Al-Baqara 2:229
The Cow · ayah 229 of 286
Attalaqu marratanifa-imsakun bimaAAroofin aw tasreehun bi-ihsaninwala yahillu lakum an ta/khuthoo mimmaataytumoohunna shay-an illa an yakhafaalla yuqeema hudooda Allahi fa-inkhiftum alla yuqeema hudooda Allahifala junaha AAalayhima feema iftadatbihi tilka hudoodu Allahi fala taAAtadoohawaman yataAAadda hudooda Allahi faola-ikahumu aththalimoon
Saheeh International translation
Other English translations
Abdel Haleem (Oxford)+
"Divorce can happen twice, and [each time] wives either be kept on in an acceptable manner or released in a good way. It is not lawful for you to take back anything that you have given [your wives], except where both fear that they cannot maintain [the marriage] within the bounds set by God: if you [arbiters] suspect that the couple may not be able to do this, then there will be no blame on either of them if the woman opts to give something for her release. These are the bounds set by God: do not overstep them. It is those who overstep God’s bounds who are doing wrong."
Pickthall (classic)+
"Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers."
Yusuf Ali (classic)+
"A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (Men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (Themselves as well as others)."