Telangana: Khula on rise as Talaq decreases

Hyderabad: According to the statistics of the TS Wakf Board, the number of divorces (talaq) given by Muslim men is declining in the state, while the number of khula (separation initiated by women) is increasing.

Wakf Board data showed that in 2016 it had issued 882 divorce certificates and in 2017 579 certificates and 385 last year. The khula certificates increased from 640 in 2016 to 688 in 2017 and then fell to 597 in 2018.

Khateeb Shahi Masjid Moulana Ahsan bin Mohammed Alhamoomi said in the Sharia, men and women had the right to seek separation by following certain conditions. The main reason for the rise in khula cases was that girls were better educated.

Alhamoomi stated that “Education is not an obstacle to marital life. These women are seeking separation because they feel they can live without depending on others after separation from the husband.”

One of the reasons for seeking khula was that girls lacked tolerance and were leaving the marriage on “silly grounds”. He advised parents to counsel their children about their rights and duties before marriage.

Home minister Mohd Mahmood Ali on Monday launched the e-Qazzath facility at the Wakf Board which enables applicants to apply online for certificates for marriage, divorce and Khula.