Talaq and taking back (ruju‘) without informing the wife

Question

Question: A man gave his wife one revocable (raj‘i) talaq suspended on a single condition. When the condition was fulfilled, he made only a verbal taking back (ruju‘) and for a long time informed neither the woman nor anyone else. Moreover, when the talaq fell upon her, the woman was expecting a child. In the case asked about there are several questions: First: did her ‘idda end after she gave birth or not?

Answer

(1) Taking back (ruju‘) by word alone is valid without any disapproval (karaha), whereas taking back by action alone is makruh. Making at least two upright (‘adl) men witnesses to the taking back is mustahabb, yet the taking back is valid even without making witnesses.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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