Day 20 · Surah Al-Baqarah Verses 234-245

Al-Baqarah 234–245

The rules for the waiting period of a woman whose husband died, dower for those divorced before consummation, and the command to guard prayer, then the story of a people who fled from plague and the call to sacrifice in the way of Allah.

• The waiting period ('iddah) of a woman whose husband died is four months and ten days, and during this time suitors may only propose indirectly.
• A wife who is divorced before consummation is entitled to half the agreed dower, unless she or her guardian forgives, because forgiveness is closer to God-consciousness (taqwā).
• The five daily prayers are obligatory with emphasis on the middle prayer (salat al-wustha), which some scholars call the Asr prayer and others the Fajr prayer, and may be performed while walking or riding.
• The command to bequeath for the wife's maintenance for one year, according to most scholars of tafsir including Ibn Kathir, has been abrogated by a previous verse.
• It is narrated that thousands fled their homeland out of fear of plague and were killed and then revived, and sacrifice in the way of Allah is called a loan that will be multiplied.

Verses 234-237 are still about household law covering:

1. The waiting period ('iddah) of a woman whose husband died is 4 months and 10 days. After that she is permitted to beautify herself for beauty.
2. It is forbidden to propose to a widow except with indirect language, the prohibition of marrying a widow except after her waiting period ('iddah) is completed.
3. Permission to divorce a wife who has not been consummated or whose dower has not been paid if there is a legal reason, such as a defect and so forth. If divorced, then a gift (mut'ah) based on ability must be given as her right to receive it.
4. A woman who is divorced before consummation then her dower may be paid only half of what was agreed. Unless the wife or her guardian forgive, then it is fine if not paid. Remember, forgiveness is closer to God-consciousness (taqwā). Because of this, do not forget the kindness of each other. Allah sees what we do.

From several verses, especially verses 221-237, the superiority of Islam's household system is very clear. Starting with the choice of a believing spouse. This is the main principle and foundation for building an Islamic household. As humans who are not free from weakness and error, Allah has prepared such beautiful rules to organize the household.

Verses 238-242 are still about household law and management. Among them are: guarding the 5 daily prayers, emphasizing the middle prayer (salat al-wustha - some say the Asr prayer and others say the Fajr prayer) and performing it with presence of mind (khushu') so that all family members become those who submit to Allah's system. Because of the importance of this prayer, Allah allows prayer while walking if in fear or in a vehicle when traveling, especially public vehicles that are difficult to stop at prayer time. A family whose members remember Allah frequently will be given by Allah knowledge of family management that was unknown before.

Allah also commands husbands who feel their death is near to bequeath for their wife's maintenance and she should not leave the husband's house for one year. According to most scholars of tafsir, including Ibn Kathir, this verse was abrogated (its ruling nullified) by verse 235 before it. Allah also requires a gift (mut'ah) for a divorced wife based on ability. All of Allah's verses and laws are very logical for those who have understanding.

Verse 243 tells of the incident of thousands of people who left their town because they feared death from a contagious plague. Suddenly Allah killed them and then Allah revived them as proof of His great blessing and Power over them. But unfortunately that event could not be a lesson for most humans and most humans are ungrateful.

Verses 244-245 are the command to fight in the way of Allah. This obligation of fighting is based on Allah's extraordinary knowledge and understanding. Allah considers our sacrifice of wealth and life in His way as a soft loan to Him. Allah promises to multiply its reward because He is the One who holds the reins of our lives and to Him we shall return.

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