Is the second divorce, which occurred 20 days after the first and before the رجعة (reconciliation), considered one divorce or two? Is the husband's acknowledgment of the divorce required, despite his denial, to complete the three divorces? What should the wife's guardian do if the court rules for her return despite his knowledge of the husband's deception?

If a man issues a second divorce pronouncement to his wife before her waiting period (iddah) from the first pronouncement has ended, the second pronouncement takes effect, according to the majority of scholars. However, if the divorce occurs after the waiting period has ended, it does not take effect. The waiting period concludes with three menstrual cycles, or by giving birth, or by three months for a young girl or a woman who has reached menopause. The husband's admission is not a condition for the divorce to take effect; rather, its establishment through evidence or admission is sufficient. If it is established that three divorce pronouncements have occurred, with a reconciliation after each one, then it is not permissible for the woman to remain with him. Her guardian must separate them if he is certain that three divorce pronouncements have occurred.