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He said: “If I get another job I shall issue a divorce,” then he fell silent, then he said: “to the company”

16-02-2010

Question 113422

My friend and I work for a company, and we sat and chatted about leaving this job because the salary is low, and I said to my friend: “If I get another job I shall issue a divorce,” then I kept quiet for a few seconds, then I said, “to the company,” (even though the intention was about the company) because before I got married we used to say that we were married to the company, as a joke. What is the ruling on the word of divorce in this case and what is the solution if it is valid?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

What you mentioned about your saying, “If I get a job I shall issue a divorce,” when what you meant was leaving the company, then you completed the sentence after being quiet for a few seconds, does not count as a divorce, because the wife was not meant by these words. 

This phrase, “If I get a job I shall issue a divorce,” does not count as a divorce of your wife, even if you intended to divorce her; rather it is simply telling of what you have decided to do in the future, and that does not count as a divorce. 

You should avoid using the word of divorce (talaaq), whether you are serious or joking, with your wife and with others, because this is safer. 

And Allah knows best.

Divorce
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