Divorce is one of the heaviest trials a Muslim can face. Hearts shatter, routines crumble, and the path ahead becomes unclear. Yet in Islam, divorce is not a mark of failure—it is a lawful mercy, a doorway to healing, and sometimes the only path back to safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.
When Hearts Break is a compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply spiritual guide for Muslims navigating the emotional, practical, and religious realities of divorce. Written by attorney, educator, and community advocate Aisha Othman, this groundbreaking book brings together Islamic guidance, trauma psychology, family law insight, and the powerful findings of Mothers on Trial by Phyllis Chesler to help readers understand divorce through a lens of justice and mercy.
Through this book, you will learn how to:
✓ Heal emotionally and spiritually using both Qur’anic tools and trauma-informed strategies
✓ Navigate Islamic divorce step-by-step, including talaq, khul‘, and faskh
✓ Protect your children from conflict, manipulation, and instability
✓ Recognize red flags, coercive control, and personality disorders
✓ Cope with guilt, shame, community pressure, and cultural expectations
✓ Understand custody laws and court bias that impact Muslim families
✓ Rebuild confidence, identity, and purpose after the end of a marriage
✓ Prepare for a healthy future, including boundaries, financial independence, and new relationships
Who is this book for?
• Muslims experiencing divorce or separation
• Imams, chaplains, counselors, and community leaders
• Therapists and attorneys serving Muslim clients
• Adult children of divorce
• Anyone seeking clarity, justice, and emotional healing
More Than a Guide—A Lifeline for the Broken-Hearted
With real case studies, a Code of Ethics for imams, and practical tools for families, When Hearts Break challenges harmful cultural norms and empowers readers with knowledge, compassion, and faith-anchored resilience.
Your marriage may have ended—
but your future is just beginning.
Let this book guide you toward healing, justice, and hope.