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The question

Are repeated phone utterances made by the suitor in a state of extreme anger considered a divorce, knowing that he has not yet consummated the marriage with his fiancée?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Divorce by phone or text message is valid if intended. If you utter the words "You are divorced threefold" or write them with the intention of divorce, she becomes unlawful for you according to the majority of scholars. However, if you repeat the divorce by saying "You are divorced, you are divorced, you are divorced," the madhhabs differ. The Shafi'is hold that it counts as three divorces for both a consummated and non-consummated marriage. The Hanafis consider it a single divorce with the first utterance. The Malikis rule it as three divorces for a consummated marriage unless the intention was affirmation (of a single divorce), and for a non-consummated marriage if the utterances were sequential and affirmation was not intended. The Hanbalis rule it as three divorces if uttered as a single phrase or in a manner that implies simultaneity, and one divorce if uttered separately. If a single divorce becomes binding, she is irrevocably divorced from you and does not have to observe an 'iddah (waiting period). You can remarry her with a new contract and dowry. Divorce is binding if you were aware of what you were saying during anger; otherwise, nothing is binding on you. It is advisable to refer the matter to the Sharia courts.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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