Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: A man submitted, "O Messenger of Allah! Has Allah Almighty not said: 'Divorce is twice.' Then why is there a ruling for the third (divorce)?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "(Allah has also said:) 'Then either retain (her) in a fair manner or release (her) with kindness.'"