Discord Arose in an Exchange Marriage

Question

Two nikahs took place by exchange (where two families mutually give their girls in marriage), and after a few years discord arose between them: one of them left the other's girl, and the other likewise left his girl. One girl, becoming willing again, went back to her husband, and the other was married off elsewhere. This girl's first husband has died. Is her nikah now permissible or not?

Answer

If, for the girl whose husband has died, her 'idda of four months and ten days has passed, then her nikah elsewhere is permissible. The girl who went back to her husband also did right. This ruling applies if neither husband has given his wife a divorce (talaq).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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