The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

2: 240
The Cow 27
account of her child, nor any father on account of his. The same
duty is incumbent on the father’s heir. a If, by mutual consent and
consultation, the couple wish to wean [the child], they will not be
blamed, nor will there be any blame if you wish to engage a wet
nurse, provided you pay as agreed in a fair manner. Be mindful of
God, knowing that He sees everything you do.
234 If any of you die and leave widows, the widows should wait for
four months and ten nights before remarrying. When they have
completed this set time, you will not be blamed for anything they
may reasonably choose to do with themselves. God is fully aware of
what you do. 235 You will not be blamed whether you give a hint that
you wish to marry these women, or keep it to yourselves – God
knows that you intend to propose b to them. Do not make a secret
arrangement with them; speak to them honourably and do not confirm
the marriage tie until the prescribed period reaches its end.
Remember that God knows what is in your souls, so be mindful of
Him. Remember that God is most forgiving and forbearing.
236 You will not be blamed if you divorce women when you have
not yet consummated the marriage or fixed a bride-gift for them, but
make fair provision for them, the rich according to his means and the
poor according to his – this is a duty for those who do good. 237 If you
divorce wives before consummating the marriage but after fixing a
bride-gift for them, then give them half of what you had previously
fixed, unless they waive [their right], or unless the one who holds the
marriage tie waives [his right]. Waiving [your right] is nearer to
godliness, so do not forget to be generous towards one another: God
sees what you do. 238 Take care to do your prayers, c praying in the
best way, d and stand before God in devotion. 239 If you are in danger,
pray when you are out walking or riding; when you are safe again,
remember God, for He has taught you what you did not know.
240 If any of you die and leave widows, make a bequest for them: a
year’s maintenance and no expulsion from their homes [for that
time]. But if they leave of their own accord, you will not be blamed
for what they may reasonably choose to do with themselves: God is
a If he dies.
b Dhakara in classical Arabic meant ‘to propose’.
c To secure that the parties in such a bitter situation will abide by the Quran’s
teaching they are instructed to pray and stand before God.
d Another interpretation is ‘including the middle prayer’, with various opinions as to
which prayer is meant.