فَإِذَا بَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ فَارِقُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ وَأَشْهِدُوا۟ ذَوَىْ عَدْلٍ مِّنكُمْ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلشَّهَـٰدَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ يُوعَظُ بِهِۦ مَن كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًا 2
Translations
And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allāh. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allāh - He will make for him a way out
Transliteration
Fa-idha balaghnna ajalahunna fa-amsikuhunna bi-ma'ruf aw fariquhunna bi-ma'ruf wa-ashidu dha-'adl minkum wa-aqimu ash-shahada lillah. Dhalikum yu'adh bihi man kana yu'minu billahi wa-al-yawm al-akhir. Wa-man yattaq allah yaj'al lahu makhraj.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This verse addresses the conclusion of the 'iddah (waiting period) following divorce, commanding believers to either reconcile with their wives in kindness (ma'ruf) or release them honorably, with witnesses present. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah mandates justice and dignity in all divorce proceedings, prohibiting harm or spiteful behavior. The verse concludes with a promise that those who fear Allah will find a way out of difficulties, reinforcing that adherence to these ethical guidelines brings divine assistance and blessing.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina during the later period of the Prophet's life and addresses the legal framework for divorce in Islam. The ayah is part of the comprehensive guidance given in Surah At-Talaq (Chapter 65) which details the proper conduct and obligations surrounding divorce, establishing protections for women and emphasizing the sanctity of the marital contract even in its dissolution.
Related Hadiths
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas in Sahih Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding divorce: 'The most disliked of permissible things to Allah is divorce.' Additionally, a hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud emphasizes kind treatment during separation, stating that a man should not harm his wife during the 'iddah period.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that even in the painful process of marital dissolution, Muslims must uphold dignity, justice, and kindness—recognizing that ethical conduct in all circumstances, especially difficult ones, reflects true faith and brings divine guidance. The promise that 'whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him' reminds us that adherence to Islamic principles during trials provides both material and spiritual solutions.