that seclusion is equivalent to consummation. (1)

Thus, if he divorces her before consummation or seclusion, he has no right to take her back, because there is no waiting period; she becomes separated from him as soon as he utters the words of divorce.

Fourth: the divorce must be fewer than the number allotted to him, which is three. If it is the last of the number allotted to him, then there is no right of taking her back, for Allah the Exalted says:

“Divorce may be pronounced twice,”

up to His words:

“But if he divorces her, she is not lawful for him thereafter until she marries another husband.” [al-Baqarah: 229–230]

Thus, if he divorces his wife and takes her back, then divorces her and takes her back, and then divorces her a third time, there is no right of taking her back.

Fifth: the taking back must occur during the waiting period. If he takes her back after the waiting period has ended, there is no taking back, for Allah says:

“Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three menstrual cycles,”

up to His words:

“and their husbands have a better right to take them back during that period.” [al-Baqarah: 228]

That is, during that specified time—the three menstrual cycles. The verse thus establishes that husbands have no right after the waiting period has ended, and that is indeed the case.

Even if she dislikes it, by saying, “I have taken my wife back,” or similar words—not, “I have married her,” or similar words, ………

His statement, “Even if she dislikes it,” means that if the wife dislikes the taking back, it is nevertheless valid, because Allah the Exalted says:

“and their husbands have a better right to take them back during that period.” [al-Baqarah: 228]

Allah the Exalted did not stipulate the wife’s consent.

If someone were to ask: Do you not stipulate the wife’s consent for a marriage contract? The answer is: Certainly; but that is the initiation of a contract, whereas this is the restoration