Talaq has to be uttered three times separately over a three-month period. Saying talaq three times at one time will be counted as one talaq.

Despite all the preventive measures for a divorce, it does sometimes happen that a man acts in ignorance, or is rendered incapable of thinking dispassionately by a fit of anger. Then on a single occasion, in a burst of temper, he utters the word “divorce” three times in a row, “talaq, talaq, talaq!” Such incidents, which took place in the Prophet’s lifetime, still take place even today. Now the question arises as to how the would-be divorcer should be treated. Should his three utterances of talaq be treated as only one, and should he then be asked to extend his decision over a three-month period? Or should his three utterances of talaq on a single occasion be equated with the three utterances of talaq made separately over a three-month period? There is a Hadith recorded by Imam Abu Dawud and several other traditionists which can give us guidance in this matter:

“Rukana ibn Abu Yazid said “talaq” to his wife three times on a single occasion. Then he was extremely sad at the step he had taken. The Prophet asked him exactly how he had divorced her. He replied that he had said ‘talaq’ to her three times in a row. The Prophet then observed, ‘All three count as only one. If you want, you may revoke it.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 2196)

Islam prescribed the method of divorce over a period of three months to ensure that it is a well-considered, planned arrangement and not just a rash step taken in a fit of emotion.

Source: Spirit of Islam December 2016