Kuala lumpur: Divorce should not be seen as a shortcut, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, urging couples in marital crisis to seek help through authorised professional channels. He emphasized the importance of handling all narratives or terms related to divorce with care, ethics, and responsibility, underscoring the sacredness of marriage in Islam.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the emergence and promotion of services branded as 'divorce coach' have sparked public confusion over Islam's proper approach to marital conflicts and crises. Zulkifli highlighted that marriages, as a religious trust, are crucial for the emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of couples and their children. He warned against any effort that eases divorce without the process of islah (reconciliation), structured counselling, or negotiation, as it risks normalising divorce as a shortcut and undermines the patience and responsibility emphasized in Islam.
Zulkifli outlined that state Islamic departments provide counselling and advice through certified counsellors and authorised Islamic affairs officers. He stressed that marital conflicts should be resolved gradually and in accordance with Syariah, which includes advice, sulh (resolution) mediation, appointment of intermediaries from both families, and Syariah-based counselling before any major decision, such as divorce, is made. These services are available at state Islamic religious offices or the Syariah Lower Court.
He highlighted initiatives provided by religious affairs agencies, such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), including the KSKCare Centre (KSKCC), which offers structured, professional, Syariah-based counselling to help couples identify conflict sources, improve communication, and find fair solutions. Additionally, JAKIM and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) offer a post-marriage course to strengthen the understanding of marital responsibilities and household harmony.
Local media portals reported that the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) has condemned and opposed individuals branding themselves as 'divorce coach', stating that it confuses and undermines the reconciliation process for couples facing marital issues.