Islam and Human Rights — Page 152
Isl am and Hum an R ights 152 might be tried, but the period should not exceed four months. If they should decide to resume relations, “Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful” (2:227). But if nothing avails, and they decide upon divorce, “Then surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (2:228). But this is not the end of the chapter. There might still be room for cool reflection and a chance for remem bered tenderness and beneficence to promote a reconcili ation. Divorce should be pronounced twice at intervals of approximately one month. A resumption of relations at any time during this period would wipe out the pronounce ment of divorce (2:230). A divorced woman must wait for approximately three months (and if she is pregnant, till she is deliverd of the child) before she can remarry. “Their husbands have the greater right to take them back during that period, provided they desire reconciliation” (2:229). When the end of the appointed period approaches the final decision must be taken to retain in a becoming manner or to send away in a becoming manner; “but retain them not wrongfully so that you may transgress. Whoso does that surely wrongs his own soul. Do not make a jest of the commandments of Allah, and remember the favour of Allah upon you and the Book and the ‘Wisdom which He has sent down to you,