As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 222-235. These verses deal with various marital and marriage-related topics – sex during menstruation, conjugal relationships, re-marriage, laws related to divorce, a commandment to treat divorced women honorably and kindly, no restrictions on re-marriage for divorcees, re-marrying for widows and no restrictions on re-marriage for widows.
If you enjoy the podcast, HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends and family, subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and write us a review.
Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.They ask you concerning women’s courses. Tell them: “This is a discomfort; therefore, keep away from women (do not have sexual intercourse) during their menstrual periods and do not approach them until they are clean again. When they have cleansed themselves then you may approach them in the manner Allah has enjoined for you. Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and keep themselves clean.[222] Your wives are your tilth; so go to your tilth when you like. Take care of your future and refrain from the displeasure of Allah. Bear in mind that you shall meet Him in the Hereafter, and give good news to the believers.[223] 2:[222-223]
Do not use Allah’s name in your oaths as an excuse to prevent you from dealing justly, guarding against evil and making peace between people; Allah hears and knows everything.[224] Allah will not hold you accountable for what is inadvertent in your oaths, but He will hold you accountable for what you intended in your hearts; Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.[225] 2:[224-225]
Those who renounce conjugal relationship with their wives on oath have a limitation of four months. If they reconcile and restore their relationship, surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[226] But if they decide to divorce them, they may do so, surely Allah hears and knows everything.[227] 2:[226-227] Divorced women must keep themselves waiting for three menstrual periods, it is not lawful for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. In such cases their husbands have a right to take them back in that period if they desire reconciliation. Women have rights similar to those exercised against them in an equi able manner, although men have a status (degree of responsibility) above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.[228] 2:[228]
The pronouncement of revocable divorce is only allowed twice: then she should be allowed to stay with honor or let go with kindness after the third pronouncement. It is not lawful for husbands to take anything back which they have given them except when both parties fear that they may not be able to follow the limits set by Allah; then if you fear that they both will not be able to keep the limits of Allah, there is no blame if, by mutual agreement the wife compensates the husband to obtain divorce. These are the limits set by Allah; do not transgress them, and those who transgress the limits of Allah are the wrongdoers.[229] So if a husband divorces his wife three times, it is not lawful for him to remarry her until after she has married another man and gotten divorced. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite in marriage, provided they think that they can keep the limits of Allah. Such are the limits of Allah which He makes clear to the people of understanding.[230] 2:[229-230]
When you divorce women and they have reached the end of their waiting period (‘Iddat) either allow them to stay with honor or let them go with kindness; but you should not retain them to harm them or to take undue advantage; if anyone does that he wrongs his own soul. Do not take Allah’s revelations as a joke. Remember the favors of Allah upon you and the fact that He sent down the Book and Wisdom for your guidance. Fear Allah and know that Allah has knowledge of everything.[231] 2:[231]
When you have divorced women and they have reached the end of their waiting period do not prevent them from marrying their prospective husbands if they have come to an honorable agreement. This is enjoined on everyone amongst you who believes in Allah and the Last Day. This is more virtuous and chaste for you; Allah knows what you do not know.[232] 2:[232]
The mothers shall breast-feed their offspring for two whole years if the father wishes the breast-feeding to be completed. The reasonable cost of their maintenance and clothing will be the responsibility of the child’s father. No one should be charged with more than they can afford. Neither a mother should be made to suffer on account of her child nor a father on account of his child. The father’s heirs are under the same obligation. But if, with mutual agreement, they both decide to wean the child, there is no blame on them. If you decide to have a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you provided you pay what you have promised to pay in an honorable manner. Fear Allah and beware that Allah observes your actions.[233] As for those of you who die and leave widows behind, let them abstain from marriage for four months and ten days: when they have reached the end of this period, there is no blame on you for what they do for themselves in a decent manner. Allah is aware of what you do.[234] 2:[233-234]
There is no blame on you if you make a proposal of marriage during their waiting period openly or keep it in your hearts. Allah knows that you will naturally cherish them in your hearts; however, be careful not to make any secret agreement, and if you wish to marry, speak to them in an honorable manner. Do not confirm the marriage tie until the prescribed waiting period expires. You should know that Allah is aware of what is in your hearts, so fear Him. Bear in mind that Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.[235] 2:[235]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.