In this part of our commentary we review the third verse of Surah al-Mujadilah which reads: "Those who declare their wives unlawful for them (by using that abhorred expression) and thereafter wish to go back on the words they have uttered must free a slave before they (the spouses) have physical contact with each other. This is what you are urged to do. And Allāh is fully aware of what you do (so do not seek to evade this act of penance and expiation for your wrong-doing)."