Can one retract an oath that states: "If you leave the house with your hair uncovered, then consider yourself divorced," in order to avoid the occurrence of divorce if the wife goes out forgetfully without covering her hair?

A husband's statement to his wife, "If you leave the house with your hair uncovered, then consider yourself divorced," is considered a kinayah (allusive or indirect divorce pronouncement), and divorce does not occur unless the husband intended divorce. If he did intend it, then it is a conditional divorce that takes effect upon the fulfillment of the condition (the wife leaving the house without a head covering), unless she was forgetful or coerced. This condition cannot be revoked. If the husband repeats the wording, and he did not intend to renew the pronouncement but rather to emphasize it, then one divorce occurs. However, if he intended to renew it, then two divorces occur. The husband may take his wife back as long as she is within her waiting period (iddah).