Q 2: A husband divorced his wife thrice in one pronouncement. Is it considered one time of divorce or three?

A: It is considered one time of divorce according to the soundest opinion of religious scholars. It is also authentically reported that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, The (pronouncement) of three divorces during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and that of Abu Bakr and for two years of the caliphate of `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was deemed as one time of divorce. Then `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'People hasten in a matter in which they are required to observe respite. So, it is recommended to impose it upon them," and he imposed it upon them. (Related by Muslim in His Sahih book of authentic Hadith) The majority of scholars say that it is considered three times of divorce as seen by `Umar. For further details about these opinions and their evidence (Part No. 20; Page No. 164) and to know the preponderant opinion, refer to "Zad Al-M`ad" by the learned scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.