(240) “Those of you who die and leave wives behind should make a bequest for their wives, providing for them for one year without turning them out. But if they leave, there is no blame upon you for what they reasonably do with themselves. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”

That is, husbands who die and leave wives behind must make a bequest for them: “a bequest for their wives, providing for them for one year without turning them out.” In other words, they are to instruct that their wives remain in their homes for one year without leaving. “But if they leave” of their own accord, “there is no blame upon you,” their guardians, “for what they reasonably do with themselves. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise”—such as resuming the use of adornment, perfume, and the like.

Most commentators hold that this verse was abrogated by the preceding verse: “Those of you who die and leave wives behind—their wives shall wait by themselves for four months and ten days.” It has also been said that the earlier verse did not abrogate this one. Rather, the earlier verse indicates that four months and ten days are obligatory, while remaining beyond that period is recommended and ought to be observed in order to fulfill the husband’s rights more completely and to show consideration for the wife. The evidence that this is recommended is that here Allah absolves the guardians of blame if the women leave before completing the year. Had remaining in the marital home been obligatory, He would not have absolved them of blame.