's heart is the intention, "Go, be divorced"? And is this word considered a kinayah (allusion) by which divorce takes effect with the intention?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The word "I don't know" does not cause divorce () to occur, because it neither indicates it nor resembles its meaning. What crosses one's mind has no weight, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah Almighty has forgiven my Ummah for whatever occurs to their minds, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it."

If the questioner is afflicted with obsessive thoughts (waswasah) regarding divorce, their divorce does not occur even if they utter an explicit divorce statement.

A Muslim must not give in to the devil's whisperings, but rather turn away from them, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil, and frequently remember Allah.

One must also beware of anger, following the recommendation of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
189839
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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