The Book of Divorce - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3557

"If it is the first or second divorce, the Messenger of Allah would tell him to take her back and keep her until she has menstruated again and purified herself, then divorce her before having intercourse with her. But if it was three simultaneous divorces, then you have disobeyed Allah with regard to the way in which divorce should be conducted and your wife has become irrevocably divorced."

Commentary on the Phased Divorce

This hadith establishes the Islamic methodology for divorce, emphasizing that the first two pronouncements are revocable. The husband may retract his wife during her waiting period ('iddah) without requiring a new marriage contract.

The wisdom behind awaiting a complete menstrual cycle is to ensure clarity regarding potential pregnancy and to provide a cooling-off period for reconciliation. Divorcing during purity without intercourse maintains the proper sequence prescribed by Shari'ah.

The Prohibition of Triple Divorce

Pronouncing three divorces simultaneously constitutes a major disobedience (ma'siyah) as it violates the gradual approach ordained by Allah. This act transforms a revocable divorce into an irrevocable one (bain kubra).

The irrevocable divorce requires that if the couple wishes to reunite, the woman must first marry another man in a valid marriage that is consummated and then naturally ends, after which she may remarry her first husband with a new contract and dowry.

Legal Implications and Scholarly Consensus

Classical scholars unanimously agree that triple divorce pronounced in one sitting takes effect according to the apparent meaning, though it constitutes a sinful innovation. The four Sunni madhabs differ only in secondary details regarding its implementation and consequences.

This ruling serves as a deterrent against hasty decisions in marital matters and preserves the sanctity of marriage by making dissolution a deliberate, phased process rather than an impulsive act.