Live together Honourably
or Separate Kindly

Be it in situations of unity or differences, it is incumbent upon people to maintain the code of ethics. They should live together honourably or separate kindly.

At times of differences between husband and wife what action should they take? The Quran says specifically: “Divorce may be pronounced twice, and then a woman must be retained honourably or released with kindness.” (2:229) This verse in its basic sense applies to a husband and wife. But it has a vaster application. This verse tells us, in fact, that the moral and ethical spirit of Islam relates to all human matters or relations.

In social life it regularly happens that certain matters involve dealings between two or more people. For instance, travelling together, running an institute together, conducting business together, and so on. In all such ventures either for a limited period of time or a longer period of time, two or more individuals come to work together. Sometimes it happens that in the initial stage two persons come together for a longer period of time. But later such a situation arises in which their mutual relations become strained.

In such matters both parties should observe the Islamic principle regarding living together. That is, either they live together honourably or they separate from each other kindly.

When two people come together for a purpose, Islam gives them the command that, in all situations they must maintain their unity. For both the parties involved in any matter, Islam also gives the command that it is incumbent upon them that in both, unity or difference, they do not forsake their code of ethics. Neither of them has the right, after the relationship no longer exists, to vilify the other, or begin actively accusing him of wrongdoing.