Question:  A husband sent his wife a message via WhatsApp stating: “I am divorcing you”.  Is the divorce valid and applicable?

Answer: It is not necessary for a husband to verbally utter divorce.  Talaaq issued via a WhatsApp message will be valid and applicable.  The Talaaq becomes applicable as soon as the husband types the message, and iddah(the waiting period) will start immediately. 

Notwithstanding the above,   it is sad that the husband has chosen such a reckless way to terminate the marriage.  Marriage is undoubtedly among the greatest bounties of Allah.  Terminating a marriage is considered to be ‘the most reprehensible,  of all permissible things’.  If a marriage has reached breakage point, it should be ended amicably, observing etiquette and decorum.

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