At-Talaq الطلاق "Divorce"

Holy Quran

"Divorce" الطلاق, aṭ-talāq is the 65th chapter of the Qur'an with 12 verses

The main subject is about divorce

The surah also defines the time period of mourning (iddah) to be three menstruation periods. For pre-menarche girls and for post-menopause women - three months. In case of pregnancy, after the delivery of the child.[4]

After addressing the topic of divorce and a number of other resulting family issues[5] in first 7 verses,[6] the surah then strongly urges people to observe God’s regulations and guidance, and reminded the fate of earlier disobedient people that the apostate and disobedient were chastised for their sin[7]

The 11th verse describes the required attitude of the true believers that they exhort to faith in messenger and the regarding bounties[8]

Translate by Dr. Mustafa Khattab

1. O Prophet! ˹Instruct the believers:˺ When you ˹intend to˺ divorce women, then divorce them with concern for their waiting period,1 and count it accurately. And fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their homes, nor should they leave—unless they commit a blatant misconduct. These are the limits set by Allah. And whoever transgresses Allah’s limits has truly wronged his own soul. You never know, perhaps Allah will bring about a change ˹of heart˺ later.

2. Then when they have ˹almost˺ reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably. And call two of your reliable men to witness ˹either way˺—and ˹let the witnesses˺ bear true testimony for ˹the sake of˺ Allah. This is enjoined on whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them,

3. and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.

4. As for your women past the age of menstruation, in case you do not know, their waiting period is three months, and those who have not menstruated as well. As for those who are pregnant, their waiting period ends with delivery.1 And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make their matters easy for them.

5. This is the commandment of Allah, which He has revealed to you. And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will absolve them of their sins and reward them immensely.

6. House the wives you are divorcing according to your means, wherever you house yourselves, and do not harass them so as to make their lives difficult. If they are pregnant, maintain them until they are delivered of their burdens; if they suckle your infants, pay them for it. Consult together in a good way- if you make difficulties for one another, another woman may suckle the child for the father––

7. and let the wealthy man spend according to his wealth. But let him whose provision is restricted spend according to what God has given him: God does not burden any soul with more than He has given it- after hardship, God will bring ease.

8. Many a town that insolently opposed the command of its Lord and His messengers We have brought sternly to account: We punished them severely

9. to make them taste the ill effect of their conduct- the result of their conduct was ruin.

10. God has prepared a severe torment for them. So, you who have understanding, you who believe, beware of God. He has sent you the Quran

11. and a messenger- reciting to you God’s revelations that make things clear- to bring those who believe and do righteous deeds from darkness into light. God will admit those who believe in Him and do righteous deeds into Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will remain for ever––He has made good provision for them.

12. It is God who created seven heavens and a similar [number] of earths. His command descends throughout them. So you should realize that He has power over all things and that His knowledge encompasses everything.