Concerning the
definition of the term "aversion" in relation to Bahá'í divorce law,
the Universal House of Justice points out that there are no specific
"grounds" for Bahá'í divorce such as there are in some codes of civil
law. Bahá'í law permits divorce but, as both Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá have
made very clear, divorce is abhorred. Thus, from the point of view of the
individual believer he should do all he can to refrain from divorce. Bahá'ís
should be profoundly aware of the sanctity of marriage and should strive to
make their marriages an eternal bond of unity and harmony. This requires effort
and sacrifice and wisdom and self-abnegation. A Bahá'í should consider the
possibility of divorce only if the situation is intolerable and he or she has a
strong aversion to being married to the other partner. This is a standard held
up to the individual. It is not a law, but an exhortation. It is a goal to
which we should strive.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 3 November 1982 written on behalf
of the Universal House of Justice; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I,
Preserving Baha’i Marriages)
