“Qur’anic Teachings on Reconciliation Between Spouses and the Increasing Trends of Divorce: A Research Study in the Context of Pakistani Society”

The present study, titled “Qur’anic Teachings on Reconciliation Between Spouses and the Increasing Trends of Divorce,” examines the growing phenomenon of family disintegration, marital conflicts, and rising divorce rates in Pakistani society in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The research highlights that Islam considers the family as the fundamental unit of society and defines the marital relationship as a source of love, peace, and mercy. However, in contemporary society, various factors such as economic instability, lack of religious awareness, family pressure, incompatible marriages, mistrust, childlessness, negative attitudes toward the birth of daughters, and the misuse of divorce have contributed significantly to marital discord and the increasing trend of divorce.This paper elaborates upon the Qur’anic principles of reconciliation between spouses, particularly counseling, temporary separation, and the appointment of arbiters (ḥakamayn) for dispute resolution. Furthermore, the study presents a comparative analysis of the qualifications, responsibilities, and legal authority of the arbiters in the light of Islamic jurisprudence. The research demonstrates that the primary objective of Islamic teachings is the protection of the family institution, reconciliation between spouses, and the establishment of social stability.The study concludes that arbitration councils and family reconciliation institutions in Pakistan should be restructured in accordance with the Qur’anic principle of arbitration so that the increasing rate of divorce may be reduced and a stable family system may be strengthened within society.