If you pronounced one divorce or two, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had commanded him to take her back, and then allow her respite until she enters the period of the second menses, and then allow her respite until she is purified, and then divorce her (finally) before touching her (having a sexual intercourse with her) ; and if you have pronounced (three divorces at one and the same time) you have in fact disobeyed your Lord with regard to what He commanded you about divorcing your wife. But she is however (finally separated from you).
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1471e
This hadith addresses the proper procedure for divorce in Islam, emphasizing the wisdom behind gradual separation rather than immediate triple divorce.
Commentary on Divorce Procedure
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that if a man pronounces one or two divorces, he should take his wife back and wait through two menstrual cycles. This waiting period (iddah) allows for reconciliation and prevents hasty decisions.
The final divorce should be pronounced before sexual relations resume after the second purification. This gradual approach preserves family structure and gives both parties time for reflection.
Consequences of Triple Divorce
Pronouncing three divorces simultaneously is declared an act of disobedience to Allah's commandments. The scholars explain this violates the intended wisdom of gradual divorce in Shariah.
Despite this disobedience, the triple divorce remains effective and the wife becomes permanently unlawful to the husband until she marries another man and that marriage ends legitimately (halala).
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes that single and double divorces are revocable during the waiting period, while triple divorce causes immediate and permanent separation.
The ruling emphasizes that Islamic law discourages hasty divorce and encourages thoughtful consideration through prescribed waiting periods.