35

And if you fear, become aware of, a breach, a dispute, between the two, the married couple (the genitive construction shiqāqa baynihimā, '[any] breach between the two', is for a range [of alternatives], in other words: shiqāqan baynihimā [is the normal construction]) send forth, for them with their consent, an arbiter, a just man, from his folk, his kinsmen, and an arbiter from her folk: the husband delegates to his arbiter the [matter of] divorce or the acceptance of compensation in its place, while she delegates to her arbiter the [matter of] separation. The two arbiters do their best and bid the one guilty of the injustice to desist, or they suggest separation if they see fit. Allahu ta’ālā, exalted be He, says, if they, the two arbiters, desire to set things right, Allahu ta’ālā will grant them, the married couple, success, determining for them what constitutes [an act of] obedience, be it reconciliation or separation. Surely Allahu ta’ālā is ever Knower, of everything, Aware, of what is hidden and what is manifested.