Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 237
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Issue: If the husband dies before consummation, the wife is entitled to the full dowry, she will also receive inheritance, and she will be obliged to observe the waiting period (‘iddah), as has been mentioned above in the hadith of Barwa‘ bint Washiq. It should be clear that there are two types of divorced women: (1) The dowry had been fixed and the husband divorced after consummation. (See Al-Baqarah: 229) (2) The dowry was not fixed at the time of the contract, but the divorce took place after consummation. In this case, the woman is entitled to a suitable dowry (mahr al-mithl), i.e., the amount of dowry generally fixed for women of her family should be given to her, as detailed in Surah An-Nisa, Ayah (24). (Shawkani)
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
237. 2 By this is meant the husband, because the knot of marriage (its breaking or maintaining) is in his hand. He may forgive half the dower, meaning instead of taking back half of the dower already paid, he may forgo his right (to half the dower) and give the entire dower to the woman. Further, by emphasizing not to forget mutual grace and kindness, encouragement is given to adopt this grace and kindness even in the matter of dower.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
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The Lesson of Generosity and Altruism Among Yourselves:
It is sufficient generosity on the part of the woman or her guardian that they forgive the husband even the half of the dowry (mahr) which, according to the command of Allah, he was obliged to pay. And generosity on the part of the husband is that he pays the full dowry instead of half, or if he has already paid it, he does not take any of it back. This emphasis is because such generous behavior is necessary to create pleasantness in social life. If everyone insists only on their legal rights, social life can never be pleasant.
Different Forms of Dowry and Mahr Mithl:
Now, regarding the payment of dowry to a divorced woman, according to the Shariah rulings, there are four possible situations:
(1) Neither the dowry was fixed nor consummation took place.
(2) The dowry was fixed but consummation did not take place. The ruling for both these situations has already been mentioned in these two verses.
(3) The dowry was fixed and consummation also took place, and this is the most common situation. In this case, the full dowry must be given.
(4) The dowry was not fixed but consummation took place. In this case, mahr mithl must be given, i.e., the amount of dowry that is customary in the woman’s tribe. And for a widow, all four situations are also possible, but there is a difference in the rulings, which is that whether the dowry was fixed or not, and whether the deceased husband consummated or not, the woman will in any case receive the full dowry. If the dowry was fixed, she will receive that amount, and if it was not fixed, she will receive mahr mithl. And the proof of this is the following hadith: Hazrat Alqamahؓ says that Ibn Mas’udؓ was asked about a person who married a woman, neither fixed the dowry nor consummated, and then he died. Ibn Mas’ud replied that she should be given the dowry equal to the women of her family, neither less nor more, and she must also observe the waiting period (‘iddah), and she will also receive a share from the inheritance. (Upon hearing this) Ma’qil bin Sinan Ashja’i said, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also gave the same verdict regarding a woman from our family, Barwa’ bint Washiq.” Upon hearing this, Ibn Mas’udؓ was pleased. [ترمذي، ابواب النكاح باب فى الرجل يتزوج المرأة فيموت عنها قبلأن يفرض لها نيز ابو داؤد، كتاب النكاح، باب فيمن تزوج ولم يسم صداقا حتي مات]
