such as a father in the case of his young virgin daughter, or a master in the case of his slave woman. On this interpretation, both acts of waiver are of the same kind. This is why He did not say, “unless the women waive it or they [the husbands] waive it,” since the verse addresses the husbands directly.

Allah Most High relates that Luqmān said to his son:

“Enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and patiently endure whatever befalls you. That is a matter requiring firm resolve.”

Allah Most High also says:

“No blame attaches to those who defend themselves after being wronged. Blame attaches only to those who wrong people and transgress on earth without right. They will have a painful punishment. But whoever is patient and forgives—that is indeed a matter requiring firm resolve.”

There, in Luqmān’s words, He mentioned patience in adversity, saying:

“That is a matter requiring firm resolve.”

Here, He mentioned patience and forgiveness, saying:

“That is indeed a matter requiring firm resolve.”

He mentioned this after saying:

“No blame attaches to those who defend themselves after being wronged. Blame attaches only to those who wrong people and transgress on earth without right.”

Thus, glorified is He, He mentioned three categories of people in relation to wrongdoing inflicted without the victim’s consent: the just, the wrongdoer, and the gracious.

The just person is one who defends himself after being wronged. His recompense is that no blame attaches to him: he is not praised for doing so, but neither is he censured.

He mentioned the wrongdoer in His words:

“Blame attaches only to those who wrong people and transgress on earth without right.”

Such people are liable to punishment and retribution. And He mentioned those who act graciously