Does a divorce written in a mobile text message, with the intention of frightening and not divorcing, without uttering it, and occurring in a state of anger, take effect? And what is the Shar'i ruling regarding the number of divorces if it takes effect?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Writing a divorce by way of a metaphorical expression (kinayah) does not effect a divorce unless the husband intends it. So, if you did not intend to effect a divorce, but rather intended to threaten, then nothing is binding upon you. However, if you did intend it, then the ruling reverts to your intention:
If you intended to effect a triple divorce, then it counts as three divorces, and your wife becomes unlawful for you until she marries another husband in a valid marriage.
If, by your multiple expressions, you intended only to confirm the first divorce, then only one divorce occurs.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 101131
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy