Commentary on Surah al-Talaq 65:2–3 — Trust in Allah and Witnessing the Divorce

سورۃ الطلاق — آیات ۲–۳

فَإِذَا بَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ فَارِقُوهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوفٍ وَأَشْهِدُوا ذَوَيْ عَدْلٍ مِّنكُمْ وَأَقِيمُوا الشَّهَادَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ يُوعَظُ بِهِ مَن كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا

(Al-Talaq 65:2) "And when they have (nearly) fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms and bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for (the acceptance of) Allah. That is instructed to whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out."

Fa-iza balaghna ajalahunna: when the women have reached the end of their 'iddah — when they are approaching the end. Fa-amsikuhunna bi-ma'ruf: then retain them in the proper manner — according to custom. Au fariquhunna bi-ma'ruf: or part from them in the proper manner — in a dignified way. Wa-ashhidu dhaway 'adlin minkum: and bring two witnesses of just character from among you. Two men who are just, upright. Wa-aqimu al-shahadah li-Llahi: and establish the testimony purely for Allah. Dhalikum yu'azu bihi: this is the admonition given. Man kana yu'minu bi-Allahi wal-yawm al-akhir: to those who believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement — they will keep this in their hearts. Wa-man yattaqi Allaha: and whoever fears Allah. Yaj'al lahu makhrajan: He will make a way out for them.

Translation: When women reach the end of their 'iddah, either retain them on proper terms or part from them on proper terms, and bring two witnesses of just character from among yourselves, and establish the testimony for Allah's sake. This is the admonition for whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever fears Allah — Allah will make a way out for him.

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا

(Al-Talaq 65:3) "And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a decreed extent."

Wa-yarzuquhu min haythu la yahtasib: and Allah will provide for him from where he does not even imagine. Man yatawakkal 'ala Allahi: whoever puts their trust in Allah. Fa-huwa hasbuhu: then He is sufficient for them. Inna Allaha balighu amrihi: indeed Allah's command will be accomplished. Qad ja'ala Allahu li-kulli shay'in qadran: Allah has made a measure for every matter — there is a limit and proportion to everything. There is a chain of cause and effect.

Translation: Allah will provide sustenance for them from where they do not expect. Whoever trusts in Allah — He is sufficient for them. Indeed Allah accomplishes His purpose — He has established His command. Allah has set a measure for all things.