Surah 65: At-Talaq (The Divorce)
Divorce laws, waiting periods, and divine accountability intertwined.
Surah 65, titled At-Talaq (The Divorce), is a Medinan sura that provides detailed rulings on divorce, waiting periods, and the treatment of women, while also weaving in warnings about divine punishment and promises of provision for the righteous. The sura opens with instructions to the Prophet and believers regarding the proper procedure for divorce (Surah 65:1), including the counting of the waiting period and the prohibition against expelling women from their homes unless they commit clear immorality (Surah 65:1). It then expands on financial support, testimony, and the consequences of fearing or defying Allah (Surah 65:2-7).
- total_verses_in_passages
- 12
- themes_covered
- divorce law, waiting periods, provision, divine punishment, creation
- key_legal_rulings
- divorce at commencement of waiting period (Surah 65:1), three-month waiting period for post-menopausal and pre-menstrual women (Surah 65:4), pregnancy term until birth (Surah 65:4), lodging and suppor
- divine_attributes_mentioned
- Allah's limits (Surah 65:1), His purpose (Surah 65:3), His command (Surah 65:5), His competence and knowledge (Surah 65:12)
Lore & Background
The sura presents Allah as the ultimate legislator of family law, setting specific limits for divorce and waiting periods (Surah 65:1-4). It emphasizes that these commands are sent down from Allah (Surah 65:5) and that obedience brings ease and reward, while transgression leads to loss (Surah 65:5, 65:9). The text also recounts how past cities that were insolent toward Allah's command and messengers faced severe punishment (Surah 65:8-10), serving as a warning to believers.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray divorce as a regulated process with clear stages: the waiting period must be counted from its commencement (Surah 65:1), and during this time women are not to be expelled from their homes unless they commit clear immorality (Surah 65:1). After the term nears completion, husbands may either retain wives on acceptable terms or part with them, with two just witnesses required (Surah 65:2). Financial obligations are detailed: pregnant women must be supported until birth, and if they breastfeed, they are to be paid (Surah 65:6). The sura also addresses special cases—women past menstruation, those who have not menstruated, and pregnant women—each with a specified waiting period (Surah 65:4). Throughout, the theme of fearing Allah is linked to divine provision and ease (Surah 65:2-3, 65:7), while disobedience is met with severe punishment (Surah 65:8-10). The sura concludes by affirming Allah's creation of seven heavens and the earth, and His comprehensive knowledge (Surah 65:12).
Did You Know?
- The sura specifies a three-month waiting period for women who no longer expect menstruation or who have not yet menstruated (Surah 65:4).
- Pregnant women's waiting period lasts until they give birth, regardless of the time elapsed (Surah 65:4).
- The sura warns that many cities were destroyed for insolence toward Allah's command and messengers (Surah 65:8-9).
- Allah is described as having created seven heavens and a similar number of earths (Surah 65:12).
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