Chapter on Rajʿah (Revocation)
Definition
Rajʿah is the reinstatement of a woman divorced with a revocable divorce to her previous marital status without concluding a new marriage contract.
Evidences
The legitimacy of rajʿah is established by the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars.
-
The Quran:
• “Their husbands have a better right to take them back during that period if they desire reconciliation.” (2:228)
• “Divorce may be pronounced twice; then keep her honorably or release her with kindness.” (2:229)
• “When they have nearly reached the end of their waiting-period, then retain them honorably or part from them honorably.” (65:2) -
The Sunnah:
• Concerning the case of Ibn ʿUmar, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Instruct him to take her back.”
• The Prophet ﷺ divorced Ḥafṣah and later took her back. -
Consensus:
Ibn al-Mundhir stated, “The people of knowledge unanimously agree that if a free man divorces his wife fewer than three times, or a slave fewer than two, each of them retains the right of rajʿah during the waiting-period (ʿiddah).”
Wisdom
The purpose is to grant the husband a chance to reflect and rectify matters if