Islamic perspective on divorce, forced marriage, and double standards in infidelity

First question:

If a marriage happened mainly because of family pressure or obligation, and the husband and wife are unable to develop peace, love, or compatibility even though the other person may not be a bad spouse then Islam does allow the possibility of divorce or khula. A person is not required to force themselves to remain in an unhappy marriage for life. Something similar happened during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, when a woman sought khula not because of her husband’s bad character or religion, but because she could not continue emotionally in the marriage, and the Prophet ﷺ allowed it. However, Islam also teaches that divorce should not be rushed into over small issues; sincere efforts toward reconciliation and understanding should come first.

Second question:

This is mostly due to cultural double standards, not the justice of Shariah itself. In Islam, betrayal and adultery are major sins for both men and women. Just as loyalty is required from a wife, it is equally required from a husband. If a husband chooses to forgive his wife and try to save the marriage, calling him “weak” is not an Islamic teaching but a social attitude. Likewise, if a wife decides to forgive or remain patient after her husband’s betrayal, that is her personal choice, not an obligation. Islam calls for fairness and accountability from both sides, not only one.