Importance of Family

The family is one of the most precious blessings of Allah (SWT) on mankind. Life begins with the family, which is the smallest unit of human society. Family life began with Adam () and Eve (Haawa ), and all members of humanity are their offspring. Allah (SWT) created the family structure so that every new generation can grow up in a homely environment of peace, security, and support. He has bestowed feelings of love, belonging, attachment, and closeness among the members of a family to make it a safe and secure place for the nurturing of children by their parents. A cordial relationship among the members of the family makes a home blissful. Family creates social order and makes life purposeful and meaningful.

Kinship (family ties) in Islamic society is inviolable and a sacred issue. Islam is committed to protecting family ties (kinship bond). In Islam, each member of the family enjoys the rights of protection and wellbeing. That is why, Islam gives the topmost importance to maintaining the best relationship with the family. Prophet of Islam said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship” (Sahih Bukhari). He further said: “There is no sin more deserving of having punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He stores up for him in the next world than oppression and severing ties of family.” (Tirmidhi).

The verses relating to the importance of family are given below:

…فَاُولٰٓئِكَ مِنْکُمْ ؕ وَاُولُوا الْاَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلٰی بِبَعْضٍ فِیْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ۝

“……….. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.” (8:75)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّکُمُ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَال كَثِیْرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِیْ تَسَآءَلُوْنَ بِہٖ وَالْاَرْحَامَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلَیْکُمْ رَقِیْبًا ۝

“O people! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and spread from them innumerable men and women from the two. And fear (about your duty to) Allah in whose name you demand (your rights) from one another, and be mindful with respect to the ties of kinship; surely Allah is ever watchful over you!” (4:1)

هُوَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَجَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا لِیَسْکُنَ اِلَیْهَا ۚ فَلَمَّا تَغَشّٰهَا حَمَلَتْ حَمْلًا خَفِیْفًا فَمَرَّتْ بِہٖ ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَثْقَلَتْ دَّعَوَا اللّٰهَ رَبَّهُمَا لَئِنْ اٰتَیْتَنَا صَالِحًا لَّنَکُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الشّٰكِرِیْنَ ۝

“It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When he has covered her, she conceives a light load, and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, (saying): “If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful.” (7:189)

وَ الَّذِیْنَ یَنْقُضُوْنَ عَہْدَ اللّٰهِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مِیْثَاقِہٖ وَیَقْطَعُوْنَ مَاۤ اَمَرَ اللّٰهُ بِہٖۤ اَنْ یُّوْصَلَ وَیُفْسِدُوْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ ۙ اُولٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ اللَّعْنَۃُ وَلَهُمْ سُوْٓءُ الدَّارِ۝

“And those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having pledged their word thereto, and sever those (ties of kinship) which Allah has commanded to be joined and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse; for them is the terrible home (Hell)!” (13:25)

یَسْـَٔلُوْنَكَ مَا ذَا یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۬ؕ قُلْ مَاۤ اَنْفَقْتُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَیْنِ وَالْاَقْرَبِیْنَ وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَابْنِ‌السَّبِیْلِ ؕ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever charity you give is for the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the wayfarer. Whatever good you do, Allah is indeed aware of it.” (2:215)

فَهَلْ عَسَیْتُمْ اِنْ تَوَلَّیْتُمْ اَنْ تُفْسِدُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ وَتُقَطِّعُوْۤا اَرْحَامَکُمْ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ الَّذِیْنَ لَعَنَهُمُ اللّٰهُ فَاَصَمَّهُمْ وَاَعْمٰۤی اَبْصَارَهُمْ۝

“Then, is it to be expected of you, if you were put in power, that you will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin? Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.” (47:22 – 23)

 

 

Family Laws:

Marital Relationship & Rules of Marriage

Islamic Marriage is a legal practice that is secured by a contract enshrined with the mutual rights and responsibilities of each other.  Children born in wedlock enjoy legitimacy and inheritance from their parents. Spouses give their consent to the marriage at free will mutually agreeing upon certain terms and conditions legally binding upon them. The deed of marriage is executed in the presence of two witnesses.

The marital relationship is a sacred tie between man and woman prevailing in human society since the creation of the first man Adam () and the first woman Haawa (). Allah (SWT) created Haawa () from Adam () as his mate and gave her marriage to Adam () as sacred and legal binding to create the foundation of human society on earth. Since then, family life through marital bondage has been introduced to create tranquility, love, and compassion as well as to create hereditary lineage through procreation. The core benefits of marital relationships and family life are:

• It provides better stability, happiness, continuity and lineage of the family.
• It creates mutual love, cooperation, empathy and sympathy for one another.
• It guards the sanctity, honor, chastity of the family members.
• It strictly restricts indiscriminate and illicit mixing between opposite sexes and regulate sexuality within the marital relationship.
• In a family husband and wife play complementary and supportive roles. Parents jointly take every care of their children and provide them basic education and an Islamic upbringing.
• Children grow up amid love, respect, obeying and listening to their parents.
• It is an important source of emotional, instrumental, mental and physical health support throughout conjugal life.
• It helps build up an economically secure family structure.

As regards to the relationship between husband and wife, Prophet (ﷺ) said in a Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas: ‘The best of you is the one who is the best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.’ (Ibn Majah Book 9, Hadith 1977).

The verses on the above topic are given below:

وَ مِنْ اٰیٰتِہٖۤ اَنْ خَلَقَ لَکُمْ مِّنْ اَنْفُسِکُمْ اَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْکُنُوْۤا اِلَیْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَیْنَکُمْ مَّوَدَّۃً وَرَحْمَۃً ؕ اِنَّ فِیْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ یَّتَفَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“And of His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them; and He planted love and compassion between you. In this are signs for people who reflect.” (30:21)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّکُمُ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِیْرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِیْ تَسَآءَلُوْنَ بِہٖ وَالْاَرْحَامَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلَیْکُمْ رَقِیْبًا۝

“O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and spread from them innumerable men and women from the two. And fear (about your duty to) Allah in whose name you demand (your rights) from one another, and be mindful with respect to the ties of kinship; surely Allah is ever watchful over you!” (4:1)

….هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ لِبَاسٌ….

“…… They (wives) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them……..” (2:187)

وَ مَنْ لَّمْ یَسْتَطِعْ مِنْکُمْ طَوْلًا اَنْ یَّنْكِحَ الْمُحْصَنٰتِ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ فَمِنْ مَّا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ مِّنْ فَتَیٰتِکُمُ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِاِیْمَانِکُمْ ؕ

“Those of you lack the means to marry free believing women he may marry one of the believing maid-slaves under your control. Allah is well aware of your faith…….” (4:25)

وَ اَنْكِحُوا الْاَیَامٰی مِنْکُمْ وَالصّٰلِحِیْنَ مِنْ عِبَادِکُمْ وَاِمَآئِکُمْ ؕ اِنْ یَّکُوْنُوْا فُقَرَآءَ یُغْنِهِمُ اللّٰهُ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝ وَلْیَسْتَعْفِفِ الَّذِیْنَ لَا یَجِدُوْنَ نِكَاحًا حَتّٰی یُغْنِیَهُمُ اللّٰهُ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ وَالَّذِیْنَ یَبْتَغُوْنَ الْكِتٰبَ مِمَّا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ فَكَاتِبُوْهُمْ اِنْ عَلِمْتُمْ فِیْهِمْ خَیْرًا ٭ۖ  وَاٰتُوْهُمْ مِّنْ مَّالِ اللّٰهِ الَّذِیْۤ اٰتٰىکُمْ ؕ وَلَا تُکْرِهُوْا فَتَیٰتِکُمْ عَلَی الْبِغَآءِ اِنْ اَرَدْنَ تَحَصُّنًا لِّتَبْتَغُوْا عَرَضَ الْحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنْیَا ؕ وَمَنْ یُّکْرِهْهُنَّ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ اِکْرَاهِهِنَّ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“And wed the singles among you, as well as those who are righteous among your male and female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. And let those who do not find the means to marry, maintain chastity until Allah grants them enough out of His bounty. If any of your slaves wish to make a deed of freedom, write it down for them, if you find some good in them, and give them some of the wealth that Allah has given you. And seeking gains of this life do not compel your maid slaves to prostitution, if they desire to preserve their chastity. Yet if anyone compel them — Allah is Forgiving and Merciful after they are being compelled.” (24:32 – 33)

نِسَآؤُکُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّکُمْ  فَاْتُوْا حَرْثَکُمْ اَنّٰی شِئْتُمْ ۫ وَقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِکُمْ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّکُمْ مُّلٰقُوْهُ ؕ  وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۝

“Your wives are cultivable fields for you; so, approach your fields as you like, and send ahead for yourselves (for hereafter doing good deeds). And fear Allah, and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers.” (2:223)

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوّٰمُوْنَ عَلَی النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍ وَبِمَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا مِنْ اَمْوَالِهِمْ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلْغَیْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ ؕ وَالّٰتِیْ تَخَافُوْنَ نُشُوْزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوْهُنَّ وَاهْجُرُوْهُنَّ فِی الْمَضَاجِعِ وَاضْرِبُوْهُنَّ ۚ فَاِنْ اَطَعْنَکُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوْا عَلَیْهِنَّ سَبِیْلًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِیًّا كَبِیْرًا ۝

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, as Allah has given some of them a characteristic over others, and because they spend out of their wealth. The righteous women are obedient, guarding (their chastity) in the absence (of their husband) and (because of) what Allah would have them guard. As for those from whom you fear disloyalty, admonish them, and abandon them in their beds, then strike them. But if they obey you, seek no other way against them. Allah is Sublime, Great.” (4:34) [Hadith of Prophet (ﷺ) explained striking with a small thing like miswak (tooth-brush)].

وَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ شِقَاقَ بَیْنِهِمَا فَابْعَثُوْا حَكَمًا مِّنْ اَهْلِہٖ وَحَكَمًا مِّنْ اَهْلِهَا ۚ اِنْ یُّرِیْدَاۤ اِصْلَاحًا یُّوَفِّقِ اللّٰهُ بَیْنَهُمَا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِیْمًا خَبِیْرًا ۝

“If you fear a breach between the two, appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family. If they wish to reconcile, Allah will bring them together. Allah is Knowledgeable, Abreast.” (4:35)

 

 

Islam’s Regulation on Polygamy

In the pre-Islamic era, polygamy was a normal practice in many societies having no limitations of keeping wives by one husband. But in the post-Islamic era, Islam brought reformations in family life and permitted polygamy with certain restrictions and some conditions. During the Battle of Uhud about seventy Muslims were martyred causing their wives widowed and children orphaned. The victim families faced poverty and uncertainty and needed socioeconomic security. In order to minimize their suffering by ensuring their security polygamy was made permissible in the Qur’an. Although Islam permits polygamy but strictly restricted the number of wives to a maximum of four and at the same time imposed the conditions of fairness and justice for all wives.

وَ اِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تُقْسِطُوْا فِی الْیَتٰمٰی فَانْكِحُوْا مَا طَابَ لَکُمْ مِّنَ النِّسَآءِ مَثْنٰی وَثُلٰثَ وَرُبٰعَ ۚ فَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا فَوَاحِدَۃً اَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ ؕ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰۤی اَلَّا تَعُوْلُوْا ۝

“If you fear that you cannot act fairly towards the orphans – then marry the women you like – two, or three, or four. But (still) if you fear that you will not be fair, then (marry) only one, or your maid slaves what you already possess. That makes it more unlikely that you will be biased.” (4:3)

 

 

Eligible and Ineligible Persons for Marriage

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) has clearly demarcated the persons eligible and not eligible for marriage. All Muslims must follow the eligibility rules of the Qur’an. The verses related to this topic are quoted below:

وَ لَا تَنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِکٰتِ حَتّٰی یُؤْمِنَّ ؕ وَلَاَمَۃٌ مُّؤْمِنَۃٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ مُّشْرِكَۃٍ وَلَوْ اَعْجَبَتْکُمْ ۚ وَلَا تُنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ حَتّٰی یُؤْمِنُوْا ؕ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ مُّشْرِکٍ وَلَوْ اَعْجَبَکُمْ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ یَدْعُوْنَ اِلَی النَّارِ ۚۖ وَاللّٰهُ یَدْعُوْۤا اِلَی الْجَنَّۃِ وَالْمَغْفِرَۃِ بِاِذْنِہٖ ۚ وَیُبَیِّنُ اٰیٰتِہٖ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَتَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“Do not marry idolatresses, unless they have believed. A believing slave maid is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor give marry (believing women) to idolaters, unless they have believed. A believing slave is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These call to the Fire, but Allah calls to the heaven and to forgiveness, by His leave. He makes clear His communications to the people, that they may be mindful.” (2:221)

وَلَا تَنْكِحُوْا مَا نَكَحَ اٰبَآؤُکُمْ مِّنَ النِّسَآءِ اِلَّا مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ ؕ اِنَّہٗ كَانَ فَاحِشَۃً وَمَقْتًا ؕ وَسَآءَ سَبِیْلًا ۝ حُرِّمَتْ عَلَیْکُمْ اُمَّهٰتُکُمْ وَبَنٰتُکُمْ وَاَخَوٰتُکُمْ وَعَمّٰتُکُمْ وَخٰلٰتُکُمْ وَبَنٰتُ الْاَخِ وَبَنٰتُ الْاُخْتِ وَاُمَّهٰتُکُمُ الّٰتِیْۤ اَرْضَعْنَکُمْ وَاَخَوٰتُکُمْ مِّنَ الرَّضَاعَۃِ وَاُمَّهٰتُ نِسَآئِکُمْ وَرَبَآئِبُکُمُ الّٰتِیْ فِیْ حُجُوْرِکُمْ مِّنْ نِّسَآئِکُمُ الّٰتِیْ دَخَلْتُمْ بِهِنَّ ۫ فَاِنْ لَّمْ تَکُوْنُوْا دَخَلْتُمْ بِهِنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ ۫ وَحَلَآئِلُ اَبْنَآئِکُمُ الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ اَصْلَابِکُمْ ۙ وَاَنْ تَجْمَعُوْا بَیْنَ الْاُخْتَیْنِ اِلَّا مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا ۝

“Do not marry women whom your fathers married, except what is already past. That is obscene, loathsome and an evil practice. Forbidden for you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal aunts, your maternal aunts, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster-mothers who nursed you, your foster-sisters, your wives’ mothers, and your stepdaughters in your guardianship – born of wives you have consummated – but if you have not consummated, there is no blame on you – And the wives of your genetic sons, and marrying two sisters simultaneously. Except what is done in the past. Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4:22 – 23)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا جَآءَکُمُ الْمُؤْمِنٰتُ مُهٰجِرٰتٍ فَامْتَحِنُوْهُنَّ ؕ اَللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِاِیْمَانِهِنَّ ۚ فَاِنْ عَلِمْتُمُوْهُنَّ مُؤْمِنٰتٍ فَلَا تَرْجِعُوْهُنَّ اِلَی الْکُفَّارِ ؕ لَا هُنَّ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحِلُّوْنَ لَهُنَّ ؕ وَاٰتُوْهُمْ مَّاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا ؕ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ اَنْ تَنْكِحُوْهُنَّ اِذَاۤ اٰتَیْتُمُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ ؕ وَلَا تُمْسِکُوْا بِعِصَمِ الْكَوَافِرِ وَسْـَٔلُوْا مَاۤ اَنْفَقْتُمْ وَلْیَسْـَٔلُوْا مَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ حُکْمُ اللّٰهِ ؕ یَحْکُمُ بَیْنَکُمْ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ ۝ وَ اِنْ فَاتَکُمْ شَیْءٌ مِّنْ اَزْوَاجِکُمْ  اِلَی الْکُفَّارِ فَعَاقَبْتُمْ فَاٰتُوا الَّذِیْنَ ذَهَبَتْ اَزْوَاجُهُمْ مِّثْلَ مَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِیْۤ اَنْتُمْ بِہٖ مُؤْمِنُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  When believing women come to you emigrating, test them. Allah is aware of their faith. And if you find them to be faithful, do not send them back to the unbelievers. They (believing women) are not lawful for them, nor are they (unbelievers) lawful for them. But give them what they have spent. You are not at fault if you marry them, provided you give them their compensation. And do not hold on to ties with unbelieving women, but demand what you have spent, and let them demand what they have spent. This is the judgement of Allah; He judges among you. Allah is Knowing and Wise. If any of your wives desert you to the unbelievers, and you decide to penalize them, give those whose wives have gone away the equivalent of what they had spent. And fear Allah, in whom you are believers.” (60:10 – 11)

وَالْمُحْصَنٰتُ مِنَ النِّسَآءِ اِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ ۚ كِتٰبَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ ۚ وَاُحِلَّ لَکُمْ مَّا وَرَآءَ ذٰلِکُمْ اَنْ تَبْتَغُوْا بِاَمْوَالِکُمْ مُّحْصِنِیْنَ غَیْرَ مُسٰفِحِیْنَ ؕ فَمَا اسْتَمْتَعْتُمْ بِہٖ مِنْهُنَّ فَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ فَرِیْضَۃً ؕ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِیْمَا تَرٰضَیْتُمْ بِہٖ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ الْفَرِیْضَۃِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِیْمًا حَكِیْمًا ۝

“And all married women (are forbidden for you), except those you rightfully possess. This is Allah’s decree, binding upon you. Permitted for you are those that lie outside these limits, provided you seek them in legal marriage, with gifts from your property, seeking wedlock, not prostitution……..” (4:24)

Mohor (Dowry)

“……. If you wish to enjoy them (by marrying), then give them their dowry—a legal obligation.” (4:24)

Allah (SWT) has made Mohor (dowry) mandatory for the husband as a prerequisite gift for the wife to make the marriage lawful. It is to be paid by the husband before touching his wife. As regards fixing the amount of dowry, it has been ordained that it should be equitable considering the social and economic status of both the wife and husband. Dowry cannot be taken back from the wife once they have enjoyed conjugal life. The verses of the Qur’an on dowry are quoted below:

وَاٰتُوا النِّسَآءَ صَدُقٰتِهِنَّ نِحْلَۃً ؕ    فَاِنْ طِبْنَ لَکُمْ عَنْ شَیْءٍ مِّنْهُ نَفْسًا فَکُلُوْهُ هَنِیْٓــًٔا مَّرِیْٓــًٔا۝

“Give women their dowries graciously. But if they willingly forego some of it, then consume it with enjoyment and pleasure.” (4:4)

فَمَا اسْتَمْتَعْتُمْ بِہٖ مِنْهُنَّ فَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ فَرِیْضَۃً ؕ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِیْمَا تَرٰضَیْتُمْ بِہٖ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ الْفَرِیْضَۃِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِیْمًا حَكِیْمًا ۝

“………. If you wish to enjoy them (by marrying), then give them their dowry—a legal obligation. And there is no sin for you in what you do by mutual agreement after the fixing of the dowry. Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.” (4:24)

لَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ اِنْ طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ مَا لَمْ تَمَسُّوْهُنَّ اَوْ تَفْرِضُوْا لَهُنَّ فَرِیْضَۃً ۚۖ وَمَتِّعُوْهُنَّ ۚ عَلَی الْمُوْسِعِ قَدَرُہٗ وَعَلَی الْمُقْتِرِ قَدَرُہٗ ۚ مَتَاعًۢا بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ۚ حَقًّا عَلَی الْمُحْسِنِیْنَ ۝ وَاِنْ طَلَّقْتُمُوْهُنَّ مِنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ تَمَسُّوْهُنَّ وَقَدْ فَرَضْتُمْ لَهُنَّ فَرِیْضَۃً فَنِصْفُ مَا فَرَضْتُمْ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّعْفُوْنَ اَوْ یَعْفُوَا الَّذِیْ بِیَدِہٖ عُقْدَۃُ النِّكَاحِ ؕ وَاَنْ تَعْفُوْۤا اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰی ؕ وَلَا تَنْسَوُا الْفَضْلَ بَیْنَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ ۝

“You commit no error by divorcing women before having touched them, or before having set the dowry for them. And compensate them – the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means – with a fair compensation, a duty upon the righteous. If you divorce them before you have touched them, but after you had set the dowry for them, give them half of what you specified — unless they forego their right, or the one (husband) in whose hand is the marriage contract foregoes it. But to forego is nearer to piety. And do not forget to show generosity mutually. Allah is seeing of everything you do.” (2:236 – 237)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا یَحِلُّ لَکُمْ اَنْ تَرِثُوا النِّسَآءَ كَرْہًا ؕ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوْهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوْا بِبَعْضِ مَاۤ اٰتَیْتُمُوْهُنَّ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّاْتِیْنَ بِفَاحِشَۃٍ مُّبَیِّنَۃٍ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوْهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ۚ فَاِنْ كَرِهْتُمُوْهُنَّ فَعَسٰۤی اَنْ تَکْرَهُوْا شَیْئًا وَیَجْعَلَ اللّٰهُ فِیْهِ خَیْرًا كَثِیْرًا ۝ وَاِنْ اَرَدْتُّمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَّكَانَ زَوْجٍ ۙ وَاٰتَیْتُمْ اِحْدٰهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا فَلَا تَاْخُذُوْا مِنْهُ شَیْئًا ؕ اَتَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ بُہْتَانًا وَ اِثْمًا مُّبِیْنًا ۝ وَكَیْفَ تَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ وَقَدْ اَفْضٰی بَعْضُکُمْ اِلٰی بَعْضٍ وَاَخَذْنَ مِنْکُمْ مِّیْثَاقًا غَلِیْظًا ۝

“O Believers!  It is not permitted for you to inherit women against their will. And do not coerce them in order to take away some of what you had given them unless they commit a proven adultery. And live with them in kindness. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good. If you wish to replace one wife with another, and you have given one of them a fortune, take nothing back from it. Would you take it back fraudulently and sinfully? And how can you take it back, when you have had intimate relationship with one another, and they have received from you a solid commitment?” (4:19 – 21)

فَانْكِحُوْهُنَّ بِاِذْنِ اَهْلِهِنَّ وَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ مُحْصَنٰتٍ غَیْرَ مُسٰفِحٰتٍ وَلَا مُتَّخِذٰتِ اَخْدَانٍ ۚ ۝

“……..Marry them (slave women) with the permission of their masters and give them their dowries fairly as properly wedded (wife) and neither as adulteress, nor as taking secret lover…….” (4:25)

 

 

Talaq (Divorce) and Iddat (Waiting-time for Remarry)

Talaq’ (divorce) is regarded as one of the lowest levels of legal issues in Islam. Though it is an undesirable act, sometimes it becomes a necessity in the context of the reality of life. Because of the irritating relationship between wife and husband, family life becomes irksome and conflicting. The Qur’an doesn’t recommend instant Talaq; rather it urges going through time-bound stages. When all efforts to reach a better understanding fail, in that very situation, Islam allows divorce as a necessity. Each and every step of Talaq has been clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. So, in executing Talaq one should thoughtfully comprehend it. ‘Iddat’ is a waiting-time for the remarriage of a divorced or widowed woman after divorce or the death of her husband. Allah (SWT) has fixed the time period of Iddat, which is compulsory to observe for remarrying. The Qur’anic verses on Talaq and Iddat are given below:

لِلَّذِیْنَ یُؤْلُوْنَ مِنْ نِّسَآئِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ اَرْبَعَۃِ اَشْهُرٍ ۚ فَاِنْ فَآءُوْ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝ وَاِنْ عَزَمُوا الطَّلَاقَ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ سَمِیْعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who vow abstinence from their wives must wait for four months. But if they reconcile — Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. And if they resolve to divorce — Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (2:226 – 227)

وَ اِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغْنَ اَجَلَهُنَّ فَاَمْسِکُوْهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ اَوْ سَرِّحُوْهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ  وَلَا تُمْسِکُوْهُنَّ ضِرَارًا لِّتَعْتَدُوْا ۚ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَہٗ ؕ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوْۤا اٰیٰتِ اللّٰهِ هُزُوًا ۫ وَاذْکُرُوْا نِعْمَتَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ وَمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ عَلَیْکُمْ مِّنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَالْحِکْمَۃِ یَعِظُکُمْ بِہٖ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ۝

“When you divorce women, and they have reached their term of Iddat, either retain them amicably, or release them amicably. But do not retain them to hurt them and commit aggression. Whoever does that has wronged own self. And do not take Allah’s revelations for a joke. And remember Allah’s favor upon you, and also remember that He revealed to you the Scripture and Wisdom to teach you. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is aware of everything.” (2:231)

وَ الْمُطَلَّقٰتُ یَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِاَنْفُسِهِنَّ ثَلٰثَۃَ قُرُوْٓءٍ ؕ وَلَا یَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ اَنْ یَّکْتُمْنَ مَا خَلَقَ اللّٰهُ فِیْۤ اَرْحَامِهِنَّ اِنْ کُنَّ یُؤْمِنَّ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ وَبُعُوْلَتُهُنَّ اَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ فِیْ ذٰلِكَ اِنْ اَرَادُوْۤا اِصْلَاحًا ؕ وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِیْ عَلَیْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ  وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَیْهِنَّ دَرَجَۃٌ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three menstruation periods. And it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. Meanwhile, their husbands have the better right to take them back, if they desire reconciliation……” (2:228)

وَ اِنِ امْرَاَۃٌ خَافَتْ مِنْۢ بَعْلِهَا نُشُوْزًا اَوْ اِعْرَاضًا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْهِمَاۤ اَنْ یُّصْلِحَا بَیْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا ؕ وَالصُّلْحُ خَیْرٌ ؕ وَاُحْضِرَتِ الْاَنْفُسُ الشُّحَّ ؕ وَاِنْ تُحْسِنُوْا وَتَتَّقُوْا فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِیْرًا ۝

“If a woman fears maltreatment or desertion from her husband, there is no fault in them if they reconcile their differences, for reconciliation is best. Souls are prone to greed; yet if you do what is good, and practice piety — Allah is Cognizant of what you do.” (4:128)

اَلطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتٰنِ۪ فَاِمْسَاکٌۢ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ اَوْ تَسْرِیْحٌۢ بِاِحْسَانٍ ؕ وَلَا یَحِلُّ لَکُمْ اَنْ تَاْخُذُوْا مِمَّاۤ اٰتَیْتُمُوْهُنَّ شَیْئًا اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّخَافَاۤ اَلَّا یُقِیْمَا حُدُوْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ فَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا یُقِیْمَا حُدُوْدَ اللّٰهِ ۙ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْهِمَا فِیْمَا افْتَدَتْ بِہٖ ؕ تِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ فَلَا تَعْتَدُوْهَا ۚ وَمَنْ یَّتَعَدَّ حُدُوْدَ اللّٰهِ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الظّٰلِمُوْنَ ۝

“Talaq-e-Raji (Recoverable Divorce) is allowed twice. Then (keeping her) either in honorable retention or setting (her) free with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back anything you have given them, unless they fear that they cannot maintain Allah’s limits. If you fear that they cannot maintain Allah’s limits, then there is no blame on them if she sacrifices something for her release. These are Allah’s limits, so do not transgress them. Those who transgress Allah’s limits are the unjust.” (2:229)

فَاِنْ طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا تَحِلُّ لَہٗ مِنْۢ بَعْدُ حَتّٰی تَنْكِحَ زَوْجًا غَیْرَہٗ ؕ فَاِنْ طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْهِمَاۤ اَنْ یَّتَرَاجَعَاۤ اِنْ ظَنَّاۤ اَنْ یُّقِیْمَا حُدُوْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَتِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ یُبَیِّنُهَا لِقَوْمٍ یَّعْلَمُوْنَ۝

“If he divorces her, she shall not be lawful for him again until she has married another husband. If the latter divorces her, then there is no blame on them for reuniting, provided they think they can maintain Allah’s limits. These are Allah’s limits; He makes them clear to people who know.” (2:230)

وَ اِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغْنَ اَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا تَعْضُلُوْهُنَّ اَنْ یَّنْكِحْنَ اَزْوَاجَهُنَّ اِذَا تَرَاضَوْا بَیْنَهُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ ذٰلِكَ یُوْعَظُ بِہٖ مَنْ كَانَ مِنْکُمْ یُؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ اَزْکٰی لَکُمْ وَاَطْهَرُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یَعْلَمُ وَاَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“When you divorce women, and they have reached their term of Iddat, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands, provided they agree on fair terms. Thereby is advised whoever among you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and purer for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” (2:232)

وَ الِّٰٓیْٔ یَئِسْنَ مِنَ الْمَحِیْضِ مِنْ نِّسَآئِکُمْ  اِنِ ارْتَبْتُمْ فَعِدَّتُهُنَّ ثَلٰثَۃُ اَشْهُرٍ ۙ وَالِّٰٓیْٔ لَمْ یَحِضْنَ ؕ وَاُولَاتُ الْاَحْمَالِ اَجَلُهُنَّ اَنْ یَّضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَّقِ اللّٰهَ یَجْعَلْ لَّہٗ مِنْ اَمْرِہٖ یُسْرًا

“As for those of your women who have reached menopause, if you have any doubts, their Iddat term shall be three months — and also for those who have not menstruated. As for those who are pregnant, their term shall be until they have delivered. Whoever fears Allah — He will make things easy for him.” (65:4)

وَ الَّذِیْنَ یُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنْکُمْ وَیَذَرُوْنَ اَزْوَاجًا یَّتَرَبَّصْنَ بِاَنْفُسِهِنَّ اَرْبَعَۃَ اَشْهُرٍ وَعَشْرًا ۚ فَاِذَا بَلَغْنَ اَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِیْمَا فَعَلْنَ فِیْۤ اَنْفُسِهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِیْرٌ۝

“As for those among you who die and leave widows behind, their widows shall wait by themselves for four months and ten days. When they have reached their waiting-term, there is no blame on you for what they reasonably choose to do with themselves. Allah is fully aware of what you do.” (2:234)

وَ لَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِیْمَا عَرَّضْتُمْ بِہٖ مِنْ خِطْبَۃِ النِّسَآءِ اَوْ اَکْنَنْتُمْ فِیْۤ اَنْفُسِکُمْ ؕ عَلِمَ اللّٰهُ اَنَّکُمْ سَتَذْکُرُوْنَهُنَّ وَلٰكِنْ لَّا تُوَاعِدُوْهُنَّ سِرًّا اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تَقُوْلُوْا قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا ؕ وَلَا تَعْزِمُوْا عُقْدَۃَ النِّكَاحِ حَتّٰی یَبْلُغَ الْكِتٰبُ اَجَلَہٗ ؕ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ یَعْلَمُ مَا فِیْۤ اَنْفُسِکُمْ فَاحْذَرُوْهُ ۚ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ حَلِیْمٌ ۝

“You commit no error by announcing your engagement to women (divorced or widowed), or by keeping it to your mind. Allah knows that you will be thinking about them. But do not give any promise to them secretly, unless you have something to say in a proper way. And do not confirm the marriage tie until the writing term (Iddat) is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows what is in your souls, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.” (2:235)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّبِیُّ اِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَطَلِّقُوْهُنَّ لِعِدَّتِهِنَّ وَاَحْصُوا الْعِدَّۃَ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ رَبَّکُمْ ۚ لَا تُخْرِجُوْهُنَّ مِنْۢ بُیُوْتِهِنَّ وَلَا یَخْرُجْنَ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّاْتِیْنَ بِفَاحِشَۃٍ مُّبَیِّنَۃٍ ؕ وَتِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَعَدَّ حُدُوْدَ اللّٰهِ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَہٗ ؕ لَا تَدْرِیْ لَعَلَّ اللّٰهَ یُحْدِثُ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ اَمْرًا۝

“O Prophet! If any of you divorce women, divorce them during their period of purity, and calculate their Iddat term. And fear Allah, your Lord. And do not evict them from their homes, nor shall they leave, unless they have committed a proven adultery. These are the limits of Allah — whoever exceeds Allah’s limits has wronged his own soul. You never know; Allah may afterwards bring about a new situation.” (65:1)

فَاِذَا بَلَغْنَ اَجَلَهُنَّ فَاَمْسِکُوْهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ اَوْ فَارِقُوْهُنَّ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ وَاَشْهِدُوْا ذَوَیْ عَدْلٍ مِّنْکُمْ وَاَقِیْمُوا الشَّهَادَۃَ لِلّٰهِ ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ یُوْعَظُ بِہٖ مَنْ كَانَ یُؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ۬ؕ وَ مَنْ یَّتَّقِ اللّٰهَ یَجْعَلْ لَّہٗ مَخْرَجًا ۝ وَیَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَیْثُ لَا یَحْتَسِبُ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَوَكَلْ عَلَی اللّٰهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُہٗ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بَالِغُ اَمْرِہٖ ؕ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللّٰهُ لِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدْرًا ۝

“Once they have reached their term of Iddat, either retain them honorably, or separate from them honorably. And call to witness two just people from among you, and give upright testimony for Allah. By that is advised whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah — He will make a way out for him. And will provide for him from source he never expected. Whoever relies on Allah — He will suffice him. Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure to all things.” (65:2 – 3)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا نَكَحْتُمُ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ ثُمَّ طَلَّقْتُمُوْهُنَّ مِنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ تَمَسُّوْهُنَّ فَمَا لَکُمْ عَلَیْهِنَّ مِنْ عِدَّۃٍ تَعْتَدُّوْنَهَا ۚ فَمَتِّعُوْهُنَّ وَسَرِّحُوْهُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِیْلًا ۝

“O Believers!  When you marry believing women, but then divorce them before you have touched them, there is no waiting period (Iddat) for you to observe in respect to them; but compensate them, and release them in a graceful manner.” (33:49)

ذٰلِكَ اَمْرُ اللّٰهِ اَنْزَلَہٗۤ اِلَیْکُمْ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَّقِ اللّٰهَ یُكَفِّرْ عَنْهُ سَیِّاٰتِہٖ وَیُعْظِمْ لَہٗۤ اَجْرًا ۝ اَسْكِنُوْهُنَّ مِنْ حَیْثُ سَكَنْتُمْ مِّنْ وُّجْدِکُمْ وَلَا تُضَآرُّوْهُنَّ لِتُضَیِّقُوْا عَلَیْهِنَّ ؕ وَاِنْ کُنَّ اُولَاتِ حَمْلٍ فَاَنْفِقُوْا عَلَیْهِنَّ حَتّٰی یَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ ۚ فَاِنْ اَرْضَعْنَ لَکُمْ فَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ ۚ وَاْتَمِرُوْا بَیْنَکُمْ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ ۚ وَاِنْ تَعَاسَرْتُمْ فَسَتُرْضِعُ لَہٗۤ  اُخْرٰی ۝ لِیُنْفِقْ ذُوْ سَعَۃٍ مِّنْ سَعَتِہٖ ؕ وَمَنْ قُدِرَ عَلَیْهِ رِزْقُہٗ فَلْیُنْفِقْ مِمَّاۤ اٰتٰىهُ اللّٰهُ ؕ لَا یُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا مَاۤ اٰتٰىهَا ؕ سَیَجْعَلُ اللّٰهُ بَعْدَ عُسْرٍ یُّسْرًا۝

“This is the decree of Allah, which He revealed to you. Whoever fears Allah — He will remit his sins, and will expand his reward. Allow them (wives) to reside where you reside, according to your means, and do not harass them in order to make things difficult for them. If they are pregnant, spend on them until they give birth. And if they suckle your baby, give them their payment. And conduct your relation in amity. But if you disagree, then let another woman provide suckling. The wealthy shall spend according to his means; and he whose resources are limited shall spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah never burdens a soul beyond what He has given it. Allah will bring ease after hardship.” (65:5 – 7)

وَالَّذِیْنَ یُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنْکُمْ وَیَذَرُوْنَ اَزْوَاجًا ۚۖ وَّصِیَّۃً لِّاَزْوَاجِهِمْ مَّتَاعًا اِلَی الْحَوْلِ غَیْرَ  اِخْرَاجٍ ۚ فَاِنْ خَرَجْنَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِیْ مَا فَعَلْنَ فِیْۤ اَنْفُسِهِنَّ مِنْ مَّعْرُوْفٍ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ ۝ وَلِلْمُطَلَّقٰتِ مَتَاعٌۢ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ حَقًّا عَلَی الْمُتَّقِیْنَ ۝ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ اٰیٰتِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ۝

“Those of you who are in death bed and leave wives behind — should make a will to provide their wives with support for a year without turning them out (of their homes), provided they themselves do not leave. If they leave, you are not to blame for what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable. Allah is Mighty and Wise. And divorced women shall be provided for, equitably — it is a duty upon the righteous. Allah thus explains His revelations to you, so that you may understand.” (2:240 – 242)

 

 

Zihar (Comparing Wife with Mother)

Zihar is a sin committed by the husband when he compares his wife with his mother saying: ‘You are like my mother’. It does not break the marriage. But Allah (SWT) has admonished such utterance and made ‘Kaffara’ (penalty) compulsory for the husband before touching his wife again. The verse relating to this topic is cited below:

قَدْ سَمِعَ اللّٰهُ قَوْلَ الَّتِیْ تُجَادِلُكَ فِیْ زَوْجِهَا وَتَشْتَكِیْۤ اِلَی اللّٰهِ ٭ۖ  وَاللّٰهُ یَسْمَعُ تَحَاوُرَکُمَا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ سَمِیْعٌۢ بَصِیْرٌ ۝ اَلَّذِیْنَ یُظٰهِرُوْنَ مِنْکُمْ مِّنْ نِّسَآئِهِمْ مَّا هُنَّ اُمَّهٰتِهِمْ ؕ اِنْ اُمَّهٰتُهُمْ اِلَّا الِّٰٓیْٔ وَلَدْنَهُمْ ؕ وَاِنَّهُمْ لَیَقُوْلُوْنَ مُنْكَرًا مِّنَ الْقَوْلِ وَزُوْرًا ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُوْرٌ ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ یُظٰهِرُوْنَ مِنْ نِّسَآئِهِمْ ثُمَّ یَعُوْدُوْنَ لِمَا قَالُوْا فَتَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ یَّتَمَآسَّا ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ تُوْعَظُوْنَ بِہٖ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِیْرٌ ۝ فَمَنْ لَّمْ یَجِدْ فَصِیَامُ شَہْرَیْنِ مُتَتَابِعَیْنِ مِنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ یَّتَمَآسَّا ۚ فَمَنْ لَّمْ یَسْتَطِعْ فَاِطْعَامُ سِتِّیْنَ مِسْكِیْنًا ؕ ذٰلِكَ لِتُؤْمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِہٖ ؕ وَتِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَلِلْکٰفِرِیْنَ عَذَابٌ اَلِیْمٌ۝

“Allah has heard the complaint of the woman who argued with you concerning her husband as she put her complain to Allah. Allah heard your conversation. Allah is Hearing and Seeing. Those of you who estrange their wives by equating them with their mothers — they are not their actual mothers. Their mothers are none else but those who gave birth to them. What they say is evil, and a blatant lie. But Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving. Those who estrange their wives by equating them with their mothers, then withdraw what they said, must set free a slave before they may touch one another. This is what you are urged to do, and Allah is well aware of what you do. But whoever cannot find the means must fast for two consecutive months before they may touch one another. And if he is unable then the feeding of sixty needy people (is required). This (is to be done) in order to you affirm your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the decrees of Allah. The unbelievers will have a painful punishment.” (58:1 – 4)

 

 

Children’s Education

When a child is born, his/her elementary education starts at home.  It is the prime responsibility of parents to provide their children with Islamic education along with general education to build their lives in the Islamic way. Al-Ghazali, a great Islamic scholar, said that a child “is a trust (placed by Allah) in the hands of his parents, and his innocent heart is a precious element capable of taking impressions.” So, the children must learn the knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith and practice their learning in their formative stages to grow up as good Muslims. Proper religious education will help create Islamic values in them.

In order to practice Islam in day-to-day life, one must know the Qur’an, Hadith, and rules of Shariah. Without Islamic education, one cannot know about Fard, Wajeeb, and Sunnah, nor what is halal and what is haram. Acquiring knowledge of Islamic Shariah is essential for becoming a good Muslim. Such education will be a valuable asset for Muslim children in this life and afterlife.

The first revealed verse of the Qur’an is “Iqra (Read)!” in the name of your Lord, who created. (96:1) – symbolizes the value of education in Islam. Allah (SWT) has encouraged human beings to pray to Him: “O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge” (20:114). In a famous Hadith Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Acquiring knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim man and woman.’ (Tirmidhi).

The verses of the Qur’an on this topic are quoted below:

اِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَ ۚ۝ خَلَقَ الْاِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ۚ۝ اِقْرَاْ وَرَبُّكَ الْاَکْرَمُ ۙ۝ الَّذِیْ عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ۙ۝ عَلَّمَ الْاِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ یَعْلَمْ۝

“Read: In the Name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot. Read: And your Lord is the Most Generous. He who taught by the pen. Taught man what he never knew. (96:1 – 5)

…. كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَیْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ ۬ۙ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ اِلٰی صِرَاطِ الْعَزِیْزِ الْحَمِیْدِ ۙ۝

“……… A Scripture that We revealed to you, that you may bring humanity from darkness to light – with the permission of their Lord – to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.” (14:1)

… قُلْ هَلْ یَسْتَوِی الَّذِیْنَ یَعْلَمُوْنَ وَالَّذِیْنَ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ ؕ اِنَّمَا یَتَذَكَرُ اُولُوا الْاَلْبَابِ

“….. Can those who possess knowledge be equal with those who do not have knowledge? Only those endowed with understanding will take heed.” (39:9).

یُّؤْتِی الْحِکْمَۃَ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ ۚ وَمَنْ یُّؤْتَ الْحِکْمَۃَ فَقَدْ اُوْتِیَ خَیْرًا كَثِیْرًا ؕ وَمَا یَذَّكَرُ اِلَّاۤ اُولُوا الْاَلْبَابِ ۝

“He gives wisdom to whomever He wills. Whoever is granted wisdom has been given immense good. But none pays heed except those endowed with insight.” (2:269)

وَ مَا كَانَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ لِیَنْفِرُوْا كَآفَّۃً ؕ فَلَوْ لَا نَفَرَ مِنْ کُلِّ فِرْقَۃٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَآئِفَۃٌ لِّیَتَفَقَّهُوْا فِی الدِّیْنِ وَلِیُنْذِرُوْا قَوْمَهُمْ اِذَا رَجَعُوْۤا اِلَیْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَحْذَرُوْنَ۝

“It is not advisable for the believers to march out (for battle) altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group remain behind, to gain understanding of the religion, and to advise their people when they have returned to them, that they may beware.” (9:122)

یَرْفَعِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مِنْکُمْ ۙ وَالَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجٰتٍ ؕ….۝

“….. Allah will exalt those of you who believe and those who have knowledge to high degrees. …..” (58:11)

تِلْكَ اٰیٰتُ الْكِتٰبِ الْحَكِیْمِ ۝ هُدًی وَ رَحْمَۃً  لِّلْمُحْسِنِیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ یُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَهُمْ بِالْاٰخِرَۃِ هُمْ یُوْقِنُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ عَلٰی هُدًی مِّنْ رَّبِّهِمْ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ۝

“These are the Verses of the Wise Book. A guide and a mercy for the righteous. Those who observe the prayer, and pay the obligatory charity, and are certain of the Hereafter. These are upon guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.” (31:2 – 5)

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْاٰنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُّدَّكِرٍ۝

“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?” (54:17)

وَ لَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِیْ هٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنِ مِنْ کُلِّ مَثَلٍ ؕ وَلَئِنْ جِئْتَهُمْ بِاٰیَۃٍ لَّیَقُوْلَنَّ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْۤا اِنْ اَنْتُمْ اِلَّا مُبْطِلُوْنَ ۝ كَذٰلِكَ یَطْبَعُ اللّٰهُ عَلٰی قُلُوْبِ الَّذِیْنَ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“We have cited in this Qur’an for the people every sort of example. But even if you bring them a miracle, those who disbelieve will say, ‘You are nothing but fakes.’ Allah thus seals the hearts of those who do not know.” (30:58 – 59)

اِنَّ فِىْ خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالاَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّاُوْلِى الْاَلْبَابِ۝ الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُوْنَ اللّٰهَ قِيٰمًا وَّقُعُودًا وَّعَلٰى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُوْنَ فِىْ خَلْقِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالاَرْضِ ^ج رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هٰذَا بَاطِلًا ^ج سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ۝

“In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for people of understanding. Those who remember Allah while standing, and sitting, and on their sides; and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth (and say): ‘Our Lord, You did not create this in vain, glory to You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire’.” (3:190 – 191)

 

 

Advice of Nooh () to his son

وَهِیَ تَجْرِیْ بِهِمْ فِیْ مَوْجٍ كَالْجِبَالِ وَنَادٰی نُوْحُ ابْنَہٗ وَكَانَ فِیْ مَعْزِلٍ یّٰـبُنَیَّ ارْكَبْ مَّعَنَا وَلَا تَکُنْ مَّعَ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ ۝ قَالَ سَاٰوِیْۤ اِلٰی جَبَلٍ یَّعْصِمُنِیْ مِنَ الْمَآءِ ؕ قَالَ لَا عَاصِمَ الْیَوْمَ مِنْ اَمْرِ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا مَنْ رَّحِمَ ۚ وَحَالَ بَیْنَهُمَا الْمَوْجُ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْمُغْرَقِیْنَ ۝

“And so, it (Ark of Nooh ) sailed with them amidst waves like hills. And Nooh called to his son, who had kept away, ‘O my beloved son! Embark with us, and do not be with the disbelievers.’ He said, ‘I will take refuge on a mountain – it will protect me from the water.’ He said (Nooh ), ‘There is no protection from Allah’s decree today, except for him on whom He has mercy.’ And the waves surged between them, and he was among the drowned.” (11:42 – 43)

 

 

Advice of Ibrahim () and Yaqoob () to their sons

 وَوَصَّىٰ بِهَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعْقُوبُ يَا بَنِيَّ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَىٰ لَكُمُ الدِّينَ فَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ ۝ أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَاءَ إِذْ حَضَرَ يَعْقُوبَ الْمَوْتُ إِذْ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن بَعْدِي قَالُوا نَعْبُدُ إِلَـٰهَكَ وَإِلَـٰهَ آبَائِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِلَـٰهًا وَاحِدًا  ۝وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

“And this was the legacy that Ibrahim left to his sons, and so did Yaqoob; ‘Oh my beloved sons! Verily Allah has chosen this Deen for you; then die not except as Muslim.’ Were you witnesses when death appeared before Yaqoob? Behold, he said to his sons: ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said: ‘We shall worship your Ilah (Allah) and the Ilah of your forefathers – Ibrahim, Isma’il and Ishaaq, the one (True) Allah. To Him only we surrender’.” (2:132 – 133)

 

 

Advice of Yaqoob () to his son Yusuf ()

قَالَ یٰبُنَیَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْیَاكَ عَلٰۤی اِخْوَتِكَ فَیَكِیْدُوْا لَكَ كَیْدًا ؕ اِنَّ الشَّیْطٰنَ لِلْاِنْسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِیْنٌ ۝ وَكَذٰلِكَ یَجْتَبِیْكَ رَبُّكَ وَیُعَلِّمُكَ مِنْ تَاْوِیْلِ الْاَحَادِیْثِ وَیُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَہٗ عَلَیْكَ وَعَلٰۤی اٰلِ یَعْقُوْبَ كَمَاۤ اَتَمَّهَا عَلٰۤی اَبَوَیْكَ مِنْ قَبْلُ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ وَ اِسْحٰقَ ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“My (dear) little son! tell not your vision to your brothers, lest they concoct a plot against you: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy! Thus, will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of messages and perfect His favors to you and to the posterity of Yaqoob – even as He perfected it to your forefathers Ibrahim and Ishaaq! for your Lord Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (12:5 – 6)

 

 

Advice of Luqman () to his son

Luqman () was a man of scholarly wisdom who gave some precious advice to his son, as mentioned in the Qur’an, which are quoted below:

وَ اِذْ قَالَ لُقْمٰنُ لِابْنِہٖ وَهُوَ یَعِظُہٗ یٰبُنَیَّ لَا تُشْرِکْ بِاللّٰهِ ؕؔ اِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِیْمٌ ۝

“When Luqman said to his son, as he advised him, ‘O my beloved son, do not ‘Shirk’ (associate) anything with Allah, for ‘Shirk’ is a terrible wrong.” (31:13)

یٰبُنَیَّ اِنَّهَاۤ اِنْ تَکُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّۃٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَکُنْ فِیْ صَخْرَۃٍ اَوْ فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ اَوْ فِی الْاَرْضِ یَاْتِ بِهَا اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَطِیْفٌ خَبِیْرٌ ۝ یٰبُنَیَّ اَقِمِ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلٰی مَاۤ اَصَابَكَ ؕ اِنَّ ذٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْاُمُوْرِ ۝ وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِی الْاَرْضِ مَرَحًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ کُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُوْرٍ ۝ وَاقْصِدْ فِیْ مَشْیِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِنْ صَوْتِكَ ؕ اِنَّ اَنْكَرَ الْاَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِیْرِ ۝

“O my beloved son, even if it were the weight of a mustard-seed, hidden in a rock, or in the heavens, or on earth, Allah will bring it to light. Allah is Kind and Expert. O my beloved son, observe the prayer, advocate righteousness, forbid evil, and be patient over what has befallen you. Certainly, these are of the most honorable traits. And do not treat people with arrogance, nor walk proudly on earth. Allah does not love the arrogant showoffs. And moderate your stride and lower your voice. The most disgusting of voices is the donkey’s voice.” (31:16 – 19)

 

 

Abolition of Female Infanticide

Female infanticide was an evil practice of ‘Ayyam-e-Jahiliyyah’ (Age of Darkness) prevalent among the Arabs. There was a social stigma that the birth of a female child was a curse and a source of humiliation. It was because of poverty and also of fear and shame that the daughters might be held captive by the enemy tribes. Their mental agonies would reach such a high level that they used to bury the female child alive. Islam has abolished this evil practice from society and given female children an honorable and rewarding status.

Prophet (ﷺ) instructed his followers to be kind, loving, patient and supportive towards their daughters. He said: ‘If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, or slight her, or prefer his male children to her, Allah will bring him into Jannah.’ (Ahmad). He also said: ‘He who is tested with these girl children, and he is benevolent towards them, they will become protection for him against Hell fire’. (Sahih Muslim). Jabir ibn Abdullah () reported that Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever has three daughters and he accommodates them, show mercy toward them, and supports them, Paradise is definitely guaranteed for him.’ When asked about one or two daughters he answered the same. (Al Albani). There are many other Hadith that describe the pleasure and blessings of Allah (SWT) upon those who take proper care of their daughters, provide them with the requisite education, give them their due share of property, and arrange their marriage with righteous people.

The Qur’anic verses about girl children are quoted below:

وَ اِذَا بُشِّرَ اَحَدُهُمْ بِالْاُنْثٰی ظَلَّ وَجْهُہٗ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِیْمٌ ۝ یَتَوَارٰی مِنَ الْقَوْمِ مِنْ سُوْٓءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِہٖ ؕ اَیُمْسِکُہٗ عَلٰی هُوْنٍ اَمْ یَدُسُّہٗ فِی التُّرَابِ ؕ  اَلَا سَآءَ مَا یَحْکُمُوْنَ ۝

“And when one of them is given news of a female infant, his face darkens, and he chokes with grief. He hides from the people because of the bad news given to him. (He thinks) shall he keep it in humiliation, or bury it in the dust? How evil is the decision they make.” (16:58 – 59)

…وَ لَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَوْلَادَکُمْ  مِّنْ اِمْلَاقٍ ؕ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُکُمْ وَاِیَّاهُمْ…

“…… kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them……” (6:151)

وَ اِذَا الْمَوْءٗدَۃُ سُئِلَتْ ۝ بِاَیِّ ذَنْۢبٍ قُتِلَتْ ۝

“And when (on the Day of Judgement) the girl-child buried alive, is asked: ‘For what crime was she killed’?” (81:8 – 9)

لِلّٰهِ مُلْکُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ ؕ یَخْلُقُ مَا یَشَآءُ ؕیَهَبُ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُ اِنَاثًا وَیَهَبُ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُ  الذُّکُوْرَ ۝ اَوْ یُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُکْرَانًا وَاِنَاثًا ۚ وَیَجْعَلُ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ عَقِیْمًا ؕ اِنَّہٗ عَلِیْمٌ قَدِیْرٌ۝

“To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female (children), and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them (both) males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.” (42:49 – 50)

قَدْ خَسِرَ الَّذِیْنَ قَتَلُوْۤا اَوْلَادَهُمْ سَفَہًۢا بِغَیْرِ عِلْمٍ وَحَرَّمُوْا مَا رَزَقَهُمُ اللّٰهُ افْتِرَآءً عَلَی اللّٰهِ ؕ قَدْ ضَلُّوْا وَ مَا كَانُوْا مُہْتَدِیْنَ۝

“Indeed, ruined are those who slay their children out of senseless ignorance and forbid the sustenance which Allah has bestowed upon them, in order to fabricate lies against Allah; they have undoubtedly gone astray and not attained the rightly guided path.” (6:140)

وَ یَسْتَفْتُوْنَكَ فِی النِّسَآءِ ؕ قُلِ اللّٰهُ یُفْتِیْکُمْ فِیْهِنَّ ۙ وَمَا یُتْلٰی عَلَیْکُمْ فِی الْكِتٰبِ فِیْ یَتٰمَی النِّسَآءِ الّٰتِیْ لَاتُؤْ تُوْنَهُنَّ مَا کُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُوْنَ اَنْ تَنْكِحُوْهُنَّ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِیْنَ مِنَ الْوِلْدَانِ ۙ وَاَنْ تَقُوْمُوْا لِلْیَتٰمٰی بِالْقِسْطِ ؕ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمًا۝

“They ask you for a decision about women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about them, and so does what is stated to you in the Book about widowed women from whom you withhold what is decreed for them, yet you desire to marry them, and about helpless children: that you should treat the orphans fairly.’ Whatever good you do, Allah knows it.” (4:127)

 

 

Adopted Son’s Status in Islam

Islam gives legal recognition to only natural and biological children with parental obligations. Children taken in adoption can get much needed care and affection only as voluntary obligations. Islam upholds that every child should have a legal identity linked to their own parents, even if adopted by someone else. It affirms that the children’s inheritance should come from their biological families rather than their adopted families. Islam does not allow a breach of natural law by abolishing their normal lineage, but provides them with all types of support simply as custodians of adopted children. Islam allows marriage with an adopted son’s divorced wife as Allah (SWT) has permitted it in the Qur’an. The verses regarding the adopted son are cited below:

اُدْعُوْهُمْ لِاٰبَآئِهِمْ هُوَ اَقْسَطُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ۚ فَاِنْ لَّمْ تَعْلَمُوْۤا اٰبَآءَهُمْ فَاِخْوَانُکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ وَمَوَالِیْکُمْ ؕ وَلَیْسَ عَلَیْکُمْ جُنَاحٌ فِیْمَاۤ اَخْطَاْتُمْ بِہٖ ۙ وَلٰكِنْ مَّا تَعَمَّدَتْ قُلُوْبُکُمْ ؕ وَ كَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا۝

“Call them (adopted children) after their fathers’ name; that is more equitable with Allah. But if you do not know their fathers’ name, then (call them as) your brethren in faith as well your friends. There is no blame on you if you err therein, barring what your hearts premeditates. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:5)

وَ اِذْ تَقُوْلُ لِلَّذِیْۤ اَنْعَمَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِ وَاَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْهِ اَمْسِکْ عَلَیْكَ زَوْجَكَ وَاتَّقِ اللّٰهَ وَتُخْفِیْ فِیْ نَفْسِكَ مَا اللّٰهُ مُبْدِیْهِ وَتَخْشَی النَّاسَ ۚ وَاللّٰهُ  اَحَقُّ اَنْ تَخْشٰهُ ؕ فَلَمَّا قَضٰی زَیْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنٰكَهَا لِكَیْ لَا یَکُوْنَ عَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ حَرَجٌ فِیْۤ اَزْوَاجِ اَدْعِیَآئِهِمْ اِذَا قَضَوْا مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا ؕ وَكَانَ  اَمْرُ اللّٰهِ مَفْعُوْلًا۝

“When you said to him (Zaid) whom Allah had blessed, and you had favored (as an adopted son), ‘Keep your wife to yourself, and fear Allah.’ But you hid within yourself what Allah was to reveal. And you feared the people, but it was Allah you were supposed to fear. Then, when Zaid ended his relationship with her, We gave her to you in marriage, that there may be no restriction for believers regarding the wives of their adopted sons, when their marriage ends in divorce. The command of Allah must be fulfilled.” (33:37)

 

 

Distribution of Properties among Inheritors

When a person dies, leaving his/her assets, after settlement of the debts and fulfillment of the Wasiyyat (Will), the residue is distributed among the inheritors according to the proportions as decreed by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Qur’an. The distribution of property is done in two ways: one is through Wasiyyat (Will) for one-third of a deceased person’s property, and the other one is known as Fara’id or Mirath (Fixed Shares). The primary inheritors are the closest ones, like spouses, children, and parents. In the absence of primary heirs, secondary legatees like siblings, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other blood relatives will share the property as decreed by Allah (SWT).

The Qur’anic verses on the above topic are quoted below:

کُتِبَ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذَا حَضَرَ اَحَدَکُمُ الْمَوْتُ اِنْ تَرَكَ خَیْرَۨا  ۚۖ الْوَصِیَّۃُ لِلْوَالِدَیْنِ وَالْاَقْرَبِیْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ۚ حَقًّا عَلَی الْمُتَّقِیْنَ ۝ فَمَنْۢ بَدَّلَہٗ بَعْدَ مَا سَمِعَہٗ فَاِنَّمَاۤ اِثْمُہٗ عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ یُبَدِّلُوْنَہٗ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ سَمِیْعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝ فَمَنْ خَافَ مِنْ مُّوْصٍ جَنَفًا اَوْ اِثْمًا فَاَصْلَحَ بَیْنَهُمْ فَلَاۤ اِثْمَ عَلَیْهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“It is decreed for you: when death approaches one of you and he leaves wealth, to make a will in favor of his/her parents and relatives, equitably. It is a duty upon the righteous. But whoever changes it after he has heard it, the guilt is upon those who change it. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Should someone suspect bias or injustice on the part of a testator, and then reconciles between them, he commits no sin. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (2:180 – 181)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا شَهَادَۃُ بَیْنِکُمْ اِذَا حَضَرَ اَحَدَکُمُ الْمَوْتُ حِیْنَ الْوَصِیَّۃِ اثْنٰنِ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِّنْکُمْ اَوْ اٰخَرٰنِ مِنْ غَیْرِکُمْ اِنْ اَنْتُمْ ضَرَبْتُمْ فِی الْاَرْضِ فَاَصَابَتْکُمْ مُّصِیْبَۃُ الْمَوْتِ ؕ تَحْبِسُوْنَهُمَا مِنْۢ بَعْدِ الصَّلٰوۃِ فَیُقْسِمٰنِ بِاللّٰهِ اِنِ ارْتَبْتُمْ لَا نَشْتَرِیْ بِہٖ ثَمَنًا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبٰی ۙ وَلَا نَکْتُمُ شَهَادَۃَ ۙ اللّٰهِ اِنَّاۤ اِذًا لَّمِنَ الْاٰثِمِیْنَ ۝ فَاِنْ عُثِرَ عَلٰۤی اَنَّهُمَا اسْتَحَقَّاۤ اِثْمًا فَاٰخَرٰنِ یَقُوْمٰنِ مَقَامَهُمَا مِنَ الَّذِیْنَ اسْتَحَقَّ عَلَیْهِمُ الْاَوْلَیٰنِ فَیُقْسِمٰنِ بِاللّٰهِ لَشَهَادَتُنَاۤ اَحَقُّ مِنْ شَهَادَتِهِمَا وَمَا اعْتَدَیْنَاۤ ۫ۖ اِنَّاۤ اِذًا لَّمِنَ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ ۝ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰۤی اَنْ یَّاْتُوْا بِالشَّهَادَۃِ عَلٰی وَجْهِهَاۤ اَوْ یَخَافُوْۤا اَنْ تُرَدَّ اَیْمَانٌۢ بَعْدَ اَیْمَانِهِمْ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاسْمَعُوْا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ  لَا یَہْدِی الْقَوْمَ الْفٰسِقِیْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  When death approaches one of you, let two reliable persons from among you act as witnesses to the making of a bequest, or two persons from another people if you are travelling in the land and the event of death approaches you. Hold them after the prayer. If you have doubts, let them swear by Allah: ‘We will not sell our testimony for any price, even if he was a near relative, and we will not conceal Allah’s testimony, for then we would be sinners.’ If it is known that they are guilty of perjury: let two others take their place, two from among those responsible for the claim, and have them swear by Allah, ‘Our testimony is more truthful than their testimony, and we will not be biased, for then we would be wrongdoers.’ That makes it more likely that they will give true testimony, fearing that their oaths might be contradicted by subsequent oaths. So, fear Allah, and listen. Allah does not guide the disobedient people.” (5:106 – 108)

لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ ۪ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْهُ اَوْ كَثُرَ ؕ نَصِیْبًا مَّفْرُوْضًا ۝

“Men receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave, and women receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave; be it little or much — a fixed share.” (4:7)

وَ لِکُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مَوَالِیَ مِمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ ؕ وَالَّذِیْنَ عَقَدَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ فَاٰتُوْهُمْ نَصِیْبَهُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیْءٍ شَهِیْدًا۝

“To everyone We have assigned beneficiaries in what is left by parents and relatives. Those with whom you have made an agreement, give them their share. Allah is Witness over all things.” (4:33)

یُوْصِیْکُمُ اللّٰهُ فِیْۤ اَوْلَادِکُمْ ٭ لِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ الْاُنْثَیَیْنِ ۚ فَاِنْ کُنَّ نِسَآءً فَوْقَ اثْنَتَیْنِ فَلَهُنَّ ثُلُثَا مَا تَرَكَ ۚ وَاِنْ كَانَتْ وَاحِدَۃً فَلَهَا النِّصْفُ ؕ وَلِاَبَوَیْهِ لِکُلِّ وَاحِدٍ مِّنْهُمَا السُّدُسُ مِمَّا تَرَكَ اِنْ كَانَ لَہٗ وَلَدٌ ۚ فَاِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّہٗ وَلَدٌ وَوَرِثَہٗۤ اَبَوٰهُ فَلِاُمِّهِ الثُّلُثُ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَہٗۤ اِخْوَۃٌ فَلِاُمِّهِ السُّدُسُ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ یُّوْصِیْ بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ؕ اٰبَآؤُکُمْ وَاَبْنَآؤُکُمْ لَا تَدْرُوْنَ اَیُّهُمْ اَقْرَبُ لَکُمْ نَفْعًا ؕ فَرِیْضَۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِیْمًا حَكِیْمًا ۝

“Allah instructs you regarding your children: The male receives the equivalent of the share of two females. If they are daughters, more than two, they get two-thirds of what he leaves. If there is only one, she gets one-half. As for the parents, each gets one-sixth of what he leaves, if he had children. If he had no children, and his parents inherit from him, his mother gets one-third. If he has siblings, his mother gets one-sixth. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. Your parents and your children — you do not know which one of them is closer to you in benefit. This is Allah’s Law. Allah is Knowing and Judicious.” (4:11)

وَ لَکُمْ نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ اَزْوَاجُکُمْ  اِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّهُنَّ وَلَدٌ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَهُنَّ وَلَدٌ فَلَکُمُ الرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَکْنَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ یُّوْصِیْنَ بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ؕ وَلَهُنَّ الرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَکْتُمْ اِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّکُمْ وَلَدٌ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَکُمْ وَلَدٌ فَلَهُنَّ الثُّمُنُ مِمَّا تَرَکْتُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ تُوْصُوْنَ بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ؕ وَ اِنْ كَانَ رَجُلٌ یُّوْرَثُ كَلٰلَۃً اَوِ امْرَاَۃٌ وَلَہٗۤ اَخٌ اَوْ اُخْتٌ فَلِکُلِّ وَاحِدٍ مِّنْهُمَا السُّدُسُ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانُوْۤا اَکْثَرَ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ فَهُمْ شُرَكَآءُ فِی الثُّلُثِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ یُّوْصٰی بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ۙ غَیْرَ مُضَآرٍّ ۚ وَصِیَّۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَلِیْمٌ ۝ تِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَمَنْ یُّطِعِ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ یُدْخِلْهُ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِیْنَ فِیْهَا ؕ وَذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِیْمُ ۝

“You get one-half of what your wives leave behind if they had no children. If they had children, you get one-fourth of what they leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. They get one-fourth of what you leave behind if you have no children. If you have children, they get one-eighth of what you leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. If a man or woman leaves neither parents nor children, but has a brother or sister, each of them gets one-sixth. If there are more siblings, they share one-third. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts, without any prejudice. This is a will from Allah. Allah is Knowing and Clement. These are the bounds set by Allah. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will admit him into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. That is the great attainment.” (4:12 – 13)

یَسْتَفْتُوْنَكَ ؕ قُلِ اللّٰهُ یُفْتِیْکُمْ فِی الْكَلٰلَۃِ ؕ اِنِ امْرُؤٌا هَلَكَ لَیْسَ لَہٗ وَلَدٌ وَلَہٗۤ اُخْتٌ فَلَهَا نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ ۚ وَهُوَ یَرِثُهَاۤ اِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّهَا وَلَدٌ ؕ فَاِنْ كَانَتَا اثْنَتَیْنِ فَلَهُمَا الثُّلُثٰنِ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ؕ وَ اِنْ كَانُوْۤا اِخْوَۃً رِّجَالًا وَ نِسَآءً فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ الْاُنْثَیَیْنِ ؕ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ اَنْ تَضِلُّوْا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“They ask you for a ruling. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling concerning the person who has neither parents nor children.’ If a man dies, and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she receives one-half of what he leaves. And he inherits from her if she leaves no children. But if there are two sisters, they receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If the siblings are men and women, the male receives the share of two females.” Allah makes things clear for you, lest you err. Allah is Aware of everything.” (4:176)