Ruling If a Man Divorces His Wife in His Heart

It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Surely Allah Almighty has forgiven the thoughts of my ummah's hearts as long as they do not speak about them or act upon their demands.

Hazrat Ibn Sirin says that giving divorce in the heart is nothing. Ibn Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him) used to say that if he is not asked about it, it is a better thing.

19045 - Ibn Sirin said: If he had not asked, it would have been more beloved to me] (1).

Hazrat Ismail bin Adam (may Allah have mercy on him) says that I asked Muhammad bin Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him) if a person gives divorce to his wife in his heart, what is the ruling? He replied that a statement made in the heart has no validity.

The same is narrated from Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair (may Allah have mercy on him).

Hazrat Jabir bin Zaid (may Allah have mercy on him) and Hazrat Ata (may Allah have mercy on him) say that a divorce given in the heart has no validity.

19049 - From Sufyan, from Ibn Jurayj, from Ata’ (they both said): It is nothing.

It is similarly narrated from Hazrat Jabir bin Zaid, may Allah have mercy on him.

19051 - (W) (1) (From) (2) Amr from Jabir ibn Zayd in a similar manner.

Hazrat Aamir says that if divorce or emancipation is given in the heart, it has no validity.