Is it obligatory to renew the marriage contract if the husband apostatized and then repented after the waiting period ended, or is it permissible to adopt the views of some scholars who do not obligate renewing the contract, based on the practice of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in dealing with those who apostatized and then returned to Islam?

This issue is one of disagreement among jurists. The majority of jurists hold that if an apostate husband does not return to Islam before the expiration of the waiting period ('iddah), he cannot take his wife back except with a new contract, contrary to the opinion of Ibn al-Qayyim and a group of scholars. This opinion is strong and has its weight. So, whoever has the ability to examine the sayings of scholars and weigh them, may adopt what he finds preponderant. As for the common person, he must ask trustworthy scholars and act upon what he is advised by someone he trusts. The common person should not choose between opinions merely to follow concessions.

As for a Muslim's repentance between himself and his Lord, it is sound and accepted by Allah, by His permission. The essence of repentance is heartfelt regret. If this regret is sincere, the other conditions are met, such as ceasing the sin and resolving not to return to it, in accordance with the hadith: "Regret is repentance."