What is the fate of a Muslim woman who married a man after her first husband had divorced her twice, while she was unaware that she was not yet divorced from him, as she was new to Islam? And does this second marriage entail any legal punishment? And what should she do to rectify her situation? And must she inform anyone about this marriage, or is it better for her to conceal her situation?

If a husband divorces his wife twice and her waiting period (iddah) expires before her second marriage, then her second marriage is valid, and there is no sin upon her. The waiting period for a divorced woman who menstruates is three menstrual cycles, for one who does not menstruate it is three months, for a pregnant woman it is until she gives birth, and for a woman who seeks a khul' divorce it is one menstrual cycle. If the second marriage takes place during the waiting period, it is void, and the spouses are considered adulterers if they were aware of the ruling. The second marriage must be annulled, and the waiting period must be completed, first from the initial husband and then from the second. As for the wife returning to the first husband, if he takes her back during the waiting period, she is still his wife. However, if the waiting period has expired, she cannot return to him except with a new marriage contract. A second marriage during the waiting period is absolutely void.