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

Ali Quli Qarai

There is no sin upon you in what you may hint in proposing to [recently widowed] women, or what you may secretly cherish within your hearts. Allah knows that you will be thinking of them, but do not make troth with them secretly, unless you say honourable words, and do not resolve on a marriage tie until the prescribed term is complete.¹ Know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, so beware of Him; and know that Allah is all-forgiving, all-forbearing.

That is, until the waiting period of four months and ten days prescribed for the widows is completed.