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And when (idh is dependent because of [an implied preceding] udhkur, 'mention [when]') you said to him to whom Allahu ta’ālā had shown favour, by [guiding him to] Islam, and to whom you [too] had shown favour: by manumitting him - this was Zayd b. Hāritha, who had been a prisoner of war before [the coming of] Islam (in the period of al-jāhiliyya). The Messenger (rasūl) of Allahu ta’ālā purchased him before his call to prophethood, and then manumitted him and adopted him as his son - 'Retain your wife for yourself and fear Allahu ta’ālā', before divorcing her. But you had hidden in your heart what Allahu ta’ālā was to disclose, [what] He was to manifest of your love for her and of [the fact] that should Zayd part with her you would marry her, and you feared people, would say, 'He has married his son's wife!', though Allahu ta’ālā is worthier that you should fear Him, in all things, so take her in marriage and do not be concerned with what people say. Zayd subsequently divorced her and her [obligatory] waiting period was completed. Allahu ta’ālā, exalted be He, says: So when Zayd had fulfilled whatever need he had of her, We joined her in marriage to you - the Prophet consummated his marriage with her without [the customary] permission [from her legal Guardian (wakīl)] and gratified the Muslims with [a feast of] bread and meat - so that there may not be any restriction for the believers in respect of the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have fulfilled whatever wish they have of them. And Allah’s commandment, that which He has decreed, is bound to be realised.