وَٱلْمُطَلَّقَـٰتُ يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنفُسِهِنَّ ثَلَـٰثَةَ قُرُوٓءٍ ۚ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ أَن يَكْتُمْنَ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ فِىٓ أَرْحَامِهِنَّ إِن كُنَّ يُؤْمِنَّ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ وَبُعُولَتُهُنَّ أَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ إِنْ أَرَادُوٓا۟ إِصْلَـٰحًا ۚ وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَيْهِنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ 228
Translations
Divorced women remain in waiting [i.e., do not remarry] for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allāh has created in their wombs if they believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to them [i.e., the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men [i.e., husbands] have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Transliteration
Wal-mutallaqātu yatarabbasna bi-anfusihinna thalāthata qurū'in wa-lā yahillu lahunna an yaktumna mā khalaqallāhu fī arhāmihinna in kunna yu'minña billāhi wal-yawmi al-ākhir wa-bu'ūlatuhunna ahaqqu bi-raddihinna fī dhālik in arādū islāhan wa-lahunna mithlul-ladhī 'alayhinna bil-ma'rūf wa-li-ar-rijāli 'alayhinna darajah wa-allāhu 'azīzun hakīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the legal and moral framework for divorced women during their waiting period ('iddah), requiring them to observe three menstrual cycles and to honestly disclose any pregnancy. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that the waiting period serves multiple purposes: determining paternity, allowing for potential reconciliation between spouses, and protecting women's rights. The ayah also affirms the principle of mutual rights and obligations between spouses while acknowledging men's guardianship (wilāyah) as a degree of responsibility, not arbitrary dominion.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during the consolidation of Islamic family law following the hijrah. It addresses the practical and ethical issues surrounding divorce, which had become prevalent in the early Muslim community. The ayah is part of the comprehensive treatment of divorce and women's rights in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:226-242), establishing Islamic jurisprudence distinct from pre-Islamic Arabian customs.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that 'Ā'ishah reported the Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding divorced women: 'The best of you are those who are best to their wives.' Additionally, Sunan Abu Dāwūd documents rulings on the 'iddah period and women's financial maintenance, reflecting the practical application of this ayah's principles.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds both men and women that Islamic law prioritizes justice, transparency, and the possibility of reconciliation while protecting the vulnerable; it teaches that rights come with corresponding responsibilities, and that true Islamic leadership (wilāyah) is characterized by compassion and fair treatment, not domination.