(1) O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands"] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a [different] matter. (2) And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last day. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. (3) And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.
He divorced his wife while she was in menses during the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), so 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about that, and the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Let him take her back, then let him keep her until she becomes clean, then she menstruates again, then she becomes clean, then if he wants, he can keep her after that, and if he wants, he can divorce her before he touches her [having a sexual intercourse]. That is the waiting period that Allah has prescribed for divorcing a woman.