Issuing a divorce via a text message

Q: I was made to marry as soon as I turned 18 and even though I refused my family still went ahead with it. I tried my level best to make something I never wanted to work but instead gained nothing but abuse from the person I married. I received a text from him saying he is divorcing me. When asked about this he said he was joking and never really meant it however I am now wanting a divorce. My family are not agreeing to it yet I wish to go ahead and get one. As I am not registered married in the UK I don't have the legal side of paper work for the divorce to worry about. Will you just let me know how to go about my divorce the Islamic way and  if there is any paper work or form for divorce in Islam?

bismillah.jpg

A: The divorce issued via the text message is valid. 

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)