About Surah At-Talaq

Known to ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd as Sūrat al-Nisā’ al-Quṣrā—the Shorter Chapter of Women—this Madinan revelation completes the legal code for marital separation begun in Al-Baqarah and Al-Nisa'. The text arrived to refine these laws following a specific incident: the Prophet correcting ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar after he divorced his wife while she was menstruating.

The chapter opens by establishing the precise method, limits, and waiting period (ʿiddah) for divorce, mandating witnesses for both separation and reconciliation. It then turns to the practical rights of the women involved, prohibiting harm while dictating terms for their residence, financial support, and breastfeeding arrangements. Finally, the text shifts focus, issuing a stern historical warning about previous nations who disobeyed their messengers, before closing with an affirmation of Allah’s vast power and knowledge.

As you read these twelve verses, notice how the legal procedures are deeply interwoven with commands to piety. The text repeatedly assures the believer that strict adherence to these family boundaries is exactly what guarantees divine ease and provision.

Surah 65 of 114Madinan

At-Talaq

الطلاق The Divorce

Verses: 12
Revelation: Madinan
Juz: 28
Pages: 558–559

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

65:1

Prophet, when any of you intend to divorce women, do so at a time when their prescribed waiting period can properly start, and calculate the period carefully: be mindful of God, your Lord. Do not drive them out of their homes––nor should they themselves leave––unless they commit a flagrant indecency. These are the limits set by God–– whoever oversteps God’s limits wrongs his own soul––for you cannot know what new situation God may perhaps bring about.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:2

When they have completed their appointed term, either keep them honourably, or part with them honourably. Call two just witnesses from your people and establish witness for the sake of God. Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should heed this: God will find a way out for those who are mindful of Him,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:3

and will provide for them from an unexpected source; God will be enough for those who put their trust in Him. God achieves His purpose; God has set a due measure for everything.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:4

If you are in doubt, the period of waiting will be three months for those women who have ceased menstruating and for those who have not [yet] menstruated; the waiting period of those who are pregnant will be until they deliver their burden: God makes things easy for those who are mindful of Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:5

This is God’s command, which He has sent down to you. God will wipe out the sinful deeds and increase the rewards of anyone who is mindful of Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:6

House the wives you are divorcing according to your means, wherever you house yourselves, and do not harass them so as to make their lives difficult. If they are pregnant, maintain them until they are delivered of their burdens; if they suckle your infants, pay them for it. Consult together in a good way- if you make difficulties for one another, another woman may suckle the child for the father––

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:7

and let the wealthy man spend according to his wealth. But let him whose provision is restricted spend according to what God has given him: God does not burden any soul with more than He has given it- after hardship, God will bring ease.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:8

Many a town that insolently opposed the command of its Lord and His messengers We have brought sternly to account: We punished them severely

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:9

to make them taste the ill effect of their conduct- the result of their conduct was ruin.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:10

God has prepared a severe torment for them. So, you who have understanding, you who believe, beware of God. He has sent you the Quran

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:11

and a messenger- reciting to you God’s revelations that make things clear- to bring those who believe and do righteous deeds from darkness into light. God will admit those who believe in Him and do righteous deeds into Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will remain for ever––He has made good provision for them.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

65:12

It is God who created seven heavens and a similar [number] of earths. His command descends throughout them. So you should realize that He has power over all things and that His knowledge encompasses everything.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

End of At-Talaq

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