DAY 488: Baqarah 231-242

• DAY 488: Baqarah 231-242

  •  When you divorce women and they have ˹almost˺ reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or let them go honourably. But do not retain them ˹only˺ to harm them ˹or˺ to take advantage ˹of them˺. Whoever does that surely wrongs his own soul. Do not take Allah’s revelations lightly. Remember Allah’s favours upon you as well as the Book and wisdom He has sent down for your guidance. Be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things. When you divorce women and they have reached the end of their waiting period, do not ˹let the guardians˺ prevent them from re-marrying their ex-husbands if they come to an honourable agreement. This is enjoined on whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day. This is purer and more dignifying for you. Allah knows and you do not know. ˹Divorced˺ mothers will breastfeed their offspring for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing ˹of their child˺. The child’s father will provide reasonable maintenance and clothing for the mother ˹during that period˺. No one will be charged with more than they can bear. No mother or father should be made to suffer for their child. The ˹father’s˺ heirs are under the same obligation. But if both sides decide—after mutual consultation and consent—to wean a child, then there is no blame on them. If you decide to have your children nursed by a wet-nurse, it is permissible as long as you pay fairly. Be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. 
     As for those of you who die and leave widows behind, let them observe a waiting period of four months and ten days. When they have reached the end of this period, then you are not accountable for what they decide for themselves in a reasonable manner. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do. There is no blame on you for subtly showing interest in ˹divorced or widowed˺ women¹ or for hiding ˹the intention˺ in your hearts. Allah knows that you are considering them ˹for marriage˺. But do not make a secret commitment with them—you can only show interest in them appropriately. Do not commit to the bond of marriage until the waiting period expires. Know that Allah is aware of what is in your hearts, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. There is no blame if you divorce women before the marriage is consummated or the dowry is settled. But give them a ˹suitable˺ compensation—the rich according to his means and the poor according to his. A reasonable compensation is an obligation on the good-doers. And if you divorce them before consummating the marriage but after deciding on a dowry, pay half of the dowry, unless the wife graciously waives it or the husband graciously pays in full. Graciousness is closer to righteousness. And do not forget kindness among yourselves. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. Observe the ˹five obligatory˺ prayers—especially the middle prayer—and stand in true devotion to Allah. If you are in danger, pray on foot or while riding. But when you are safe, ˹take time to˺ remember Allah for teaching you what you did not know. Those of you who die leaving widows should bequeath for them a year’s maintenance without forcing them out.¹ But if they choose to leave, you are not accountable for what they reasonably decide for themselves. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. Reasonable provisions must be made for divorced women—a duty on those mindful ˹of Allah˺. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so perhaps you will understand.
    (
    This section continues the detailed rules about divorce, waiting periods, kindness in separation, and the prohibition of taking back what you gave.
    After the rules about the three divorces and the waiting period (226–230), Allah now gives even more practical guidance: how to treat women during and after divorce, the importance of not harming them to take back what you gave, the waiting period for widows, and the rights of divorced women to a gift (muta’ah).
    This is mercy in motion. Even in the breakdown of marriage, the Quran demands dignity, fairness, and kindness.
    
    231    At end of waiting period: retain in kindness or release in kindness. Do not harm.    Divorce is not a weapon. Either fix it with kindness or end it with dignity.
    232    Do not prevent divorced women from remarrying their former husbands if they agree.    Don't stand between two people who want to reconcile.
    233    Mothers breastfeed two years — fathers provide. No harm to mother or father. Mutual weaning allowed. Hire nurse allowed.    Divorce ends marriage, not parenthood. Child's welfare first. Kindness and consultation.
    234    Widow's waiting period: four months and ten days. After that, free to remarry.    Grief has a time. Then life continues. Don't block her.
    235    Subtle hints allowed during waiting period — but no explicit proposal until term ends. Allah knows hearts. He is Forgiving.    You can be interested. You can hint. But respect the time.
    236    Divorce before consummation and without specified dowry — provide a gift in kindness (muta'ah).    Even a short marriage deserves dignity. Give a gift.
    237    Divorce before consummation but with specified dowry — half. Waiving is nearer to righteousness. Do not forget kindness.    Half is fair. Generosity is better. Kindness over pettiness.
    
    At the end of the waiting period, retain in kindness or release in kindness — do not harm; do not prevent reconciliation; mothers breastfeed two years, fathers provide; widows wait four months and ten days; you may hint at marriage during waiting period but not contract; if divorce before consummation with no dowry, give a gift; if with dowry, half — but waiving is nearer to righteousness, and do not forget kindness among yourselves.
    
    
    )