Meaning of Quran

At-Talaq | Divorce

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[65:1] O prophet, when you people divorce women, divorce them at a time when the period of Iddah may start. And count the period of Iddah, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not expel them from their houses, nor should they go out, unless they come up with a clearly shameless act. These are the limits prescribed by Allah. And whoever exceeds the limits prescribed by Allah wrongs his own self. You do not know (what will happen in future); it may be that Allah brings about a new situation thereafter.

[65:2] So, when they (the divorced women) have (almost) reached their term, then either retain them with fairness, or part with them with fairness. And make two just men from among you witnesses (of your either decision). And (O witnesses,) keep your testimony upright for the sake of Allah. That is what anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to do. Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him,

[65:3] and provides him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for everything.

[65:4] And those women from among you who have despaired of (further) menstruation, if you are in doubt, their Iddah is three months, as well as of those who have not yet menstruated. As for those having pregnancy, their term (of Iddah ) is that they give birth to their child. And whoever fears Allah, He brings about ease for him in his affair.

[65:5] This is the command of Allah that He has sent down to you. And whoever fears Allah, He will write off his evil deeds, and will give him a huge reward.

[65:6] Provide to them (the divorced women) residence where you reside according to your means, and do not hurt them to straiten (life) for them. And if they are pregnant, spend on them till they give birth to their child. Then if they suckle the child for you, give them their fees, and consult each other (for determining the fee) with fairness, and if you create a deadlock between you, then another woman will suckle him.

[65:7] A man of vast means should spend according to his vast means. And anyone whose sustenance is limited should spend from whatever Allah has given to him. Allah makes no one liable beyond what He has given to him. Allah will soon bring ease after a difficulty.

[65:8] And how many a township rebelled against the command of its Lord, and against His messengers, so We called them to a severe account, and punished them with a punishment that was unimagined by them.

[65:9] Thus they tasted the evil consequence of their acts, and the end of their conduct was loss.

[65:10] Allah has prepared for them a severe punishment; so fear Allah O men of understanding who have believed! Allah has sent down to you a Reminder,

[65:11] a messenger who recites to you the verses of Allah, making (the truth) clear, so that He may bring forth those who believe and do righteous deeds from the layers of darkness into the light. And whoever believes in Allah, and acts righteously, He will admit him to the gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein such people will live forever. Allah has made for him a good provision.

[65:12] Allah is the One who has created seven skies, and their like from earth. The Command descends among them, so that you may know that Allah is powerful over everything, and that Allah has encompassed everything in knowledge.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah At-Talaq

  1. Title and Position: Surah At-Talaq is the 65th chapter of the Quran. The title “At-Talaq” translates to “The Divorce,” focusing on the regulations and ethical considerations surrounding the process of divorce in Islam.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 12 verses. It is recognized for its detailed guidelines on handling divorce with justice and compassion, including the waiting period (‘iddah), financial support, and the treatment of women.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the proper conduct during divorce, the protection of rights for all parties involved, especially women and children, the importance of observing God’s commands with sincerity, and the encouragement towards reconciliation whenever possible.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah At-Talaq is significant for its contribution to Islamic family law, emphasizing fairness, kindness, and the maintenance of dignity for all individuals during the divorce process.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Regulations on Divorce: The surah outlines specific regulations regarding divorce, including the necessity of observing the waiting period (‘iddah) to ensure clarity regarding paternity and the possibility of reconciliation.
  2. Financial Support and Kind Treatment: It emphasizes the obligation of the husband to provide financial support during the waiting period and to ensure that the process of divorce is carried out with kindness and without harm or injustice.
  3. Protection of Women’s Rights: Surah At-Talaq places a strong emphasis on protecting the rights and dignity of women, ensuring they are not left destitute or harmed during or after the process of divorce.
  4. Encouragement Towards Reconciliation: The surah encourages reconciliation and mediation as preferable alternatives, highlighting the importance of resolving differences and maintaining the family structure when possible.
  5. Faith and Accountability: It reminds believers of the importance of observing God’s commands and the accountability of each individual for their actions, stressing that God is fully aware of all human affairs.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah At-Talaq named “The Divorce”?
    • The surah is named “At-Talaq” because it provides comprehensive guidance on the process of divorce, focusing on the rights, responsibilities, and ethical conduct required by Islam.
  2. What are the key regulations for divorce mentioned in the surah?
    • Key regulations include observing the waiting period (‘iddah), providing financial support, treating all parties involved with kindness, and considering reconciliation before finalizing a divorce.
  3. How does Surah At-Talaq address the protection of women’s rights?
    • It explicitly outlines the rights of women during the divorce process, including financial maintenance and the importance of respectful and fair treatment, thereby protecting their dignity and well-being.
  4. What does the surah say about reconciliation?
    • The surah advocates for reconciliation and mediation as first steps, emphasizing the value of preserving the family unit and resolving differences through understanding and compromise.

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