The ruling on one who intended divorce but did not pronounce it

This is a message from the questioner (A. S. M.) from Sharqia Governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt. He says: A disagreement occurred between me and my wife, and I hit her in anger on a certain day, so she cried and said to me: “I want you to divorce me.” I said to her: “Put on your clothes so I can take you to your family.” When she wanted to put on her clothes, I prevented her from doing so, and we reconciled on the same day as if nothing had happened. That was about two months ago, but my mind keeps telling me from time to time during this period about the ruling in the Shari'ah regarding what I said to her and what she said to me. Does this result in a divorce? Please inform us, may Allah reward you with good?
Answer: If the reality is as the questioner described, there is no divorce; because intention alone does not effect a divorce. Rather, divorce is effected by one of two things: either speech or writing. As for intention, divorce is not effected by it, due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): . Therefore, according to the scholars, divorce is not effected by intention. So be at ease, my brother, and thank Allah for your safety. And I ask Allah for success for us and for you.
The presenter: May Allah reward you.