Rowwad Translation Center — 36

2:225 Allah does not hold you accountable for unintentional oaths, but He holds you accountable for what your hearts have intended. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

2:226 For those who swear not to have intercourse with their wives is a waiting period of four months. Should they then return [to each other], then Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

2:227 But if they are determined to divorce, then Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

2:228 Divorced women should wait for three menstrual cycles[1]. It is not permissible for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs[2] if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. Their husbands have the greater right to take them back within that period[3] if they want reconciliation. Women have rights similar to the rights over them in a reasonable manner, although men have a higher degree [of responsibility] over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

2:229 Divorce may be pronounced twice; then either retaining in all kindness, or separating in the best way. It is not lawful for you to take back anything that you have given them [of dowry], except when they both fear that they would not be able to maintain the limits ordained by Allah. So if you fear that they would not be able to maintain the limits set by Allah, then there is no sin upon either of them if she opts to give something for her release[1]. These are the limits ordained by Allah, so do not exceed them; whosoever exceeds the limits ordained by Allah, it is they who are the wrongdoers.

2:230 Thereafter, if he divorces her [the third time], it is not lawful for him to remarry her until she marries another man[1]. Should he divorce her, then there is no sin on them to return to each other[2], provided that they would maintain the limits ordained by Allah. These are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes clear to people who understand.