[2:229] Divorce is twice;
He calls for the separating of the divorce formula, so that you will not rush to complete the separation. Regarding its meaning it is said;
If I discover that
you have resolved on slaying me
then leave me.
Little by little, I am becoming weaker.
[2:229 cont'd] then honourable retention; or setting free kindly.
Either a gracious relationship or a gracious separation. Bad marital life and the loss of pleasantries through blameworthy character traits are not acceptable on the path (?arīqa) nor is it praiseworthy in the law (sharīʿa).
[2:229 cont'd] It is not lawful for you to take of what you have given them
For surely the report is, 'Anyone who asks for his gift back is like someone asking for his own vomit'. Returning what you have ruined is contemptible.
[2:229 cont'd] unless the couple fear that they may not maintain God's bounds. If you fear they may not maintain God's bounds, neither of them would be at fault if she were to ransom herself.
It means that if the woman wants to free herself from her husband, she is not at fault in what she gives up in wealth, for truly the self is worth everything to its owner. If the man, when he loses the companionship of the woman, could receive something from her, then at least he would receive some wealth for the loss of comfort in the situation.
[2:229 cont'd] Those are God's bounds; do not transgress them. Whoever transgresses God's bounds - those are the evildoers.
These are the good manners (ādāb) which God has taught you and made as a way (sunna) for you, so be mindful of his bounds (ḥudūd) and persist in recognizing His rights (ḥuqūq).