Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad
IT IS lawful for you to go in unto your wives during the night preceding the [day's] fast: they are as a garment for you, and you are as a garment for them. God is aware that you would have deprived yourselves of this right, and so He has turned unto you in His mercy and removed this hardship from you. Now, then, you may lie with them skin to skin, and avail yourselves of that which God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until you can discern the white streak of dawn against the blackness of night, and then resume fasting until nightfall; but do not lie with them skin to skin when you are about to abide in meditation in houses of worship. These are the bounds set by God: do not, then, offend against them - [for] it is thus that God makes clear His messages unto mankind, so that they might remain conscious of Him
M. M. Pickthall
It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil)
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab
It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves. So He has accepted your repentance and pardoned you. So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you. ˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful ˹of Him˺.
Safi Kaskas
Sex with your wives is permitted on the night of a fast. They are clothing to you, and you to them. God knows that you used to betray yourselves, so He turned to you and forgave you. So now, have sex with them, and seek what God has ordained for you. [You may] eat and drink until you can distinguish a white thread from a black one in the dawn, then complete the fast until night. Do not have sex with them while you are secluded in the places of worship. These are God’s boundaries. So don’t go near them. This is how God shows people His messages so that they would be mindful of Him.
Wahiduddin Khan
It has been made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of the fast: they are like a garment for you, and you are like a garment for them. God is aware that you were deceiving yourselves and He has turned in mercy towards you and pardoned you. So you may now consort with them and seek what God has ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black. Then resume the fast until nightfall, and do not approach them during the nights of your devotional retreat in the mosques. These are the limits set by God, so do not approach them. Thus He makes clear His commandments to mankind, so that they may guard themselves [against evil]
Shakir
It is made lawful to you to go into your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night, and have not contact with them while you keep to the mosques; these are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His communications for men that they may guard (against evil)
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
It is permitted for you on the nights of formal fasting to have sexual intercourse with your wives. They (f) are a garment for you and you are a garment for them (f). God knew that you had been dishonest to yourselves so He turned to you in forgiveness and pardoned you. So now lie with them (f) and look for what God prescribed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread becomes clear to you from the black thread at dawn. Again, fulfill the formal fasting until night. And lie not with them (f) when you are ones who cleave to the places of prostration. These are the ordinances of God. Then, come not near them. Thus, God makes His signs manifest to humanity so that perhaps they will be Godfearing.
T.B.Irving
It is lawful for you to have intercourse with your wives on the night of the Fast: they are garments for you while you are garments for them. God knows how you have been deceiving yourselves, so He has relented towards you and pardoned you. Now [feel free to} frequent them and seek what God has prescribed for you. Eat and drink until the white streak [of dawn] can be distinguished by you from the black thread [of night] at daybreak. Then complete the Fast until nightfall and have no dealings with women while you are secluded at your devotions in the mosques. Such are God´s limits, so do not attempt to cross them! Thus God explains His signs to mankind so they may do their duty.
Abdul Hye
It is made lawful for you on the night of the fasts to approach your wives; they are garments for you, and you are garment for them. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now you can approach your wives and seek what Allah has ordained for you (offspring). Eat and drink until the white thread (light of dawn) becomes distinct to you from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete fasts till the nightfall. And don’t approach them (your wives) while you are confining yourselves in the Masjids (I’tikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan). These are the limits of Allah, so don’t approach them. Allah makes clear His Verses to mankind so that they may become pious.
The Study Quran
You are permitted, on the nights of the fast, to go unto your wives. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. God knew that you were betraying yourselves, so He relented unto you and pardoned you. So now lie with them and seek what God has prescribed for you, and eat and drink until the white thread and the black thread of the dawn become clear to you. Then complete the fast until nightfall and do not lie with them while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are the limits set by God, so approach them not. Thus does God make clear His signs to mankind, that haply they may be reverent
Talal Itani & AI (2024)
During the nights of fasting, it is permissible for you to be intimate with your wives. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. God knew that you used to deceive yourselves, so He relented towards you and forgave you. Now, approach them and seek what God ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinguishable from the black thread. Then, complete the fast until nightfall. But don’t approach them while you’re in retreat at the mosques. These are the limits of God, so don’t approach them. Thus, God makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become righteous.
Talal Itani (2012)
Permitted for you is intercourse with your wives on the night of the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. God knows that you used to betray yourselves, but He turned to you and pardoned you. So approach them now, and seek what God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white streak of dawn can be distinguished from the black streak. Then complete the fast until nightfall. But do not approach them while you are in retreat at the mosques. These are the limits of God, so do not come near them. God thus clarifies His revelations to the people, that they may attain piety
Dr. Kamal Omar
Has been made lawful to you, during the night of the Fasts the sexual approach to your wives. They are a garment to you and you are a garment to them. Allah knew that you: you continued to curtail from the rights of yourselves, so He turned in attention to you and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek (the pleasure or progeny) whatever Allah has written for you. And continue to eat and drink until becomes evident to you the white linear area from the dark linear area (on the sky) at the break of dawn. Then complete the fasts till it is night (and the sun is no more visible). And do not have sexual relations with them while you are in Itikaf in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allah, so don’t stand at its edge. Thus Allah explains His statements for mankind so that they may become Al-Muttaqun
It is made lawful for you to approach your wives during the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you for them. Allah knows that you were committing dishonesty to your souls. So He has relented towards you and pardoned you. Now, you may approach and seek what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread of night, then complete your fast till nightfall. Do not approach your wives during I‘htikaf (retreat in the mosques in last ten days of Ramadhan). These are the limits set by Allah: do not ever violate them. Thus Allah makes His revelations clear to mankind so that they may guard themselves against evil
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali
It is made lawful to you, upon the night of the Fast, to lie (Literally: lying) with your wives; they are a garment (i.e. vestment, mutual protection) for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you have been betraying yourselves, so He has relented toward you and has been clement to you. So now go in to them, and seek whatever Allah has prescribed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread becomes evident to you from the black thread at dawn; thereafter complete (Literally: perfect) the Fast to the night, and do not go in to them while you are consecrating yourselves in the mosques. Such are the bounds of Allah, so do not draw near them. Thus Allah makes His signs evident to mankind, that possibly they would be pious
Muhammad Sarwar
It is made lawful for you, during the nights of fasting, to have carnal relations with your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. God knew that you were deceiving yourselves. He relented towards you and forgave you. Now it is lawful for you to have carnal relations with your wives and follow what God has commanded. Eat and drink until the white streak of dawn becomes distinguishable from darkness. Complete your fast, starting from dawn to dusk. It is not lawful to have carnal relations with your wives during i'tikaf in the mosque. Such are the limits of the laws of God. Do not come close to transgressing them. Thus has God explained His evidence to men so that perhaps they will have fear of God
Muhammad Taqi Usmani
It is made lawful for you, in the nights of fasts, to have sex with your women. They are apparel for you, and you are apparel for them. Allah knows that you have been betraying yourselves, so He relented towards you and pardoned you. So now you can have sexual intimacy with them and seek what Allah has destined for you and eat and drink until the white thread of the dawn becomes distinct from the black thread; then complete the fast up to the night. But do not have sexual intimacy with them while you are staying in mosques for I‘tikaf. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not go near them. Thus Allah manifests His signs to the people, so that they may be God-fearing
Shabbir Ahmed
(The Abstinence is only for the daytime. Eating, drinking, and going to your wives is not forbidden during the night). It is Lawful to go to your wives on the night of the Abstinence. They are your garments and you are their garments - close to each other, source of mutual comfort, complementing each other, trustworthy and keepers of privacy, reason for decor, and redressers of faults. ('Libas' embraces all the meanings given). Allah turns to you in Kindness and dispels and pardons your unworthy fears of disobedience at night. Freeing yourselves of misconceptions, keep seeking in life that Allah has decreed to be available for you. So, eat and drink until the white line of dawn becomes distinct for you from the black line of night. Then you shall be in Abstinence until night begins to fall. During this training program, some of you will be called on deputation in local Centers of the Divine Order. (This will be an assignment from the State. During that special duty you will learn, consult and plan the governmental and social affairs). So you will have to divert your attention from personal matters, even from intimately touching your wives. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so overstep them not. Thus it is that Allah explains His Messages to mankind that they may walk aright
Dr. Munir Munshey
It is permissible for you to approach your wives (sexually) during the night of the fasting (day). They are (like) your garments _ (close to you: they clothe your nakedness, and your passions) _ and you are (like) their garments. Of course, Allah knows that you (had succumbed to desire and) were cheating yourself (by engaging in sexual activity during the nights of fasting). He has accepted your repentance and has pardoned you. Now, you may have (social and sexual) relations with your wives (during the night of fasting). Seek from their company that _ (peace and progeny) _ which Allah has ordained for you. (You may) eat and drink until the white streak (of dawn) becomes visible (on the horizon) against the darkness. Thereafter, complete the fast till nightfall. Do not have (sexual) contact with your wives when you confine yourself in a mosque (to worship). These are the bounds of Allah. Do not approach them (much less exceed them). Thus, Allah makes His revelations manifestly clear for mankind. Perhaps, you would fear (Allah) and attain piety
Syed Vickar Ahamed
Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you secretly did among yourselves; But He turned to you and forgave you; So now associate with them (your wives), and seek what Allah has made lawful to you and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread (darkness); Then complete your fast till the night appears but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. These are limits (set by) Allah; Approach them not in its neighborhood. Thus does (He) make clear His Signs to men: That they may learn self-control
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah , so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)
It has been made lawful for you during the night of fasting to approach your women sexually. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. God knows that you used to betray your souls so He has accepted your repentance, and forgiven you; now you may approach them and seek what God has written for you. And you may eat and drink until the white thread is distinct from the black thread of dawn; then you shall complete the fast until night; and do not approach them while you are devoted in the temples. These are God's boundaries, so do not transgress them. It is thus that God makes His revelations clear to the people that they may be righteous
Abdel Haleem
You [believers] are permitted to lie with your wives during the night of the fast: they are [close] as garments to you, as you are to them. God was aware that you were betraying yourselves, so He turned to you in mercy and pardoned you: now you can lie with them- seek what God has ordained for you- eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black. Then fast until nightfall. Do not lie with them during the nights of your devotional retreat in the mosques: these are the bounds set by God, so do not go near them. In this way God makes His messages clear to people, that they may guard themselves against doing wrong
Abdul Majid Daryabadi
Allowed unto you, on the night of fasts, is consorting with your women. they are a garment unto you, and ye are a garment unto them. Allah knoweth that ye have been defrauding yourselves, so He hath relented toward you and pardoned you. Wherefore now copulate with them, and seek that which Allah hath prescribed for you, and eat and drink, Until the white thread becometh manifest unto you from the black thread of the dawn; thereafter complete the fast till night fall. And copulate not with them While ye are retreating in the mosques. These are the bounds of Allah, wherefore approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth all His signs unto mankind that haply they may fear Him
Ahmed Ali
You are allowed to sleep with your wives on the nights of the fast: They are your dress as you are theirs. God is aware you were cheating yourselves, so He turned to you and pardoned you. So now you may have intercourse with them, and seek what God has ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears clear from the dark line, then fast until the night falls; and abstain from your wives (when you have decided) to stay in the mosques for assiduous devotion. These are the bounds fixed by God, so keep well within them. So does God make His signs clear to men that they may take heed for themselves
Aisha Bewley
On the night of the fast it is lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives. They are clothing for you and you for them. Allah knows that you have been betraying yourselves and He has turned towards you and excused you. Now you may have sexual intercourse with them and seek what Allah has written for you. Eat and drink until you can clearly discern the white thread from the black thread of the dawn, then fulfil the fast until the night appears. But do not have sexual intercourse with them while you are in retreat in the mosques. These are Allah´s limits, so do not go near them. In this way does Allah make His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they will have taqwa.
Ali Ünal
It is made lawful for you to go in to your wives on the night of the Fast. (There is such intimacy between you that) they are a garment for you (enfolding you to protect you against illicit relations and beautifying you) and you are (in the same way for the same reasons) a garment for them. God knows that (you felt that) you were betraying yourselves (by doing what you supposed was prohibited), and has turned to you in lenience (and protected you from possible sins by not legislating such a prohibition). So now associate in intimacy with them and seek what God has ordained for you. And (you are permitted to) eat and drink until you discern the white streak of dawn against the blackness of night; then observe the Fast until night sets in. But do not associate in intimacy with them (your wives) during the period when you are in retreat in the mosques. These are the bounds set by God; do not draw near them (keep a safe distance away from them). Thus does God make His Revelations clear to people, so that they may attain piety and be protected against the punishment therefor
Ali Quli Qara'i
You are permitted, on the night of the fast, to go into your wives: they are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knew that you used to betray yourselves, so He pardoned you and excused you. So now consort with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white streak becomes manifest to you from the dark streak at the crack of dawn. Then complete the fast until nightfall, and do not consort with them while you dwell in confinement in the mosques. These are Allah’s bounds, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah clarify His signs for mankind so that they may be Godwary
Hamid S. Aziz
Lawful for you on the night of the fast is association with your wives; they are a garment unto you, and you a garment unto them. Allah knows that you did defraud yourselves, wherefore He has turned towards you and forgiven you; so now go in unto them and crave what Allah has prescribed (or ordained) for you, and eat and drink until a white thread can be distinguished by you from a black one at the dawn. Then fulfil the fast until the night, and go not in unto them while you are at your devotions in the mosques. These are the bounds that Allah has set, so draw not near thereto. Thus does Allah make manifest His signs to men, that per chance (or possibly) they may learn restraint
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad
It is made lawful for you to approach your wives (to have sex with them) during the night of fasting (day). They are your clothes, and you are their clothes (to cover and complement each other). God knew that you betray yourselves, so He turned to you and excused you, so now you may have intercourse with them and look for what God mandated for you. And eat and drink until the white line becomes clear to you from the dark line at dawn, then complete the fast until the nightfall. And do not have intercourse with them while you are in retreat for devotion in the mosque. That is the limit set by God, so do not go near it. This is how God makes His signs clear to people, so they may be cautious (of God).
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)
Encouraged for you on the night of the fast is sexual relations with your wives. They are garments for you and you are garments for them. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you. So associate with them now, and seek what God has ordained for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread. Then continue to fast until night. But do not be intimate with your wives while you are in retreat in the masjid. Those are limits set by God, do not come near it. God makes clear His signs to humanity, that they may become realized
Musharraf Hussain
It is permissible for you to sleep with your wives during the nights of the fast – they are like a garment for you, as you are for them. Allah knew that you were deceiving yourselves by what you were doing in secret , and He has relented towards you and pardoned you. So now be intimate with them, and desire whatever Allah has allowed you, and eat and drink until the white streak of dawn is distinct from the blackness of the night, then complete the fast until the nightfall. However, do not be intimate with your wives on those nights when you are engaged in a spiritual retreat in the Mosque. These are Allah’s boundaries, so do not breach them. This is how Allah explains His verses for people, so they are mindful
Maududi
It has been made lawful for you to go to your wives during the nights of the fast days. They are as a garment to you and you are as a garment to them. Though Allah knew that you were secretly dishonest to yourselves, He has pardoned your guilt and forgiven you. NOW you are permitted to have intercourse with your wives and enjoy what Allah has made lawful for you. You are also pemitted to eat and drink during the nights of the Fast months. until you can discern the white streak of dawn from the blackness of night. " Then (abstain from all these things and) complete your fast till night-fall. But you should not have intercourse with your wives while you confine yourselves to mosques. These are the bounds set by Allah; so do not go near them. In this way Allah makes His Commands clear to mankind. It is expected that they will guard themselves against wrong ways
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)
It has been made lawful for you during the night of fasting to approach your women sexually. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. God knows that you used to betray your souls so He has accepted your repentance, and forgiven you; now you may approach them and seek what God has written for you. And you may eat and drink until the white thread is distinct from the black thread of dawn; then you shall complete the fast until night; and do not approach them while you are devoted in the temples. These are the boundaries of God, so do not transgress them. It is thus that God clarifies His revelations to the people who they may be righteous.
Mohammad Shafi
Permitted to you are sexual relations with your wives at night after a fast. They are garments for you; and you are garments for them. Allah knew you used to betray yourselves; so He has bestowed His mercy upon you and forgiven you. Now then, enjoy sexual relationships with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you. And eat and drink until the light of dawn becomes distinct to you from the darkness preceding dawn. Then, fast till night. And have no sexual relationships with them while you are in the state of retreat, in total devotion to Allah, at the places of worship. These are restrictions ordained by Allah; so go not near these! Thus does Allah make His Verses/signs clear to mankind so that they become pious. to
Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)
It was made lawful for you to go near your women in the nights of fasting. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah know that you used to put your souls in defalcation, then He accepted your repentance and pardoned you; then now copulate (Intercourse) with them and seek what Allah has written in your destiny and eat and drink until white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread at the dawn; then complete the fasts till coming of night, and do not touch the women when you remain in the mosques, for devotion. These are the limits of Allah, do not approach them. Allah thus describes His Signs to the people, so that they may become pious.
Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah
Permitted to you, on the night of the Fast, is the approach to your wives; they are raiments for you, as you are raiments for them. Allah knows that you have been deceiving yourselves. He has accepted and pardoned you. Therefore, you may now touch them and seek what Allah has ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread becomes clear to you from a black thread at the dawn. Then resume the fast till nightfall and do not touch them while you cleave to the mosques. These are the Bounds of Allah, do not come near them. As such He makes known His verses to people so that they will be cautious
Maulana Muhammad Ali
It is made lawful for you to go in to your wives on the night of the fast. They are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them. Allah knows that you acted unjustly to yourselves, so He turned to you in mercy and removed (the burden) from you. So now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till nightfall, and touch them not while you keep to the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so go not near them. Thus does Allah make clear His messages for men that they may keep their duty
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira
(It) became/is permitted/allowed to you (the) night of the fasting the obscenity/ indecency (intercourse), to your women (wives), they are (F) a cover/wives to you and you are a cover/husbands tothem (F), God knew that you were betraying/being unfaithful (to) yourselves, so He forgave on you, and He forgave/pardoned on you, so now touch their (F) outer skin , and desire (seek) what God has written/dictated for you, and eat and drink until the thread the white appears from the thread the black from the dawn , then complete the fasting to the night and do not touch their outer skin (while) you are devoting in the mosques/places of worshipping God. Those are God's limits/orders , so do not approach/near it, like that God clarifies His verses/evidences to the people, maybe they fear and obey (God)
Bijan Moeinian
[Although Ramadan is an opportunity to get closer to God through forgetting the mundane necessities of life such as eating, drinking, etc.,] I do not mind the continuation of your marital relationship with your wives after the fasting is completed at night. Your wives are like garments for you and you are like garments to your wives. Your Lord knew very well that [in spite of the fact that the sexual relations with your wives had never been prohibited,] You had developed a sinful attitude towards it; God has already forgiven you for this presumptuous attitude. Now it is clearly declared that you have the permission to have intercourse and enjoy all that God has made lawful for you. Therefore, after having broken the fast, eat, drink [and continue your normal life] until you see the white streak of dawn replacing the blackness of night. Then start fasting [and abstain from eating, drinking, sex inhaling heavy particles such as smoking] until the night fall. If you decide to confine yourselves to the Mosque [during the last ten days of Ramadan], you should abstain from having sex. The above mentioned are the lines drawn by your Lord; do not even approach the line. See how the Lord makes His Revelations clear to mankind; may man choose to respect the Lord
Faridul Haque
Going to your wives during the nights of the fast is made lawful for you; they are coverings for you and you are coverings for them; Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves (in this respect), so He accepted your penance and forgave you; so cohabit with them and seek what Allah has destined for you - and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread at dawn - then complete the fast till nightfall; and do not touch women while staying in seclusion for worship in the mosques; these are the limits imposed by Allah, so do not go near them; this is how Allah explains His verses to mankind so that they may attain piety
Sher Ali
It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are a sort of garment for you and you are a sort of garment for them. ALLAH knows that you have been acting unjustly to yourselves, wherefore HE has turned to you with mercy and afforded you relief. So you may now go in unto them and seek what ALLAH has ordained for you; and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black tread of the dawn. Then complete the fast till nightfall and do not go in unto them while you remain in the Mosques for devotion. These are the limits set by ALLAH, so approach them not. Thus does ALLAH make HIS commandments clear to men that they may become secure against evil
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
It is made lawful for you to approach your wives during the nights of the fasts. They are like clothes for you and you are like clothes for them. Allah knows that you broke the trust in the case of your own right. But He has shown mercy to you and has forgiven you. So, have sexual relations with them now (during the nights of the fasts without any inhibition) and seek what Allah has prescribed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you (separated) from the black thread (of night). Then complete the fast till dusk. And refrain from having sexual contact with your wives, whilst you are in retreat in the mosques. These are the bounds (set) by Allah. So do not draw near to them (to step over). Thus Allah explains His Verses (clearly) for the people, so that they may embrace piety
Amatul Rahman Omar
(Though during Fasting you must abstain from all the urges of nature including the sexual urge) it is made lawful for you on the nights of the fasts to approach and lie with your wives (for sexual relationship). They are (a sort of) garment for you and you are (a sort of) garment for them. Allah knows that you have been doing injustice to yourselves (by restricting conjugal relations with your wives even at night), so He turned to you with mercy and provided you relief; now enjoy their company (at night during Ramadzan) and seek what Allah has ordained for you. Eat and drink till the white streak of the dawn becomes distinct to you from the black streak (of the darkness), then complete the fast till nightfall. And you shall not lie with them (- your wives) while you perform I`tikaf (- while you are secluding in the mosque for prayer and devotion to God). These are the limits (imposed) by Allah so do not approach these (limits). Thus does Allah explains His commandments for people that they may become secure against evil
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali
It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fasts). They are Leebas (i.e. body cover, or screen, or Sakan, (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her - as in Verse 7:189) Tafsir At-Tabaree), for you and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in Itikaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make clear His Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, verses, laws, legal and illegal things, Allahs set limits, orders, etc.) to mankind that they may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious - see V.2:2)
New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame
It has been made lawful for you in the night of the fasting to approach your wives. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. Allah is fully aware that you used to cheat your own souls but He has accepted your repentance and has pardoned you. Therefore now hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah has written for you and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct for you from the black thread of the dawn. Then complete the fast up till the night and do not hold intercourse with them while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are the boundaries of Allah therefore do not come near them. Thus Allah makes clear His signs for the mankind perhaps they will guard their own souls.
Munir Mezyed
It is made lawful for you to engage in conjugal relations with your spouses on the night of the Fast. They are your garments and you are theirs. Allâh has full knowledge of that which you used to deceive yourselves in this respect. So He accepted your repentance and forgave you. Now, therefore, lie with them and seek what Allâh has ordained for you. Eat and drink till the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread (of night) at dawn-break, then complete the Fasting till nightfall. And do not lie with them as long as you are confined in the Mosque. These are the Limits set by Allâh, therefore, do not draw yourselves near them. That is is how Allâh makes visible His ordinances for the people so that you may act piously.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
It is permitted for you on the nights of the fast to be with your wives, they are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you over-burdened yourselves and turned to you in forgiveness and made it lighter for you. So go onto them now and seek what Allah has prescribed for you. And eat and drink until you can distinguish the white thread of daybreak from the black thread, then continue the fast until nightfall. And do not go onto them whilst you seclude yourselves in the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not overstep them. This is how Allah explains His signs to people so that they become aware.
Linda “iLHam” Barto
In the nights, after fasting, you may go to your spouses. They are like your clothes, and you are like their clothes. Allah knows what [bad things] you used to do in secret. He responded to you and forgave you. Now, be intimate with (your spouses) and seek what Allah has ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you separate from its black thread. Complete your fast until night. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are the limits of Allah. Do not approach (what He has forbidden). Allah clarifies His signs to people, so they may become righteous.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation
Permitted for youpl is intercourse with your women on the night of the fast; they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. Allah has known that you used to betray yourselves, but He granted you repentance and accepted it from you and pardoned you. So approach them now and seek what Allah has prescribed for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becomes evident to you from the black thread at dawn, then complete the fast to the night. But do not approach them while you are consecrating yourselves in the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not come near them. Allah thus clarifies His signs to mankind, that they may become mindful (of Him) .
Irving & Mohamed Hegab
It is lawful for you to have intercourse with your wives on the night of the Fast: they are garments for you while you are garments for them. Allah (God) knows how you have been deceiving yourselves, so He has relented towards you and pardoned you. Now [feel free to] frequent them, seek what Allah (God) has prescribed for you, eat and drink until the white streak [of dawn] can be distinguished by you from the black thread [of night] at daybreak. Then complete the Fast until nightfall and have no dealings with women while you are secluded at your devotions in the mosques. Such are Allah (God)'s limits, so do not attempt to cross them! Thus Allah (God) explains His signs to mankind so they may be righteous.
Samy Mahdy
Permitted for you (Became Halal) on the fast night, is the intercourse to your women. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you were betrayed yourselves, so He repented on you and pardoned you. So, have sexual relations with them now, and seek what Allah has written for you, and eat and drink until the white ray of dawn can be distinguished from the black ray. Then complete the fast until night. And do not have sexual relations with them while you are secluded at the mosques. These are Allah’s limits, so do not approach it. Allah thus demonstrates His verses for the people, perhaps they may be showing piety.
Ahmed Hulusi
It has been made permissible for you to approach (unite with) your wives on the nights preceding fasting. You are their garments and they are your garments (the most intimate person in one’s worldly life.) Allah knows that you have been unjust to yourselves (by abstaining from sexual relations throughout the nights) and accepted your repentance and forgave you. So approach them in accord with Allah’s creed. Eat and drink until the day begins (the break of twilight) then experience Siyam (fasting) until the night. Do not approach your wives while you are in retreat in the masjids. These are the limitations Allah puts, so do not go near them. Thus, Allah explains His signs so that you may be protected.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli
It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fasts; they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. Allah knew that you used to act unfaithfully among yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and pardoned you. So now you may associate with them and seek what Allah prescribed for you. Eat and drink until the white thread (of dawn) becomes manifest unto you from the black thread (of night) at the dawn-break, then complete the fast till nightfall and do not approach them (your wives) while you are at your devotion in the mosques. These are limits (set by) Allah, therefore do not approach (violate) them. Thus Allah makes clear His Signs for mankind, so that they may guard themselves (against evil)
It is lawful for you to approach your wives if you will at night when not fasting following sunset, between breakfast and dawn. As fitting garments, you are mutual sources of comfort. Allah knows your instinct, a source of self- deceit, and in His infinite mercy He gave up resentment toward you and pardoned your offence. Therefore, now you may feel free to approach them following the statutes ordained by Allah with pure hearts and minds, and you may eat and drink until you can distinguish between the black thread of night and the silver streak of dawn, and thenceforth you fast until darkness prevails at the close of daylight. refrain at all times from intimacy and emotions exciting your carnal desire While in retreat in the mosques exercising religious devotion. These are the limitations imposed by Allah, therefore, confine yourselves within them. Thus, Allah expresses His revelations to people with distinct apprehension of all involved, so that they may hopefully learn self-restraint in reverence dutiful to Him
Mir Aneesuddin
It is made lawful to you to approach your wives on the night of the fast, they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them, Allah knew that you were betraying yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and pardoned you, so now (you may) be in contact with them and seek, that which Allah has prescribed for you, and eat and drink until you can distinguish the white thread of the dawn from the black thread, then complete the fast till the night. And do not be in contact with them (wives) when you devotedly (remain) in the mosques (for Itikaf). These are the limits (imposed by) Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His signs for human beings that they may guard (against evil).
The Wise Quran
Lawful for you the night of the fast is sexual relations to your women; they are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. God knew that you were unfaithful to yourselves, so He relented on you and He pardoned you. So now touch their skin, and seek what God has written for you. And eat and drink until the white thread is distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then complete the fast to the night. And do not touch their skin while you are devoting in the mosques. Those are God's limits so do not go near them. Thus God makes clear His signs to mankind, perhaps they may fear.