Does a wife's agreement to return to her husband after he has divorced her, and her reluctant nod to return to her country, count as a re-instatement during the waiting period? And what is the ruling on the husband's saying, "I intended to take her back" secretly without the wife's knowledge?

The husband is advised to consult Dar al-Ifta (House of Fatwas) to clarify his intention behind the words he uttered. If the husband uttered the words "I intended to take her back or return her" and meant conjugal return (raj'ah), then it is a valid and recognized conjugal return. His statement is considered if he claims it within the waiting period (iddah). Conjugal return occurs through an explicit statement and through an implicit one accompanied by intention, and it does not require the wife's consent. If he claims it after the expiration of the waiting period (iddah) and the wife denies it, then her word is accepted. Both spouses must strive to stabilize their marital life and avoid divorce.