Q: My father introduced me to a potential spouse. We talked on the phone and through texting got to know each other better. We feel we are very compatible. He mentioned to me in his talks that he had been married about 9 years ago. He was 23 and she was 56 years old. Now he is 32 and she is 65 years old. The marriage lasted for about 2 years. He told me the reasons for the marriage and why it ended. He showed me all his documents and assured me that I could ask all the questions and that they would be answered. He is of good character and he has wants to become a hafiz In Sha Allah. He has memorized the 30th juz and surahs such as Surah Mulk, Surah Yaseen, etc. He has told me only about him being divorced as in our culture a Muslim divorced person is viewed as such a taboo. He had sure that I be aware of his divorce as I would be the one becoming his spouse. Is it necessary for him to tell my parents before getting the married to me, knowing that they will reject him based on being a divorced person?
A: It is not a shar`ee requirement. This type of customs (not getting married to a divorced man) are customs of ignorance which need to be abandoned.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by: