Is it the case that a person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (waswās) does not commit ẓihār, khulʿ, taḥrīm, or delegation thereof, if he utters such words without genuine intent, or if he does not hear himself speak, by analogy with his divorce not taking effect in such a state?
Everything that emanates from the one afflicted with waswas (obsessive doubts/whispers) without his choice, due to the overwhelming nature of these waswas, is null and void and has no effect. Divorce (talaq), khul‘ (divorce initiated by the wife), and ẓihar (a pre-Islamic form of divorce by likening one's wife to an unmarriageable kin) from the one afflicted with waswas, or from one not afflicted, do not take effect merely by self-talk without uttering the words. Similarly, uttering words of divorce, ẓihar, or khul‘ with the intention of narration or discussion does not constitute a divorce. It is advised to ignore these waswas, seek Allah's help, and supplicate to be rid of them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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