Husband declaring his wife unlawful for him if someone sets a foot in his house

392

Q: I had a quarrel with a Muslim brother (Part No. 20; Page No. 103) because I heard that he spoke ill of me. I was infuriated and so I said to him, "I declare my wife unlawful for me if you ever set foot in my house." My intention was to pronounce a single Talaq (divorce pronounced by a husband). Indeed, there was no contact between us for a while, but later some good people reconciled us and I forgave him. It is worth mentioning that my father loves this person dearly and has been very angry at my behavior. What is the ruling on what I said in this fit of temper?I hope Your Eminence would give me a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) regarding this for I fear committing sins. May Allah safeguard you and make you a source of help for Islam and Muslims.

A: If by saying, "I declare my wife unlawful for me...." you have intend Talaq and this person has set foot in your house, only one single Talaq takes effect. You can take your wife back in marriage as long as her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) has not expired yet and you have not divorced her twice before. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.