Surah Name: At-Talaq (سورة الطلاق)
Translation: The Divorce
Origin of name: The surah is named "At-Talaq" due to its focus on the rulings and guidance related to divorce, beginning from the first verse.
Surah Number: 65
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 12
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: Middle period of the Prophet’s time in Medina
Historical Context
Surah At-Talaq was revealed during the middle phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life in Medina. By this point, the Muslim community had begun to establish itself socially and politically. The transition from being an oppressed minority in Makkah to becoming a structured community in Medina brought new challenges involving governance, social relations, and legal matters.
One of the most pressing social concerns was the regulation of family life. In the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), divorce practices were often unjust and harmful, particularly to women. Men could mistreat or abandon their wives without formal or fair procedures, leaving women vulnerable and unprotected.
As the Muslim society in Medina began to grow in number, there was a need to reform these harmful customs. Surah At-Talaq was revealed in this context to guide the community toward responsible family laws. It instructed Muslim men to follow clear procedures when divorcing their wives and emphasized fairness, such as observing the waiting period (iddah), providing maintenance, and not expelling the wife from her home during this time.
Beyond legal regulations, the surah also reminded the believers of the fate of earlier nations who disobeyed divine guidance, using historical examples to emphasize the importance of obedience to God and His messenger. These reminders served to instill a sense of accountability and encouraged the community to uphold justice and moral responsibility in handling family matters.
Because family structures form the foundation of any society, the surah aimed not only to regulate divorce but also to preserve the dignity and stability of the Muslim community as it matured in Medina.
Main Themes of Surah At-Talaq
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Laws of Divorce and Women’s Rights:
The surah outlines the proper procedures for divorce, emphasizing respect, fairness, and the protection of women’s rights during the waiting period (iddah). It instructs that women should not be forced out of their homes, should be provided for, and that expectant and nursing mothers must be supported during and after childbirth. -
Responsibility and Fear of Allah:
Men, who hold the right of divorce, are reminded to fear Allah when using this right. The surah calls for justice and kindness (ma’ruf) in handling family disputes and underlines the importance of following divine guidance in personal matters. -
Consequences of Ignoring Divine Commands:
Past nations that disobeyed Allah’s messengers are mentioned to warn believers. Their punishment in both this world and the Hereafter serves as a reminder that rejecting divine law has serious consequences. -
Divine Power and Control Over Creation:
The surah ends by affirming Allah’s absolute knowledge and power. He created the skies and the earth and has full authority over all creation. This serves to remind people to submit fully to His will.
Key Lessons from Surah At-Talaq
- Divorce should follow clear rules set by Allah to protect both spouses, especially women.
- Waiting periods (iddah) must be respected and supported with fair treatment and financial care.
- Husbands should not forcefully remove their wives from home during the waiting period.
- Mothers who breastfeed must be given proper compensation.
- Past nations were destroyed for ignoring Allah’s commands, showing the need for obedience.
- Believers are reminded that Allah sent the Prophet to guide people from darkness to light.
Notable Ayahs from Surah At-Talaq
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Verses 1-3:
"O Prophet! ˹Instruct the believers:˺ When you ˹intend to˺ divorce women, then divorce them with concern for their waiting period, and count it accurately. And fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their homes, nor should they leave—unless they commit a blatant misconduct. These are the limits set by Allah. And whoever transgresses Allah’s limits has truly wronged his own soul. You never know, perhaps Allah will bring about a change ˹of heart˺ later. Then when they have ˹almost˺ reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably.1 And call two of your reliable men to witness ˹either way˺—and ˹let the witnesses˺ bear true testimony for ˹the sake of˺ Allah. This is enjoined on whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything."
This verse begins with guidance for handling divorce properly, emphasizing respect, careful timing, and fear of Allah. -
Verse 6-7:
"Let them live where you live ˹during their waiting period˺, according to your means. And do not harass them to make their stay unbearable. If they are pregnant, then maintain them until they deliver. And if they nurse your child, compensate them, and consult together courteously. But if you fail to reach an agreement, then another woman will nurse ˹the child˺ for the father. Let the man of wealth provide according to his means. As for the one with limited resources, let him provide according to whatever Allah has given him. Allah does not require of any soul beyond what He has given it. After hardship, Allah will bring about ease."
These verses protect women's rights during and after divorce, commanding fair financial support based on one's capability. -
Verse 8:
"˹Imagine˺ how many societies rebelled against the commandments of their Lord and His messengers, so We called each ˹society˺ to a severe account and subjected them to a horrible punishment."
A warning by example of previous nations who were destroyed due to disobedience. -
Verse 12:
"Allah is the One Who created seven heavens ˹in layers˺, and likewise for the earth. The ˹divine˺ command descends between them so you may know that Allah is Most Capable of everything and that Allah certainly encompasses all things in ˹His˺ knowledge."
This final verse affirms Allah’s supreme power and knowledge, drawing attention to His creation and governance of the universe.
