[2:228] Divorced women shall wait by themselves for three periods.
He commanded divorced women to wait, out of respect for spousal relations, meaning, 'if the relationship has been cut off between the two of you, observe the condition of fulfilling [the waiting period] for the sake of what occurred in the past in the relationship. Do not put others quickly in place of [the spouse]. Be patient until the allotted period has passed.' Don't you see that the bride whose marriage was not consummated is not commanded to undergo a waiting period, since there were no spousal relations between the two of them?
[2:228 cont'd] And it is not lawful for them to hide what God has created in their wombs if they believe in God and the Last Day.
It means that even if the tie between the two of you has been severed, do not severe what God has established in the parental relationship.
[2:228 cont'd] Their mates have a better right to restore them
It means that the one who had the prior relationship has a better right to restore the breach in the marriage.
[2:228 cont'd] in such time if they desire to set things right;
It means that the [husband's] intention to return should be to set things right in the estrangement that occurred, not to prolong the waiting period for her if he has resolved to divorce her after he has taken her back.
[2:228 cont'd] women shall have rights similar to those due from them, with justice;
It means if he has a right over her for what he has expended in wealth, she has a right for prior service in the situation.
[2:228 cont'd] but their men have a degree above them; God is Mighty, Wise.
[He has the degree] in merit (fa?īla), but she has a prerogative (mazīya) in frailty and human weakness.