قَدْ سَمِعَ اللّٰهُ

1. Indeed, Allah has heard the speech of the woman who disputes with you about her husband and complains to Allah. Allah hears the conversation of you both. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

2. Those among you who repudiate their wives (by zihar, saying to them: ‘You are to me like my mother’s back,’ they should know that) their wives are in no way their mothers. Their mothers are only the ones who gave birth to them. Indeed, they utter dishonourable words and falsehood. Surely, Allah is All-Pardoning, Most-Forgiving.

3. Those who divorce their wives by likening their backs to their mothers’ backs (i.e. zihar), then wish to retract what they have said, must free a captive before they touch each other. That is what you are advised to do. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

4. And whosoever does not find the means shall fast for two consecutive months before they touch each other. And whosoever is unable (to do so) shall feed sixty needy persons. It is so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). These are the bounds set by Allah. And there is a painful punishment for the disbelievers.

5. Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) shall be disgraced as those before them were disgraced. And indeed, We have sent down clear revelations, and there is a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers.

6. The Day when Allah resurrects them all together, He will inform them about what they have done. Allah has kept account of it while they have forgotten it. And Allah is a Witness over all things.

7. Do you not see that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth? There is no secret conversation among the three, but He is their fourth; nor among the five, but He is their sixth; nor less than that, nor more, but He is with them wherever they may be. Then, He will inform them about what they did on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

8. Have you not seen those (Jews and hypocrites) who were forbidden from the secret conversation, but they return to what they were forbidden from? (They are constantly engaged in) conspiring for sin, revolt and disobedience to the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him)? Whenever they come to you (O Prophet), they greet you in a manner that Allah has not greeted you and say to themselves: ‘(If this Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) is truthful,) then why does Allah not punish us for what we say?’ Hell is enough for them; they will burn in it. And it is an evil destination!

9. O believers! When you converse privately, do not converse for sin, enmity or disobedience to the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). You may talk secretly (in a spirit of) virtuousness and God-consciousness. And be God-conscious towards Whom you shall be gathered.

10. Indeed, the (malicious) secret conversation is inspired by Satan so that he may upset the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least, except by Allah’s will. And the believers always put their trust in Allah.

11. O believers! When you are told: ‘Make room for one another in (collective) gatherings,’ do make room; Allah will make room for you (by His Grace). And when you are told: ‘Move up!’ Then move up. Allah will elevate those of you who are believers and (raise) those gifted with knowledge in ranks. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

12. O believers! When you consult the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) privately, offer some charity (to the needy) before your private consultation. That is better for you and purer. But if you do not find (anything to give in charity), then Allah is surely Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

13. Are you worried about charitable offerings before you come to speak privately (with the Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him])? Since you could not do it, Allah has mercifully turned to you. So establish the prayer, pay the alms due and obey Allah and His Messenger ([blessings and peace be upon him] persistently). And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

14. Have you not seen those who become intimate friends with a people with whom Allah is wrathful? They are neither from you nor (are you) from them. And they knowingly swear false oaths (claiming to be with you).

15. Allah has prepared a severe punishment for them. Evil indeed is what they used to do.

16. They take their (false) oaths as a shield and bar (others) from the way of Allah. So, there shall be a humiliating punishment for them.

17. Neither their properties nor their children will avail them against Allah in the least. They shall be the inmates of the Fire, and they shall remain in it forever.

18. The Day Allah resurrects them all together, they will swear to Him, just like they swear to you (now), supposing they have some standing. Beware! They are indeed liars!

19. Satan has gained control over them and has caused them to forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of Satan. Know! Indeed, it is the party of Satan who are the losers.

20. Indeed, those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) will be among the most abased.

21. Allah has decreed: ‘I and My messengers will surely prevail.’ Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

22. You shall never find a people believing in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), even if they were their parents, their children, their brothers or their families. They are the ones whom He has inscribed faith into their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him. And He will admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them, to remain there forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah. Know! The party of Allah is indeed prosperous.

1. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. He is the One Who expelled the disbelievers of the People of the Book (i.e. the tribe of Banu al-Nadir) from their homes at the outset of the first banishment (because of their treason against the state). You never thought they would go; they thought their strongholds would defend them against Allah. But (the decree of) Allah came upon them from where they did not expect, and He cast terror into their hearts. They demolished their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So take a lesson (from it)! O people of vision!

3. Had Allah not decreed exile for them, He would have surely punished them (more severely) in this world. And in the Hereafter, there is the punishment of the Fire for them.

4. That is because they acted in (treacherous) opposition to Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). And whoever works in opposition to Allah, indeed Allah is severe in retribution.

5. Whatever palm trees you cut down or left standing on their roots (during the siege of Banu Nadir), it was (all) by Allah’s will so that He might disgrace the wrongdoers.

6. (O believers!) The spoils of war that Allah has returned to His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) from them, you did not spur any horse or ride any camel for its sake. But Allah gives authority to His messengers over whomever He wills. And Allah is All-Capable of everything.

7. The spoils of war that Allah has returned to His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) from the people of the towns* belong to Allah and the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the (Messenger’s) near relatives, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers (at large), so that (material wealth) does not circulate (only) among your wealthy. Whatsoever the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) gives you, take it, and abstain from whatsoever he forbids you. Be God- conscious. Indeed, Allah is Severe in retribution.

* These include the towns of Qurayza, Nadir, Fadak, Khaybar, ‘Urayna and other towns captured without fighting.

8. (These spoils of war are also) for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and properties, seeking Allah’s grace and pleasure and helping Allah and His Messenger. It is they who are truthful.

9. (These spoils are also) for those (helpers, i.e. the Ansar) who were (already) firmly settled in the land (of Medina) and (firmly rooted) in faith before (the arrival of the emigrants). They love whoever migrated to them, never finding any need in their hearts for whatever (of the gains) is given to the emigrants. They give preference (to others) over themselves, even though they may be in dire need. And those saved from the greed of their souls, it is they who are prosperous.

10. And those who came after them say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and (forgive) our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not put any malice in our hearts for the believers. Our Lord! Indeed, You are Most-Gracious, All-Merciful.’

11. Have you not seen those who have become hypocrites? They say to their brothers—the disbelievers among the People of the Book: ‘If you are expelled (from here), we will surely go out with you. And we will never obey anyone against you. And if you are fought, we will surely help you.’ Allah bears witness that they are certainly liars.

12. If they were expelled, these (hypocrites) would never leave with them. And if they were fought, they would never help them. Were they to help them, they would surely turn their backs (to flee), and then they would not be supported (from anywhere).

13. (O Believers!) Indeed, there is more fear in their hearts for you than for Allah. That is because they are a people who do not comprehend.

14. They (i.e. the treacherous Jews of Medina and the hypocrites) will not fight against you (even allied) altogether, except in fortified townships or from behind walls. There is severe hostility between them. You think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who do not understand,

15. like those who, shortly before them, tasted the evil consequences of their conduct.* There is a painful punishment for them (in the Hereafter).

* This verse refers to the idolaters of Mecca at Badr and the Banu Nadir, Banu Qaynuqa‘ and Banu Qurayza from the Jews who committed an act of treason against the state by breaching the Treaty of Medina.

16. (The example of the hypocrites is) like Satan when he says to human being: ‘Disbelieve’, but when he disbelieves, he says: ‘I am absolved of you. Surely, I fear Allah, the Lord of all worlds.’

17. The fate of both is that they will be in the Hellfire, remaining there forever. Such is the requital of the wrongdoers.

18. O believers! Be God-conscious. And let every soul consider what it has sent forth for tomorrow. And (always) remain God-conscious. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

19. Do not be like those who forget Allah, so He makes them forget themselves. It is they who are the transgressors.

20. The inmates of the Hellfire cannot be equal to the residents of Paradise. It is the residents of Paradise who will be victorious.

21. Had We sent this Qur’an down upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled (to pieces and) torn asunder by the fear of Allah. We offer such illustrations for people, so perhaps they may reflect.

22. He is Allah, besides Whom there is no god, the Knower of the Unseen and the seen. He is the Most-Compassionate, the All-Merciful.

23. He is Allah, besides Whom there is no god: the All-Sovereign, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Securer, the Guardian (watching all), the All-Mighty, the Most Supreme (and) the All-Magnanimous. Glorified is Allah from whatever they associate with Him (in worship).

24. He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator (and) the Shaper. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

1. O believers! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as trusted allies, conveying to them (secret news of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers) because of your intimate affection (with them). (In contrast,) they have rejected the truth that has come to you, expelling the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and you (from your homeland) simply because you believe in Allah, your Lord. If you have emigrated (from Mecca), striving in My path and seeking My good pleasure (then how can you take them as trusted allies)? You secretly disclose (the believers’ news) to them because of your intimate affection, while I know best whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. And whoever among you does this has certainly strayed from the right way.*

* This verse was reportedly revealed concerning Hatib b. Abi Balta‘a, who sent a letter to the Quraysh of Mecca that was later intercepted by the efforts of some Companions. This letter contained information about the Prophet’s plan of marching upon Mecca. During the interrogation, he told the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) that he did it because he had allied with the Quraysh to obtain assistance from them. Hence, this commandment prohibited choosing an alliance with the disbelievers over the alliance of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers.

2. If they get (a chance) to prevail over you, they will be your (open) enemies and stretch out their hands and their tongues against you with evil intentions. And they eagerly desire that you renounce your faith.

3. Your relatives and your children will not benefit you. On the Day of Resurrection, He will distinguish between you (all), and Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

4. Indeed, there is an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him when they said to their people: ‘We disown you and whatever (idols) you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you all. And enmity and hatred have appeared between you and us forever until you believe in Allah alone.’ The only exception was Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) saying to his (foster) father: ‘I will surely seek forgiveness for you, though I cannot protect you from (the punishment of) Allah.’ (The believers said:) ‘Our Lord! In You (alone), we trust. To You (alone), we turn penitently. And towards You (alone) is the final destination.

5. Our Lord! Do not make us a trial for (the persecution of) the disbelievers, and forgive us. Our Lord! Indeed, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.’

6. Indeed, there is an excellent example in them for you (to adopt) for whoever looks forward to Allah and the Last Day. But whoever turns away (should know that) Allah is the All-Sufficient, the All-Praiseworthy.

7. Allah may still bring about affection between you and those among them whom you (presently) hold as enemies. And Allah is All-Capable, and Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

8. Allah does not forbid you, regarding those who have not fought you on account of (your) religion, nor expelled you from your homes, from treating them kindly and being just towards them. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.

9. Allah only forbids you to take those as allies who fought you because of (your) religion and expelled you from your homes or supported (others) in your expulsion. Whoever takes them as trusted friends (or allies), they are the wrongdoers.

10. O believers! When believing women come to you as emigrants, test their intentions. Allah knows best (the state of) their faith. Then, if you ascertain them to be faithful women, do not send them back to the disbelievers. These women are not lawful for those (idolators), nor are they lawful for them. And repay the disbelievers whatever (dowries) they have paid (to these believing women). There is no sin upon you in marrying them when you have given them their bridal gifts. Do not hold to the (marital) ties with disbelieving women. And demand (the disbelievers for repayment of) whatever you have spent (upon them as dowries), and let the disbelievers demand you for whatever they have spent. That is Allah’s judgement; He judges between you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

11. If any of your wives deserts you, going over to the disbelievers, and later you acquire the spoils of war (from them), then pay those (idolators) whose wives have deserted them the equivalent of whatever (dowry) they had paid. And be God-conscious in Whom you are believers.

12. O Prophet! When believing women come to you, pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah (in worship), nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor falsely attribute (any illegitimate) child to their husbands, nor disobey you in whatever is honourable, then accept their allegiance and plead to Allah for their forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

13. O believers! Do not take a people as trusted friends (or allies) with whom Allah is wrathful. They have lost hope of the Hereafter, just like the disbelievers inhabiting the graves had lost hope.

1. Whatever is in the heavens glorifies Allah, and whatever is on the earth, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. O believers! Why do you say what you do not do?

3. It is most hateful to Allah that you say what you do not do.

4. Allah loves those who fight in His way (for the cause of truth) in ranks as if they were a well-compact structure.

5. And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: ‘O my people! Why do you hurt me while you already know that I am Allah’s Messenger to you?’ So when they continued deviating, Allah caused their hearts to deviate (permanently from the truth). And Allah does not guide the transgressing people.

6. And when ‘Isa, the son of Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary), said: ‘O Children of Israel! I am Allah’s Messenger to you, confirming the Torah that came before me, and bearing the glad tidings of a Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) who will come after me, whose name (in the heavens) is Ahmad.’ Yet when he (i.e. the promised Messenger) came to them with clear proofs, they said: ‘This is plain magic.’

7. Who is a greater wrongdoer than the one who fabricates lies against Allah while being invited to Islam? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

8. They (i.e. the deniers of the truth) desire to extinguish the Light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah shall bring His Light to (complete) perfection, though the disbelievers may intensely dislike it.

9. He is the One Who sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth so that He may elevate it over all religions, though the polytheists may dislike it.

10. O believers! Shall I guide you to a trade that will deliver you from a painful punishment?

11. (It is that) you believe in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and struggle hard in Allah’s way with your possessions and your persons. That would be better for you if only you knew.

12. He shall forgive you your sins, admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them and (make you reside) in pleasant dwellings in the Gardens of Eternity. That is the ultimate success.

13. And (He will also grant you) other (blessings) you long for: (that is,) help from Allah and an imminent victory. So give glad tidings to the believers.*

* It refers to the Conquest of Mecca and the victories over the Persians and Byzantines.

14. O believers! Be helpers (in the cause) of Allah, as ‘Isa, the son of Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary), said to the disciples: ‘Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?’ The disciples replied: ‘We are (your) helpers (in the cause) of Allah.’ Then, a faction of the Children of Israel believed, and a faction disbelieved. So, We strengthened the believers against their enemy, and they came to prevail.

1. Whatever is in the heavens glorifies Allah, and whatever is on the earth, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. He is the One Who sent among the unlettered people a Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) from among themselves, who recites His revelations to them, purifies them (spiritually) and teaches them the Book and wisdom. Indeed, they had previously been in clear error,

3. along with others among them who have not yet joined them. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

4. That is Allah’s grace. He grants it to whomever He pleases. And Allah is the Lord of Mighty Grace.

5. The example of those entrusted with the Torah but failed to carry this (trust) is like that of a donkey carrying books. How evil is the example of the people who reject Allah’s revelations? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

6. Say: ‘O Jews! If you claim that you are Allah’s chosen friends, leaving all other people aside, then long for death, if you are truthful.’

7. Yet they will never long for it because of what (deeds) their hands have sent forth. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.

8. Say: ‘Indeed, the death you are running away from will surely encounter you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.’

9. O believers! When the call to prayer is made on the Day of Congregation (i.e. Friday), proceed hastily to the remembrance of Allah and leave (all) business. That would be better for you if only you knew.

10. After the prayer has ended, disperse in the land and seek Allah’s grace. And remember Allah frequently so you may be successful.

11. When they observed a (caravan with) trade or entertainment, they rushed towards it (out of dire need) and left you standing (there, during the sermon). Say: ‘Whatever is with Allah is far better than amusement and trade. And Allah is the Best of providers.’*

* This verse refers to an incident when a trade caravan arrived in Medina from Syria. People suffering from financial difficulties left the mosque during the Friday sermon to fulfil their needs. After this incident, the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) adopted the practice of delivering the sermon before the congregational prayer, which has continued to this day.

1. When the hypocrites come to you (O Prophet!), they say: ‘We bear witness that you certainly are the Messenger of Allah.’ And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), but Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars.

2. They take their (false) oaths as a shield, and then they hinder (others) from the way of Allah. Evil indeed is what they used to do.

3. That is because they believed and then abandoned (their) faith. So their hearts were sealed. Hence, they do not understand.

4. When you see them, their appearance impresses you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech, but they are (just) like dried timbers leaning (against a wall). They think every cry (they hear) is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them. How perverted they are!

5. And when it is said to them: ‘Come! So Allah’s Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) may seek forgiveness for you,’ they turn their heads aside (rudely), and you see them turning away in arrogance.

* This verse was sent down concerning ‘Abd Allah b. Ubayy (the chief of the hypocrites). When asked to appear before the presence of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) for seeking forgiveness, he said twisting his head: ‘I will not go. I have believed and have paid Zakat (the Alms-due) on his advice. Now what is left except that I should now prostrate myself before Muhammad?’

6. It makes no difference for them whether you seek forgiveness for them or do not seek forgiveness for them: Allah will never forgive them (for they mock you and behave arrogantly towards you). Indeed, Allah does not guide the rebellious people.

7. They are the ones who say: ‘Do not spend (anything) on those who remain (as devotees) in the presence of the Messenger of Allah until they break away (from him).’ And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

8. They say: ‘If we return to Medina, then (we) the honourable will surely expel the dishonourable (i.e. the Muslims) from it.’ But all honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the believers. However, the hypocrites do not understand.

9. O believers! Do not let your possessions or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. For whoever does that, it is they who are the losers.

10. Spend (in charity) from whatever We have provided you before death comes upon one of you, and he says: ‘O my Lord! If only You would grant me respite for a while so I could give charity and be among the righteous?’

11. Allah shall never grant respite to a soul when its appointed time (of death) has arrived. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

1. Whatever is in the heavens glorifies Allah, and whatever is on the earth. To Him belongs (all) sovereignty, and to Him belongs (all) praise. And He is All-Capable of everything.

2. He is the One Who created you, yet some of you are disbelievers, while others among you are believers. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

3. He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth with a real purpose. And He shaped you (in the wombs), then perfected your forms. And towards Him is the final return.

4. He knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth. And He knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. And Allah is All-Knowing of whatever is (hidden) in the breasts.

5. Has there not come to you the story of those who disbelieved before? They tasted the evil consequences of their conduct, and there shall be a painful punishment for them.

6. That was because their messengers used to bring them clear proofs, but they said: ‘Shall a human being guide us?’ So they disbelieved and turned away. And Allah is not in need (of their faith). And Allah is Self-Sufficient, All-Praised.

* This meaning of the word bashar (human being) is according to what the eminent exegetes have described. See: Tafsir al-Tabari, al-Kashshaf, al-Nasafi, al-Baghawi, al-Khazin, al-Jumal, al-Mazhari and Fath al-Qadir, etc.

7. The disbelievers claim that they will not be resurrected. Say: ‘Yes indeed, by my Lord! You will surely be resurrected. Then, you will surely be informed of what you did. And that is easy for Allah.’

8. So believe in Allah, His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the Light We have sent down. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

9. The Day when He will gather you (all), for the Day of (the Great) Gathering, that will be the Day of Mutual Loss and Gain. And whoever believes in Allah and acts righteously, He will absolve him of his misdeeds and admit him into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them, to abide there forever. That is the ultimate success.

10. Those who disbelieve and reject Our revelations shall be the inmates of the Fire, to abide there forever. What a miserable destination!

11. No calamity befalls (anyone) except by Allah’s Will. And whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart (through adversity). And Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

12. Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). But if you turn away, (then know that) Our Messenger’s (blessings and peace be upon him) responsibility is only the clear proclamation (of Our message).

13. Allah (is the One God). There is no god except Him. So, in Allah (alone) should all the believers trust.

14. O believers! You (can) have some enemies, even among your spouses and children. So beware of them! Yet if you pardon, overlook and forgive (their faults), then Allah is indeed Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

15. Your possessions and your children are only a trial. But with Allah (alone), there is a great reward (for you).

16. So be God-conscious to the best of your ability. And listen (to Him) and obey (Him) and spend (in charity). (That is) better for your souls. Those saved from the selfishness of their souls, it is they who will be prosperous.

17. If you lend Allah a generous loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most-Appreciative, All-Forbearing;

18. (He is) the Knower of the Unseen and the seen, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

1. O Prophet! (Say to the believers:) ‘When you (intend to) divorce women, divorce them considering their waiting period, and count accurately the waiting period. Be God-conscious, your Lord. Do not force them out of their homes, nor shall they leave (themselves), unless they commit a flagrant indecency. These are the limits set by Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits set by Allah certainly wrongs himself. You never know; perhaps Allah may bring some new situation afterwards (that leads to a reunion).

2. So when they have (almost) reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably. And take two of your just persons as witnesses and uphold the testimony for the sake of Allah. (Compliance of) this (command) is advised to whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whosoever is God-conscious, He will make a way out for him,

3. and provide for him from where he cannot imagine. And whoever puts his trust in Allah, He is Sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah carries through His Command. Allah has already set a measure for everything.

4. As for those of your women who have no hope for menstruation, in case you doubt (regarding their term), their waiting period shall be three months, and those (as well) who have not yet menstruated. As for the pregnant women, their term shall be until they deliver. And whoever is God-conscious, He shall grant him ease in his affairs.

5. That is Allah’s command, which He has sent down to you. And whoever is God-conscious, He will absolve him of his misdeeds and honour him with a great reward.

6. (During their waiting period,) house them where you live, according to your means. And do not harass them to make their stay unbearable. And if they are pregnant, then spend upon them until they deliver. Then, if they are suckling (the child) for you (after the divorce is finalised), give them their wages and consult together in an honourable way. But if you struggle to deal with each other, another woman will suckle (the child) for him.

* In that case, the father has to arrange for a wet nurse to suckle the infant.

7. Let the wealthy man spend according to his means. As for the one with limited resources, let him provide according to whatever Allah has given him. Allah does not task any soul but (according to the capacity) that He has given it. Allah will bring ease after hardship.

8. How many a town rebelled against the command of its Lord and His messengers? Then, We called it to a severe account and punished it with a horrible torment (the like of which had not been seen before).

9. So it tasted the evil consequences of its conduct, and the end of its affair was a total loss.

10. Allah has (also) prepared for them a severe punishment (in the Hereafter). So be God-conscious, O possessors of intellect, who have believed! Indeed, Allah has sent down to you a Reminder (i.e. the Qur’an),

* The word ‘Reminder’ can also refer to the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), as mentioned at the beginning of the next verse.

11. a Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) reciting to you the elucidative verses of Allah, that he may bring those who believe and perform righteous deeds out of darkness into light. And whoever believes in Allah and acts righteously, He will admit him into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them, to abide in them forever. Indeed, Allah has granted him an excellent provision.

12. Allah is the One Who created seven heavens and the earth (with a number) similar to them. The (Divine) Command descends gradually between them, so you may realise that Allah is All-Capable of everything. And Allah has surely encompassed all things in (His) Knowledge.

1. O Prophet! Why do you prohibit (yourself from) what Allah has made lawful to you, (kindly) desiring the good pleasure of your wives? And Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

2. (O believers!) Indeed, Allah has already ordained for you the (method of) absolution of your oaths. And Allah is your Guardian, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

3. And (remember) when the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) had once said something secretly to one of his wives. But when she disclosed it (to another wife), and Allah made it known to him (blessings and peace be upon him), then he told (her) some part of it and held back the rest. So when he (blessings and peace be upon him) informed her of it, she said: ‘Who informed you about this?’ He (blessings and peace be upon him) said: ‘The All-Knowing, the All-Aware has informed me.’

4. (It will be better) if you both repent to Allah because your hearts have inclined (together towards the same thing). But if you collaborate against him, Allah Himself is surely his Guardian, and are Jibril (Gabriel) and the righteous among the believers. Moreover, the angels are (also) his supporters.

5. It may be that if he divorces you, his Lord will give him wives better than yourselves. (They will also be) submissive, faithful, devoutly obedient, penitent, dedicated to worship and fasting, previously married and virgins.

6. O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones. It is overseen by severe and mighty angels who never disobey whatever Allah commands them and carry out what they are commanded (to do).

7. (It will be said:) ‘O disbelievers! Do not make excuses today. You are only being repaid for what you used to do.’

8. O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord shall absolve you of your misdeeds and admit you into the Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. That Day, Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers with him. Their light will shine, spreading before them and on their right. They will say: ‘Our Lord, complete our light for us and forgive us! Surely, You are All-Capable of everything.’

9. O Prophet! Struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be firm with them. Their refuge is Hell, and it is an evil destination.

10. Allah has given an example for the disbelievers: The wife of Nuh (Noah) and the wife of Lut (Lot). They both were under two of Our righteous servants, but they betrayed them. So, they did not benefit them against Allah in any way. It was said (to them): ‘Enter the Fire (the both of you) along with (other) incomers.’*

* Noah’s wife (Wahila) did not believe in him; she reportedly used to say that Noah was a madman. Lot’s wife (Wa‘ila) did not believe in him either; she reportedly told the disbelievers of Sodom the whereabouts of Lot’s guests. So, they both were punished along with other disbelievers.

11. Allah has given an example for the believers: The wife of Pharaoh, when she said: ‘My Lord! Build for me a house in Paradise near Your presence and deliver me from Pharaoh and his (evil) conduct. Save me from the wrongdoing people.’*

* The wife of Pharaoh was Asiya, the daughter of Mazahim. She was righteous despite being married to the greatest of tyrants. Therefore, she benefitted from her righteousness and became one of the four most blessed women of Paradise.

12. And (there is also the example of) Maryam (Mary), the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity well. So We breathed in her (womb) through Our Spirit (Gabriel). She confirmed the Words of her Lord and His (revealed) Scriptures, and she was one of the devoutly obedient.