Sam Gerrans - The Qur'an: A Complete Revelation

And divorced women shall wait by themselves three menstrual courses; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands are worthier to take them back during that if they desire right ordering. And due to women is the like of what is due from them, according to what is fitting, but men have a degree over them. And God is exalted in might and wise.

وَالْمُطَلَّقَاتُ يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِاَنْفُسِهِنَّ ثَلٰثَةَ قُرُٓوءٍۜ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ اَنْ يَكْتُمْنَ مَا خَلَقَ اللّٰهُ ف۪ٓي اَرْحَامِهِنَّ اِنْ كُنَّ يُؤْمِنَّ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِۜ وَبُعُولَتُهُنَّ اَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ ف۪ي ذٰلِكَ اِنْ اَرَادُٓوا اِصْلَاحاًۜ وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذ۪ي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِۖ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌۜ وَاللّٰهُ عَز۪يزٌ حَك۪يمٌ۟
Walmutallaqatuyatarabbasna bi-anfusihinna thalathata quroo-in walayahillu lahunna an yaktumna ma khalaqa Allahufee arhamihinna in kunna yu/minna billahiwalyawmi al-akhiri wabuAAoolatuhunna ahaqqubiraddihinna fee thalika in aradoo islahanwalahunna mithlu allathee AAalayhinna bilmaAAroofiwalirrijali AAalayhinna darajatun wallahuAAazeezun hakeem
#wordmeaningroot
1wal-muṭalaqātuAnd the women who are divorcedطلق
2yatarabbaṣnashall waitربص
3bi-anfusihinnaconcerning themselvesنفس
4thalāthata(for) threeثلث
5qurūinmonthly periodsقرا
6walāAnd (it is) not
7yaḥillulawfulحلل
8lahunnafor them
9anthat
10yaktum'nathey concealكتم
11what
12khalaqa(has been) createdخلق
13l-lahu(by) Allah
14in
15arḥāmihinnatheir wombsرحم
16inif
17kunnatheyكون
18yu'minnabelieveامن
19bil-lahiin Allah
20wal-yawmiand the Dayيوم
21l-ākhiri[the] Lastاخر
22wabuʿūlatuhunnaAnd their husbandsبعل
23aḥaqqu(have) better rightحقق
24biraddihinnato take them backردد
25in
26dhālikathat (period)
27inif
28arādūthey wishرود
29iṣ'lāḥan(for) reconciliationصلح
30walahunnaAnd for them
31mith'lu(is the) likeمثل
32alladhī(of) that which
33ʿalayhinna(is) on them
34bil-maʿrūfiin a reasonable mannerعرف
35walilrrijāliand for the menرجل
36ʿalayhinnaover them
37darajatun(is) a degreeدرج
38wal-lahuAnd Allah
39ʿazīzun(is) All-Mightyعزز
40ḥakīmunAll-Wiseحكم
  • Aisha Bewley

    Divorced women should wait by themselves for three menstrual cycles; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they have iman in Allah and the Last Day. Their husbands have the right to take them back within that time, if they desire to be reconciled. Women possess rights similar to those held over them to be honoured with fairness; but men have a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

  • Progressive Muslims

    And the divorced women shall wait for three menstruation periods; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands would then have just cause to return together, if they both wish to reconcile. And for what obligations the women are owed, so similarly must they fulfil their obligations. But the men will have a greater responsibility over them in this. And God is Noble, Wise.

  • Shabbir Ahmed

    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 Allah 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 have rights similar to those of men in mutual kindness. Men, however, do not have a waiting period for remarriage for obvious physiological reasons. That is where men are on a platform different from them. ((2:228-234), (4:3), (4:19), (4:35), (4:128), (33:49), (58:1), (65:1-4)).

  • Sam Gerrans The Qur'an: A Complete Revelation

    And divorced women shall wait by themselves three menstrual courses; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands are worthier to take them back during that if they desire right ordering. And due to women is the like of what is due from them, according to what is fitting, but men have a degree over them. And God is exalted in might and wise.

  • The Monotheist Group The Quran: A Monotheist Translation

    And those divorced shall wait for three menstruation periods; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands would then have just cause to return together, if they both wish to reconcile. And the obligations owed to them are to be fulfilled, as are the obligations owed by them. But the men will have a greater responsibility over them in this. And God is Noble, Wise.

  • Edip-Layth Quran: A Reformist Translation

    The divorced women shall wait for three menstruation periods; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they acknowledge God and the Last day. Their husbands are more justified to return to them, if they both wish to reconcile. The women have rights similar to their obligations, according to the recognized norms. But the men will have a degree over them. God is Noble, Wise.

  • Rashad Khalifa The Final Testament

    The divorced women shall wait three menstruations (before marrying another man). It is not lawful for them to conceal what GOD creates in their wombs, if they believe in GOD and the Last Day. (In case of pregnancy,) the husband's wishes shall supersede the wife's wishes, if he wants to remarry her. The women have rights, as well as obligations, equitably. Thus, the man's wishes prevail (in case of pregnancy). GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

  • Mohamed Ahmed - Samira

    Women who are divorced have to wait for three monthly periods, and if they believe in God and the Last Day they must not hide unlawfully what God has formed within their wombs. Their husbands would do well to take them back in that case, if they wish to be reconciled. Women also have recognised rights as men have, though men have an edge over them. But God is all-mighty and all-wise.

  • Sahih International (Umm Muhammad, Mary Kennedy, Amatullah Bantley)

    Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them . And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

  • Muhammad Asad

    And the divorced women shall undergo, without remarrying, a waiting-period of three monthly courses: for it is not lawful for them to conceal what God may have created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And during this period their husbands are fully entitled to take them back, if they desire reconciliation; but, in accordance with justice, the rights of the wives are equal to the rights with regard to them, although men have precedence over them . And God is almighty, wise.

  • Marmaduke Pickthall

    Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.

  • Abul A'la Maududi Tafhim commentary

    Divorced women shall keep themselves in waiting for three menstrual courses and it is unlawful for them, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day, to hide whatever Allah might have created in their wombs. Should their husbands desire reconciliation during this time they are entitled to take them back into wedlock.* Women have the same rights against their men as men have against them; but men have a degree above them. Allah is All- Powerful, All-Wise.

  • Abdel Khalek Himmat Al- Muntakhab

    Divorced women shall remain for three months, or menstrual cycles, in order to regard their condition. They are not absolved to hide Allah’s creation in their wombs if they are true believers. There and then their husbands shall have prior entitlement to reclaiming them and resuming marital life if both agree to reconciliation. And women have as many rights as equal obligations, and men are a step higher than they are in the scope of responsibility, and Allah is Azizun and Hakimun.

  • Bijan Moeinian

    A divorced woman should wait enough to go through three periods before marrying to another man. It is against the law of God for a woman to hide her pregnancy, if she believe in God and the Day of Judgment. The husband has the right to return back to his wife while she is waiting to go through three periods. Husbands and wives have similar marital rights & obligations. The man (as the head of the household), however, is placed a degree above woman; and above all is God, the Almighty, the Most Wise.

  • Al-Hilali & Khan

    And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allâh has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allâh and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

  • Abdullah Yusuf Ali

    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 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.

  • Mustafa Khattab The Clear Quran

    Divorced women must wait three monthly cycles ˹before they can re-marry˺. It is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands reserve the right to take them back within that period if they desire reconciliation. Women have rights similar to those of men equitably, although men have a degree ˹of responsibility˺ above them. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

  • Taqi Usmani

    Divorced women shall keep themselves waiting for three periods, and it is not permissible for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and in the Last Day. Their husbands are best entitled to take them back in the meantime, if they want a settlement. Women have rights similar to what they owe in recognized manner though for men there is a step above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.

  • Abdul Haleem

    Divorced women must wait for three monthly periods before remarrying, and, if they really believe in God and the Last Day, it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs: their husbands would do better to take them back during this period, provided they wish to put things right. Wives have similar to their , according to what is recognized to be fair, and husbands have a degree over them: God is almighty and wise.

  • Arthur John Arberry

    Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three periods; and it is not lawful for them to hide what God has created in their wombs; if they believe in God and the Last Day. In such time their mates have better right to restore them, if they desire to set things right. Women have such honourable rights as obligations, but their men have a degree above them; God is All-mighty, All-wise.

  • E. Henry Palmer

    Divorced women must wait for themselves three courses; and it is not lawful to them that they hide what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and in the last day. Their husbands will do better to take them back in that (case) if they wish for reconciliation; for, the same is due to them as from them; but the men should have precedence over them. God is mighty and wise.

  • Hamid S. Aziz

    Divorced women must wait, apart, for three courses; and it is not lawful to them that they hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and in the Last Day. Their husbands will do better to take them back in that (case) if they wish for reconciliation; for, the same right is due to them as from them in kindness; but men have a degree of advantage (in strength, position, wealth etc.) over them. Allah is Mighty and Wise.

  • Mahmoud Ghali

    And divorced women shall a wait by themselves for three periods; and it is not lawful for them to keep back what Allah has created in their wombs, in case they (really) believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have truer (right) to restoring (Literally: to sending them back) them in such time, in case they are willing to do righteousness. (i.e., reconcile) And they (the women) have (rights) like (the obligations) they are under with beneficence; and men have a degree above them; and Allah is Ever-Mighty, Ever-Wise.

  • George Sale

    The women who are divorced shall wait concerning themselves until they have their courses thrice, and it shall not be lawful for them to conceal that which God hath created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the last day; and their husbands will act more justly to bring them back at this time, if they desire a reconciliation. The women ought also to behave towards their husbands in like manner as their husbands should behave towards them, according to what is just: But the men ought to have a superiority over them. God is mighty and wise.

  • Syed Vickar Ahamed

    And divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly (menstrual) periods. It is not lawful for them to hide what Allah has 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 to resolve the differences. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; But men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Almighty (Aziz), All Wise (Hakeem).

  • Amatul Rahman Omar

    And the divorced women must keep themselves waiting for three (monthly) courses (as `Iddat), and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allâh has created in their wombs, if indeed they believe in Allâh and the Last Day. And their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile, provided they desire and mean reconciliation. And women have their rights similar to their obligations in an equitable and just manner; yet men have a place above them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

  • Ali Quli Qarai

    Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three periods of purity , and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day; and their husbands have a greater right to restore them during this , if they desire reconcilement. The wives have rights similar to the obligations upon them, in accordance with honourable norms; and men have a degree above them, and Allah is all-mighty and all-wise.