Is it permissible to pronounce three divorces simultaneously?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Divorce
Primary text
One narration from Ahmad holds that issuing three divorces simultaneously is not forbidden. This view is chosen by Al-Kharqi and is the madhhab of Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and Dawud. Evidence cited includes the incident of Uwaimir Al-'Ajlani who divorced his wife three times before the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded him, and the Prophet did not denounce it. Furthermore, a divorce that permits separation permits combination, similar to the divorce of women.
Supporting text
The second narration states that combining three divorces is an innovation (bid'ah) and forbidden. This view is preferred by Abu Bakr and Abu Hafs and is narrated from Umar, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn Abbas, and Ibn Umar. It is the position of Malik and Abu Hanifa. Their reasoning is supported by the saying of Ali that no one should divorce for the Sunnah and then regret it, and narrations that Umar used to strike severely anyone who pronounced three divorces at once. The basis is that the decree in Surah Al-Talaq mandates divorce according to the Iddah, and combining them frustrates the possibility of God bringing about a subsequent matter.