Question
(#267)
Country : New Zealand
Assalamalaikum, I have separated from my ex-wife for 2 years now. X conducted our Nikah ceremony in Auckland but he has informed me that he doesn’t do divorces. We did fill out some paperwork for the islamic marriage at the time and i am not sure where that is now. My question is how do I go about getting an islamic divorce? I live in Christchurch and she has moved up to Wellington and we have gone through lawyers to finalise separation regarding property.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding the method of divorce in Islam, our response is as follows:
If every effort at reconciliation has been made and separation is the only remaining option, then the following outlines the procedure for issuing a divorce.
To issue a revocable divorce, a husband may pronounce it clearly by saying to his wife, “I divorce you.” Once these explicit words are spoken, one revocable divorce comes into effect.
For a woman who menstruates, the marriage (Nikah) will formally end after the completion of three menstrual cycles. During this waiting period (Iddah), if the husband withdraws the divorce—either verbally or by resuming marital relations—the divorce is retracts and the Nikah continues as before.
This may also be put in writing, signed by witnesses, and then delivered to your wife. It is important to note that if the divorce is written while your wife is present, it will not take effect; rather, it must be written in her absence for it to be valid.
If you require further clarification then please get in contact with us.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
13th Ramadan 1447
4th March 2026