They will question thee concerning the monthly course. Say: 'It is hurt; so go apart from women during the monthly course, and do not approach them till they are clean. When they have cleansed themselves, then come unto them as God has commanded you.' Truly, God loves those who repent, and He loves those who cleanse themselves. 222 Your women are tilth unto you, so go in unto your tilth as ye list, and provide beforehand for your souls. And fear Allah, and know that ye are going to meet Him; and give thou glad tidings unto the believers. 223 And make not Allah because of your swearing (by Him) an obstacle to your doing good and guarding (against evil) and making peace between men, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. 224 Allah hears everything you utter and knows everything. Allah does not call you to Account for unintentional and meaningless oaths, but will surely take you to task for oaths taken deliberately and in earnest: Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing. 225 For those who swear off from their wives is a awaiting of four months; then if they go back, verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 226 But if they are resolved on divorce - behold, God is all-hearing, all-knowing. 227 And divorced women shall restrain themselves for three menstrual periods; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day; and their husbands have the right to take them back, during this time, if they desire reconciliation; and the women also have rights similar to those of men over them, in accordance with Islamic law – and men have superiority over them; and Allah is Almighty, Wise. 228