Women

Creation

O mankind, your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women and through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. 4:1, 23:79

God created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then made you into pairs. No female conceives or gives birth without His knowledge. 35:11

He made for you mates from among yourselves, and pairs among the creatures, multiplying you thereby. 42:11, 51:49

And that He created the two mates, male and female, 13:3, 53:45, 75:39

Sex

It is lawful for you to be intimate with your spouses during the nights of fasting. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, but He has turned to you in mercy. So now, be with them and seek what Allah has decreed for you. But do not be intimate with your spouse while secluded in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not approach them. 2:187

Your wives are like fertile fields for you, so approach them as you wish, but send forth goodness for yourselves. 2:223

"They ask you, concerning women. Say: Allah Himself speaks on their behalf, as He has already spoken in the Book: Of orphaned girls denied their due, Yet desired in marriage, Of children left vulnerable, and of the sacred duty to uphold justice for the orphan. Whatever good you do, know that Allah always sees it. 4:127

If you fear that you cannot treat orphans fairly, then marry women of your choice, two, three, or four. But if you fear injustice, then marry only one or those your right hand possesses. This will help you avoid wrongdoing. 4:3

Sex with Slave Girls

Also forbidden are married women, except those whom your right hands possess. This is Allah’s decree upon you. But all others are lawful if you seek them in marriage with dowries, intending chastity, not lust. So, give them their due dowries. There is no blame if you mutually agree on something beyond that. 4:24, 23:5, 23:6, 70:30

O Prophet, We have made lawful for you your wives to whom you have given dowries, and slave girls from among the captives 33:50

Do not compel your servant girls into prostitution if they wish to remain chaste, seeking worldly gain. If they are forced, then Allah is forgiving and merciful. 24:33

Unlawful Sex

As for those women among you who commit a grave indecency, call upon four witnesses from among yourselves to testify against them. If they bear witness, then confine those women to their homes, until death claims them, or Allah opens for them a path forward. 4:15

As for those who accuse their own spouses but have no witnesses but themselves, let one of them testify four times by Allah that he is telling the truth, 24:6

And the fifth time, call down Allah’s curse upon himself if he is lying. 24:7

The woman and man guilty of adultery, lash each of them a hundred times. Let no compassion for them deter you from Allah’s law, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment. 24:2

The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolater; and the adulteress shall marry none but an adulterer or an idolater. This is forbidden to the believers. 24:3

Marrying

Marry off the single among you and the righteous among your servants. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. 24:32

Let those who cannot afford marriage remain chaste until Allah enriches them. And if any of your servants seek freedom through a contract, grant it if you see goodness in them, and give them from Allah’s wealth which He has given you. 24:33

Do not marry polytheistic women until they believe, for a believing slave-woman is better than a polytheist, even if she pleases you. Likewise, do not give your women in marriage to polytheistic men until they believe, for a believing slave-man is better than a polytheist, even if he pleases you. 2:221

There is no sin in discreet proposals during the waiting period, but do not make binding commitments. Allah knows what is in your hearts, so be mindful of Him. Do not finalize marriage until the waiting period ends. 2:235

Grant women their dowries graciously. But if they willingly forgo part of it, then enjoy it freely and with gratitude. 4:4

Do not marry women whom your fathers married, except what has already passed. This is shameful, detestable, and an evil practice. 4:22

Forbidden to you in marriage are your mothers, daughters, sisters, paternal and maternal aunts, nieces, foster mothers, foster sisters, mothers-in-law, stepdaughters under your care, if you have consummated marriage with their mothers, wives of your sons, and marrying two sisters at once, except what has already passed. 4:23

If any of you cannot afford to marry free, believing women, then marry from among the believing slave women under your care. Allah knows your faith best; you are of one another. Marry them with the permission of their guardians and give them their due dowries in kindness, ensuring they are chaste, neither promiscuous nor taking secret lovers. If they enter marriage and then commit adultery, their punishment is half that of free women. This is for those who fear falling into sin, but patience is better for you. 4:25

Today, all good things are lawful, including the food of the People of the Book, and your food is lawful for them. Lawful to you are chaste believing women and chaste women from the People of the Book, provided you give them their due dowries in marriage, not in fornication or as mistresses. 5:5

You who believe, when believing women come to you as emigrants, test them. God knows their faith. If you find them to be believers, do not return them to the disbelievers; they are not lawful for them, nor are the disbelievers lawful for them. Return to them whatever dowry was given. There is no blame upon you to marry them if you give them their due. But do not hold on to disbelieving women. Ask for what you spent, and let them ask for what they spent. That is Allah’s judgment; He judges between you. 60:10

If any of your wives leave you for the disbelievers, and you later gain something from them, then give those whose wives left the equivalent of what they spent. 60:11

Dominance and beating

Men are protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has favoured some over others and because they spend from their wealth. Righteous women are devout and guard what Allah has entrusted them with. But if you fear rebellion, advise them, then separate from them in bed, and if necessary, discipline them. If they return to obedience, do not seek a way against them. 4:34

Divorce

If a woman fears neglect or estrangement from her husband, reconciliation is better than conflict. 4:128

If you fear discord between them, appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from hers. If they seek reconciliation, Allah will bring harmony between them. 4:35

No matter how much you strive, you will never achieve perfect fairness between wives. But do not lean entirely toward one, leaving the other in uncertainty. If you seek righteousness and remain conscious of Allah. 4:129

If separation occurs, Allah will enrich both from His boundless grace, for He is infinitely generous and wise. 4:130

Divorce Three Times

Divorce may be pronounced twice, after which the husband must either retain his wife with fairness or release her with kindness. It is not lawful for him to take back anything he has given her, unless both fear that they will not uphold Allah’s limits. If you fear they cannot maintain those limits, then there is no blame if she offers compensation to secure her release. These are the boundaries set by Allah, do not overstep them. Whoever transgresses Allah’s limits is among the wrongdoers." 2:229

If a man divorces his wife for the third time, she is no longer lawful for him unless she marries another man and he then divorces her. If that happens, there is no blame if they reunite, provided they believe they can uphold Allah’s limits. These are the boundaries set by Allah, which He makes clear to those who understand. 2:230

When you divorce women and they reach the end of their waiting period, either take them back honourably or release them with kindness. Do not hold them back to cause harm or transgress limits, whoever does so wrongs his own soul. 2:231

Waiting Period after Divorce

O believers, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before consummation, they do not need to observe a waiting period. Provide for them and release them with kindness. 33:49

Those who renounce their wives must wait four months. If they reconcile, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 2:226

But if they insist on divorce, then Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. 2:227

Divorced women must wait three menstrual cycles before remarrying. Their husbands have the right to take them back during this period if they seek reconciliation. Women have rights similar to their obligations, in fairness. But men have a degree of responsibility over them. 2:228

O Prophet, when you divorce women, do so with regard for their waiting period, and count it carefully. Be mindful of Allah, your Lord. Do not expel them from their homes, nor should they leave, unless they commit a clear indecency. These are the boundaries set by Allah. Whoever oversteps them has wronged his own soul. You never know, perhaps Allah will bring about a new turn of events. 65:1

When they reach the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or part with them honourably. Call two just witnesses from among you and uphold the testimony for Allah. This is what is advised for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever is mindful of God, He will make a way out for them. 65:2

And He will provide for them from where they never expected. Whoever places their trust in God, He is enough for them. Allah will accomplish His purpose. He has set a measure for everything. 65:3

As for women who no longer menstruate, if you are uncertain, their waiting period is three months, and the same applies to those who have not yet menstruated. For pregnant women, their term ends with delivery. Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will ease their affairs. 65:4

This is God’s command, which He has sent down to you. Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will erase their sins and grant them a great reward. 65:5

Parting Gift

If you divorce women before consummation or setting a dowry, grant them a fair compensation, the wealthy according to their means, and the less fortunate according to theirs. This is a duty upon the righteous. 2:236

If you divorce them after setting a dowry but before consummation, they are entitled to half unless they forgo it or the husband chooses to pay in full. Forgiveness is closer to righteousness. Do not forget kindness between you 2:237

For divorced women, a fair provision is due; this is a duty upon the righteous. 2:241

If you wish to replace one wife with another, do not take back any of the dowry you have given her, even if it was a great sum. Would you take it unjustly and with clear wrongdoing? 4:20

How could you take it back after having been intimate with one another and having made a solemn covenant? 4:21

House them where you dwell, according to your means, and do not harass them to make life difficult. If they are pregnant, provide for them until they give birth. If they nurse your child, compensate them, and consult together in kindness. But if you cannot agree, let another woman nurse the child. 65:6

Let the wealthy provide according to their means, and let those with limited means give from what Allah has given them. Allah does not burden a soul beyond what He has granted. Allah will bring ease after hardship. 65:7

Remarriage

When you divorce women, do not prevent them from remarrying their former husbands if they mutually agree in fairness. This is a command for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; it is purer and more righteous for you. Allah knows, while you do not know. 2:232

Those who declare their wives as forbidden, like their mothers, speak falsely. Their wives are not their mothers; their mothers are only those who bore them. Allah is forgiving and merciful. 58:2

Those who make such declarations and then retract must free a slave before touching their wives. This is what you are commanded. Allah is aware of what you do. 58:3

If they cannot, then they must fast for two consecutive months before touching their wives. If they are unable, they must feed sixty needy people. This is to affirm your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah, and for the deniers, there is a painful punishment. 58:4

Pregnancy

God knows what every female carries and what increases or decreases in the womb. Everything is measured with Him. 13:8

Breastfeeding

Mothers may nurse their children for two full years if they wish to complete the nursing period. The father must provide for them fairly, ensuring their sustenance and clothing in a manner befitting kindness. No soul should be burdened beyond its capacity. Neither mother nor father should be harmed because of their child. The same duty applies to the father’s heirs. If both parents, through mutual consultation and agreement, decide to wean the child, there is no blame upon them. If you choose to have your children nursed by someone else, there is no sin, provided you fairly compensate them. Be mindful of Allah, and know that He sees all that you do. 2:233

Old Wives

As for elderly women who no longer desire marriage, there is no blame if they lay aside their outer garments, so long as they do not flaunt their beauty. But modest restraint is better for them. 24:60

Widows

Those who die and leave behind wives, their wives must observe a waiting period of four months and ten days. When they complete their term, there is no blame if they make fair decisions about their future. Allah is aware of what you do. 2:234

Those among you who die and leave behind wives should provide for them with a year’s maintenance and residence. But if they choose to leave, there is no blame upon them for what they do within reason. 2:240

Miscellaneous

Modesty

And tell believing women to lower their gaze, guard their modesty, and not display their beauty except what is naturally visible. Let them draw their veils over their chests and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, nephews, womenfolk, or those in their care. Let them not stamp their feet to reveal what they hide. Turn to Allah in repentance, all of you believers, so that you may succeed. 24:31

Witness

Bring two witnesses from among your men. If two men are not available, then one man and two women, so that if one forgets, the other may remind her. 2:282

Unclean

O believers, do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you understand what you say, nor when in a state of impurity, unless traveling, until you have bathed. If you are ill, on a journey, or have touched women and find no water, then perform dry ablution with clean earth, wiping your faces and hands. 4:43, 5:6

Enemy Wives

O you who believe, among your spouses and children are enemies to you, so be cautious. But if you pardon, overlook, and forgive. 64:14

Menstruation

They ask you about menstruation, say, 'It is a discomfort, so avoid intimacy during it. Do not approach them until they are purified. When they have cleansed themselves, then approach them as Allah has commanded. 2:222

Inheritance

Do not covet what Allah has granted some over others, men will have their share of what they earn, and women will have their share of what they earn. Ask Allah for His bounty. 4:32

Men and women each have a rightful share in what parents and relatives leave behind, whether little or much. It is a legal entitlement. 4:7

Allah commands you regarding inheritance: A son’s share is equal to that of two daughters. If there are only daughters, two or more, they receive two-thirds of the estate. If there is only one, she gets half. Parents each receive a sixth if the deceased has children, but if there are no children and the parents are the sole heirs, the mother gets a third. If the deceased has siblings, the mother gets a sixth, after fulfilling any bequests and debts. You do not know which of your relatives is closer to you in benefit. 4:11

O believers! It is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor to mistreat them to reclaim part of what you gave them, unless they are guilty of adultery. Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, perhaps Allah has placed great good in what you dislike. 4:19

They ask you for a ruling, say: Allah gives you His decree regarding inheritance. If a man dies without children but has a sister, she inherits half of what he leaves. If she dies without children, he inherits from her. If there are two sisters, they share two-thirds. If there are siblings, men and women, the male receives twice the share of the female. 4:176

Forbidding Infanticide

When news of a daughter reaches one of them, his face darkens, and he is filled with grief. 16:58

He hides from people, ashamed of the news. Should he keep her in disgrace or bury her in the dust? How terrible is their judgment! 16:59

Those who do not believe in the Hereafter have the worst qualities, while Allah has the highest attributes. He is the Almighty, the Wise. 16:60

Muhammad's Wives

Aisha Accused

Those who accuse chaste women but cannot produce four witnesses, lash them eighty times and never accept their testimony again. They are the corrupt. 24:4

Except those who repent afterward and reform. 24:5

As for those who accuse their own spouses but have no witnesses but themselves, let one of them testify four times by Allah that he is telling the truth, 24:6

And the fifth time, call down Allah’s curse upon himself if he is lying. 24:7

But the punishment will be averted from her if she testifies four times by Allah that he is lying, 24:8

And the fifth time, calls down Allah’s wrath upon herself if he is truthful. 24:9

Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, and that Allah is Accepting and Wise… 24:10

Those who spread the slander are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you, it is good. Each of them will bear their share of the sin, and the one who took the lead will face a severe punishment. 24:11

Why, when you heard it, did believing men and women not think well of one another and say, “This is clearly a lie”? 24:12

Why did they not bring four witnesses? If they fail to do so, then in Allah’s sight, they are liars. 24:13

Had it not been for Allah’s favour and mercy in this world and the next, you would have been severely punished for what you rushed into. 24:14

You repeated it with your tongues and said with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, thinking it trivial, though in Allah’s sight, it is grave. 24:15

Why didn’t you say, when you heard it, “We should not speak of this. Glory be to You, O Lord, this is a terrible slander”? 24:16

Allah warns you never to repeat such behaviour, if you are true believers. 24:17

Those who slander chaste, unaware, believing women are cursed in this world and the next. For them is a great punishment. 24:23

On the Day when their tongues, hands, and feet will testify against them for what they used to do. 24:24

On that Day, Allah will give them their full due, and they will know that Allah is the Ultimate Truth. 24:25

Corrupt women are for corrupt men, and corrupt men for corrupt women. Pure women are for pure men, and pure men for pure women. They are innocent of what is said about them, for them is forgiveness and a noble reward. 24:26

Keeping wives in check

O Prophet, say to your wives: “If you desire the life of this world and its adornments, then come, I will grant you provisions and release you with kindness. 33:28

But if you seek Allah and His Messenger and the Hereafter, then know that Allah has prepared a great reward for the righteous among you.” 33:29

O wives of the Prophet, if any of you commits a clear sin, her punishment will be doubled, and that is easy for Allah. 33:30

But whoever remains devoted to Allah and His Messenger and does good, We will grant her a double reward and a noble provision. 33:31

O wives of the Prophet, you are not like other women. If you remain mindful of Allah, do not speak in a way that may stir desire in those with diseased hearts, speak honourably. 33:32

Stay in your homes and do not display yourselves as was done in the days of ignorance. Establish prayer, give charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah only intends to purify you, O people of the Prophet’s household, and remove all impurity from you. 33:33

And remember what is recited in your homes of Allah’s revelations and wisdom. Truly, Allah is subtle, all-aware. 33:34

Lawful

O Prophet, We have made lawful for you your wives to whom you have given dowries, and slave girls from among the captives Allah has granted you, the daughters of your paternal and maternal uncles and aunts who migrated with you, and any believing woman who offers herself to you, if you wish to marry her. This is exclusive to you, not for other believers. We know what We have prescribed for them regarding their wives and those their right hands possess, so that there is no hardship upon you. Allah is ever-forgiving, most merciful. 33:50

You may defer intimacy with whomever you wish and draw near whomever you wish. There is no blame upon you if you choose to bring someone closer after keeping them apart. This ensures their contentment and prevents sorrow. Allah knows what is in your hearts, He is all-knowing, forbearing. 33:51

Beyond these, no other women are lawful for you, nor may you exchange them for others, even if their beauty pleases you, except those your right hand possesses. Allah is witness over all things. 33:52

Modesty

When you ask his wives for something, do so from behind a screen, this is purer for your hearts and theirs. 33:53

There is no blame upon the Prophet’s wives regarding their fathers, sons, brothers, nephews, their own women, or their slave girls. Be mindful of Allah, He is witness to all things. 33:55

O Prophet, tell your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their garments over themselves. This is more fitting so they may be recognized and not harassed. Allah is ever-forgiving, most merciful. 33:59

Others Marrying Muhammad's Wives

It is not lawful for you to harm the Messenger of Allah, nor to marry his wives after him. This is a grave offense in Allah’s sight. 33:53

Women

Sex

Marrying

Divorce

Miscellaneous

Muhammad's Wives