وَإِن يَتَفَرَّقَا يُغْنِ ٱللَّهُ كُلًّا مِّن سَعَتِهِۦ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعًا حَكِيمًا 130
Translations
But if they separate [by divorce], Allāh will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allāh Encompassing and Wise.
Transliteration
Wa in yatafarraqā yughni allāhu kullam min saʿatih. Wa kāna allāhu wāsiʿan ḥakīmā.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the situation where spouses separate or divorce, reassuring both parties that Allah will provide for each of them from His abundance and boundless provision. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse conveys divine compassion during marital dissolution, affirming that separation need not lead to financial hardship, as Allah's wealth encompasses all creation. The verse highlights Allah's attribute of being Al-Wāsī (The Vast/All-Sufficient) and Al-Ḥakīm (The All-Wise), indicating that His wisdom ordains what is best even in circumstances of marital discord.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the section of Surah An-Nisa dealing with women's rights, marriage, and divorce (4:19-130). It comes at the conclusion of detailed rulings about marital relations and represents a compassionate reminder to couples experiencing discord. The broader context addresses the treatment of women, dower (mahr), and the conditions under which divorce may occur, reflecting the Medinan period's focus on establishing just social structures.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most hated of permissible things to Allah is divorce' (Sunan Abu Dawud 2226). Additionally, the hadith emphasizing that 'None of you should hate his wife, and if he dislikes one of her qualities, he will be pleased with another' (Sahih Muslim 1469) reflects the spirit of reconciliation promoted alongside this ayah's recognition of separation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah provides spiritual comfort to those experiencing marital difficulties by affirming that reliance on Allah transcends human relationships; it encourages believers to trust that separation, while painful, is not a cause for despair about one's livelihood, fostering both emotional resilience and faith in divine care.