DAY 486: Baqarah 221-225

•  Do not marry polytheistic women until they believe; for a believing slave-woman is better than a free polytheist, even though she may look pleasant to you. And do not marry your women to polytheistic men until they believe, for a believing slave-man is better than a free polytheist, even though he may look pleasant to you. They invite ˹you˺ to the Fire while Allah invites ˹you˺ to Paradise and forgiveness by His grace. He makes His revelations clear to the people so perhaps they will be mindful.  They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about menstruation. Say, “Beware of its harm! So keep away, and do not have intercourse with your wives during their monthly cycles until they are purified. When they purify themselves, then you may approach them in the manner specified by Allah. Surely Allah loves those who always turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves.” Your wives are like farmland for you, so approach them ˹consensually˺ as you please. And send forth something good for yourselves. Be mindful of Allah, and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers. Do not use Allah’s Name in your oaths as an excuse for not doing good, not guarding against evil, or not making peace between people. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Allah will not hold you accountable for unintentional oaths, but for what you intended in your hearts. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. 
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  After the discussion of fighting, pilgrimage, spending, and orphans (216–220), Allah now turns to family and social relations — who you can marry, how to handle divorce, and the importance of intentional speech. These verses are practical, protective, and deeply humane.
  
  221    Do not marry polytheists — a believing slave is better than a free polytheist    Marriage is about direction, not just attraction. Who invites you to Paradise?
  222    Menstruation — do not approach sexually until they are pure. Purification after.    Boundaries in intimacy are mercy, not shame. And Allah loves those who purify themselves.
  223    Women are tilth — come however you wish, but put forth good for yourselves    Intimacy should be cultivated with love and intention, not just physical release.
  224    Do not let oaths prevent you from righteousness, fear of God, and making peace    Don't hide behind holy oaths to avoid doing what is right or making peace.
  225    Unintentional oaths not held accountable — intentional oaths are. Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.    Be careful with deliberate oaths. But if you fail, God is patient and forgiving.
  
  Do not marry polytheists — a believing slave is better; during menstruation, keep away until purification; your wives are a tilth, so come to them however you wish but put forth good; do not let your oaths prevent you from righteousness and peace; and Allah will not hold you accountable for unintentional oaths but for what your hearts have earned — and He is Forgiving and Forbearing.
  
  
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