Scholars classified the words and phrases which are used for implying divorce into two categories: 1) words which explicitly imply divorce such as saying to his wife “you are divorced”. This formula does not need any interpretations. If a husband pronounces this phrase to his wife she becomes divorced even if he does not mean it or he is mocking.

 

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There are three things which, whether undertaken seriously or in jest, are treated as serious: Marriage, divorce and taking back a wife (after a divorce which is not final) (Abu Dawud).

 

The second category of words and phrases are those which include implicit implications of divorce such as commanding her to leave home or to be out of his life.

 

Those words must be interpreted according to the intention of the husband. If he means divorce, a woman becomes divorced, but if he does not mean it, she is still his wife.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.