An Indian Muslim man has reportedly been ordered to leave his wife after divorcing her in his sleep.

Aftab Ansari was told to leave Sohela, his wife of 11 years, after he reportedly said "talaq" - the Arabic equivalent of "I divorce thee" - three times while sleeping.

Religious scholars have instructed the couple to obey orders or face social boycott.

According to the Asian News International, the couple was told the only alternative under Muslim law was a temporary separation of 100 days during which Sohela would stay at her father's house and spend a night with another man who she must marry.

Muslim law dictates Sohela was only eligible to remarry Aftab after she obtains a divorce from her second husband.

Sohela, a mother of three, has threatened to commit suicide over the ordeal while her husband Aftab says,"I think what my society is doing is also not wrong. I think they are doing what they think is right."