THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumul Arbaà, 29th day of Jumaadal Aakhir 1440, (Wednesday, 6th March, 2019). PROCESS OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Yes we all know Divorce is permitted in Islam but as a last resort if it is not just possible to continue the marriage. Certain steps need to be taken to ensure that all options have been exhausted and both parties are treated with respect, kindness and justice. Marriage life in Islam should be filled with mercy, compassion, and tranquility. Marriage is a great act of worship. Each partner in the marriage has certain rights and responsibilities, which are to be fulfilled in a loving way in the best interests of the family. Today in our so called modern society, we use the word divorce so easily and carelessly due to most times anger then pride and arrogance which is haraam in ISLAM. When a marriage is in danger, couples are advised to pursue all possible remedies to rebuild the relationship. Divorce is allowed as a last option, but it is discouraged and I'm sure everyone knows that but today it becomes the first option after little misunderstanding. The first step a couple should make is to really search their hearts, evaluate the relationship, and try to reconcile. All marriages have ups and downs, and this decision should not be arrived at easily. Ask yourself, "Have I really tried everything else?" Evaluate your own needs and weaknesses; think through the consequences. Try to remember the good things about your spouse, and find forgiveness, patience in your heart for minor annoyances. Communicate with your spouse about your feelings, fears, and needs. During this step, the assistance of a neutral Islamic counselor may be helpful for some people. If, after thoroughly evaluating your marriage, you find that there is no other option than divorce, there is no shame in proceeding to the next step. ALLAH allowed divorce as an option because sometimes it is truly the best interest of all concerned. Nobody needs to remain in a situation that causes personal distress, pain, and suffering. In such cases, it is more merciful that you each go your separate ways, peacefully and amicably so that ALLAH can bless each of you as HE promised in the Quran. We will continue on this topic tomorrow as to the steps into a peaceful and amicable divorce which must involve family elders exactly as the marriage started. May ALLAH (Al-Qayyuum, the Maintainer of life) keep blessing our marriages and protect our marriages from any satanic influences. Aameen.