Question Summary:
Are these divorces valid?

Question Detail:

My husband gave me one talāq and after 3-4 days in a state of alcohol addiction rendered three talāqs at one time infront of me and I heard the three talāqs. I was not menstruating at the time.  My husband claims that it is considered one talāq and I am still his wife.  I am in great tension.  Please advise me as to what I can do.  What is the fate of my children?

My husband further states that the Imām of the Haram also holds the view that 3 talāqs at one time constitute only one talāq. 
Please give me fatwa in accordance with Qurān and Sunnah.  I shall be very grateful to you. 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
 
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
 
Sister, we understand the testing moments you are going through.  We make Du’ā to Allāh to assist you during these difficulties. Amīn.
 
If a divorce is issued while the husband is intoxicated, the divorce is valid. [1]  Therefore your husband’s issuing three divorces constitutes a Talāq-e-Mughalladhah (a permanently irrevocable divorce). 
 
Furthermore, there is no difference between pronouncing three talāqs in one sitting or multiple sittings.  In both cases, three separate divorces will take place causing a permanent termination of the marriage contract. For a detailed research on the topic, refer to the following link:
http://askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?askid=544a5c7a1bdea87eb53cbfb0aa526cc5     
 
 
With regards to Islāmic custody rights of children, it differs between male and female children. The mother has custody rights over a male child until the age of seven.  After the age of seven, the father has rights of child custody.  As for the female child, the mother has custody rights until the girl reaches nine years of age. [2]
 
Note that each one of the parents has a right to visit and see his/her child while the child is in the custody of the other parent.  This is a right granted by Sharīah. [3] The times for visitation should be mutually agreed upon by both parties.
 
It is really disturbing to see you in this situation because of the irresponsible attitude of your husband.  Have trust in Allāh Ta’ālā that He will open up avenues of goodness and blessings for you.  Your hard times will not go in vain. You will be rewarded in this life and the hereafter. As far as your children are concerned they will be a means of your happiness Insha Allāh. Give them adequate Islāmic education so that they will grow up to be servers of Allāh’s Dīn.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Abdul Azīm bin Abdur Rahman,
Student Darul Iftaa
US
 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net