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Bigger Than Divorce: A Muslim Woman's Path To Healing and Purpose
Are you consumed by anger, heartbreak, and regret, wondering how you ever married your ex in the first place?
You entered your nikah with hope, love, and the belief that marriage would fulfill half your deen. When a marriage unravels, it can feel like a personal failure, leaving you drowning in guilt, anger, and bitterness.
Makeda Yasenlul has been where you are. In Bigger Than Divorce , she shares her journey and offers a guide for Muslim women on navigating the emotional aftermath of divorce. She combines practical strategies with the timeless wisdom of the Quran and Sunnah.
In Bigger Than Divorce , you will learn how
Turn your divorce into a stepping stone, not a label.
Let go of resentment and find peace with your ex.
Free yourself from the weight of community expectations.
Upgrade your sense of purpose and rebuild self-worth.
And so much more!Divorce is tough, but it doesn't have to define your future. This book shows you how to heal in a way that honors your deen and your dignity. The advice is not just about getting over divorce, but about thriving beyond it, finding renewal, and creating a life filled with meaning and true peace.
Scroll up and grab your book now!
You entered your nikah with hope, love, and the belief that marriage would fulfill half your deen. When a marriage unravels, it can feel like a personal failure, leaving you drowning in guilt, anger, and bitterness.
Makeda Yasenlul has been where you are. In Bigger Than Divorce , she shares her journey and offers a guide for Muslim women on navigating the emotional aftermath of divorce. She combines practical strategies with the timeless wisdom of the Quran and Sunnah.
In Bigger Than Divorce , you will learn how
Turn your divorce into a stepping stone, not a label.
Let go of resentment and find peace with your ex.
Free yourself from the weight of community expectations.
Upgrade your sense of purpose and rebuild self-worth.
And so much more!Divorce is tough, but it doesn't have to define your future. This book shows you how to heal in a way that honors your deen and your dignity. The advice is not just about getting over divorce, but about thriving beyond it, finding renewal, and creating a life filled with meaning and true peace.
Scroll up and grab your book now!
206 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2025
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 8, 2025
This isn't a fully objective review, as I helped edit this book, but I'm still giving my thoughts on the content!
"Bigger Than Divorce" by Makeda Yasenlul is a pretty unique book in the Muslamic genre, being the only book I've come across so far that talks about divorce (or rather, living the aftermath of divorce) to a Muslim female audience.
What I really like about this book is how pragmatic it is. This is not about wallowing in angst - and as someone who has spent a significant portion of her life riddled with angst, I can tell you that there are limits to enabling the wallowing.
This pragmatic approach - which acknowledges the hard emotions of divorce, but doesn't just sit in it - is refreshing because it's all about moving forward in a healthy way. I appreciated the grounding in spiritual wellbeing, beginning with considering one's purpose in life as a slave of Allah, and using our relationship with our Creator as the foundation of building the next chapter of our life post-divorce.
For the most part, this book is for folks who have gone through "average" divorces, not for those leaving traumatic or abusive relationships. However, I do think there's value in this book for most people who have experienced divorce, as the advice and suggestions are applicable to many.
As the first Muslamic book that I've read on divorce, I'm glad this book exists (and I don't hate it or find it trite!). Here's hoping that we'll have more great books on the topic in the future inshaAllah!
"Bigger Than Divorce" by Makeda Yasenlul is a pretty unique book in the Muslamic genre, being the only book I've come across so far that talks about divorce (or rather, living the aftermath of divorce) to a Muslim female audience.
What I really like about this book is how pragmatic it is. This is not about wallowing in angst - and as someone who has spent a significant portion of her life riddled with angst, I can tell you that there are limits to enabling the wallowing.
This pragmatic approach - which acknowledges the hard emotions of divorce, but doesn't just sit in it - is refreshing because it's all about moving forward in a healthy way. I appreciated the grounding in spiritual wellbeing, beginning with considering one's purpose in life as a slave of Allah, and using our relationship with our Creator as the foundation of building the next chapter of our life post-divorce.
For the most part, this book is for folks who have gone through "average" divorces, not for those leaving traumatic or abusive relationships. However, I do think there's value in this book for most people who have experienced divorce, as the advice and suggestions are applicable to many.
As the first Muslamic book that I've read on divorce, I'm glad this book exists (and I don't hate it or find it trite!). Here's hoping that we'll have more great books on the topic in the future inshaAllah!
May 4, 2025
This book sets out to help women who are divorced or are currently in the process of ending a marriage based on the personal journey of the author. The author took a very different approach from other non fictional genre of books written on the subject of divorce. She has included excerpts and explanations from teachings of Islam to cope with divorce and its associated effects like emotional turmoil and discrimination.
It also helps one to realize and leverage religious Islamic teachings while going through issues of physical intimacy as an unmarried woman. The writer goes further to elaborate how intimacy is not only manifested physically but rather emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Unmarried women should try and be part of supportive groups that can nurture these feelings. The book also provides useful spiritual tips for managing sexual desires.
I also like the fact that each chapter of the book is followed by a set of questions designed to help people navigate through issues of mental health, spiritual connections and physical well being.
After reading this book I am left pondering with the fundamental or ultimate question of self identity. Who am I ? Aside from my designated roles as a mother, friend and daughter. Luckily, the writer has provided useful tools and guidelines to deal with this question one day at a time.
It also helps one to realize and leverage religious Islamic teachings while going through issues of physical intimacy as an unmarried woman. The writer goes further to elaborate how intimacy is not only manifested physically but rather emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Unmarried women should try and be part of supportive groups that can nurture these feelings. The book also provides useful spiritual tips for managing sexual desires.
I also like the fact that each chapter of the book is followed by a set of questions designed to help people navigate through issues of mental health, spiritual connections and physical well being.
After reading this book I am left pondering with the fundamental or ultimate question of self identity. Who am I ? Aside from my designated roles as a mother, friend and daughter. Luckily, the writer has provided useful tools and guidelines to deal with this question one day at a time.
May 16, 2025
This is an inspiring book that takes readers on a journey through a woman's life after divorce, shedding light on her struggles, resilience, and ultimate triumph. The author’s honest and heartfelt storytelling makes this more than just a narrative—it becomes a transformative experience for the reader.
The author explores life's meaning and true purpose, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and embrace their full potential. The book serves as a powerful reminder that challenges do not define us; rather, our ability to rise above them does. With its uplifting message and profound insights, this is a must-read for anyone seeking motivation, strength, and a renewed sense of hope.
The author explores life's meaning and true purpose, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and embrace their full potential. The book serves as a powerful reminder that challenges do not define us; rather, our ability to rise above them does. With its uplifting message and profound insights, this is a must-read for anyone seeking motivation, strength, and a renewed sense of hope.
December 18, 2025
This short, 191 page, easy to read book starts off with tips for navigating one's mindset through and post divorce, but by the end, much like the advice preaches, the book is about broader life perspectives, acceptance, and moving forward. I am not divorced, nor have I read many, or any, books on the topic, but as it was nominated for the Muslim Book Awards, I read it and found that the style, voice, and Islamic perspective was refreshing to read and spend time with. The first few chapter and section openers touch on the author's experience, contemporary, literary, and pop culture references. You'll see mention of talk shows, The Scarlet Letter, Oprah, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Slum Dog Millionaire, and a crime where a woman chopped off her husband's penis and disposed of it in the garbage disposal. The musings are for intent and in many ways make the book a little lighter, relatable, and relevant in broadening awareness to the deep emotions and that are to come. They are not referenced again, and really just show an outside connection to the author's viewpoint before the advice and insights through an Islamic lens are put forth. I mention it because it is, nonetheless, a little jarring to see them in a book that is otherwise filled with Hadith, Quranic ayats, and scholarly advice.
The book is divided into three parts: Lost, Finding the Path, and Embracing the Journey, which are further broken down into chapters and subtopics. There is an extensive bibliography and additional resources serving as the backmatter. I already plan to gift some copies to some sisters that I think will find solace and strength in the pages, inshaAllah.
The book is divided into three parts: Lost, Finding the Path, and Embracing the Journey, which are further broken down into chapters and subtopics. There is an extensive bibliography and additional resources serving as the backmatter. I already plan to gift some copies to some sisters that I think will find solace and strength in the pages, inshaAllah.
October 20, 2025
The only critique I have of Bigger than Divorce is that I wish it was released earlier! There is no other book like this in the world, one that can speak directly to you and meet you where you are in any stage of divorce/post divorce from the Islamic standpoint.
The author validates the emotions and thoughts that transpire from a divorce and provides a safe space to explore them in order to better understand and seek growth from the experience through practical tips. In addition to the author’s ability to connect to her readers on an emotional level, you can truly see all the effort and hard work she put into her research to bring references and teachings from Islam to apply to this subject. This unique approach will not be found anywhere else as it speaks to a population (divorced Muslim women, yes we exist!) in need of this, yet have very little resources available to them.
My personal favorite in the book are the reflection questions at the end of every chapter. They pushed me to dig deep within to ask some difficult questions that some never think to ask or find uncomfortable to learn the answers to. As far as my favorite chapter or topic discussed in the book, I cannot say there is just one since the book has been 90% highlighted by yours truly because every word is written with intention and care.
Divorce is a life changing event and the author truly offers that guiding hand during this process because nobody should have to go through this alone. Bigger than Divorce is a one-stop shop of guided healing for a divorcee, where you can revisit over and over again as you go through this journey of life.
The author validates the emotions and thoughts that transpire from a divorce and provides a safe space to explore them in order to better understand and seek growth from the experience through practical tips. In addition to the author’s ability to connect to her readers on an emotional level, you can truly see all the effort and hard work she put into her research to bring references and teachings from Islam to apply to this subject. This unique approach will not be found anywhere else as it speaks to a population (divorced Muslim women, yes we exist!) in need of this, yet have very little resources available to them.
My personal favorite in the book are the reflection questions at the end of every chapter. They pushed me to dig deep within to ask some difficult questions that some never think to ask or find uncomfortable to learn the answers to. As far as my favorite chapter or topic discussed in the book, I cannot say there is just one since the book has been 90% highlighted by yours truly because every word is written with intention and care.
Divorce is a life changing event and the author truly offers that guiding hand during this process because nobody should have to go through this alone. Bigger than Divorce is a one-stop shop of guided healing for a divorcee, where you can revisit over and over again as you go through this journey of life.
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September 2, 2025I decided not to rate this, as I'm not the target audience for the book (single never-married Muslim male lol) and it wasn't super helpful for me, but decided to just read this on a whim and see if it gives me a new perspective.
The book reads like a list of tips and tricks to deal with divorce, and doesn't really talk about her personal experience (purposefully, out of respect to her ex-husbands privacy) that much other than vague allusions to various incidents. So, if you're looking for specific examples to understand how divorce happens or what her personal journey was, you probably won't get it. That being said, if you want practical tips for dealing with divorce, it will be useful for you. It wasn't useful for me, but again I'm not the target audience. Other than that the prose is readable and writing is decent.
The book reads like a list of tips and tricks to deal with divorce, and doesn't really talk about her personal experience (purposefully, out of respect to her ex-husbands privacy) that much other than vague allusions to various incidents. So, if you're looking for specific examples to understand how divorce happens or what her personal journey was, you probably won't get it. That being said, if you want practical tips for dealing with divorce, it will be useful for you. It wasn't useful for me, but again I'm not the target audience. Other than that the prose is readable and writing is decent.
June 25, 2025
As a Muslim man, I approached Bigger Than Divorce with curiosity, seeking wisdom in a world where relationships are constantly tested. What I found was not just a book about separation, but a profound reminder that healing, growth, and faith can triumph over pain.
This book speaks from the heart — not just to those who have been through divorce, but to anyone who has loved, lost, or been broken by life’s unexpected turns. It shows how the end of a marriage is not the end of your story. In fact, it can be a new beginning filled with clarity, strength, and even spiritual elevation.
What truly resonated with me as a Muslim was how the message aligns with our values: mercy, patience, accountability, and self-respect. Divorce is allowed in Islam, but it’s never taken lightly. This book respects that balance — it doesn’t glamorize divorce, but it doesn’t shame it either. Instead, it calls for healing with dignity and moving forward with purpose.
I recommend Bigger Than Divorce to every brother and sister — married, divorced, or single. Especially in our community, where conversations around divorce are often stigmatized or silenced, this book is a powerful, necessary voice. It reminds us that Allah’s plan is always bigger than our pain, and that we are not defined by one chapter in our lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – A must-read for healing hearts and renewing hope.
This book speaks from the heart — not just to those who have been through divorce, but to anyone who has loved, lost, or been broken by life’s unexpected turns. It shows how the end of a marriage is not the end of your story. In fact, it can be a new beginning filled with clarity, strength, and even spiritual elevation.
What truly resonated with me as a Muslim was how the message aligns with our values: mercy, patience, accountability, and self-respect. Divorce is allowed in Islam, but it’s never taken lightly. This book respects that balance — it doesn’t glamorize divorce, but it doesn’t shame it either. Instead, it calls for healing with dignity and moving forward with purpose.
I recommend Bigger Than Divorce to every brother and sister — married, divorced, or single. Especially in our community, where conversations around divorce are often stigmatized or silenced, this book is a powerful, necessary voice. It reminds us that Allah’s plan is always bigger than our pain, and that we are not defined by one chapter in our lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – A must-read for healing hearts and renewing hope.
May 12, 2025
This book is a must read for any woman going through divorce.
In the midst of all the heartbreak and frustration, it is almost impossible not to lose your mind and even risk your soul. You need Makeda Yasenlul's sincere, cool-headed and compassionate advice to save you.
Her book feels like a good friend whose shoulder you can cry on, but whose hand then leads you through the darkness to the light. She is neither patronizing nor bossy in her approach, which is exactly what a woman needs to navigate this storm of life. Most importantly, Makeda's guidance reassures the reader of the relief on the other side of divorce.
Makeda is not a mental health professional, and she doesn't claim to be. To me, that made the book more personable and free of the typical medicalese jargon cluttering other self-help books on the subject of divorce.
For a Muslim woman who wants to remain steadfast on her Deen, who wants to come out of the divorce better and stronger in every way, "Bigger Than Divorce" is a highly recommended read.
In the midst of all the heartbreak and frustration, it is almost impossible not to lose your mind and even risk your soul. You need Makeda Yasenlul's sincere, cool-headed and compassionate advice to save you.
Her book feels like a good friend whose shoulder you can cry on, but whose hand then leads you through the darkness to the light. She is neither patronizing nor bossy in her approach, which is exactly what a woman needs to navigate this storm of life. Most importantly, Makeda's guidance reassures the reader of the relief on the other side of divorce.
Makeda is not a mental health professional, and she doesn't claim to be. To me, that made the book more personable and free of the typical medicalese jargon cluttering other self-help books on the subject of divorce.
For a Muslim woman who wants to remain steadfast on her Deen, who wants to come out of the divorce better and stronger in every way, "Bigger Than Divorce" is a highly recommended read.
August 6, 2025
Makeda writes from the heart. She pulls you in with masterful storytelling to provide a perspective of an experience not everyone goes through. As someone who is neither married nor divorced, I felt I was able to walk in the author's shoes and see her pain and how she worked through it. The book opens a window to a different world than my own. I highly recommend it for everyone, not just those who are divorced. It was a valuable lesson in how to feel empathy and compassion towards community members who may be going through this difficult life experience as well as how to support them through it.
Additionally, Bigger than Divorce offers valuable Islamic insight in how to process pain and struggle in a way that does not feel preachy. It feels real, offering humble suggestions from a friend and references to divine text.
I can't wait to see what Makeda has in store for her next book!
Additionally, Bigger than Divorce offers valuable Islamic insight in how to process pain and struggle in a way that does not feel preachy. It feels real, offering humble suggestions from a friend and references to divine text.
I can't wait to see what Makeda has in store for her next book!
May 7, 2025
I love how respectful and honest this book is. On my first day, I read 2 chapters and completed the end of chapter reflection sections. This is such a good book for women going through divorce regardless of religion, background, or culture. I found that I could relate to the author and her journey a lot more than I thought possible. I honestly believe that I could relate because of the authenticity of the author and the manner in which the information was presented in. If you are on a healing journey this book can help.
October 20, 2025
This is a much needed book in the Muslim community.
The author, Makeda Yasenul, took the courage and painstaking effort to write this amazing life changing book for the Muslim divorced women community.
This book is brutally honest with clear guidance to navigate the one of the most traumatic human experience.
I truly enjoyed reading it! This book healed me in so many ways, and I am immensely grateful for that. Alhamdulillah!
The author, Makeda Yasenul, took the courage and painstaking effort to write this amazing life changing book for the Muslim divorced women community.
This book is brutally honest with clear guidance to navigate the one of the most traumatic human experience.
I truly enjoyed reading it! This book healed me in so many ways, and I am immensely grateful for that. Alhamdulillah!
October 21, 2025
This book is amazing because it talks about a healing journey, the journey of divorce. It beautifully explores both the spiritual and emotional sides of that experience.
I loved how the author shared her personal story with honesty and hope, making you truly feel that you’re not alone in this journey.
And let’s not forget, the author reminds us that divorce is not the end it’s actually a chance to grow and rediscover yourself. 💕
I loved how the author shared her personal story with honesty and hope, making you truly feel that you’re not alone in this journey.
And let’s not forget, the author reminds us that divorce is not the end it’s actually a chance to grow and rediscover yourself. 💕
October 23, 2025
This book is a very helpful to cope with divorce through understanding meaningful aspects of who we are and what our purpose is. In a sense anyone can read it to become a more complete person. Very very practical book.
August 7, 2025
This is a book that encourages fearlessness, uplifts during challenging times and reminds us that woman’s wisdom and voice is limitless.
Very well written!
Very well written!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews