Talaq Services: Compassionate, Confidential and Empowering.
Our Talaq services are grounded in Sharia principles, yet fully attuned to the complexities of modern life. We are committed to offering compassionate emotional support, guiding you towards well-informed decisions, and empowering you to move forward positively. Throughout this journey, we assure the utmost respect for your privacy.
About Us
We are the first specialised centre of marital affairs in the North East of England offering a holistic approach to spiritual and personal well-being, seamlessly blending time-honoured Islamic teachings with contemporary understanding.
Amana
We honour the Islamic principle of Amana, ensuring utmost confidentiality and privacy across all our services, safeguarding your trust with integrity.
Fantastic Customer Service
With unparalleled customer service and profound expertise, we guide individuals with a harmonious blend of traditional wisdom and modern insights, ensuring an authentic and resonant spiritual path.
Independent
Our independence stands out; unaffiliated with external organisations and without government funding, our service fees sustain our excellence.
Understanding Talaq
Guidance for Those Contemplating Divorce
In Islam, Talaq is not a decision made lightly. It is a right that carries with it significant responsibilities and conditions, ensuring that the process is carried out with justice and in accordance with Islamic principles.
Divine Guidance
The Quran provides direction, “And if you fear a breach between them, appoint an arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her people” (Quran 4:35), advocating for mediation as a primary recourse.
Prophetic Insight
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advises patience, “The most perfect of believers in faith are those best in character, and the best of you are those best to their wives” (Tirmidhi), urging a reflective approach to marital challenges.
Emotional Well-being
Psychology underscores the emotional complexities of divorce. Approaching this decision with support can help manage the stress and potential mental health impact. You might want to consider our Life Coaching services.
Economic Considerations
Financial stability is a key aspect of Talaq. The economic implications for both parties are significant and should be approached with due diligence and fairness.
Health Impact
Acknowledging the stress of Talaq, the Quran promotes kindness, “And treat them kindly” (Quran 4:19), as a means to safeguard health during times of marital strife.
Societal Harmony
The communal impact of divorce is significant. Talaq carried out in accordance with Islamic principles promotes social harmony and sets a precedent for compassionate resolution.
Types of Talaq in Islamic Sharia
Talaq al-Sunnah
Reflecting the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings, this type involves a single, clear pronouncement of divorce during the wife’s period of purity, followed by the ‘iddah.
Talaq al-Bid'ah
Contrary to the Sunnah, this Talaq involves a deviation in the procedure, often executed hastily. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against this practice, as it undermines the due process outlined in Islamic teachings (Ibn Majah).
Revocable Talaq (Talaq Raj'i)
This type of Talaq allows for the possibility of reconciliation within the ‘iddah period without the need for a new marriage contract (nikah).
Irrevocable Talaq (Talaq Ba'in)
Irrevocable Talaq occurs after the third pronouncement or when it is stipulated as irrevocable from the outset. In such cases, the couple cannot remarry unless the woman marries another man, and that subsequent marriage is consummated and then legitimately ended.
Talaq
This can be initiated by the husband only. But be careful, whether Talaq is conducted according to the Sunnah or as Bid’ah, it is recognised in Sharia as a legitimate, albeit serious, step towards marital dissolution.
Fault-Based Talaq (Talaq Adarrar)
Fault-based Talaq can be initiated by the husband or the wife and it occurs for serious reasons such as abuse or infidelity. The Quran outlines the procedure for addressing marital discord: “And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people…” (Quran 4:35).
Talaq al-Khul'
This is initiated by the wife, typically without citing any reason. She would not get any of her financial rights and the husband is within his rights to request up to the Mahr value as a compensation.
Talaq al-Faskh (Annulment)
Faskh, it is the annulment of the marriage contract and dissolution of the marital bond completely, as if it never happened, and this can only be done using the verdict of a shar‘i ruling.
How does it work?
At the Islamic Centre of Newcastle, we facilitate two specific Talaq processes:
Shahadt Talaq
The issuance of Shahadt Talaq (Certificate of Divorce) for completed Talaqs initiated by husbands,
Khul'
The processing of Khul’ requests initiated by wives.
Talaq Application Process
A 15-minute complimentary call to understand the wife’s situation and determine if the centre can assist.
The spouse applies for the Talaq, submit the relevant documents, pays the required fees to initiate the process and book a meeting with the Imam to discuss the application in depth.
Imam meets the applicant to understand their position and decision better. Our Imam personally meets each applicant, ensuring a deep understanding and supportive approach in this crucial step towards resolution.
The spouse is informed of the proceedings and invited to present their side within one week, with a possibility for an extension upon discussion with the Imam.
- If unchallenged, the board approves the Talaq’ and issues the certificate
- If contested, the committee reviews his reasons, discussing them with both parties.
A second notification is sent if the husband does not respond, granting an additional week.
- In the case of Khula’ the husband can only claim up the value of the Mahr.
- When there are financial issues between the applicant and the spouse the board will try to help with mediation.
- The board will not tolerate abusive, bullying or evasive attidue.
If there’s still no response, the Imam sets a date for issuing the Talaq and informs the husband, offering a final chance to respond.
The board proceeds as per the spouse final response, either issuing the certificate or discussing contested claims as before.
Managing Talaq with Care & Dignity
In the context of modern society’s trials, the incidence of divorce accentuates the enduring wisdom encapsulated within the Quran and Sunnah, guiding Muslims through the tribulations of Talaq. Allah instructs with compassion, “And treat them kindly” (Quran 4:19), not solely as a moral edict but as counsel that also bears implications for health through the exercise of patience and kindness in marital discord.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied this ethos, teaching that gentleness should permeate even the most challenging circumstances, as evidenced by the Hadith, “The best among you are those who are best to their wives” (Ibn Majah). This tenet supports both spiritual and physical well-being.
The psychological stress associated with divorce is well-documented to have harmful effects on health, potentially exacerbating conditions such as hypertension and mental health disorders. The Islamic prescription of patience and fairness during Talaq can substantially alleviate this stress. As echoed in the Sunnah, maintaining composure and respect in interactions serves as a religious duty and a bulwark for mental and physical health.
Health research corroborates that the adverse health outcomes often associated with divorce are magnified by contentious proceedings and interpersonal conflict. Conversely, methodologies that promote mutual respect and peaceful resolution, in line with Islamic teachings, are associated with improved health prospects. Social science literature supports this, linking cooperative divorce processes with reduced stress levels and better health outcomes (Amato, 2000; Journal of Health and Social Behaviour).
A comprehensive viewpoint emerges in synthesising the economic and health dimensions with the guidance of Islamic Sharia. It is through this multifaceted perspective that Muslims are counselled to manage the complexities of Talaq, ensuring adherence to Sharia while also protecting their health and communal well-being.
Ibn Bahjat
Why an Imam
Counsellor?
Strengthen your islamic bonds, resolve faith conflicts, and deepen understanding with our tailored sessions. Rooted in Islamic principles, our expert guidance ensures harmonious marital relationships. Experience the transformative benefits of our compassionate approach. Choose us for a holistic approach to marital harmony
Safe Space
We prioritise creating a safe space for counselling, ensuring confidentiality, understanding, and non-judgmental support, fostering trust and open dialogue for effective healing and growth.
Harmony
Our counselling services are dedicated to fostering harmony within relationships. Through understanding and communication, rooted in Islamic principles, we guide couples towards lasting marital peace and unity.
Respect
Our counselling emphasises the importance of mutual respect between spouses. Through tailored guidance, we help couples cultivate understanding and uphold Islamic values of respect in marriage
Frequent Asked Questions
Have questions about the services we offer at the Islamic Centre of Newcastle? For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the answers you’re looking for. If you can’t find the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
What are the qualifications of the Imam?
The Imam at the Islamic Centre of Newcastle, Richard ibn Bahajt, has a strong background in both academic and professional fields. He received his main religious training from the respected Zad Academy of Saudi Arabia, deepening his knowledge of Islamic teachings. Additionally, he is a qualified marriage counsellor from Egypt, ensuring his expertise in marital guidance. Since 2016, he has been serving the Newcastle upon Tyne community, offering spiritual guidance and drawing from his significant experience in marriage counselling. His diverse life experiences further enhance his role as a life coach. For added trust, he has undergone a DBS check, ensuring a safe environment for all consultations.
What do I do if my partner/spouse is not welling to attend the counselling session with me?
If your spouse is unwilling to attend, individual counselling is an option to explore personal issues.
Does it have to be in person, can you do it online?
Both options are available, offering flexibility to suit your needs.
Why your services are not free?
We are a self-funded centre. This enables us to be independent and provide impartial advice and guidance and motivates us at the centre to provide high-quality services and fantastic customer service.
How much does it cost?
Each session lasts for 45 minutes and costs £50. You have the option to schedule up to two sessions in a single visit
Do you offer free sessions?
We offer an initial 15 minutes consultation session free of charge. Click here to book it now.
What is the difference between counselling and life coaching?
Counselling focuses on emotional well-being and coping strategies, whereas life coaching is action-oriented, aiming for specific goals.
What is the success rate?
Our overall success rate is genuinely 93%, but individual results may vary.
What happens if I cancel my session?
A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations, otherwise no refund is issued.
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