Talaq in phases always preferred

LUCKNOW: Whether it is ''talaq'' three times in a row, or ''talaq'' in phases, the word in itself conjures up an uncomfortable image for any happily married couple. There are a few people who know that both the procedures for ''talaq'' are considered valid by Shariat. And though modern day logic and reasoning would prefer the second procedure, there are many who would stand by traditions.
"I think it is wiser to follow what ''Quran'' says.If it is three ''talaqs'' in a row then let it be," says Tajwar Beg, a housewife. Though she believes that women should have the right to seek divorce, she does not want to question the religion.
Begum Naseem Iqtedar Ali, member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, explains that the law allows for both the divorces. "Talaq-e-bidat or three ''talaqs'' at a time is not considered appropriate, but is allowed, while ''talaq-e-ahsan'', the ''talaq'' with time gap, is usually preferred.
Initially, this form was prevalent," Ali says adding that it was during the time of the second Caliph Hazrat Umar Farooq that women requested for one-time divorce as the men would abandon them for a month and then called them back, which meant they couldn''t carry on with their lives if they wished so.
"Islam is not just a religion. It is a way of life and it does not include anything that is out of the realm of intelligence," points out Sabiha Anwar, principal, Karamat Husain Muslim Girls'' P-G College. "I guess if we think practically and intelligently then ''talaq'' with time to think about the decision seems better," she avers.
"People are so stuck with rituals that they have forgotten the essence of a custom. Social laws were drafted for the people''s welfare not for their exploitation," says a housewife.
Young Muslim girls too have started considering their rights before and after the marriage. "I think it is better to have ''talaq'' in phases as you get time to think it over and it can save your family from breaking up," 21-year-old Asfa Mirza says.
Twenty-year-old Masharrat Jahan, who also teaches Urdu to supplement her family''s income, says; "If ''talaq'' is essential I guess the couple should be given enough time to think over their decision."
Meanwhile, Gazala Farooq, a marriage counsellor, feels that the matter should be decided by the court. "Usually people follow the triple ''talaq'', but we suggest them to seek the court''s intervention," he says.
Here is a proverb that Ali cites to indicate the impact of ''talaq'': "Even the skies shudder when someone even mentions the word talaq."