Husband likening his wife to his mother as long as he is alive

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Q: I had an argument with my wife. Then, I lost my temper and said to her: "You will be unlawful for me just like my mother; never shall my body touch yours as long as I am alive".

A: If you mean by these words to divorce your wife, she will be divorced one time and it will be permissible for you to return to her in marriage as long as she is in the `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) if this is not the third time of divorce. However, if by saying these words you do not mean to divorce her, you have to offer the expiation of Zhihar (a man likening his wife to an unmarriageable relative) by freeing a Muslim slave. If you are unable to do so, you have to fast two successive months. If you are unable to do so, you have to feed sixty needy people each half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, rice, or such staple food, and it is not considered a time of divorce. (Part No. 20; Page No. 284) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.