The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page 379
PT. 2 AL-BAQARAH reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is in your minds; so beware of it. And know that Allah is Most Forgiving, Forbearing. 242 242. Important Words: (you throw out a hint) is derived from meaning, he عرض عرض. offered and presented a thing an ('arrada) means, he used expression susceptible of different meanings; or he mentioned a thing not clearly but in a veiled manner; or he used words to convey a sense which the words used did not definitely convey (Lane). derived from abs (proposal of marriage) is meaning, he addressed a meeting; he delivered a sermon. means, he proposed marriage to her. abs (khutbah) means, a sermon. abs (khitbah) means, a proposal of marriage (Aqrab). (you keep hidden) is derived اكن الشيء or كن الشيء They says. كن from meaning, he concealed the thing; he covered it. os means, a veil or covering, and means, covered or hidden (Aqrab). (tie) is the infinitive-noun from c meaning, he tied; he made a thing firm and fast. means, he tied the rope; he tied it in knots. means, a tie; a contract that ties up or binds two parties; a marriage contract (Aqrab). Commentary: According to this verse, it is forbidden to a man to make an open proposal of marriage to a widow 379 ١٤ CH. 2 وَاعْلَمُوا اَنَّ اللهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ within her or the prescribed period of waiting. He who intends to marry a widow must keep his intention concealed from her. He may drop a hint indirectly suggestive of his intention. But he must on no account make an open suggestion or a formal proposal or even a secret proposal concerning marriage. A widow, too, is prohibited from giving her consent to such a proposal within the prescribed period. She must patiently wait for four months and ten days out of deference to the memory of her departed spouse and in order that her possible pregnancy may become apparent, because a pregnant woman is not allowed to marry until she is delivered of the child. The words, beware of it, are meant to caution men to be on their guard against disobeying these commandments which are meant for their own good. If God had not laid them down, all social order would have gone to pieces. The divine attributes, "Forgiving" and "Forbearing", have been mentioned at the end of this verse not to hint that breach of these injunctions would find God Forgiving and Forbearing but that exigencies of the circumstances required stricter laws in this matter, but as God knows human the