What are the explicit verbal expressions that effectuate marital revocation (Raj'ah)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Reconciliation (Return During 'Iddah)

Book 40 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Marital revocation is established universally by the use of the terms: 'I have revoked you' (raja'tuki), 'I have taken you back' (irtaja'tuki), 'I have returned you' (raddadtuki), and 'I have retained you' (amsaktuki). These terms are established by scripture and Sunnah. The concept of returning (Radd) and retaining (Imsak) is supported by the Quran in the verse concerning the husbands' right to take back their wives (Quran 2:228) and the command to retain them honorably (Quran 2:231), which signifies revocation. The Sunnah confirms this through the Prophet's statement, commanding a man to 'order him to revoke her.' Furthermore, these terms are conventionally known as 'Raj'ah,' and the wife as 'Raj'iyyah.' For precaution, one should state: 'I have revoked my wife into my marriage' or 'I have revoked her following the divorce she incurred upon herself.'