Overview
The Qur’an provides comprehensive guidance on many aspects of personal and communal life, including the dissolution of marriage. The teachings on divorce underscore the concepts of compassion, fairness, and respect within the relationship. This entry explores the essential verses related to the topic, as detailed in Surah Al-Baqarah (Sūrah ii) and Surah At-Talaq (Sūrah lxv).
Etymology and Translations
- Divorce (English)
- Talaq (Arabic: طلاق)
- Boşanma (Turkish)
Key Verses and Commentary
Surah Al-Baqarah (Sūrah ii. 226-237)
Verses 226-227
“They who intend to abstain from their wives shall wait four months; but if they go back from their purpose, then verily God is Gracious, Merciful: And if they resolve on a divorce, then verily God is He who Heareth, Knoweth.”
- Interpretation: A waiting period of four months is prescribed for those who decide to abstain from their wives, representing an opportunity for reflection and reconciliation.
Verses 228-232
“The divorced shall wait the result, until they have had their courses thrice, nor ought they to conceal what God hath created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the last day; and it will be more just in their husbands to bring them back when in this state, if they desire what is right…”
- Interpretation: The verses establish the waiting period (`iddah) of three menstrual cycles before finalizing the divorce, ensuring clarity regarding any possible pregnancy. The prohibition of concealment offers protection for the unborn child’s rights.
Verse 229
“Ye may give sentence of divorce to your wives twice: Keep them honourably, or put them away with kindness…”
- Interpretation: A divorce can be pronounced up to two times, where reconciliation is still possible. After the third pronouncement, the relationship becomes irrevocable unless the wife marries another and is divorced again.
Verse 233
“Mothers, when divorced, shall give suck to their children two full years, if the father desire that the suckling be completed…”
- Interpretation: Child welfare remains paramount, stressing the father’s responsibility for providing significantly during and post-divorce.
Surah At-Talaq (Sūrah lxv)
Verses 1-2
“O Prophet! When ye divorce women, divorce them at their special times. And reckon those times exactly, and fear God your Lord…”
- Interpretation: Emphasizes divorcing women during their prescribed periods (times of `iddah or waiting period for physical purity) and treating them with fairness during and after the process.
Verse 4
“As to such of your wives as have no hope of the recurrence of their times, if ye have doubts in regard to them, then reckon three months, and let the same be the term of those who have not yet had them…”
- Interpretation: Specifies `iddah periods for different situations, including women who are past menopause, young women who have not yet menstruated, and pregnant women.
Verses 6-7
“Lodge the divorced wherever ye lodge, according to your means; and distress them not by putting them to straits…”
- Interpretation: Urges fairness and respect for divorced women, ensuring they receive their due support and are not compelled into hardship.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali - A comprehensive English translation with commentary.
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al. - Offers contextual and theological explanations.
- “The Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali - Explores the foundations of Islamic law, including marriage and divorce.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Compassion and Fairness: The Qur’anic verses on divorce emphasize actions grounded in compassion, fairness, and respect.
- Respecting Boundaries: Certain procedural and ethical boundaries are drawn to protect the rights and honor of all involved, including children.
- Divine Wisdom: The guidance reflects a balance of justice and divine wisdom intended to preserve human dignity and societal harmony.
Understanding the verses and their implications helps in appreciating the full scope of Islamic teachings on marriage and divorce, advocating for a fair treatment of individuals through divine instruction.
