As for “harm to worldly life,” it is too obvious to need describing. Treating divorce and whatever else is invoked in an oath as binding often causes harm of a kind that the Sharia has never imposed in such circumstances. A righteous woman may live with her righteous husband for many years, providing the companionship of which the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“This world is an enjoyment, and its best enjoyment is a believing woman: when you look at her, she pleases you; when you instruct her, she obeys you; and when you are absent, she guards her chastity and your property.”
She is also the one whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, instructed men to seek when the Emigrants asked him, “What wealth should we acquire?” He replied:
“A tongue that remembers Allah, a grateful heart, or a righteous wife who helps one of you maintain his faith.”
Al-Tirmidhī narrated this through Sālim ibn Abī al-Ja'd, from Thawbān. Through her come the affection and mercy that Allah Most High mentions in His Book as a blessing. The pain of separation may sometimes be harder for her to bear than death, harder than losing wealth, and harder than leaving her homeland—particularly if either spouse is attached to the other, or if they have children who will be neglected and suffer through the separation. This may then lead to severed ties among her relatives and the outbreak of hostility, once the blessing of marriage ties has been lost—the blessing Allah Most High mentions in His words:
“Then He made him kin by blood and marriage.”
Clearly, this is among the hardships covered by His words:
“He has placed no hardship upon you in religion.”
It is also among the difficulties negated by His words:
“Allah intends ease for you, not hardship.”
Furthermore, if the act to which an oath invoking divorce relates is an act of righteousness and kindness—such as giving charity, freeing slaves, imparting knowledge, maintaining ties of kinship, striving in Allah’s cause, or reconciling people