❀ Ruling on Reconciliation or Renewal of Nikah After a Revocable Divorce ❀
✦ Fatwa by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullah
A husband went to his in-laws during the ‘iddah period after issuing a revocable divorce (ṭalāq raj‘ī) with the intention of reconciliation. He expressed his wish to resume marital life by saying, “I want to rebuild our home.” However, the wife’s uncle prevented her from returning, and only after five months did he agree.
Does the husband’s first visit and statement count as a valid revocation (rujū‘), or is renewal of nikah required?
If the husband said, “I want to rebuild our home,” with the intention of reconciliation and in the presence of witnesses or audibly for others to hear, then this is considered a valid verbal revocation (rujū‘ bil-qawl).
Because verbal revocation was already made during the ‘iddah period, there is no requirement to renew the nikah.
✔ The husband’s initial visit and statement of reconciliation counts as a valid revocation (rujū‘) under Shari‘ah.
✔ Therefore, there is no need for renewal of nikah.
✦ Fatwa by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullah
❖ Question:
A husband went to his in-laws during the ‘iddah period after issuing a revocable divorce (ṭalāq raj‘ī) with the intention of reconciliation. He expressed his wish to resume marital life by saying, “I want to rebuild our home.” However, the wife’s uncle prevented her from returning, and only after five months did he agree.
Does the husband’s first visit and statement count as a valid revocation (rujū‘), or is renewal of nikah required?
❖ Answer:
✔ Verbal Revocation (رجوع بالقول):
If the husband said, “I want to rebuild our home,” with the intention of reconciliation and in the presence of witnesses or audibly for others to hear, then this is considered a valid verbal revocation (rujū‘ bil-qawl).
- The wife’s consent or her immediate return is not a condition for revocation.
- Since the hindrance came from the wife’s uncle, and not from the husband, the revocation remains valid.
✔ No Need for Renewal of Nikah:
Because verbal revocation was already made during the ‘iddah period, there is no requirement to renew the nikah.
- Renewal of nikah is only required if the ‘iddah period expires without any revocation.
- In this case, revocation occurred within the permissible time, so the original marriage contract remains intact.
❖ Summary:
✔ The husband’s initial visit and statement of reconciliation counts as a valid revocation (rujū‘) under Shari‘ah.
✔ Therefore, there is no need for renewal of nikah.
