The relations of the sexes are an important factor in social life. This sūrah deals with some of its aspects. The Prophet said: “In the sight of Allah, divorce is the most hateful of the permitted things.” Thus the sanctity of marriage is safeguarded, because it is the essential basis of family life. On the other hand, this sanctity should not be the cause of excessive suffering.
O Prophet! If you [believers] divorce your wives, divorce them at the end of their waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not expel them from their homes or let them go away unless they commit a proven immorality. Such are the bounds set by Allah; and he that transgresses Allah’s bounds wrongs his own soul. You never know, after that Allah may bring to pass some new situation.