peace Sarah,
58:1 literally says God has heard the speech of one who complains/argues with
you (tujādilu
ka), and it is singular, so it is highly likely to be the prophet, who was the authority or part of it.
It is not only the citing to an authority in 58:1-4 that provided a link, it is also the situation the wife complains about, as she is stuck/suspended, and this is identical to what is implied in 4:129. As Ace Ventura would say
"like a glove!"peace yget,
Just ensuring you were aware of the fallacy, that's all
As the saying goes: "the proof is in the tasting of the pudding."
I've added your clarification, but with "possible" instead of "successful", thanks.
I agree that a cooling-off period is helpful, and it can be done according to AQ, but the reason why "leave them" is forced into becoming leave the house or separation, is that we already have "abandon them in bed/bedroom", thus an escalation would be separating from them, as in out of the house. Evidence for this can be found in traditional commentaries, thus it could be argued this is a possible alternative answer. In 2:226, the "swearing away" strongly implies sexually due to context.
And of course the couple can separate if they wish to, however I do not understand your reference to a Quranic civil court as why are they involved and how did this come about is not explained.
Re: evidence from traditional sources
Well, I only know a
fraction of the traditional commentaries, however, the understanding is implied (e.g. how do commentators say or think the authority is notified of the marital problem prior to appointing arbitration?). The notification mechanism is blatantly obvious, perhaps so obvious they do not feel a need to mention it, but it can be seen from 58:1.
QuoteAnother question would be, if the authority declared one group in the wrong and that group wanted to initiate divorce because of this, and the other party wanted to initiate reconciliation after being declared wrong, a process the wronged party declines, would the wronged party still be free of paying a divorce fee?
Can you clarify what you mean here?