Does Khul` Count as Talaq?

Khul` is not regarded as a Talaq even if the word Talaq is used, according to the more correct opinion.

This may be explained as follows:

• If Khul` takes place without using the word Talaq, and is not intended as a Talaq, then it is an annulment (of the marriage contract) according to a number of scholars. This is the view of Ash-Shafi`i in his old Madhhab, and it is the view of the Hanbalis. The fact that it is an annulment means that it is not counted as a Talaq. The one who separated from his wife by Khul` twice may go back to her with a new marriage contract, and it is not counted as a Talaq at all.

An example of that is if the husband said, “I separated from my wife by Khul` in return for such-and-such an amount of money” or “I annulled her marriage in return for such and such.”

• But if the Khul` involves the word Talaq, such as saying “I divorce (Talaqtu) my wife in return for such-and-such an amount of money”, then it is a Talaq according to the majority of scholars. (End quote from Al-Mawsu`ah Al-Fiqhiyyah, 19/237)

Some of the scholars are of the view that this is also an annulment and is not counted as a Talaq, even if the word Talaq is used. This was narrated from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and was the view favoured by Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him), who said: It is the stated view of Imam Ahmad and his oldest companions. (End quote from Al-Insaf, 8/393)

Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: But the more correct view is that Khul` is not Talaq, even if the actual word Talaq is used. This is indicated by the Glorious Quran. Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, said (interpretation of the meaning):

{The divorce is twice, after that, either you retain her on reasonable terms or release her with kindness.} [Al-Baqarah 2:229] i.e., within the first two times, either keep her or let her go, it is up to you.

{And it is not lawful for you (men) to take back (from your wives) any of your Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) which you have given them, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah (e.g. to deal with each other on a fair basis). Then if you fear that they would not be able to keep the limits ordained by Allah, then there is no sin on either of them if she gives back (the Mahr or a part of it) for her Al-Khul` (divorce).} [Al-Baqarah 2:229]

So this is a separation on the basis of giving back (all or part of the mahr). Then Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, Says:

{And if he has divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she has married another husband.} [Al-Baqarah 2:230]

If we count Khul` as a Talaq, then these words “And if he has divorced her” would refer to a fourth Talaq, and this is contrary to scholarly consensus. The words “If he has divorced her” mean a third divorce, “then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she has married another husband”

The evidence in the verse is clear. Hence Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) was of the view that any separation in which compensation is paid is Khul` and not Talaq, even if the word Talaq is used. This is the correct view. (End quote from Al-Sharh Al-Mumti’, 12/467-470).

And he (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Every wording that points to a separation in return for compensation is Khul`, even if the word Talaq is used, such as saying for example, “I divorce (Talaqtu) my wife in return for compensation of one thousand riyals.” We say: this is Khul`, and this is what was narrated from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah have mercy on him), that everything in which compensation is involved is not Talaq. `Abdullah the son of Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: My father thought the same about Khul` as Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) did, i.e., it is an annulment, no matter what wording is used, and it does not count as a Talaq.

An important issue stems from this: if a man divorces his wife (Talaq) on two separate occasions, then Khul` takes place using the word Talaq, then according to the view of those who say that Khul` using the word Talaq counts as Talaq, she is irrevocably divorced from him, and she is not permissible for him until she has been married to someone else. According to the view of those who say that Khul` is an annulment even if the word Talaq is used, she becomes permissible for him with a new marriage contract even during the `Iddah. This view is more correct. But nevertheless we advise those who write down the Khul` not to use the word Talaq when recording it, rather they should say “he separated from his wife by Khul` in return for compensation of such and such value”, because most judges in our country, and I think even in other countries, believe that if Khul` occurs using the word Talaq, it is counted as Talaq, and this may be detrimental to the woman, because if it is a final Talaq she will become irrevocably divorced, and if it is not the final Talaq it will still be counted against him. (End quote from Ash-Sharh Al-Mumti`, 12/450)

Based on this, if you want to go back to your husband, then it is essential to have a new marriage contract and no Talaq is counted against you.

And Allah knows best.