Did he divorce his wife with three pronouncements in a single utterance? Is it permissible to take her back?

Question: The husband, I. A. M., came to me, accompanied by his wife's brother. The aforementioned husband admitted that he had divorced his wife with three pronouncements in a single utterance. He had previously divorced her by mutual consent (khul') in 1390 AH, according to the certificate issued by the court in Madinah. He then married her again after that khul', consummated the marriage, and she bore him a daughter. He then divorced her with the aforementioned divorce on 10/1/1393 AH. He had not divorced her in any other way, and the aforementioned divorce was not for compensation. When we asked the aforementioned brother, whose power of attorney from his father is established by the notary public of Madinah al-Munawwarah, number (345), dated 17/2/1393 AH, about what the aforementioned husband stated, he answered that what was stated is the reality. He also answered that the aforementioned sister does not know that anything occurred from the aforementioned husband other than what was stated, and that she desires to return to him if the Shari'ah permits it. Then we asked the wife about what her husband stated, and she answered that what was stated is the reality. She admitted that she is still in the waiting period ('iddah), and that she has no objection to returning to him if it is permissible by the Shari'ah.

Answer: Based on this, I issued a ruling to them that one divorce pronouncement has taken effect on the aforementioned wife due to the aforementioned divorce, and that he may take her back as long as she is in the waiting period. This is because it is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what indicates that the aforementioned divorce is considered one pronouncement. He took her back in my presence, in the presence of her brother and a group of Muslims, and thereby she remained in his protection. We informed him that pronouncing three divorces at once is not permissible, and that he must repent of that.
Said by the poor one seeking the forgiveness of his Lord, 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn 'Abd Allah ibn Baz, President of the Islamic University of Madinah al-Munawwarah. May Allah forgive him, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon His servant and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.