Ruju': resuming the marriage within iddah

What is ruju’?

Ruju’ is when a husband resumes the marriage with his wife during the iddah period, after a divorce that can still be withdrawn. It does not need a new marriage contract, since the original bond is treated as still standing throughout iddah.

This differs from remarrying, which needs a new contract and a new mas kahwin once iddah has ended.

When can ruju’ be done?

Under section 51, a husband may resume the marriage during iddah for a revocable talaq, meaning the first or second pronouncement. The resumption must be reported to the Registrar within seven days, and failing to do so is an offence.^[1]

Ruju’ does not apply to an irrevocable divorce such as khuluk, or after a third talaq, since those types of divorce cannot be withdrawn.

How is ruju’ actually done?

Ruju’ can be done through words that clearly show the intention to resume the marriage, or through conduct that shows the same intention. It is better to do this in front of witnesses, so there is no later dispute over whether it happened.

If the wife was not aware of the revocable talaq, the husband needs to tell her first before resuming the relationship.

Why does the seven-day report matter?

Reporting to the Registrar confirms your marital status officially and becomes a record you can point to later. Without it, confusion can arise over whether your marriage is still valid or has ended.

If you miss this window, contact the court or Registrar promptly to correct your position, rather than letting it drag on.

Ruju’ compared with a new marriage contract

This short table shows the main differences.

Feature	Ruju’	New marriage contract
When it applies	During iddah, revocable talaq	After iddah ends, or irrevocable talaq
Mas kahwin	Not needed again	Needed again
How it is done	Words or conduct, then reported	Full contract before a penghulu/kadi

When is ruju’ no longer an option?

Ruju’ does not apply once iddah has ended, after a third talaq, or for an irrevocable divorce such as khuluk. In these situations, a couple who wants to be together again needs to remarry with a new contract and a new mas kahwin.

If the wife shows a reasonable ground under Hukum Syarak to refuse ruju’, the court may refer the case to a conciliatory committee.

What should you prepare for ruju’?

Keep a copy of the talaq order or certificate, and know the exact date the talaq was pronounced so the iddah period can be counted correctly. If witnesses were present when ruju’ happened, note down their details.

A Peguam Syarie can help check whether your iddah period still has time left and handle the report to the Registrar.

Ruju’ in your state

The procedure for reporting a ruju’ to the Registrar, and the forms used, can differ slightly between states, even though the section 51 basis applies nationwide. The pattern above reflects what most states generally follow.

Tell us the state where your marriage is registered, and we will help you identify the right step there.