The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah has forgiven my followers the evil thoughts that occur to their minds, as long as such thoughts are not put into action or uttered." And Qatada said, "If someone divorces his wife just in his mind, such an unuttered divorce has no effect.:
Commentary on Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 5269
This noble hadith from the Book of Divorce in Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding Allah's mercy and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. The Prophet (ﷺ) informs us that Allah, in His infinite mercy, does not hold accountable the passing evil thoughts that cross a believer's mind, provided they remain thoughts and are not translated into speech or action.
Scholarly Explanation of Unuttered Divorce
The statement of Qatada, the renowned tabi'i scholar, clarifies an important legal principle: mere thoughts of divorce, without verbal expression or written documentation, carry no legal weight in Islamic law. This is based on the fundamental principle that matters of the heart are known only to Allah and do not constitute legal acts.
Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explain that this ruling protects Muslims from the burden of being accountable for every fleeting thought, which is beyond human control. The shari'ah only concerns itself with what is manifested through speech or action, as these are within human control and constitute actual choices.
Juridical Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that for divorce to be legally effective, it must be uttered verbally, written, or indicated through clear signs understood as divorce. Mere intention in the heart, without outward expression, does not constitute a valid divorce according to the consensus of classical scholars.
The wisdom behind this ruling is to prevent Muslims from falling into unnecessary hardship due to passing thoughts or moments of anger. It also emphasizes that Islamic law deals with manifest reality rather than hidden intentions, except where specific evidence indicates otherwise.