Al-Baqarah: (241-242) And for the divorced women is provision according to what is right, [this is] an obligation upon the righteous. . . . . .

It is narrated that this verse was revealed because after Allah Almighty revealed the verse: {And provide for them} until His saying: {an obligation upon the doers of good} (Al-Baqarah: 236), a man from the Muslims said: "If I wish, I will do it, and if I do not wish, I will not do it." Then Allah Almighty revealed: {And for the divorced women is provision according to what is right, [this is] an obligation upon the righteous} (Al-Baqarah: 241). This means an obligation upon every person who is righteous against disbelief.

Know that there are two opinions regarding the meaning of Muta'ah (provision/consolation) here:

1. It means the Mut'ah (consolation gift): The apparent meaning of this verse necessitates this Mut'ah for all divorced women. Some people hold fast to the apparent meaning of this verse and obligate the Mut'ah for all divorced women. This is the view of Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Abu al-'Aliyah, and al-Zuhri. Al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It is for every divorced woman, except the one for whom a dowry (mahr) was stipulated and consummation did not occur. We have already mentioned this issue in the exegesis of His saying: {And provide for them according to what is right, the wealthy according to his means, and the needy according to his means} (Al-Baqarah: 236).

• If it is asked: Why is the Mut'ah mentioned again here when it was already mentioned in His saying: {And provide for them according to what is right, the wealthy according to his means, and the needy according to his means}?
  • We reply: There, a specific ruling was mentioned, whereas here, a general ruling is mentioned.

2. It means maintenance/sustenance (Nafaqah): Maintenance can sometimes be termed Muta'ah. If we interpret this Muta'ah as maintenance, the repetition is avoided, and this interpretation is preferable. This is the end of the verses indicating rulings. And Allah knows best.

7 < Have you not considered those who left their homes while they were thousands, fearing death? And Allah said to them, "Die," and then He gave them life. Indeed, Allah is the possessor of bounty over the people, but most of the people are not grateful. > 7 !