p So as to swear frequently by him. The word translated object, properly signifies a butt to shoot at with arrows.3 q Some commentators4 expound this negatively, That ye will not deal justly, nor be devout, &c. For such wicked oaths, they say, were customary among the idolatrous inhabitants of Mecca; which gave occasion to the following saying of Mohammed: When your swear to do a thing, and afterwards find it better to do otherwise, do that which is better, and make void your oath. r When a man swears inadvertently, and without design. s That is, they may take so much time to consider; and shall not, by a rash oath, be obliged actually to divorce them. t i.e., If they be reconciled to their wives within four months, or after, they may retain them, and GOD will dispense with their oath. u This is to be understood of those only with whom the marriage has been consummated; for as to the others there is no time limited. Those who are not quite past childbearing (which a woman is reckoned to be after her courses cease, and she is fifty-five lunar years, or about fifty-three solar years old), and those who are too young to have children, are allowed three months only; but they who are with child must wait till they be delivered.5 x That is, they shall tell the real truth, whether they have their courses, or be with child, or not; and shall not, by deceiving their husband, obtain a separation from him before the term be accomplished: lest the first husband's child should, by that means, go to the second; or the wife, in case of the first husband's death, should set up her child as his heir, or demand her maintenance during the time she went with such child, and the expenses of her lying-in, under pretence that she waited not her full prescribed time.6 y For if there be a settled aversion on either side, their continuing together may have very ill, and perhaps fatal consequences. z i.e., If she prevail on her husband to dismiss her, by releasing part of her dowry. 3 Jallalo'ddin. 4 Idem. Yahya. 5 Jallalo'ddin. 6 Yahya.