Surah Al-Baqarah (233-42)

(Tr. by Shehzad Saleem)

And [after divorce also] mothers shall suckle their offspring for two whole years, for those who desire to complete the term. And the child’s father [in such a case] shall have to bear the cost of their food and clothing according to the norms. No one should be burdened beyond his means. Neither shall a mother be treated unfairly because of her child, nor a father for his child – and his heir shall be accountable in the same way – But if they both decide on weaning by mutual consent and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. And if you decide to engage someone else to suckle your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay [the mother] in accordance with the norms [of the society] what you promised. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what you do.[1](233)

And those of you who die and leave widows behind, they should keep themselves in waiting for four months and ten days[2];

then when they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame onyou[3]about what they do with themselves in accordance with the norms [of the society]. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do. And there is also no blame on you also if you tacitly send a marriage proposal to these women or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that you would definitely talk to them. [Do so] but do not make a secret contract. Of course you can say something in accordance with the norms [of the society]. And do not decide to marry till the law reaches its term. And know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, so be fearful of Him; and keep in mind that

Allah is Most Forgiving and Most Forbearing[4]. (235)

There is no blame on you in the matter of dower[5] if you divorce women before touching them or having fixed their dower; but [this should definitely be the case that you] bestow on them some resources of life according to the norms of the society — the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means. This is an obligation on those who are righteous.[6]And

if you divorce them before touching them, but after the fixation of a dower for them, then half of this fixed dower should be given to them, unless they forgo it or he forgoes it in whose hands is the marriage knot[7]; and if you men forgo your right, it is nearer to piety. And do not forget your superiority among yourselves. For Allah sees well all that you do[8]. (236-7)

[This is the shari’ah of Allah and if you want to remain steadfast on it] be watchful over your prayers[9], especially the one which comes in the middle[10][of the morning and evening prayers when it is not easy for you to take out time from your involvements], and stand before Allah devoutly [leaving aside everything]. Then if you fear any danger, pray on foot or while riding, as may be most convenient, but when there is security, remember[11]Allah in the very manner[12]He has taught you, which

you knew not.[13] (238-9)

And [there is another thing that requires explanation regarding the directives given to you about widows and divorced women:] Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year’s provision and [bequeath] that [in this period] they shall not be turned out of their residences[14]; but if they themselves leave the residence, then there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves according to the norms of the society. [This is the Law of God] and [know that] Allah is Exalted in Power[15] and Wise[16]. (240)

[And similarly, this explanation is also necessary that] divorced women should in all cases be given some resources according to the norms of the society when they are sent off. This is an obligation on those who are fearful of God[17]. (241)