The thing which is lawful but disliked by God is divorce.
A husband may divorce his wife without any misbehaviour on her part, or without assigning any cause.
There is an irregular form of divorce in which the husband repudiates his wife by three sentences, either express or metaphorical, as for example: “Thou art divorced! Thou art divorced! Thou art divorced!” The Mohammedan who thus divorces his wife is held in the Hidayah to violate the law, but the divorce is legal.
A sick man may divorce his wife, even though he be on his death-bed.
An agent or agents may be appointed by a husband to divorce his wife.
In addition to the will or caprice of the husband, there are also certain conditions which require a divorce.
The following are causes for divorce, but generally require to be ratified by a decree from the Qazi or judge:
1. Jubb. That is, when the husband has been by any cause deprived of his organ of generation. This condition is called majbub, and if it existed before the marriage the wife can obtain instant divorce.
2. Unnah. Impotence of either husband or wife.
3. Inequality of race or tribe.