24. And forbidden to you are married women, except such as your right hands possess. This has ALLAH enjoined on you. And allowed to you are those beyond that, that you may seek them by means of your property, marrying them properly and not committing fornication. And for the benefit you receive from them, give them their dowries, as fixed, and there is no blame on you what you do by mutual agreement after the fixing of the dowry. Surely ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise. 25. And whoso of you cannot afford to marry free believing women, let him marry what your right hands possess, namely your believing hand-maids. And ALLAH knows your faith best; you are all one from another; so marry them with the leave of their masters and give them their dowries, according to what is fair, they being chaste, not committing fornication, nor taking secret paramours. And if, after they are married, they are guilty of lewdness, they shall have half the punishment prescribe for free married women. This is for him among you who fears lest he should commit sin. And that you restrain yourselves is better for you; and ALLAH is Most Forgiving, Merciful. 26. ALLAH desires to make clear to you, and guide you to, the path of those before you and to turn to you in mercy. And ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise. |