Does a triple divorce occur if one says, "By triple divorce, I will not ride this car," while in a state of extreme anger, and is expiation for an oath required of me?

This wording constitutes an oath of divorce. The majority of scholars hold that it is a conditional divorce (talaq mu'allaq) that takes effect upon the fulfillment of the condition. However, Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim are of the view that if the intention behind it was to prevent something or to threaten, then only an expiation (kaffarah) is required.

According to the preponderant opinion, if the questioner rides this car, it will cause her to break her oath, and the divorce will occur. Oaths are determined by the intention of the swearer. If she intended not to ride the car at all, then breaking the oath occurs simply by riding it. If she qualified that intention with a specific time or manner, then the oath is not broken except by that specific time or manner.

If the intention was specifically about this car, it can be sold and another purchased to dissolve the oath. It is advisable to consult scholars and explain the intention to them.

Two matters must be highlighted: First, uttering three divorces in a single pronouncement is a matter of scholarly disagreement. The majority hold that it counts as three divorces, while some consider it one. Second, severe anger that causes a person to lose control does not result in the divorce taking effect. However, lesser degrees of anger do not prevent its occurrence.