What is the ruling on divorcing a second wife under duress due to a threat of suicide from the first wife? Does a divorce issued in the form of an oath upon the Qur’an, and by writing and verbalizing, under pressure, take effect? What type of divorce is this? Is it permissible for the husband to return to the second wife, and what are the conditions for this return?

If a man has falsely sworn to divorce his second wife, and he did not intend to effect a divorce, then her divorce does not take place. However, if he intended to initiate the divorce, then it has occurred. If he intended to repeat the divorce, it takes effect as he intended, according to the majority of scholars. But if he intended affirmation, then only one divorce occurs. Since he has not completed three divorces, he may reconcile with his wife before her waiting period (iddah) expires by saying: "I have taken back my wife."