The Quran

235

Preface

وَلا جُناحَ عَلَيكُم فيما عَرَّضتُم بِهِ مِن خِطبَةِ النِّساءِ أَو أَكنَنتُم في أَنفُسِكُم ۚ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُم سَتَذكُرونَهُنَّ وَلٰكِن لا تُواعِدوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلّا أَن تَقولوا قَولًا مَعروفًا ۚ وَلا تَعزِموا عُقدَةَ النِّكاحِ حَتّىٰ يَبلُغَ الكِتابُ أَجَلَهُ ۚ وَاعلَموا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعلَمُ ما في أَنفُسِكُم فَاحذَروهُ ۚ وَاعلَموا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَفورٌ حَليمٌ

Yusuf Ali

There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts.¹ God knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: But do not make a secret contract with them except that you speak to them in terms honourable, nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that God Knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

A definite contract of remarriage for the woman during her period of ʿIddat of widowhood is forbidden as obviously unseemly, as also any secrecy in such matters. It would bind the woman at a time when she is not fitted to exercise her fullest judgment. But circumstances may arise when an offer (open for future consideration but not immediately decided) may be to her interests, and this is permissible. (R).