Title: My question is regarding talaaq. Does mere utterance of the word talaaq causes divorce or should the husband have an intention of divorce while saying these words because I have heard that if a person jokingly also says "talaaq" then divorce occurs? Also if someone says "talaaq" in his mind but not verbally and in this case he intends for divorce, then does talaaq take place?

Question: Assalamualaikum, My question is regarding talaaq. Does mere utterance of the word talaaq causes divorce or should the husband have an intention of divorce while saying these words because I have heard that if a person jokingly also says "talaaq" then divorce occurs? Also if someone says "talaaq" in his mind but not verbally and in this case he intends for divorce, then does talaaq take place? Jazakallahu Khairan

Answer ID: 29443Posted on: Aug 31, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 267/267/M=1432)

If one does not pronounce the word of talaq verbally and only intends in heart, no talaq shall take place. However, if someone gives talaq to his wife in jest, the talaq takes place. In the same way, if one gives talaq by addressing the wife with the word of sarih (clear-cut) talaq or pointing out to her or attributing towards her, then too talaq takes place. There is no need of intention in sarih words.