Is what is known as "al-firaq" permissible in Islam, where the spouses separate physically while the marital bond remains, with the husband continuing to provide financial support and visit the home? And does the waiting period (iddah) for the first divorce end with the completion of the third menstrual cycle or with the beginning of the fourth? And what actions are permissible during the iddah, such as kissing and embracing, that do not affect the divorce?

As for the first question: It is permissible for spouses to separate temporarily if the goal is to calm tension or evaluate the relationship, with mutual consent. It is also permissible for them to separate without divorce, provided both parties agree to waive their rights, and a place of residence is secured for the wife and children. Otherwise, he should divorce her, with child support continuing.

As for the second question: The waiting period ('iddah (definition)) for a divorced woman who menstruates ends after three menstrual cycles. This is the opinion favored by a group of contemporary scholars and senior Companions.

As for the third question: A woman who is in a revocable divorce (raj'i talaq (definition)) is permitted to adorn herself, beautify herself, and use perfume for her husband. She may speak with him, sit with him, and do everything with him except sexual intercourse or its مقدمات (preliminaries). So, if he kisses and embraces his wife while intending to revoke the divorce, the revocation is valid. However, it is safer not to do so until the revocation is explicitly declared and witnessed.