In the prceding verse we came to know that, the rules and laws of the waiting period and reconciliation, were prescribed in the interests of a good and honourable life, for both sides, and to maintain their married state as far as possible. Unfortunately some of the new converts in the life time of the prophet, misapplied the law, and did as they used to do it in their paganism before Islam. By the law they managed to put their wives under a pressure. They frequently divorced her, and before she could obtain a chance to settle a new marriage their husband proceeded again to reconciliation, and took the wife back.
This verse came down to give an end to such tricks and unfair deeds, saying: ``Divorce is only permissible twice. After that the couple should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate from each other with kindness.''
Therefore, there is no return and reconciliation in the case of the third divorce, and after the second divorce the spouses must definitely make up their minds either to dissolve their tie of marriage permanently, or to live an honourable life together in mutual love and forbearance.
The phrase: 'SEPARATION WITH KINDNESS' implies that the man has to pay her rights, and afrer separation, they should not back- bite or slander, or have malicious talks about each other. the man should also not take of her the chance of marrying to someone else.
The verse (NO. 229) then continues with issuing another command: ``It is not lawful for a man to take back any thing of his gifts or dowers to her.'' This commandment is for the protection of the woman who is economically weaker than the man.
Then the verse points out at another kind of Divorce which is known as `KHALEE' in the LAW. It is a kind of divorce given at a woman's request against compensation, saying: ``Then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, it is no fault on them, for her to redeem.''
In some exceptional cases wherein the husband treats his wife with cruelty and unjustice, and the very person and freedom of the woman, besides her different rights are in danger; she is permitted to give some material consideration to the husband in order to release her and let her go free.
In this sort of divorce, woman is the source and the cause of separation, and therefore she is the one to compensate the losses. Then the verse stresses that all the prohibitions and limits that are prescribed here, are justly ordained by Allah, so do not approach and transgress the limits, and whoever goes out of the bounds of Allah are counted as oppressors and have to answer for that.
