Juz'2, Part 2 Reflection
It amazes me how at the beginning of the Quran, a significant amount of verses, from 2:221-237 are cited pertaining to marriage, divorce, nursing, and widows with the underlying message to be fair and just to women in all of these stages. I found the following reminders in these verses to be particularly powerful:
'...Women have rights similar to those of men equitably, although men have a degree ˹of responsibility˺ above them. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise'. (228)
'....These are the limits set by Allah, which He makes clear for people of knowledge'. (230)
'...Be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is All-Seeing of what you do'. (233)
'...And Allah is All-Aware of what you do'. (234)
'...Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.' (237)
There are explicit reminders about the rights of women, the limits set by Allah and to be mindful of Allah as He is All-Seeing, All-Aware.
Treating women fairly and justly, especially during her most vulnerable moments, including divorce or widowhood, is such a significant part of our faith and Allah makes it very clear what's acceptable and what's not.
For example in verse 231, Allah explicitly warns men from retaining a woman in a marriage only to harm her or take advantage of her and instead to stay in a marriage honourably or to let her go honourably.
And Allah warns once again that someone who holds a woman in a marriage to harm her (in any way - whether it's physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or mentally) has surely wronged himself, and to not take Allah's revelations lightly, and to be mindful of Allah for He is All-Knowing, including All-Knowing of the intentions people have in their hearts, whether to benefit or harm.
'When you divorce women and they have ˹almost˺ reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or let them go honourably. But do not retain them ˹only˺ to harm them ˹or˺ to take advantage ˹of them˺. Whoever does that surely wrongs his own soul. Do not take Allah’s revelations lightly. Remember Allah’s favours upon you as well as the Book and wisdom He has sent down for your guidance. Be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things'. (231)
May we remember the importance of being just and fair in all of our interactions with others.
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