He answered:

Praise be to Allah. This divorce does not take effect. As for her marrying while pregnant by her first husband, that marriage is invalid by the consensus of the Muslims, even if the divorce had taken effect—how much more so when it had not. Whoever compelled him to divorce her, and whoever conducted this forbidden and invalid marriage, must receive discretionary punishment. The couple must be separated until she completes her waiting period from the first husband by giving birth. There is disagreement concerning a waiting period from the second man. If he knew that the marriage was forbidden, the correct view is that such a waiting period is necessary. If, however, he believed the marriage to be valid, she must observe a waiting period following intercourse with the second man.

He—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked:

A man said, “I do not want you. Get up and go to your family. I am going to divorce you,” intending divorce by these words. Is it lawful for him to take her back and marry her with a new dowry? Please give us a ruling.

He answered:

A promise to divorce does not effect a divorce, however often it is expressed. Fulfilling such a promise is neither obligatory nor recommended.

But if he actually effected a divorce before saying, “Go to your mother’s house,” and meant to state that he was divorcing her, rather than that he would divorce her in the future, then this counts as a single divorce, provided he did not intend more. He may take her back during the waiting period without her consent, a marriage guardian, or a dowry. And Allah knows best.