Quran Page 37: Compassion in Divorce and the Rights of Nursing Mothers (Surah Al-Baqarah 231-233)

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 37)

Page 37 continues to outline the ethical framework for family life during difficult transitions. It commands men to either retain their wives with kindness or release them with grace, strictly forbidding any attempt to cause harm or transgress their rights. This page also introduces the foundational rights of nursing mothers and the shared responsibilities of parents toward their children, ensuring the child's well-being remains a priority even in times of discord.

🕌 Arabic Text (Page 37)

 

🌍 English Translation (Sahih International)

Verse 231: And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things.

Verse 232: And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allah knows and you know not.

Verse 233: Mothers may nurse their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No soul shall be burdened with more than it can bear. No mother shall be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent and consultation, there is no blame upon them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you render payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.

Source: Sahih International Translation

💡 Vocabulary & Tajwid Insights

Arabic Word	Meaning / Context
Maʿrūf (مَعْرُوفٍ)	Acceptable terms / kindness / what is recognized as good.
Ḥawlayni (حَوْلَيْنِ)	Two years (referring to the nursing period).
Tajwid Rule	Al-Madd al-Muttasil: In Verse 233, look at the word "tashāwarin" (تَشَاوُرٍ). Ensure the Tanween is pronounced with the correct rule if continuing. Also, observe the Ghunnah in "wal-wālidātu" (الْوَالِدَاتُ) - practice the natural extensions (Madd Tabii) on the 'Alif'.

⚠️ Note: Tafsir/Explanation of the Quran should be learned under the tutelage of those certified (upholding Ijazah) to do so to ensure correct understanding and context.

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