Explanation of The Book of Divorce By Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymin Book 2

The second volume of Shaykh al-Uthaymin's explanation of the Book of Divorce continues from where the first volume left off, addressing the more complex rulings that arise within the framework of talaq — including zihar, ila', khul', and the conditions that govern each.

Explanation of the Book of Divorce — Book 2 maintains the same methodology as the first volume: each ruling is established from Qur'an or authentic Sunnah, the reasoning is explained, and the positions of the scholars on contested points are presented clearly.

What This Book Covers

Zihar

Zihar is the pre-Islamic practice of a man likening his wife to a woman permanently unlawful to him — a form of repudiation the Qur'an explicitly addresses and prohibits. The book covers its definition, the expiation (kaffara) it requires before the couple may resume marital relations, and the detailed rulings of that expiation.

Ila' (Oath of Abstention)

Ila' refers to a husband's oath to abstain from his wife for a period. Shaykh al-Uthaymin covers its conditions, the waiting period it triggers, and what happens if the husband does not return to his wife — including the right of the wife and the intervention of the court.

Khul' (Divorce Initiated by the Wife)

Khul' is the wife's right to initiate separation by returning the mahr or agreed compensation to her husband. This section covers the conditions under which khul' is valid, whether a judge is required, what the woman may and may not be required to return, and the effect of khul' on the iddah and any right of return.

About the Author

Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymin (1925–2001) was one of the foremost scholars of the twentieth century and a member of the Senior Scholars Council of Saudi Arabia. His fiqh commentaries are known for their clarity, evidential grounding, and practical application. Published by Maktabatul-Irshad Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Anyone seeking clarity on zihar, ila', or khul' — either facing one of these situations personally or studying Islamic family law. Part of the complete three-volume set; best read alongside Books 1 and 3.