About the Family Affairs Council
The FAC was set up specifically to assist members of the Muslim community with decisions and advice on family-related affairs, inheritance, talaq proceedings, and so on.
The FAC is composed of a team of well-educated individuals, deeply versed in the matter of Shari’ah rulings on family, Fiqh, marital affairs, and so on.
Their goal is to provide guidance and assistance.
General Advice & Counselling
Pre-marriage Advice & Couple Consolidation
Marital Disputes & Mediation
Divorce (talaq, khula. faskh, etc.)
General Advice & Counselling
Whether you are looking for simple advice, a fatwa, or even just an Islamic point of view regarding a pertinent event or issue, the Dar Al-Hikmah is here to assist you.
Seeking advice is highly encouraged in Islam. Good advice will help Muslim clarify the dilemma they are currently in, as well as understand the Islamic way of things or interpretations, especially if the person who needs the advice does not have the means or the tools required to make a wise decision.
Allah says in the noble Qur’an:
مَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِي إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.” [Surah an-Nahl: 43]
Pre-marriage Counselling, Couples Counselling
Nikah is one of the most important contracts between a man and wife. Future spouses or couples are most welcome to drop by the office to discuss any issues, concerns, or questions they may have.
Counselling can significantly improve the relationship between spouses, remove roadblocks, restore trust between spouses, reach an agreement between all parties involved and improve communication skills.
The Dar Al-Hikmah has provided valuable advice to couples for over 20 years.
Marital Disputes, Mediation & Couple Consolidation
Should any marital disputes arise between the couples, the DAH is here to bring both sides to a common ground. All settlements are based on Islamic rulings and principles.
While it is perfectly normal for disagreements to occur from time to time, sometimes couples can no longer reach a consensus. In this case, they may bring their issue to a counsellor or an impartial advisor to help them reach an agreement.
All About Talaq, Khula' and Faskh
Islam has given both men and women the right to divorce. However, divorce should not be taken lightly. As such, there are several procedures and rules regarding the separation of two spouses.
Allah I says in the Qur’an:
“Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah – it is those who are the wrongdoers.” [Al-Baqarah: 229]
The differences between talaq, khula and faskh
Talaq is when a husband divorces the wife of his own volition.
Khula is when the wife initiates divorce proceedings, and the husband consents to give talaq. In this event, the wife must give the mahr (dowry) back to the husband.
Faskh is when a wife reaches out to a council when a husband vehemently refuses to give talaq.
Regarding DAH proceedings for faskh:
Kindly note that the proceedings for faskh will take at least a few months. Attempts will be made to contact the husband for reconciliation.
However, the last resort, after all the attempts and procedures have been completed without any success, the board will then issue the faskh, dissolving the marriage.
Proof of the dissolution of the nikah will be provided within two weeks.
Where required, the DAH may refer an applicant to an attorney for legal matters, especially in child custody cases or civil marriages.
N.B.: At no moment and under no circumstances will the Family Affairs Council rush a request for faskh to dissolve a marriage within a few days or weeks.
Each case is unique and will be reviewed independently. Depending on the communication frequency with both parties, the faskh procedure may last anywhere between three months to a year.
Administration Fee
Consultations are generally free of charge. However, kindly note that for divorce/faskh cases, there is an administration fee (which is instantly waived for those who don’t have the means).
The administration fee allows the DAH to run its office smoothly (paperwork, postage, cost of fuel of FAC board members, telecom costs, etc.) and cater to the needs of applicants in a timely and professional manner.
To file for a faskh, you will need to bring the following documents:
- A copy of your ID and that of your spouse,
- Proof of Address,
- Proof of Nikah/Marriage (Civil Marriage Certificate, Nikah Certificate issued by masjid, or any relevant documents from the Muslim Family Council),
- Children’s Birth Certificates, if available,
- OB number if a police case has been filed.