Hadith 1477

Masruq reported: I do not mind if I give option to my wife (to get divorce) once, hundred times, or thousand times after (knowing it) that she has chosen me (and would never seek divorce). I asked 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) (about it) and she said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave us the option, but did it imply divorce? (It was in fact not a divorce; it is effective when women actually avail themselves of it.)

وَحَدَّثَنَاهُ أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُسْهِرٍ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ أَبِي، خَالِدٍ عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، قَالَ مَا أُبَالِي خَيَّرْتُ امْرَأَتِي وَاحِدَةً أَوْ مِائَةً أَوْ أَلْفًا بَعْدَ أَنْ تَخْتَارَنِي وَلَقَدْ سَأَلْتُ عَائِشَةَ فَقَالَتْ قَدْ خَيَّرَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَفَكَانَ طَلاَقًا.

Reference: 337810
In-book reference: Book 18, Hadith 1477 b