How do statistics on infidelity differ between civil and Muslim divorces in Singapore?

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Statistics on Infidelity Differ Between Civil and Muslim Divorces in Singapore Due to Legal Frameworks

In Singapore, statistics on infidelity in divorces reveal a significant divergence between civil and Muslim divorce cases, primarily influenced by the differing legal requirements for proving marital breakdown. For civil divorces in 2025, "unreasonable behaviour" was cited as the grounds in 48.7% of cases, making it the most prevalent legal basis, while adultery constituted a mere 0.9% of civil divorces, representing the lowest proportion. In contrast, for Muslim divorces, infidelity was reported as the main issue in 18.4% of cases, positioning it as the second most common reason after personality differences, which accounted for 21.5%.
Adultery is a Lower Cited Ground in Civil Divorces

Within civil divorces, adultery was cited as the legal basis in only 0.9% of cases in 2025. This low figure is attributed to the higher evidential burden required to prove adultery under Singapore's Women's Charter, often necessitating comprehensive proof such as reports from private investigators or photographic evidence to establish a sexual relationship with a third party.
Unreasonable Behaviour is a Broader and More Accessible Ground

The category of "unreasonable behaviour" is frequently used in civil divorces because it encompasses a wide array of conduct, including abuse, controlling actions, addictions, gambling, and financial neglect, making it a more encompassing and thus easier ground to establish than adultery or separation. For civil divorces, proving irretrievable breakdown requires reliance on one of six legal facts, and unreasonable behaviour provides a more practical pathway for couples to demonstrate this breakdown without the stringent proof required for adultery.
Muslim Divorce Statistics Reflect Stated Reasons for Breakdown

For Muslim divorces, infidelity was identified as the primary issue in 18.4% of cases in 2025. This statistic reflects the reasons stated for the marital breakdown, rather than requiring the strict legal proof mandated in civil divorces. The figures for Muslim divorces record the cited reason for the breakdown, distinguishing them from civil divorces where adultery must be proven as a specific legal fact.
Legal Differences, Not Necessarily Prevalence, Explain the Disparity

Lawyers suggest that the stark difference in statistics between civil and Muslim divorces regarding infidelity is a reflection of the distinct legal frameworks governing each, rather than an indication of substantially higher infidelity rates among Muslim couples. The legal rules for civil divorces, such as the Women's Charter, necessitate proving specific legal facts, making broader categories like "unreasonable behaviour" more commonly cited. In contrast, Muslim divorce statistics capture the reasons individuals provide for their marriage's end, which can include infidelity without the same level of formal legal substantiation.

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How do statistics on infidelity differ between civil and Muslim divorces in Singapore?

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