Why did the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) advise a man to divorce at his father’s wish?

A father may only suggest such a separation for a serious reason, for instance a lack of faith or morals, because future generations are affected too. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) knew the people involved, and his advice can only be understood in this light, not as a licence for parents’ personal dislike.

At first glance this report seems harsh. A man loves his wife, and yet he is advised to separate from her at his father’s wish. But it must not be turned into a general rule that parents decide over their children’s marriages. The report itself gives no reason. It can only be understood in the light of the rest of the teaching.

In choosing a spouse, Islam puts faith and character first, as the second hadith above shows. When faith and morals are missing in a marriage, it is not only the couple who suffer. The children, and often several generations after them, bear the consequences. Set against this, personal feelings sometimes have to give way.

For such serious reasons, and only for them, may a father suggest a separation to his son. Dislike, pride or quarrels over trifles are not such a reason. A father who tried to break up a marriage on a mere whim would himself be doing wrong.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) knew the people involved personally, the son, the father and probably the wife as well. He knew things about their situation that are hidden from us today. Anyone who knows his teaching on marriage can only understand his advice to mean that such a serious reason existed. At the same time the report shows how highly Islam regards the voice of parents when they speak out of concern for the faith of the family.