Minister Zulkifli Hasan says divorce is not a shortcut, advising couples to use official counselling services to resolve marital conflicts.
PUTRAJAYA: Divorce should not be viewed as a shortcut for couples in crisis, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He urged couples to seek help through authorised professional channels instead.
Zulkifli stated the government regards Islamic marriage as sacred, requiring careful handling of all divorce-related narratives.
He expressed concern that services branded as ‘divorce coaches’ cause public confusion over Islam’s proper approach to marital conflicts.
“Any effort that eases divorce without the process of islah (reconciliation), structured counselling or negotiation risks normalising it as a shortcut,” he said in a statement.
This undermines the patience and responsibility emphasised in Islam, he added.
He confirmed state Islamic departments provide counselling through certified counsellors and authorised officers.
Marital conflicts should be resolved gradually in accordance with Syariah, he advised.
This process includes advice, sulh (resolution) mediation, and appointing intermediaries from both families.
Syariah-based counselling should occur before any major decision like divorce, he said.
“The service is available at state Islamic religious offices or Syariah Lower Court.”
He highlighted initiatives like the KSKCare Centre (KSKCC) by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
It offers structured, professional, Syariah-based counselling to help couples identify conflict sources.
The centre aims to improve communication and find fair solutions, he explained.
JAKIM and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) also offer a post-marriage course.
This course strengthens understanding of marital responsibilities and household harmony.
The statement follows reports that the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) condemned self-styled ‘divorce coaches’.
The association said such services confuse and undermine the reconciliation process for couples.
