Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 210-237

[taul]

Re: Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 190-237

Verses 190-237


--In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


190- Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.


191-And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.


192-But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.


193-And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah. but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.


194-The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.


195-And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.


196-And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment.


197-For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.


198- It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.


199-Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah's forgiveness. For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.


200-So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more Heart and soul. There are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!" but they will have no portion in the Hereafter.

201-And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!"

202-To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account.

203-Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.

204-There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.

205-When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief.

206-When it is said to him, "Fear Allah., He is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (To lie on)!

207-And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees.


208-O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.

209-If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

210-Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to Allah do all questions go back (for decision).

211- Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah's favour has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict in punishment.

212- The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.

213- Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight.

214- Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah." Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!

215- They ask thee what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -(Allah) knoweth it well.

216- Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.

217- They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting therein is a grave (offense); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppressions are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.

218- Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah, - they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

219- They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-

220- (Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."

221- Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Gardens (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind. That they may celebrate His praise.

222- They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in ther courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time or place ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.

223- Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.

224- And make not Allah.s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One who heareth and knoweth all things.

225- Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.

226- For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is Oft forgiving, Most Merciful.

227- But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

228- Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have their rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

229- A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (Men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear they would be unable to keep limits ordained by Allah. If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah. so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (Themselves as well as other).

230- So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), He cannot, after that, re-marry her until after she married another husband and He has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.

231- When ye divorce women, and they fullfil the term of their ('iddat), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage; if any one does that; He wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah.s Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse Allah.s favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.

232- When ye divorce women, and they fullfil the term of their ('iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course Making for) most virtue and purity amongst you and Allah knows, and ye know not.

233- The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.

234- If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

235- There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: But do not make a secret contract with them except in terms Honorable, nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah knoweth what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.

236- There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower, but bestow on them (A suitable gift), the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means;- A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.

237- And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the fixation of a dower for them, then the half of the dower (Is due to them), unless they remit it or (the man's half) is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission (of the man's half) is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget Liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that ye do.

May Allah Bless us all and Help us act upon the guidance we receive from the Holy Quran.

 

[patriot]

Re: Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 190-237

2:190 (All mankind should agree upon and mark their calendars for four months of peacetime. However, following of the Divine System of Life will meet with harsh opposition.) So, fight in the Cause of God those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. Indeed, God does not love aggressors.
[2:194, 2:217, 4:91, 9:5, 9:36, 22:39, 60:8. Four months of no wars in the world will train people toward achieving restraint and permanent peace for all. Mutadeen = Transgressors = Aggressors = Those who cross limits]

2:191 Subdue them regardless of their tribal affiliations, and drive them out of where they drove you out. For persecution, (terror, torture, oppression) is a crime even more grievous than killing. Do not fight against them near the Masjid of Security (a haven of amnesty) unless they attack you therein. But if they attack you there, then you shall fight against them. Such has to be the rebuttal of those who reject (the Standard of Peace).
[Haith = Wherever = Whenever. Thaqif = Find out = Come to know. Hence, fight them regardless of your knowledge of their socio-geographic origins. The Masjid of Security in Makkah must be a safe Sanctuary, a model of amnesty, and a Meeting point for all mankind. 2:125, 2:144-148, 3:96, 5:2, 5:97, 9:18, 22:25-28, 48:25. Qatl = Kill = Bring low = Subdue = Fight = Attack = Slay = Strike = Defend]

2:192 And if they desist, then, remember that God is Forgiving, Eternal Source of Mercy.
[People should take their hue from God, and thus, they must be forgiving and compassionate. 2:138]

2:193 Hence, fight them only until there is no more harassment, and Deen may be adopted for the sake of God alone. And if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against those who replace peace with aggression.
[No compulsion or coercion in religion 2:256. Lillah = For Gods sake alone. Zulm = Displace something from its rightful place = Replace good with evil = Oppression = Relegation of the Truth = Exploitation = Violation of human rights = Doing wrong to oneself or others]

2:194 You may fight during the Months of Peace and Security if you are attacked, for, a violation of sanctity will activate the Law of Just retribution. So, the one who attacks you should expect retaliation in like manner. Be mindful of God, and know that God is with those who live upright.
[Temporary cessation of hostilities provides a cooling off period and it can avert war. There should be at least four months upon which mankind should agree as peacetime. History and Tafseers (expositions of the Quran) report the four Months of Peacetime as the first, the seventh, the eleventh and the twelfth month of the Lunar Calendar. However, the Quran being the Ultimate Authority specifies them differently. The four Months of Security at the time in Arabia were consecutive, beginning with Zil-Hajjah, the 12th Lunar Month. Mankind may agree upon any four consecutive months in the changing times. 9:5, 9:36]

2:195 (Defense of the Divine Order calls for sacrifice of wealth and person.) Hence, keep open your resources in the Cause of God, and let not your own hands throw you into destruction. Be beneficent! Indeed, God loves the doers of good. [You might throw yourselves into destruction by withholding contributions to this noble Cause]

2:196 (Peace cannot defend itself. Mankind have to guard it.) Therefore, observe the Hajj and Umrah Convention for God. If you are stranded, send in gifts that the congregation would utilize. Do not consider that by doing so you have relieved yourself of duty. Be with them at heart until the gifts have reached their destination. If someone is sick or has other compelling burdens denying him sending any contribution, then Abstinence for a few days at convenience, or an act of charity or fulfilling someones need shall be in order. If a person is present at the Convention but cannot afford to contribute, he should exercise Abstinence for a total number of ten days, three days there and seven days after coming home. This is for him whose folk do not live in the vicinity of the Convention. Be mindful of God, remembering the noble objective. And know that God (His Law) is Strict in grasping.
[Hajj is the annual Convention in a specified time while Umrah is a visit to the Masjid of Makkah any time during the year. Both have a sublime objective as the Quran explains, although Muslims have reduced them into mere rituals similar to the Days of Ignorance. There is no mention of kissing the black-stone in Kabah, any "holiness" about the Zam Zam water, or that of throwing rocks at the three pillars signifying Satan. See footnote to Surah 105. The Noble Objective of the Pilgrimage is to arrange regular and intermittent international conferences in Makkah. Delegates from all over the world would get together there and devise ways to make the world a better place to live. Halqirras = Relief of burden = Idiom for relief. - Imams Jurjani, Hasan Basari, Shehristani]

2:197 The Convention shall take place in the months appointed for it and made well known to all. Whoever participates in the Convention shall refrain from sexual intimacy, slipping out of discipline and argumentation throughout Hajj. And whatever you accomplish for the good of mankind, God will acknowledge it. So make ample provision, yet the best provision is your good conduct. Be mindful of Me, O You of understanding!
[Sexual intimacy, breach of discipline and argumentation would hamper mutual consultation in a focused, amicable environment. Ample provision is meant to avoid asking for help, but rather being able to help others. The Central Authority, any time in the Divinely ordained four Months of Peacetime should decide upon and announce the exact dates of Hajj. The current practice of performing the ritualistic pilgrimage only in Zilhajjah, the 12th lunar month, finds no Authority in the Quran. 2:194, 9:1-6]

2:198 (The Hajj Convention is not an assembly of monks.) There is no blame on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord by trading. Returning in groups from where you got introduced to one another (Arafat), let your experience be a conscious and ever-lasting monument to peace in your lives. Take Gods messages to heart, and remember Him in the way He has directed you. And, certainly, before this you were wandering to and fro.

2:199 (When the Convention is over) let the Congregation return to their hometowns without much delay. (Implement what you have learned and) seek from God security and protection for mankind through this Program. Indeed, God is the Provider of protection, Absolver of imperfections, Ever Merciful.

2:200 When you have completed your duties, then, remain conscious of God with a stronger commitment than you used to display for your ancestors and their ways. Among the people is he who says, Our Lord! Give unto us in this world. But he, who looks only for instant gains disregarding the long term, has no portion in the Hereafter.

2:201 And of them is he who says, Our Lord! Give unto us in this world what is good, and in the Hereafter what is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire.
[He does not forsake the Hereafter for this world, and this life for the Hereafter. 28:77]

2:202 It is they for whom is a decent portion: what they have themselves earned. And God is Swift in reckoning. [Actions get their imprints stamped upon the human self in this very life]

2:203 Constantly remember God in the counted number of days (of the Convention). Then if someones departure were hastened by a couple of days, there would be nothing detrimental. And if someones departure were delayed by a couple of days, there would be no detriment either. This is for him who wishes to live upright. Be mindful of God, and know that all of you together are stepping toward the ultimate destination with God.

2:204 (About delegating political Authority, remember that) there is among mankind he whose chatter on worldly affairs dazzles you, and he keeps swearing by God about what is in his heart. And he is exceedingly skillful in contending for his viewpoint. [2:8-12]

2:205 But as soon as he attains political power he goes all out spreading corruption on earth. His authority results in destruction of the produce of land and labor and the damage he does affects generations, whereas God does not love corruption and disorder.

2:206 When it is said to him, Be mindful of God, his false pride plunges him further down in inhumanity. Well, sufficient will be Hell for him; what a cradle of despondence!

2:207 And of mankind is he who dedicates himself to achieve the goals ordained by God. And God is Compassionate to His servants (showing them both, the way to success and the way to failure. [3:4, 39:23, 91:8]

2:208 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Enter all of you collectively into the Prescribed System of Life that guarantees peace and security. And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is an open enemy to you.
[Satan, the selfish desire, alienates man from the Creator and divides humanity. Mubeen = Open = Clear]

2:209 And if you backslide after all evidence of the Truth has come to you, then know that God is Almighty, Wise.
[He uses His Might with Wisdom and His Laws remain undefeated]

2:210 Are they waiting for God to come to them in canopies of clouds with the angels; and then make Judgment!
[But all affairs are directed to God for judgment according to His Law. They even have distorted belief about God moving up and down and of Divine Judgment. His Rule is the Rule of Law]

2:211 Ask the Children of Israel how many a clear Message We gave them! They flourished as long as they valued this Blessing - but if any nation alters this blessing of God after it has reached them. Remember, God is Strict in retribution.

2:212 Alluring is the life of this world to those who reject the Truth, and they mock those who believe (in Permanent Moral Values.) But those who live upright will be above them in ranks on the Day of Resurrection. Nevertheless, God grants sustenance without stint according to His Laws. [He is the Sustainer of all mankind 114:1]

2:213 Mankind were one single community (but selfishness divided them). So, God sent prophets as bearers of good news and warnings. He sent down with them the Scripture in absolute Truth that it might judge between people wherein they differed. But again, out of mutual rivalry, they divided among themselves after all evidence of the Right had come to them! Hence, God shows the Lighted Road those who would acknowledge the Truth and thus resolve their disputes. And God guides to the Straight Path him who wills to be guided.
[Satan, the selfish desire, had rent asunder the unity of mankind. 2:36, 10:19. Using the perceptual and conceptual faculties in all humility help people achieve Guidance, while selfishness, arrogance and blind following lead them astray. 2:170, 4:88, 6:56, 7:173, 7:179, 17:36, 27:80-81, 30:22, 37:113, 40:34-35, 41:17, 56:79]

2:214 Or, do you expect to enter the Garden (or regain your lost Paradise) without facing challenges as came to those who passed before you? Hardship and adversity befell them, and so shaken were they that the Messenger and the believers with him, cried, When will come the help of God? Oh, indeed, (once the revolution gets going) Gods help is near.
[3:141, 9:16, 29:2, 33:10. Unity of mankind will not be easy to attain. The differences and prejudices of race, ethnicity, color, creed, wealth and nationalism will always be the barriers to surmount]

2:215 (A crucial step toward the establishment of this Zakaat Order will be the equitable distribution of wealth.) They ask you, (O Messenger) what they shall give. Say, That which you give shall first go to parents, relatives, orphans, widows, and those who are left helpless or feel left out in the society, the poor, those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their basic needs, those whose lives have stalled for any reason, and the disabled, the needy wayfarer, and the homeless son of the street. And whatever good you do, then most certainly, God is well Aware of it.

2:216 Fighting is ordained for you, even though it is hateful to you. But it may happen that you hate a thing that is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing that is bad for you. For, God knows and you know not. [See 2:190-193, 22:39]

2:217 They ask you about fighting in any Month of Security. Say, Fighting in the prescribed Months of Security is a great transgression. (2:194). However, repelling men from the Way of God, and rejecting His Command of peace in those Months and turning people away from the Masjid of Security and the Prescribed Way of Life, and evicting its people from there, are greater offenses in the Sight of God. Persecution is a crime far greater than killing. They will not cease from fighting against you until they make you revert from your Way of Life, if they can. He among you who goes back from his Deen and dies in disbelief these are the ones whose works are rendered vain in this world and the Hereafter. These are the companions of Fire, to abide therein.
[Human personality is not static. It either progresses or retrogresses. Hell and Paradise are the logical consequences of the degree of development of the self. 5:54, 91:8]

2:218 Indeed, those who attain belief and those who take up the challenge (of emigrating) and strive in the Cause of God, it is they who can rightfully hope for the Grace of God. And indeed, God is Absolver of imperfections, Merciful.
[He looks at your effort and not the results. 2:132, 53:32, 53:39-40]

2:219 (Certain things that hinder humans from attaining the aforementioned Noble Objective are now mentioned.) They ask you (O Messenger) concerning alcohol, intoxicants, games of chance, and gambling and money earned without labor. Say, There is great detriment in these things as well as some benefits for mankind. But the detriment of them is much greater than the benefit of them. They drag down the individual and collective social potential. And they ask you what they should give. Say, "All that is surplus." Thus God makes His messages plain for you, that you may reflect.

2:220 And they ask you about the orphaned children. Say, A progressive upbringing is best for them, that they get educated and learn skills, finally becoming independent members of the society. If you mix your belongings and property with theirs, or if they live with you, treat them as family members. God knows well the wrong doer from the righteous. Had God so willed, He might not have granted such benevolent Guidance, but then you would have carried the burdens of Ignorance. Indeed, God is Mighty, Wise, and He uses His Authority in His Infinite wisdom.
[Islah from its root SLH carries all the meanings rendered above as a part of long term betterment]

2:221 (Establishment of an ideal social system begins with the family. For a successful family life, uniformity of purpose is crucial. Therefore, (O believing men!) Do not wed Mushrikas till they acknowledge the Truth. A believing maid of God is better than a Mushrikah even though she may seem attractive to you. And do not establish marital bonds with Mushriks till they acknowledge the Truth. A believing servant of God is better than a Mushrik even though he may enchant you. They invite to the Fire, while God invites to Paradise and a well-preserved life by His Leave. He expounds His messages for mankind to ponder and take them to heart.
[Mushrik = Idol worshiper or idolater = One who ascribes partners to God = Who ascribes divinity besides Him = Who associates others with Him = Who invents or acknowledges authorities parallel to Him = Sets up idols in any form = Who side-lines Divine Revelation in favor of manmade books or themes = Who worships his desire = Hero worshiper = A sectarian = Whoever hopes for any dead humans or saints to help him = Ancestor worshiper = Who ascribes children to God = A believer in intercession by angels or humans = Who seeks Divine Guidance outside the Final Revelation = A subscriber or claimant to mysticism or clairvoyance = Who believes in created beings having Divine Powers = Accepts ultimate law-givers other than God = Prostrates before tyrants or holy men. Mushrikah = A Mushrik woman. Shirk 17:111, 25:2, 18:26, 40:12, 18:38, 18:42, 18:110, 24:55, 10:18, 30:31-32, 10:66, 6:14, 6:40-41, 9:31]

2:222 They ask you about menstruation. Say, It is an inconvenience. So keep away from (intimacy with) women during menstruation and approach them not until they are rid of it. Once they are rid of it, you may approach them (your wives) for intimate relations in the manner designed by God. Indeed, God loves those who make amends and loves those who rid their minds of false dogmas. [See 2:223. Mutahhireen = Mutahharoon = Those who are clean = Clean of mind 56:79]

2:223 Remember that women in the society are the guardians of your future generations, just as a garden keeps the seeds and turns them into flowering plants. So, whenever you meet with women socially, treat them with respect, keeping the aforementioned principle in mind. This conduct will go a long way to insure the betterment of the future generations. Send forth good today for the sake of tomorrow. Be mindful of God and know that you will, one day, face Him. O Messenger! Give good news to the believers.

2:224 Let not your senseless oaths in the name of God deter you from doing good to others, from being mindful of the Divine Laws, and from making peace between people. God is Hearer, Knower.

2:225 God will not take you to task for your senseless swearing. He holds you responsible for your intentional doings. God is Forgiving, Clement. [Therefore, a marriage will not be dissolved for senseless utterances of the husband or the wife]

2:226 Men who take an oath that they will not approach their wives shall have four months of Grace. And if they go back on their oath during these four months, behold, God is Forgiving, Merciful.
[They must rethink their decision during this Grace period and circumstances might change. Similar rules apply for women, since they have equal rights and obligations, and since no man is permitted to forcibly keep his wife in wedlock against her will as stated later in the Book. 2:228, 4:19, 4:21, 4:34, 7:189]

2:227 If they decide upon divorce let them remember that God is Hearer, Knower.
[They must bear in mind that since marriage is a Solemn Covenant 4:21, divorce can take place only in accordance with this Book of Law]

2:228 After divorce, women shall wait three menstruations before remarriage. There is no waiting period for a woman who is divorced before intimate relations with her husband (33:49). And it is three months if they do not habitually menstruate (65:4). They shall not conceal pregnancy if they believe in God and in the Hereafter. In case of pregnancy, their waiting period shall be until delivery (65:4.). And during this period their husbands would do better to take them back if both of them desire reconciliation. The husband and the wife have the right to reconcile during this waiting period of the wife. Women, in all equity, have rights similar to men. But men have one advantage over them.
[Men do not have a waiting period for remarriage for obvious physiological reasons. And this is where men have an advantage over women. 2:228-234, 4:3, 4:19, 4:35, 4:128, 33:49, 58:1, 65:1-4]

2:229 (The whole period of divorce i.e. three menstruations, three months, or until delivery can be taken back twice.) In a given couple's lifetime, a divorce is permissible twice. Then the divorced woman must be retained in honor or released in kindness. She shall be allowed to live in the same home amicably, or leave it amicably. At or after divorce, it is not lawful for you to take back anything of what you have ever given to her. However, if both of you fear that you might (in waves of emotion) transgress the bounds set by God, there shall be no blame on either of you for what the wife willingly gives back, whatever she chooses. These are the limits set by God; transgress them not. Whoever transgresses the bounds set by God, such are the wrongdoers.

2:230 If a man divorces his wife on a third different time during their marital life, it shall be unlawful for him to remarry her. It may so happen that the woman marries another man, and those two do not get along, and he divorces her. In that case, there is nothing wrong if both (the previous couple) decide to come together again, if they consider that they will be able to observe the limits set by God. These limits have been made clear for people who use their knowledge.
[There is no room in the Quran for the so-called Halaalah, a shameful, manmade custom where a divorced woman is made to spend an intimate night with another man under wedlock with a preplanned divorce in the morning! It should better be called Haraamah]

2:231 When you have divorced women, and they have completed their waiting period, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. You shall allow them to live in the same home amicably, or let them leave amicably. Do not force them to stay against their will, as revenge. Anyone who does this wrongs his own self. Do not make the revelations of God a laughing stock. Remember Gods blessings upon you and the Book and wisdom He has sent down to you in order to enlighten you. Be mindful of Gods Commands and know that God is Knower of all things.

2:232 And when you have divorced women, and they are approaching their waiting period, people in the society shall not place difficulties if they wish to remarry their husbands in a decent manner (not secretly). And do not place difficulties if the woman decides to marry a different husband upon mutual agreement. This instruction is for all among you who believe in God and the Last Day. Following the Commands helps you develop your selves and stay clear of vice. God knows, you know not.
[Fabalghna ajalahunna = The divorced women are about to complete their term of waiting period - according to the context and Tasreef]

2:233 If the (divorced) mothers wish to nurse their infants, the father shall provide for the mothers sustenance and clothing equitably up to two years of nursing. No human being shall be burdened with more than he or she is well able to bear. No mother shall be made to suffer because of her child, nor shall a father be made to suffer because of his child. If the father dies, his heir will assume these responsibilities. If both parents decide with mutual consent, there shall be nothing wrong in entrusting your children to foster-mothers. There shall be nothing wrong if you ensure, in a fair manner, the safety of the child you are handing over. Be mindful of Gods Laws and know that God is Seer of all that you do.

2:234 Those among you who die and leave wives behind, they shall wait four months and ten days before they remarry. Once they fulfill their interim, the society commits nothing wrong by letting them make their own decisions about their future including remarriage. And God is Aware of what you do.

2:235 You do nothing wrong in announcing your engagement to (widowed or divorced) women or keeping it to yourselves. God knows that the community will think about them. But, never make a secret pledge or contract with them. Speak with them honorably and in recognized words. Do not tie the wedding knot nor sign the marital contract until the waiting period has ended. Know that God understands human psyche, and what is in your hearts. Take heed of Him and know that God is Forgiving, Clement.

2:236 And, there is no blame on you if you nullify the marriage before you have intimately touched the women with whom you have signed the marital contract, and before you have appointed the marital gift. This would be an unexpected situation involving emotional trauma. Therefore, show compassion by giving her as generous a gift as you can afford. This would be an act of equity and it is a binding duty on all those who wish to be counted among the benefactors of humanity.

2:237. And if unexpected circumstances lead you to divorce women before you have intimately touched them, but after the marital gift has been fixed, give them half the amount unless they volunteer to forgo it. If the move for divorce originates purely from you, let her have the whole portion. If you men forgo it, it is closer to righteousness. O People! Never forget kindness among yourselves. This Command is from God Whose Law of Requital ever monitors your actions and the motives behind them.

 

[taul]

--Brother patriot,Jazak-Allah khair for your so precious contribution. :)

 

[patriot]

Thank you brother'taul' and God bless you.