Darimi

(Commentary on Hadith 2300)

By "ruj‘at" or "rujū‘" is meant returning to one’s wife during the waiting period (‘iddah) after divorce, without a new marriage contract (nikah).

It is established from the aforementioned hadith that there is no harm in this; the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did so himself and also ordered Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Umar radi Allahu anhuma to return to his wife. Thus, it is established by both statement and action that if someone divorces his wife, then before the third divorce, within the ‘iddah, he may keep his wife with him without a new marriage contract. If the ‘iddah passes, then a renewal of the marriage contract (tajdīd al-nikah) will be necessary. And if, after three divorces, he wishes to return, this is not possible until the woman marries another man and the second husband, of his own will and without any condition or coercion, divorces her. This is the correct interpretation and explanation of «﴿حَتَّى تَنْكِحَ زَوْجًا غَيْرَهُ﴾ [البقرة : 230]».

And it is not necessary to appoint witnesses at the time of divorce or return (rujū‘); it is recommended and preferable (mandūb wa mustaḥabb).