Coffee with the Prophet by Mark A. Gabriel

Author:Mark A. Gabriel [Gabriel, Mark A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gabriel Publishing
Published: 2008-10-31T16:00:00+00:00

Dr. Abdu checked his watch. “The time has gone by so quickly. This will be our last question.” He drew a deep breath before he read from the card in his hand: “What happens if a Muslim woman wants a divorce but her husband doesn’t?”

I was impressed that Dr. Abdu had the courage to ask this question. He supported the new Egyptian law that gave women more rights of divorce. However, Al-Azhar had always taught that men had the ultimate decision regarding a divorce except for a few specific conditions. Based on Sheikh Ahmed’s attitude in my class, I knew he would put down this question quickly.

Sheikh Ahmed did not hesitate. “I welcome this question. Islamic law says the right of divorce belongs to a man. But he must treat her decently, even in the midst of a divorce because ‘men are the protectors and maintainers of women’ (Surahs 4:34; 65:1). On the other hand, the woman can only ask for a divorce (al-khula) under specific conditions. These are if her husband leaves Islam or he becomes disabled so that he cannot be a husband and father, like being in a coma.

“A wife cannot ask for a divorce just because her husband is taking a second wife, or a third wife or a fourth wife. Allah gave man the right to have up to four wives at the same time, as it says in the Quran: ‘Marry (other) women of your choice, two, or three, or four’ (Surah 4:3).

“A wife cannot ask for a divorce because her husband disciplines her. The Quran says, ‘As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance)’ (Surah 4:34). You can debate about what it means to beat lightly, but the point of the revelation is clear: the husband has the authority to take the necessary steps to make sure his wife does her duties.

“But here is the real issue behind the new divorce laws: Who is worshiping Allah, and who is worshiping human leaders? When you obey a law, you are worshiping the one who made the law. So if you obey the law of Allah, you are worshiping Allah. If you obey the law of a secular government, then you are worshiping man.”

A murmur of surprise went through Dr. Abdu’s class. Just as he had done in my class, Sheikh Ahmed had directly challenged the Egyptian government for contradicting Islamic law. I could see the students whispering to each other. My friend was taken aback. “Thank you, Sheikh Ahmed,” he stammered. “We appreciate your fresh perspective from your point of view.”

He’s going to hear from the head of his department too, I thought.

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