Surah Al-Mujadilah — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• Yajid (يَجِدْ): To find or have the means/ability to obtain something.
• Mutatābi'ayn (مُتَتَابِعَيْنِ): Two consecutive months, without interruption.
• Yatamāssā (يَتَمَاسَّا): Physical intimacy between husband and wife.
• Yastati' (يَسْتَطِعْ): To be able to do something.
• Iṭ'ām (إِطْعَامُ): Feeding or providing food.
• Ḥudūd Allah (حُدُودُ اللَّهِ): The boundaries and limits set by Allah, which must not be transgressed.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse continues the divine legislation regarding the pre-Islamic practice of *ẓihār* — a man saying to his wife, "You are to me like the back of my mother," which was a form of divorce in the days of ignorance. Islam came to purify this practice and replace it with a path of repentance and reconciliation.

The verse establishes a graded system of expiation (*kaffārah*) for those who commit *ẓihār* and then wish to return to their wives:

1. Freeing a slave — as mentioned in the previous verse — is the first option. But if a person cannot find or afford a slave to free, then:
2. Fasting two consecutive months — this must be done *before* the husband and wife resume physical intimacy. The fast must be unbroken; if the person breaks it without a valid excuse, or if intimacy occurs during the fast, the count must restart. This severe requirement instills discipline and self-control, purifying the soul and demonstrating sincere repentance.
3. Feeding sixty poor people — if the person is unable to fast due to a valid reason such as chronic illness, old age, or weakness, then they must feed sixty needy individuals to satisfaction.

All of this is prescribed so that you may truly believe in Allah and His Messenger — meaning, so that you submit wholeheartedly to Allah's commands and follow the guidance brought by His Prophet ﷺ, leaving behind the corrupt practices of ignorance. These rulings are the boundaries of Allah; do not overstep them, for they are designed for your own purification and the protection of your families.

And for those who reject these commandments and refuse to accept Allah's limits, there is a painful punishment awaiting them in the Hereafter.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear brother or sister in humanity, look at the beauty of this legislation! Islam does not leave a person trapped in sin with no way out. When a man commits a grave error like *ẓihār*, Allah — out of His infinite mercy — opens the doors of repentance and provides a practical, structured path back to righteousness. Whether through freeing a slave (benefiting society), fasting (purifying the soul), or feeding the poor (caring for the community), every step of this expiation builds character, strengthens faith, and repairs the social fabric.

This verse teaches us that Allah's laws are not burdens meant to oppress us; they are merciful boundaries that protect us from chaos and guide us to happiness in this life and the next. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The halal is clear and the haram is clear, and between them are doubtful matters..." — and here, Allah clarifies His limits so that we may live with certainty and peace.

So embrace these divine commands with love and submission. Know that every difficulty in obedience is a seed of reward, and every step toward Allah is a step away from the fire. The painful punishment mentioned for the disbelievers is not a threat of a tyrant, but a warning from a Loving Lord who wants nothing but good for His creation. Respond to His call, and you will find success beyond your imagination.