Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad
And so, when they are about to reach the end of their waiting-term, either retain them in a fair manner or part with them in a fair manner. And let two persons of [known] probity from among your own community witness [what you have decided]; and do yourselves bear true witness before God: thus are admonished all who believe in God and the Last Day. And unto everyone who is conscious of God, He [always] grants a way out [of unhappiness]
M. M. Pickthall
Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah. Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab
Then when they have ˹almost˺ reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably. And call two of your reliable men to witness ˹either way˺—and ˹let the witnesses˺ bear true testimony for ˹the sake of˺ Allah. This is enjoined on whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them,
Safi Kaskas
When they have fulfilled their term, either retain them honorably, or part with them honorably. And call from among your just witnesses, to give testimony for God’s sake. Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should heed this. God will find a way out for whoever is mindful of Him
Wahiduddin Khan
And when their waiting term is ended, either keep them honourably or part with them in honour. Call to witness two reliable men from among you and bear true witness for God. This is an admonishment for those who believe in God and the Last Day. To one who fears God, He will grant a way out [of his difficulties],
Shakir
So when they have reached their prescribed time, then retain them with kindness or separate them with kindness, and call to witness two men of justice from among you, and give upright testimony for Allah. With that is admonished he who believes in Allah and the latter day; and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah, He will make for him an outlet
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
Then, when they (f) reached their (f) term, either hold them (f) back as one who is honorable or part from them (f) as one who is honorable and call to witnesses from two possessors of justice from among you and perform testimony for God. That is admonished for whomever had been believing in God and the Last Day. And he who is Godfearing of God, He will make a way out for him.
T.B.Irving
Thus whenever women reach their deadline, hold on to them in decency, or part from them in decency. Have two impartial persons from among you act as witnesses, and set up a way to witness their testimony before God. That is what anyone who believes in God and the Last Day is instructed to do. God will grant a way out for anyone who heeds Him,
Abdul Hye
Then, when they have fulfilled their appointed term (waiting period ends), either take them back in a good manner or part with them in a good manner. Take for witness 2 honest persons among you (Muslims), and establish the witness for Allah. This advice is given to all who believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah, He makes a way out for him (from difficulty),
The Study Quran
So when they have fulfilled their term, take them back in an honorable way or separate from them in an honorable way. And call two just persons among yourselves to witness and uphold the testimony for God. By this is exhorted whosoever believes in God and the Last Day. And whosoever reverences God, He will appoint a way out for him
Talal Itani & AI (2024)
When they have reached their term, either retain them kindly or separate from them amicably. Call upon two trustworthy witnesses from among you, and establish truthful testimony for God. This counsels whoever believes in God and the Last Day. Whoever fears God, He will make a way out for him.
Talal Itani (2012)
Once they have reached their term, either retain them honorably, or separate from them honorably. And call to witness two just people from among you, and give upright testimony for God. By that is exhorted whoever believes in God and the Last Day. And whoever fears God—He will make a way out for him
Dr. Kamal Omar
Then when they have reached their appointed period (iddat ), then continue to keep them (as wives) in a desirable way or part with them in a desirable way. And arrange for the testimony of two just persons from amongst you (Muslims). And preserve the evidence for Allah (i.e., you should give it the form of a document bearing the signatures or impressions of two witnesses). This unto you, He admonishes therewith that one who used to Believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever pays obedience to Allah, He will make for him a way out (for every difficult situation)
Then when their waiting period ends, either keep them honorably or part with them in an honorable way. Call to witness two honest persons among you, and O witnesses, bear witness equitably for the sake of Allah. This advice is being given to all who believe in Allah and the last Day. He that fears Allah may be provided a way out by Him
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali
So when they have reached their term, then retain them beneficently or part from them beneficently. And call in to testimony two (men) endowed with a sense of justice from among yourselves; and keep the testimony upright to Allah. (And) by that then is admonished whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is pious to Allah, He will make for him (a way ) of going out
Muhammad Sarwar
When their waiting period is about to end, keep them or separate from them lawfully. Let two just people witness the divorce and let them bear witness for the sake of God. Thus does God command those who have faith in Him and the Day of Judgment
Muhammad Taqi Usmani
So, when they (the divorced women) have (almost) reached their term, then either retain them with fairness, or part with them with fairness. And make two just men from among you witnesses (of your either decision). And (O witnesses,) keep your testimony upright for the sake of Allah. That is what anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to do. Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him
Shabbir Ahmed
And so when they have reached their waiting term, either retain them in kindness or part with them in kindness. And let there be two just persons among you to witness, and establish the evidence straight for Allah. This exhortation is for him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And anyone who is mindful of Allah, He will always grant a way out for him (from difficult situations)
Dr. Munir Munshey
At the end of the (prescribed) period, either hold back your women (in wedlock) lawfully, according to the well-known (prescribed) manner, or make the divorce final in accordance with the well known (prescribed) way. Take two of your fair minded (and respected) men as your witnesses. (Oh witnesses)! Bear the witness truthfully for the sake of Allah! Those who believe in Allah, and the life-to-come, are hereby being asked to heed. Allah will provide a way out for the one who fears Him
Syed Vickar Ahamed
When they fulfill their appointed term, either take them back in a good (and honorable) manner or part with them in a good (and honorable) manner. And take for witness two persons from among you, blessed with (a sense of) justice, and establish the evidence (as if you are) before Allah. Such is the guidance given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He (always) prepares a way out
And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah . That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last day. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way ou
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)
Then, once the interim is fulfilled, either you remain together equitably, or part ways equitably and have it witnessed by two just people from among you; and give the testimony for God. This is to enlighten those who believe in God and the Last Day. And whosoever reverences God, He will create a solution for him
Abdel Haleem
When they have completed their appointed term, either keep them honourably, or part with them honourably. Call two just witnesses from your people and establish witness for the sake of God. Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should heed this: God will find a way out for those who are mindful of Him
Abdul Majid Daryabadi
Then when they have attained their term, either retain them reputably, or part from them reputably, and take as witnesses two just men from among you, and set up your testimony for Allah. Thus is exhorted he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day. And whosoever feareth Allah He maketh for him an outlet
Ahmed Ali
When they have reached their appointed time, then either keep them lawfully or let them go honourably; but have two witnesses from among you, and give truthful evidence for (being acceptable to) God. This is to warn him who believes in God and the Last Day. God will furnish a way out for him who fears Him
Aisha Bewley
Then when they have reached the end of their ´idda either retain them with correctness and courtesy or part from them with correctness and courtesy. Call two upright men from among yourselves as witnesses and they should carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admonishment for all who have iman in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever has taqwa of Allah — He will give him a way out
Ali Ünal
Then, when they reach the end of their waiting-term, either retain them in a fair manner and in observance of their rights, or (the waiting-period having ended) part with them in a fair manner and in observance of their rights. And (as the commended way, in either case) call upon two (Muslim) men of probity from among you as witnesses, and establish the testimony for God (with due consciousness of your responsibility to Him). Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day is exhorted to act so. Whoever keeps from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety, He enables a way out for him (of every difficulty)
Ali Quli Qara'i
Then, when they have completed their term, either retain them honourably or separate from them honourably, and take the witness of two fair men from among yourselves, and bear witness for the sake of Allah. To [comply with] this is advised whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make a way out for him
Hamid S. Aziz
So when they have reached their prescribed time, then take them back with kindness or part with them with kindness; and call to witness two men of justice from among you, and give upright testimony for Allah. With that is admonished he who believes in Al
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad
And when they reach their appointed time, then keep them nicely or part with them nicely, and take witness two just persons from among yourselves, and perform the testimony for God. This is what anyone who believes in God and the Last Day is advised to it. And anyone who is cautious of God, He makes a way out for him.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)
So when they fulfill their term appointed, either take them back on fair terms or part with them on fair terms, and take for witness two people from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence before God. Such is the advice given to him who believes in God and the Last Day, and for those who are conscious of God, He prepares a way out
Musharraf Hussain
So when they have completed their waiting term, you may keep them honourably, or let them go honourably. On this occasion appoint two just witnesses amongst you, and establish witnesses for the sake of Allah. A guidance for believers in Allah and the Final Day. Whoever is mindful of Allah, He shall make a way out for him,
Maududi
And when they reach the end of their term (of waiting), then either honourably retain them (in the bond of wedlock) or honourably part with them, and call two persons of known probity as witnesses from among yourselves, and (let these witnesses) give upright testimony for the sake of Allah. That is to what all those that believe in Allah and the Last Day are exhorted. Allah will find a way out for him who fears Allah
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)
Then, once the interim is fulfilled, either you remain together equitably, or part ways equitably and have it witnessed by two just people from among you; and give the testimony for God. This is to enlighten those who believe in God and the Last Day. And whoever reverences God, He will create a solution for him
Mohammad Shafi
Then when their waiting term gets over, either retain them [as wives] honourably or part with them in fair manner. Call to witness two reliable men from among you and keep your testimony upright for Allah. This admonition is given to one who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And one who fears Allah, He will make for him a way out [of his difficulties]
Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)
Then, when they are about to reach their term, retain them with kindness or part from them with kindness and take two just persons as witnesses from among you and set up witness for Allah. By this, he who believes in Allah and Last Day is admonished. And he who fears Allah, Allah will make a way for his deliverance.
Once the interim is fulfilled, you may reconcile with them equitably, or go through with the separation equitably. You shall have two equitable witnesses witness the divorce before GOD. This is to enlighten those who believe in GOD and the Last Day. Anyone who reverences GOD, He will create an exit for him.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah
When they have reached their term, either keep them honorably or part from them honorably. Call two honest men among you to witness and give yourwitnessing before Allah. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day is warned to do this. Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out
Maulana Muhammad Ali
So when they have reached their prescribed time, retain them with kindness or dismiss them with kindness, and call to witness two just ones from among you, and give upright testimony for Allah. With that is admonished he who believes in Allah and the Latter day. And whoever keeps his duty to Allah, He ordains a way out for him
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira
So if they (F) reached (completed) their term/time, so hold/grasp them (F) with kindness/generosity or separate from them (F) with kindness/generosity , and call a witness (two owners) (B) of justice/equality from you, and keep up/take care of the testimony/certification to God, that is being preached/advised/warned with it who was believing with (in) God, and the Day the Last/Resurrection Day; and who fears and obeys God, He makes/puts for him a way out/exit
Bijan Moeinian
When the prescribed time is over, either return to your wife and honor her or depart decently and with kindness. You need two “just” men to witnesses the occurrence of the divorce. God, out of His Mercy, will help the one who believes in God and Hereafter and follows the order of his Lord
Faridul Haque
So when they are about to reach their appointed term, hold them back with kindness or separate them with kindness, and make two just men among you as witnesses, and establish the testimony for Allah; with this is advised whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day; and whoever fears Allah - Allah will create for him a way of deliverance
Sher Ali
Then, when they are about to reach the limit of their prescribed term, retain them with kindness, or part with them in a suitable manner, and call to witness two just persons from among you; and bear true witness for ALLAH. Thus is admonished he who believes in ALLAH and the Last Day. And he who fears ALLAH - HE will make for him a way out
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
Then when they reach closer to (the end of) their appointed term, retain them with kindness or separate from them with kindness. And take two just persons from amongst you as witnesses and establish testimony for the sake of Allah. This is advice for him alone who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah, He makes a way out for him (from pain and grief of this world and the Hereafter)
Amatul Rahman Omar
And when they are about to reach their prescribed term (of `Iddat) either keep them (by revoking the divorce) in an honourable and fair manner or part with them in honourable and fair manner and two honest and just persons from among you witness (your decision). (Let the witnesses) bear true testimony for the sake of Allah (regarding the situation that resulted in the pronouncement of divorce). Thus the person (who acts according to these guidelines and) who believes in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted. And he who takes Allah as (his) shield, He will always make a way out (of his ordeals) for him
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali
Then when they are about to fulfil their term appointed, either take them back in a good manner or part with them in a good manner. And take for witness two just persons from among you (Muslims). And establish the witness for Allah. That will be an admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)
New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame
And when they reach their terms, then either hold onto them in a kindly manner or part with them in a kindly manner and take two just persons among you as witnesses and establish the witnessing for Allah. It is such one among you who believe in Allah and in the last day who are admonished with this and whosoever reveres Allah, He will make a way for him out.
Munir Mezyed
Then, when they have reached their prescribed time, either take them according to an acceptable terms or part with them according to an acceptable term. Call to witness two men of justice from among you and give upright testimony for Allâh. That is an admonition given to the one who has affirmed his Faith in (the Absolute Oneness of) Allâh and in the Last Day. Whosoever acts piously towards Allâh, He will make a way out for him.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
Then when they have reached their term, keep them honourably or part from them honourably, and let two just people amongst you be witnesses and let them uphold the evidence before Allah. That is the admonition for whoever believes in Allah and the last day, and who bewares of Allah, He will find him a way out.
Linda “iLHam” Barto
When they fulfill their appointed times, either take them back on equitable terms or separate from them on equitable terms. Take two witnesses, filled with justice, from among you. Present the evidence before Allah. Such is the warning given to the one who believes in Allah and the last day. For those who revere Allah, He prepares a way out.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation
Once they have reached their term, either retainpl them in accordance with what is fair or separate from them in accordance with what is fair. And call to witness two just people from among you and give upright testimony for Allah. That is to admonish whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, for whoever is mindful of Allah—He will make for him a way out (of every difficulty)
Irving & Mohamed Hegab
Thus whenever women reach their deadline, hold on to them in decency, or part from them in decency. Have two impartial persons from among you act as witnesses, and set up a way to witness their testimony before Allah (God). That is what anyone who believes in Allah (God) and the Last Day is instructed to do. Allah (God) will grant a way out for anyone who heeds Him,
Samy Mahdy
And He will provide a livelihood for him from where he never considered. And whoever relies upon Allah, so He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah reached His command. Allah has already set up a measure for everything.
Ahmed Hulusi
And when their waiting period has come to an end, either keep them in marriage according to custom, or release them according to custom... And hold two just people as witnesses and establish testimony for Allah... This is what is advised to those who believe in Allah, their essential reality with His Names, and the eternal life to come... Whoever protects himself from Allah, He will open a way out for him.
Mir Aneesuddin
So when they reach (the end of) their term, then either hold them in a recognised (good manner) or separate them in a recognised (good manner). And call to witness two just men from among you and establish (correct) evidence for (the sake of) Allah. With that is advised he who believes in Allah and the period hereafter, and whoever fears Allah He will make for him a way out,
When the set period is near fulfillment, you either hold together in honour and in each other's regard crowned with equity, or part in honour and equity. In either case you must bring two of your people, who are known to recourse to general principles of justice, who lift to Allah their inward sight, to bear witness to the final decision and resolution, be it divorce or reunion. This discourse is an exhortation to those who believe with hearts impressed with the image of religious and spiritual virtues, and their wisdom is consumed in confidence of the Day of Judgment. And he who entertains the profound reverence dutiful Allah, shall Allah be his very present help in trouble
The Wise Quran
Then when they have reached their term, then retain them with kindness or separate from them with kindness; and call to witness two possessors of equity among you, and make the testimony upright for God. That, whoever believes in God and the Last Day is admonished with it. And whoever fears God, He will make for him a way out,