Page 798 - An Index to the Qur'an

what she received. These are Allah’s limits, so do should wait by themselves for four months and
not overstep them. Those who overstep Allah’s ten nights. When their waiting perio comes to an
limits are wrongdoers. (2:229) end, you are not to blame for anything they do
But if a man divorces his wife a third time, she is with themselves with correctness and courtesy.
not lawful for him after that until she has married Allah is aware of what you do. (2:234)
another husband. Then if he divorces her, there is Nor is there anything wrong in any allusion to
nothing wrong in the original couple getting marriage you make to a woman, nor for any you
back together provided they think they will re- keep to yourself. Allah knows that you will say
main within Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s lim- things to them. But do not make secret arrange-
its which he has made clear to people who ments with them, rather only speak with correct-
know. (2:230) ness and courtesy. Do not finally decide on the
When you divorce women and they are near the marriage contract until the prescribed period has
end of their waiting period, then either retain come to its end. Know that Allah knows what is
them with correctness and courtesy or release in your selves, so beware of Him! And know that
them with correctness and courtesy. Do not re- Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (2:235)
tain them by force, thus overstepping the limits. There is nothing wrong in your divorcing women
Anyone who does that has wronged himself. Do before you have touched them or allotted a
not make a mockery of Allah’s Signs. Remember dowry to them. But give them a gift–he who is
Allah’s blessing to you and the Book and wealthy according to his means and he who is
Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish less well off according to his means–a gift to be
you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
knowledge of all things. (2:231) all good-doers. (2:236)
When you divorce women and they are near the If you divorce them before you have touched
end of their waiting period, do not prevent them them but have already allotted them a dowry,
from marrying their first husbands if they have they should have half the amount which you al-
mutually agreed to it with correctness and cour- lotted, unless they forgo it or the one in charge of
tesy. This is an admonition for those of you who the marriage contract forgoes it. To forgo it is
believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better closer to heedfulness. Do not forget to show gen-
and purer for you. Allah knows and you do not erosity to one another. Allah sees what you do.
know. (2:232) (2:237)
Mothers should nurse their children for two full Those of you who die leaving wives behind
years–those who wish to complete the full term should make a bequest to their wives of mainte-
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and nance for a year without them having to leave
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no their homes. But if they do leave you are not to
self is charged with more than it can bear. No blame for anything they do with themselves with
mother should be put under pressure in respect correctness and courtesy. Allah is Almighty, All-
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. Wise. (2:240)
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the Divorced women should receive maintenance
couple both wish weaning to take place after given with correctness and courtesy: a duty for
mutual agreement and consultation, there is all who guard against evil. (2:241)
nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to Remember when the wife of ‘Imran said, ‘My
find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth- Lord, I have pledged to You what is in my womb,
ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand devoting it to Your service. Please accept my
over to them what you have agreed to give with prayer. You are the All-Hearing, the All-
correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and Knowing.’ (3:35)
know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233) When she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have
Those of you who die leaving wives behind: they given birth to a girl’–and Allah knew very well
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