“The Throne of Allah Shakes When You Divorce” — Is That Really True?

Let’s clear something up:

There is no authentic hadith in the primary sources of Islam that states that the Arsh (Throne) of Allah shakes because of a divorce.

This commonly repeated phrase has no sound basis in Qur’ān or Sunnah. And yet, it’s constantly thrown around, especially at women, as a weapon of guilt and shame. What’s even more concerning is that some people, including those in positions of religious authority, use this myth to control, silence, and pressure women to stay in harmful, abusive, or loveless marriages.

Yes, divorce is not something taken lightly in Islam. It is described as something Allah dislikes. But dislike is not the same as prohibition.

The Prophet ﷺ clearly stated:

“Among the lawful things, divorce is the most hated by Allah.”

(Sunan Abi Dawud 2178 – classified as hasan by some scholars)

Note the language here:

Lawful (halaal).

That means it is permitted when necessary.

It is an option that Allah has given, not a punishment or a sin.

Islam does not ask anyone, man or woman, to stay in a toxic, oppressive, or abusive environment. And yet, narcissists, misogynistic individuals, and even some so-called scholars weaponise this fabricated statement to trap women into shame. They use it to twist the narrative and make you feel like the problem for wanting peace, safety, and dignity.

Let’s reflect on this:

Why would a Merciful Lord want His Throne to shake for a woman escaping oppression?

Why would the Lord of Justice blame a soul for refusing to be emotionally destroyed?

Why would Allah give us a lawful way out and then shame us for taking it?

The actual shaking of Allah’s Throne, as mentioned in authentic narrations, occurs when a soul dies unjustly, not when someone walks away from injustice.

Let’s stop accepting false narrations as divine truth.

Let’s stop using unverified statements to manipulate and oppress.

And let’s start returning to the Islam that was full of mercy, balance, and justice, especially for women.

If you’re a divorced woman who was made to feel guilty because of this phrase, please know:

You didn’t displease Allah by choosing yourself.

You didn’t ruin your faith by walking away from harm.

Your strength to leave may very well be the very thing that brought you closer to Him.

Always verify. Always seek knowledge. And always remember:

Your Lord is Al-Hakim, The Most Wise. He does not burden you with shame for making a choice He Himself made lawful.