What is the ruling on the divorce of one suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (waswās) when he utters the words of divorce, knowing that he swears oaths over matters in which he has no free will? And does his divorce take effect if he violates the oaths he made without his own free will?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Divorce does not occur by mere intention or self-talk. If you uttered it due to obsessive thoughts (waswasah) and not by choice, then it does not occur. If you doubt whether you uttered the divorce due to obsessive thoughts or by choice, then disregard the doubt, as divorce does not occur by doubt, and the default is the continuation of the marriage. Turn away from these obsessive thoughts, consult a psychiatrist, seek Allah's help, and make abundant supplications.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/132856
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 132856
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy