SHAH ALAM, Feb 8 — When a marriage begins to be plagued by conflict, divorce often emerges as a last resort, even though the decision is not required to go through counselling or mediation sessions beforehand.
However, taking time to pause and think more calmly is strongly encouraged so that decisions are not made in emotional turmoil before a major step is taken.
In fact, Islamic religious offices provide free counselling services, conducted by trained officers who help couples reassess their options.
There are also couples who seek support on social media. Yet opinions from netizens, often driven by momentary sympathy, are frequently biased and fail to understand the full context of the situation.
Decisions shaped by emotional support in the virtual space not only risk being unjust to one party but may also overlook the long-term impact on children, who are often affected silently.
"Counselling helps to alleviate emotions, provide views, and ensure that any decision regarding divorce is made properly, in good order, and in compliance with Syariah law.
“Many couples come with the intention of divorcing, but after counselling sessions, some realise that the decision was made in an emotional state,” said the Petaling District Islamic Religious Office's Family Law Unit head Ustaz Norfahmi Muhamad Zazli during the 'Bicara Semasa' programme produced by Media Selangor.
Explaining the counselling process, he said they would summon both parties to clarify the causes of the conflict before granting a specific period to observe changes and reconciliation efforts.
“Usually, the period is around three months, depending on mutual agreement. After that, the couple will be called again to determine whether they wish to continue the marriage or otherwise," Norfahmi said.
Around 60 per cent of couples are successfully reconciled by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), involving marriages that have lasted more than 10 years.
Religious offices and the Syariah Court are the authorised bodies that validate divorces among Muslims, rather than individuals or unauthorised external parties.
He also reminded the public that divorces conducted outside the court, including via WhatsApp, voice messages, or pronouncements made at home, constitute an offence and may be subject to penalties.
“Syariah judges will not allow divorce pronouncements to be made arbitrarily. Instead, claims are assessed to ensure they comply with regulations and Islamic law.
“Only a Syariah judge has the authority to validate a pronouncement of talaq, and failure to register a divorce may lead to risks such as accumulated talaq, confusion over reconciliation status, and issues concerning a child’s lineage,” Norfahmi said.
Divorce among young couples on the rise
Divorce cases in Selangor show an upward trend each year, with the majority involving young couples and marriages of less than five years’ duration.
Among the factors identified are emotional issues, unrealistic expectations of marriage, financial problems, poor communication, and single-life habits carried into married life.
“Young couples today are no longer afraid of being labelled a divorcee. Moreover, many women now have their own income, sometimes even higher than that of men,” he said.
JAIS' Family Law Division operates in nine Selangor districts, with matters relating to marriage, divorce, and reconciliation (NCR) forming the core services of religious offices.
“NCR registrars are responsible for monitoring records of marriages, divorces, and reconciliations, and religious offices operate every working day except Saturdays and Sundays," Norfahmi said.
JAIS also implements family awareness programmes, the Reconciliation Committee (JKP), and post-marriage classes specifically for couples with case records at religious offices.
All NCR matters in Selangor are now conducted through the Malaysian Islamic Marriage Management System (SPIM), developed by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) and used in nine states.
“With this system, processes are easier and faster, and record monitoring can be carried out in an integrated manner without relying on physical documents,” he said.
