The Holy Quran 2:235 — Surah Al-Baqarah

Arabic text

وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا عَرَّضْتُم بِهِۦ مِنْ خِطْبَةِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ أَوْ أَكْنَنتُمْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ سَتَذْكُرُونَهُنَّ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تُوَاعِدُوهُنَّ سِرًّا إِلَّآ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا ۚ وَلَا تَعْزِمُوا۟ عُقْدَةَ ٱلنِّكَاحِ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ أَجَلَهُۥ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ فَٱحْذَرُوهُ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ

Translation

There is no sin on you for marriage proposals (that you make to women who are still passing their Iddah) should you make them subtly (indirectly, such as saying, "I intend to marry at some time") or conceal them within your hearts. Allaah knows well that you will speak of these women, but do not secretly promise (to marry them) except by saying recognised words (making an indirect proposal). Do not resolve the marriage contract until the prescribed term has run its course (until the Iddah is complete). Know well that verily Allaah knows what is in your hearts, so fear Him (by abstaining from making unlawful intentions). Know (also) that Allaah is Forgiving, Tolerant (He does not hasten to punish).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The gist of the verse is this: when a woman has been separated from her husband's marriage, then as long as she is in her iddah (waiting period) it is not permissible for anyone else to marry her, or to obtain a clear promise from her, or to send a clear proposal.

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