Many people, including a large number of Muslims, were unaware of what halala actually means. Thanks to political discourse—especially from parties like the BJP—this concept has gained attention, often misrepresented and misunderstood.
First and foremost, halala is not a ritual or a religious practice to be performed. It is a situation (a condition) that occurs under very specific circumstances in Islamic law.
The Real Context of Halala in Islam
Islam strictly prohibits intentionally planning a halala marriage. Knowingly arranging a temporary marriage with the aim of making a woman lawful again for her ex-husband is against the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is a punishable offense in Islamic jurisprudence.
The condition of halala is mentioned in Islam as a deterrent—to discourage men from giving divorce (talaq) impulsively. If a man divorces his wife with a final and irrevocable divorce (talaq-e-mughallaz), he is not allowed to marry her again unless:
- The woman marries someone else willingly, with the intention to remain in that marriage.
- That second marriage ends naturally—either due to divorce or the husband’s death.
Only after this can she, of her own free will, remarry her first husband.
The Abuse and Misuse of Halala
Forcing or arranging a temporary marriage solely to remarry the first husband is a grave injustice and a clear violation of Islamic principles. Shariah prescribes punishment for those who misuse this condition for personal gain or manipulation.
So if the majority of Muslims are not objecting to halala in its true, ethical form, why are others making noise about it? Perhaps they don’t fully understand it—or worse, are politicizing it.
The Real Issue: Abuse of Divorce and the Suffering of Women
The real problem lies in irresponsible use of divorce. Many women, after being divorced without valid reason, suffer emotionally, socially, and economically.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Divorce is the most disliked permissible act in the sight of Allah. When divorce occurs, even the Throne of Allah shakes.”
Unjustified divorce is a crime, and a woman in such a situation deserves justice, not humiliation through misuse of halala.
Ideally, if a man divorces his wife without cause, she should walk away with dignity, seek justice, and society should support her new life. In such cases, there is no need or justification for halala.
Why Muslim Women Suffer
Unfortunately, many Muslim women suffer after divorce because the community is often unprepared to support them emotionally or socially. The Muslim society, caught between poor understanding of Islam and lack of modern education, is failing both its women and the values of the faith itself.
The Solution: Education, Awareness, and Reform
The solution lies in educating the community, especially about women’s rights after divorce as per Islamic teachings. As long as we remain divided by politics, caste, and ignorance, true Islamic justice will remain distant.
While many Arab nations have progressed and curbed such abuses, in countries like India, Muslims are often targeted with biased laws that ignore the wisdom of the Qur’an.
For deeper understanding, one may read the translation and interpretation of:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verses 225 onward
- Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4)
Final Thoughts
Halala, as per Islam, is not a tool to manipulate relationships or a loophole to reverse divorce. It’s a natural outcome of lawful, willing marriages—not an orchestrated act.
It’s time the community reclaims its values, supports women, and upholds justice—not just in name but in practice.