that it be witnessed. He commanded witnesses only when He said:

“When they approach the end of their waiting period, either retain them honourably or part with them honourably.”

Parting here means letting her go once her waiting period has ended. This is neither divorce, nor taking her back, nor marriage. There is consensus among the Muslims concerning witnessing in this case. It is therefore clear that the witnessing applies only to taking the wife back.

One aspect of the wisdom behind this is that a man may divorce his wife and then take her back, whereupon Satan makes concealing this seem attractive to him. He may subsequently pronounce a prohibited divorce without anyone knowing, so that she remains with him unlawfully. Allah therefore commanded him to have witnesses when taking her back, to make it known that one divorce has occurred. Similarly, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, instructed anyone who finds lost property to have witnesses to it, lest Satan make concealing it seem attractive. Divorce is different: if he divorces her and does not take her back, but lets her go, he makes it known to people that she is no longer his wife but is divorced. By contrast, if she remains with him as his wife, people do not know whether he has divorced her or not.

As for marriage, it must be distinguished from fornication and taking secret lovers, as Allah Most High commanded. Hence the Sunnah prescribes making it public; it must not be concealed like fornication. But is the requirement simply to have witnesses, or simply to make it public even without witnesses, or does either suffice? Scholars disagree on this, as discussed elsewhere.

Allah Most High said:

“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide for him from where he does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for everything.”

This verse applies generally to everyone who fears Allah. The context of the verse indicates that fearing Allah is intended by this general statement. Thus, whoever fears Allah in matters of divorce and divorces as