2. Surah al-Baqara, Medina 87

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُم بِهِ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ النِّسَاء أَوْ أَكْنَنتُمْ فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ...

235. There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts.

... عَلِمَ اللّهُ أَنَّكُمْ سَتَذْكُرُونَهُنَّ وَلَـكِن لاَّ تُوَاعِدُوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلاَّ أَن تَقُولُواْ قَوْلاً مَّعْرُوفًا...

Allah knows that ye cherish them in your hearts: but do not make a secret contract with them except in terms honorable,

... وَلاَ تَعْزِمُواْ عُقْدَةَ النِّكَاحِ حَتَّىَ يَبْلُغَ الْكِتَابُ أَجَلَهُ...

nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled.

... وَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّ اللّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُ...

And know that Allah knoweth what is in your hearts and take heed of Him;

... وَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٣٥﴾

and know that Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

2: 235

Asad But you will incur no sin if you give a hint of marriage-offer to these women, or if you conceive such an intention without making it obvious: God knows that you intend to ask them in marriage. Do not, however, plight your troth with them in secret, but speak only in a decent manner; and do not proceed the marriage -knot ere the ordained (term of waiting) has come to its end. And know that God knows what is in your minds, and therefore remain conscious of Him; and know, too, that God is much -forgiving, forbearing.

Pickthall There is no sin for you in that which ye proclaim or hide in your minds concerning your troth with women. Allah knoweth that ye will remember them. But plight not your troth with women except by uttering a recognized form of words. And do not consummate the marriage until (the term) prescribed is run. Know that Allah knoweth what is in your minds, so beware of Him; and know that Allah is Forgiving, Clement.

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Ali’s notes:

C268. A definite contract of remarriage for the woman during her period of 'Iddah of widowhood is forbidden as obviously unseemly, as also any secrecy in such matters. It would bind the woman at a time when she is not fitted to exercise her fullest judgment.

But circumstances may arise when an offer (open for future consideration but not immediately decided), may be to her interests, and this is permissible. (R).