ceremonies

Divorce

Faiths treat the end of a marriage very differently, from a regulated process to something not allowed at all.

Islam

Talaq, khul' and iddah

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happens

A husband may pronounce talaq, followed by a waiting period (iddah) of about three menstrual cycles in which the couple may reconcile. A wife may seek khul' (returning the mahr) or ask a judge to end the marriage. Arbitrators from both families should try to reconcile first.

why

Divorce is allowed but disliked: a last resort, done with fairness and kindness, with protection for the wife and children.

origins

Qur'an 2:228–232, 4:35 and 65:1–2; khul' in Qur'an 2:229 and the case of Thabit ibn Qays's wife (Bukhari 5273).

Christianity

Divorce and annulment

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happens

The Catholic Church does not allow divorce but may declare a marriage was never valid (annulment). Orthodox churches allow remarriage in some cases. Most Protestant churches accept divorce and remarriage, with pastoral care.

why

Marriage is meant to be lifelong; churches differ on how to respond when it breaks down.

origins

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6); the exception in Matthew 19:9.

Judaism

The get

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happens

A Jewish divorce is made by a document, the get, given by the husband to the wife before a rabbinical court (beit din). Without it, a religious remarriage is not possible.

why

Marriage is a covenant, so its ending also needs a formal, written act.

origins

Deuteronomy 24:1–4. Modern rabbis and prenuptial agreements work to protect women whose husbands refuse a get.

Hinduism

Civil divorce

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happens

Traditionally marriage was seen as a sacrament that could not be undone. In India, divorce became legally possible for Hindus under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955; it is a civil matter, without a religious ceremony.

why

The ideal is lifelong partnership; modern law recognises when that is no longer possible.

origins

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (India). Some communities had customary forms of separation long before.

Buddhism

A civil matter

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happens

There is no religious rule against divorce; it is handled by civil law and families, ideally with as little harm as possible.

why

Avoiding harm and suffering matters more than the form of the marriage.

origins

Buddhist teaching on intention and non-harm; national laws differ.

Sikhism

Discouraged; civil law

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happens

There is no religious divorce ceremony. Marriage is meant for life, and families and the community help couples reconcile; when that fails, divorce is a civil matter.

why

The Anand Karaj is a spiritual union.

origins

The Sikh Rehat Maryada.

customs

Waiting periods

Islam's iddah and similar customs give time for reconciliation and make clear whether the wife is expecting a child.

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regional

pending

culture

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