The Quran

232

Preface

وَإِذا طَلَّقتُمُ النِّساءَ فَبَلَغنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلا تَعضُلوهُنَّ أَن يَنكِحنَ أَزواجَهُنَّ إِذا تَراضَوا بَينَهُم بِالمَعروفِ ۗ ذٰلِكَ يوعَظُ بِهِ مَن كانَ مِنكُم يُؤمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَاليَومِ الآخِرِ ۗ ذٰلِكُم أَزكىٰ لَكُم وَأَطهَرُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعلَمُ وَأَنتُم لا تَعلَمونَ

Yusuf Ali

When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their (?Iddat), do not prevent them¹ from marrying persons of their choice, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in God and the Last Day. That is (the course Making for) most virtue and purity amongst you and God knows, and ye know not.

The termination of a marriage bond is a most serious matter for family and social life. And every lawful device is approved which can equitably bring back those who have lived together, provided only there is mutual love and they can live on honourable terms with each other. If these conditions are fulfilled, it is not right for outsiders to prevent or hinder reunion. They may be swayed by property or other considerations. This verse was occasioned by an actual case that was referred to the Prophet in his lifetime.