Can past alcoholism be grounds for divorce even if sober today?

Answer 1

If an individual had issues with alcohol prior to marriage but has since sincerely repented and abstained, Islamic teachings encourage forgiveness and support for their reformation. Past sins that have been abandoned and repented for are not typically held against a person in marital considerations.​

⚖️ Legal Perspective in India

Under Indian law, particularly the Hindu Marriage Act, Section 13(1)(ia), cruelty is a valid ground for divorce. Persistent Alcoholism that leads to abusive behavior has been recognized by courts as constituting mental cruelty. For instance, in the case of Satinder Lal Gupta vs. Swarna Lata Gupta, the Delhi High Court acknowledged the husband's habitual drunkenness and abusive behavior as grounds for divorce. ​

💞 Support from Salaam Soulmate

Platforms like Salaam Soulmate provide support for individuals navigating marital challenges, including those related to past issues like alcoholism. They emphasize the importance of sincere repentance and personal growth, aligning with Islamic principles that encourage forgiveness and support for those who have reformed.​

In summary, while past alcoholism alone, if genuinely repented and reformed, is not typically grounds for divorce, ongoing issues during the marriage that result in harm or neglect can be valid reasons to seek separation, both from Islamic and legal standpoints.

Answer 2

if it occured during the course of the marrage, then yes. if it was before the marrage, no.