Explore Surah 65: At-Talaq (The Divorce) with English translation and commentary. Learn its divine guidance on divorce, family responsibilities, women’s rights, and the importance of piety and trust in Allah.
Surah 65: At-Talaq (The Divorce)
Introduction
This Surah focuses on the correct way to carry out divorce in Islam and the importance of observing the limits set by Allah in family matters. It opens with the instruction that divorce must be given during a woman’s waiting period, counted carefully, and that women must not be expelled from their homes nor should they leave unless there is clear immorality. This protects the dignity of both sides and gives space for reconciliation. As the waiting period nears its end, the couple must either decide to live together again in a fair manner or separate in a respectful way, with two just witnesses present. The Surah promises that whoever fears Allah will be given a way out of difficulties and provided for in unexpected ways. Reliance upon Allah is emphasised as the source of sufficiency, for everything happens according to His measure. Specific rules are given for women who no longer menstruate, those who have not yet menstruated, and pregnant women—their waiting periods are clearly stated to avoid disputes. Believers are instructed to house divorced women according to their means, not to harm them, and to provide for them during pregnancy and nursing. The wealthy should spend from their wealth and those with little should spend what they can, for Allah does not burden anyone beyond their capacity and He promises ease after hardship. The Surah warns against the example of past communities that rebelled against Allah’s commands and faced terrible consequences. It closes by reminding believers that Allah has sent a Messenger to bring them from darkness to light, promising eternal gardens for those who believe and do good.
Finally, it affirms Allah’s complete power over all things and His perfect knowledge of everything in the heavens and the earth, making it clear that His commands are based on wisdom and mercy. 0 0 0
Surah 65: At-Talaq (The Divorce): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, then divorce them at their prescribed periods and count the period precisely. And fear Allah, your Lord. Do not expel them from their houses, nor should they leave, unless they commit a clear immoral act. These are the limits set by Allah, and whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has wronged his own soul. You never know—Allah may bring about a new situation afterward.
2. Then, when they have nearly reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them in a fair manner or separate from them in a fair manner. And bring two just men from among you as witnesses, and establish the testimony for Allah. This is admonished to those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him a way out.
3. And He will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set a measure for everything.
4. And those of your women who have despaired of menstruation—if you doubt, then their waiting period is three months, and the same for those who have not yet menstruated. And for those who are pregnant, their waiting period is until they deliver their burden. And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him ease in his matter.
5. That is the command of Allah which He has sent down to you. And whoever fears Allah—He will remove from him his sins and will enlarge his reward.
6. House them where you live, according to your means, and do not harm them to distress them. And if they are pregnant, then spend on them until they deliver. Then if they nurse the child for you, give them their payment, and consult together in a fair way. But if you disagree, then another woman will nurse the child.
7. Let the wealthy man spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted—let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not burden a soul beyond what He has given it. Allah will bring about ease after hardship.
8. And how many a town rebelled against the command of its Lord and His messengers—so We called it to severe account and punished it with a terrible punishment.
9. So it tasted the evil result of its affair, and the outcome of its affair was loss.
10. Allah has prepared for them a severe punishment. So fear Allah, O you of understanding who have believed—Allah has indeed sent down to you a Reminder.
11. A Messenger who recites to you the clear verses of Allah, to bring out those who believe and do righteous deeds from darkness into light. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteous deeds—He will admit him into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Allah has made for him an excellent provision.
12. Allah is He who created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof. The command descends between them so that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge. 0 0 0
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At-Talaq: Comment
This Surah gives clear guidance on how divorce should be carried out with fairness, patience, and respect for the limits set by Allah. It teaches that divorce must follow the prescribed waiting period, during which the woman remains in her home and is treated with dignity, giving both parties a chance to reconsider and reconcile. Decisions about continuing or ending the marriage should be made in a just and respectful way, witnessed by trustworthy people.
The Surah repeatedly links fearing Allah with ease, provision, and solutions to problems, showing that piety brings relief even in times of hardship. Rules are set for different types of waiting periods, including for women who no longer menstruate, those who have not yet menstruated, and those who are pregnant, to ensure clarity and prevent injustice.
Financial responsibilities are stressed—men should provide according to their means without causing harm, and mothers who nurse children must be compensated fairly.
The Surah warns against the fate of past nations that disobeyed Allah’s commands, urging believers to learn from their downfall. It reminds that the Messenger was sent to guide people from darkness into light and that eternal reward awaits those who believe and act righteously. The Surah ends by affirming Allah’s total control over the universe and His perfect knowledge of all things, making it clear that His laws are based on wisdom, justice, and mercy. 0 0 0
Meta Description:
Explore Surah 65: At-Talaq (The Divorce) with English translation and commentary. Learn its divine guidance on divorce, family responsibilities, women’s rights, and the importance of piety and trust in Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 65: At-Talaq
Q: What is Surah 65 called?
A: Surah 65 is called At-Talaq, which means The Divorce.
Q: How many verses are there in Surah At-Talaq?
A: Surah At-Talaq consists of 12 verses.
Q: What is the main theme of Surah At-Talaq?
A: The main theme is Islamic guidance on divorce, family life, and reliance on Allah.
Q: Why is Surah 65 named At-Talaq?
A: It is named At-Talaq because it outlines rules and principles regarding divorce in Islam.
Q: What guidance does Surah At-Talaq provide about divorce?
A: It provides rules for the waiting period (iddah), maintenance, and fair treatment of women during and after divorce.
Q: How does Surah At-Talaq protect women’s rights?
A: It emphasizes proper waiting periods, financial support, and just treatment, ensuring women are not wronged.
Q: What does Surah At-Talaq teach about piety (taqwa)?
A: It teaches that whoever fears Allah, He will provide for them, grant ease, and open doors of relief.
Q: How does Surah At-Talaq connect divorce and faith?
A: It shows that even in separation, one must follow Allah’s commands, highlighting faith and obedience in personal matters.
Q: What promise is given in Surah At-Talaq for reliance on Allah?
A: The Surah promises that whoever relies upon Allah, He will be sufficient for them.
Q: What lesson does Surah At-Talaq give to Muslims today?
A: It teaches Muslims to handle divorce with justice, compassion, and faith, while trusting in Allah’s wisdom and decree.
