Is it sunnah to marry a divorced woman? A lot of Muslim men often ask this question when they plan to marry a divorcee or a widowed woman. Well, here’s the truth- Marrying is considered sunnah and so is marrying a divorcee. It is also permissible even if the woman has children. In this article, we are going to look into this matter in detail.
Is it Sunnah to Marry a Divorcee?
If a person has married a divorced woman, he has not made a wrong decision. The Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions mostly married divorced and widowed women, which means it is sunnah to marry previously married women.
Just because a woman went through a divorce doesn’t mean that she is an unpleasant person. For some reason or another, she couldn’t put up with her husband, which is why they ended up with a divorce. Even in many cases, the woman is innocent. A divorced woman should not be judged by her past, rather her character, conduct, and religious commitment should be key points to check.
If you want to help a divorced woman by marrying her, Allah will reward you abundantly. And if she has children from the previous marriage, and you take care of them as your own, you will be fulfilling a sunnah. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person, is like a warrior fighting for Allah’s Cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all the night.”
Disadvantages of Marrying a Divorced Woman
Divorce can be traumatic for any person who experienced it. If you want to marry a divorced woman, you are helping her, but at the same time, you might have to face some drawbacks.
1. Mood Swings
It is natural for a woman to experience mood swings after a divorce. These emotions of anger, sadness, or resentment can affect the relationship between you and her. It is not straightforward to heal from the lingering feelings towards someone, so you’ll need to be patient and give her some time. It is your duty as a husband to cheer her up and stay by her side.
2. Financial Issues
When marrying a divorced woman, you might have to deal with accumulated debts from her previous marriage, such as mortgage loans and credit card bills. If she has a child, then you might also have to pay for child support.
If you don’t want to deal with someone else’s debt, it is crucial that you discuss about it with your partner before getting married. Doing so will prevent you from the burden of paying any outstanding debts. And if you don’t mind paying, then you should ask her about all the outstanding debts to avoid surprises later on.
3. Co-Parenting Issues
If your spouse has a child, you might find it difficult to balance the needs of her child and yours. This is mainly because you and your spouse have different approaches to parenting. In that case, you will need to communicate with your spouse for mutual understanding.
Also, if there are any unresolved issues between your wife and her ex-husband, it is a good idea to set up meetings involving the three of you. The aim is to make a settlement that supports everyone’s needs.
4. Social Stigma
Unfortunately, society still considers divorce as a shameful act and so they look down on divorced women. People refuse to understand what the person has been through and deem them incapable of maintaining a relationship in the long term. Instead of admiring them, they tend to make derogatory comments.
Therefore, when you marry a divorcee, your friends, relatives, and acquaintances might be under the impression that she is an undesirable person.
FAQ
1. Is It Allowed to Marry a Divorced Woman in Islam?
Marriage with a divorced woman is permitted in Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions mostly married divorcees and widows, so it is sunnah.
2. Can a Woman Marry Again After Divorce in Islam?
A woman cannot marry immediately after divorcing her husband. She will have to wait for three months which is known as iddah. During this period, she should refrain herself from marrying another man or having intercourse. If she is pregnant, then the iddah will end on the day her child is born.
Final Thoughts
So, is it sunnah to marry a divorced woman? As you’ve found the answer already, you might feel a sense of relief from the doubt. If you have met a divorcee and want to help her through marriage, even after knowing the potential drawbacks, you will surely be rewarded by Allah.
