Divorcing one's wife after a dispute and wishing to take her back

Q: I had a dispute with my wife after which I divorced her according to Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) in 18/2/1392 A.H. Later, in 22/2/1392 A.H., I wanted to revoke the divorce and regretted what I did. I called her family and told them of my intention. Please give me the legal opinion in this regard.

A: If you have divorced your wife according to Sunnah for the first time, you may take her back in marriage as long as she is in her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce). If you take her back during the `Iddah and in the presence of two trustworthy witnesses, she is lawfully your wife. However, if her `Iddah is not over and you have not taken her back, you may do in the presence of two witnesses. Yet, if her `Iddah is over before you take her back in marriage, you will only be permitted to take her back with a new marriage contract and Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom) as well as her consent. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.