Is the annulment of the marriage contract between a husband and wife considered a divorce, and is it permissible for the woman to return to him after the annulment?

Question:
Abu Salim from Abha says: Is the annulment of the marriage contract between a husband and wife considered a divorce? And he also asks: Now, after that, she wants to return to him, but her father refused. So what is the solution? May Allah bless you.

Answer:
The annulment of the marriage contract is not considered a divorce, and it does not reduce the number of divorces, according to the stronger opinion, because it is an annulment. As for it, it is a final divorce, like a divorce for compensation, so she does not become lawful for him except with a new contract. And the fact that her father refuses this, while she has a desire for him and he is a suitable match for her, it is not permissible for her father to prevent her. Allah the Exalted said: . So if she desires him and he is a suitable match for her, it is not permissible for her father to prevent her; because this is of the forbidden prevention (i'dhal). Yes.