Divorce - 3 Times in One Go

[Reader Questions]

Brother Joseph,

Salam.

I have two questions:

1 - Does a divorce become final if it is said three times in one sitting?
2 - If only 1 divorce is made and the couples separate but live separately, can they get back together again for marriage? How many times can this happen?

Thanks.

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum.

There is no such concept of pronouncing divorce in any particular way in the Quran or in any particular vernacular. Divorce is about intention and this needs to be made clear in a comprehendible form. The concept of pronouncing divorce 3 times in one moment or in any particular language is alien to the Quran.  Before the intention for divorce has been made clear, the Quranic procedure should be followed which you can find illustrated in the following diagram.

http://quransmessage.com/articles/divorce%20FM2.htm

With regards your second question, let us assume a couple complete the divorce process in accordance to the Quran and become separated. They now live apart but choose not to marry anyone else. 6 months later, they decide to become reacquainted and decide to remarry. This is perfectly acceptable and such couples should not be stopped. However, 2 divorces are left. If in the future, they happen to divorce again (divorce number 2) and separate, they can still remarry again or choose to marry someone else.  However, if there is a 3rd divorce and they separate (live apart), then they cannot remarry until the condition of marrying someone else is fulfilled.
 
There is no need to remarry, if the divorce is revoked within the iddat. However, it is still counted as a divorce.

I hope this helps, God willing.

Regards,
Joseph