My wife and I got into an argument and I got angry and told her to go back to her mother's house. Does this consider divorce?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

A husband's saying 'go back to your mother's house' is a metonymic expression, an expression which denotes the meaning of separation and other meanings as well. By this expression divorce is not effective unless the husband intends it.

For details read our Fataawa: 90416 and 89746 that cover the rulings of delivering divorce using metonymic expressions.

We advise our brother not hasten in pronouncing divorce using clear words of divorce or unclear expressions, rather you should solve the disputes with patience and wisdom, and should avoid divorce or even threat of divorce lest the divorce occurs and you will regret after it is too late.

Allaah Knows best.