1
PhD student, Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Islamic Sciences, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran
Verse 2 of Surah Al-Ṭalāq, commanding witnessing by two just witnesses, is a key legal verse in family jurisprudence, sparking fundamental differences between Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah. This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach, investigates whether witnessing is a condition for the validity of divorce and revocation. Imamiyyah jurisprudence, relying on the verse’s apparent meaning, the Surah’s context on proper divorce procedures, and narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt, deems witnessing obligatory and essential for divorce’s validity, but strongly recommended for revocation to ease reconciliation. Conversely, Ahl al-Sunnah, drawing on textual proximity, analogy with witnessing in sales, and practical reports, views the command as recommendatory, not conditional, for either act. The analysis highlights the Imamiyyah position’s strength in blending textual and rational arguments, supported by Sharia objectives. This debate remains significant due to its impact on family law and contemporary calls for reevaluating dominant views.
Shoaib,M and Akbari,,M . (2025). The Conditionality of Witnessing (Ishhād) in Divorce : A Comparative Analysis of Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah Juristic-Interpretive Differences. (e47284). Fiqh and Usul, (), e47284 doi: 10.22067/jfiqh.2025.93007.1948
MLA
Shoaib,M , and Akbari,M . "The Conditionality of Witnessing (Ishhād) in Divorce : A Comparative Analysis of Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah Juristic-Interpretive Differences" .e47284 , Fiqh and Usul, , , 2025, e47284. doi: 10.22067/jfiqh.2025.93007.1948
HARVARD
Shoaib M, Akbari, M. (2025). 'The Conditionality of Witnessing (Ishhād) in Divorce : A Comparative Analysis of Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah Juristic-Interpretive Differences', Fiqh and Usul, (), e47284. doi: 10.22067/jfiqh.2025.93007.1948
CHICAGO
M Shoaib and M Akbari,, "The Conditionality of Witnessing (Ishhād) in Divorce : A Comparative Analysis of Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah Juristic-Interpretive Differences," Fiqh and Usul, (2025): e47284, doi: 10.22067/jfiqh.2025.93007.1948
VANCOUVER
Shoaib M, Akbari, M. The Conditionality of Witnessing (Ishhād) in Divorce : A Comparative Analysis of Imamiyyah and Ahl al-Sunnah Juristic-Interpretive Differences. JFU. 2025;():e47284 (In Persian). doi: 10.22067/jfiqh.2025.93007.1948
