What is the ruling on a divorce specified 'for the Sunnah' for a woman before consummation of the marriage?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Divorce

Book 39 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a man says to his wife, 'You are divorced for the Sunnah if Zayd arrives,' before consummating the marriage, she is divorced upon Zayd's arrival, regardless of whether she is menstruating or pure, because divorce for her does not have a concept of Sunnah or bid'ah timing prior to consummation.

Supporting text

If Zayd arrives after consummation, and she is in a period of purity in which no intercourse has occurred, the divorce takes effect. If Zayd arrives during a time considered improper (bid'ah), the divorce is suspended until the time of Sunnah arrives because her divorce now has a distinction between proper and improper timing.