When 'Abdullah was asked about it, he said to one of them: If you have divorced your wife with one pronouncement or two (then you can take her back), for Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded me to do it; but if you have divorced her with three pronouncements, then she is forbidden for you until she married another husband, and you disobeyed Allah in regard to the divorce of your wife what He had commanded you. (Muslim said: The word" one divorce" used by Laith is good.)
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1471b
This narration from Abdullah ibn Umar concerns the rulings of revocable and irrevocable divorce, establishing the fundamental distinction between minor and major separation.
Commentary on Divorce Pronouncements
The hadith clarifies that a divorce pronounced once or twice remains revocable during the waiting period, allowing reconciliation without new marriage contract. This reflects Allah's mercy in preserving families.
The threefold divorce constitutes major irrevocable separation, prohibiting remarriage until the woman completes marriage with another husband and subsequent divorce. This severe ruling serves as deterrent against hasty divorce.
Legal Implications
The companion's rebuke "you disobeyed Allah" indicates the gravity of disregarding prescribed divorce procedures. Scholars note this emphasizes treating divorce as serious religious matter rather than casual utterance.
The final note regarding "one divorce" being "good" refers to the preferred method of single pronouncement during purity period, allowing maximum opportunity for reconciliation and minimizing family disruption.