Quran Page 38: Ethics of Bereavement and Marital Financial Rights (Surah Al-Baqarah 234-237)

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 38)

Page 38 provides compassionate legislation for sensitive family transitions. It establishes the waiting period (Iddah) of four months and ten days for widows, ensuring they are protected and their status is clear. The page also offers guidance on the etiquette of marriage proposals during this period, emphasizing sincerity and the avoidance of secret contracts. Finally, it details the financial rights of women in cases of divorce occurring before the marriage is consummated, highlighting the importance of generosity and fairness.

🕌 Arabic Text (Page 38)

 

🌍 English Translation (Sahih International)

Verse 234: And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives - they [the wives] shall wait, keeping themselves [alone], for four months and ten [days]. And when they have fulfilled their term, then there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable manner. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

Verse 235: There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine on the knot of marriage until the writing [i.e., period] has reached its end. And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

Verse 236: There is no blame upon you if you divorce women while you have not touched them or specified for them an obligation. But give them [a gift of] compensation - the wealthy according to his capability and the poor according to his capability - a provision according to what is acceptable, a duty upon the doers of good.

Verse 237: And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already specified for them an obligation, then [give] half of what you specified - unless they forego the right or the one in whose hand is the marriage knot foregoes it. And to forego it is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget generosity between you. Indeed Allah is Seeing of what you do.

Source: Sahih International Translation

💡 Vocabulary & Tajwid Insights

Arabic Word	Meaning / Context
Yatawaffawna (يُتَوَفَّوْنَ)	Are taken in death.
Musaqatan (مُوسِقًا)	The wealthy / one in easy circumstances.
Tajwid Rule	Madd 'Arid lis-Sukun: At the end of Verse 234, in "Khabeer" (خَبِيرٌ), if you stop, the 'Ya' is stretched for 2, 4, or 6 counts. Also, in Verse 235, note the Ikhfa in "tunkihū" (تُنْكِحُوا) where the Noon is followed by a Kaaf.

⚠️ 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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