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Muhammad Asad   
However, he who does not have the wherewithal shall fast [instead] for two consecutive months before the couple may touch one another again; and he who is unable to do it shall feed sixty needy ones: this, so that you might prove your faith in God and His Apostle. Now these are the bounds set by God; and grievous suffering [in the life to come] awaits all who deny the truth
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
But if the husband cannot afford this, let him then fast two consecutive months before the couple touch each other. But if he is unable ˹to fast˺, then let him feed sixty poor people. This is to re-affirm your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah. And the disbelievers will suffer a painful punishment.
Safi Kaskas   
But he who does not find the means, must fast for two months consecutively before touching one another. And if he is unable, then he should feed sixty needy people. This is to affirm your faith in God and His Messenger. These are the limits set by God. And the unbelievers will have a painful punishment.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
فَمَن لَّمۡ یَجِدۡ فَصِیَامُ شَهۡرَیۡنِ مُتَتَابِعَیۡنِ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن یَتَمَاۤسَّاۖ فَمَن لَّمۡ یَسۡتَطِعۡ فَإِطۡعَامُ سِتِّینَ مِسۡكِینࣰاۚ ذَ ٰلِكَ لِتُؤۡمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦۚ وَتِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِۗ وَلِلۡكَـٰفِرِینَ عَذَابٌ أَلِیمٌ ۝٤
Transliteration (2021)   
faman lam yajid faṣiyāmu shahrayni mutatābiʿayni min qabli an yatamāssā faman lam yastaṭiʿ fa-iṭ'ʿāmu sittīna mis'kīnan dhālika litu'minū bil-lahi warasūlihi watil'ka ḥudūdu l-lahi walil'kāfirīna ʿadhābun alīmu
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Then whoever (does) not find, then fasting (for) two months consecutively from before [that] they both touch each other. But (he) who not is able then (the) feeding (of) sixty needy one(s). That - so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and these (are the) limits (of) Allah, and for the disbelievers (is) a punishment painful.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
However, he who does not have the wherewithal shall fast [instead] for two consecutive months before the couple may touch one another again; and he who is unable to do it shall feed sixty needy ones: this, so that you might prove your faith in God and His Apostle. Now these are the bounds set by God; and grievous suffering [in the life to come] awaits all who deny the truth
M. M. Pickthall   
And he who findeth not (the wherewithal), let him fast for two successive months before they touch one another; and for him who is unable to do so (the penance is) the feeding of sixty needy ones. This, that ye may put trust in Allah and His messenger. Such are the limits (imposed by Allah); and for disbelievers is a painful doom
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
And if any has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger. Those are limits (set by) Allah. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous Penalty
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
But if the husband cannot afford this, let him then fast two consecutive months before the couple touch each other. But if he is unable ˹to fast˺, then let him feed sixty poor people. This is to re-affirm your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah. And the disbelievers will suffer a painful punishment.
Safi Kaskas   
But he who does not find the means, must fast for two months consecutively before touching one another. And if he is unable, then he should feed sixty needy people. This is to affirm your faith in God and His Messenger. These are the limits set by God. And the unbelievers will have a painful punishment.
Wahiduddin Khan   
and anyone who does not have the means must fast for two consecutive months before they touch each other, and who is not able to do that must feed sixty needy people. That is to affirm your faith in God and His messenger. These are the limits set by God. Those who deny the truth shall have a painful punishment
Shakir   
But whoever has not the means, let him fast for two months successively before they touch each other; then as for him who is not able, let him feed sixty needy ones; that is in order that you may have faith in Allah and His Messenger, and these are Allah's limits, and the unbelievers shall have a painful punishment
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
He who finds not such means then, formal fasting for two successive months before they both touch one another. And for him who is unable to fast, the feeding of sixty needy persons. That is so that you believe in God and His Messenger. And those are the ordinances of God. And for the ones who are ungrateful, a painful punishment.
T.B.Irving   
Whoever does not find such [a captive to free], should then fast for two consecutive months before either of them may touch one another. Anyone who is still unable [to conform] should then feed sixty paupers. That is [laid down] so you may believe in God and His messenger; such are God´s limits. Disbelievers will have painful torment!
Abdul Hye   
And he who does not find (money for freeing a captive), then must fast for 2 successive months before they both touch each other. For him who is unable to do so (fast), he shall feed 60 poor people. This is (enjoined) in order that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits of Allah. For disbelievers, there is a painful punishment.
The Study Quran   
And whosoever finds not [the means], let him fast two consecutive months before they touch one another. And whosoever is unable, let him feed sixty indigent people. That is so that you may believe in God and His Messenger. These are the limits set by God, and the disbelievers shall have a painful punishment
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Whoever doesn’t find the means, he must fast for two consecutive months before they may touch each other. If he is unable, then he must feed sixty needy people. This is to affirm your faith in God and His Messenger. These are the limits God sets, and there is a severe punishment for the unbelievers.
Talal Itani (2012)   
But whoever cannot find the means must fast for two consecutive months before they may touch one another. And if he is unable, then the feeding of sixty needy people. This, in order that you affirm your faith in God and His Messenger. These are the ordinances of God. The unbelievers will have a painful punishment
Dr. Kamal Omar   
And that who found not (for freeing one person from some sort of bondage), then (for such a one the replacement is) fasts for two consequitive months before (the stage) that they two came in physical contact (in matrimonial relations). So, that person who finds not the capacity (even for this 2nd form of ransom) then (for him is) ‘providing food’ to sixty needy persons. This (law is framed) so that you people may develop Faith in Allah and His Messenger. And these are the limits set by Allah. And for disbelievers: (there is) a painful torment
M. Farook Malik   
He that has no slave, shall fast two consecutive months before they touch each other. He that cannot fast, shall feed sixty poor people. This is enjoined so that you may have faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah, and the violators shall have a painful punishment
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Yet whoever does not find (a neck), then let him fast two months (Literally: there should be fasting of two months) following each other even before the two of them touch one another. So for him who is unable (to do so), then feeding sixty indigent persons is (incumbent on him). That (is so) that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger. And such are the bounds of Allah, and for the disbelievers is a painful torment
Muhammad Sarwar   
If one cannot set free a slave, he must fast for two consecutive months, and only then can he have lawful carnal relations. If this is also not possible, he must feed sixty destitute people. This is the command of God, so that perhaps you will have faith in God and His Messenger. Such are the Laws of God, and those who disbelieve them will suffer a painful torment
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
But whoever does not find (a slave) has to fast for two consecutive months before the two (spouses) touch one another. Then the one who is not able to do so has to feed sixty indigent persons. This is (laid down) so that you believe in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah; and for the disbelievers there is a painful punishment
Shabbir Ahmed   
However, he who does not have the means thereof, let him resort to Abstinence (as in the month of Ramadan) for two consecutive months before the couple may 'touch' each other. And if he is unable to do that either, he should arrange the feeding of sixty needy ones. This is so that you might be true to your faith in Allah and His Messenger. Now these are the bounds ordained by Allah. And for the deniers of the Divine Commands is a painful doom
Dr. Munir Munshey   
And the one who does not find (the resources to free a slave), must observe fasts daily for two consecutive months before the couple may touch each other. He who lacks the ability to fast should feed sixty poor people. This is so you may have faith in Allah and His messenger! These are the limits set by Allah. For the unbelievers there is a painful punishment
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
And if any (man) does not have (the means to free a slave), he should fast for two successive months (every day) continuously before they touch each other. And if anyone is unable to do so, he should feed sixty persons in need. This is (commanded to be) so, that you may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger. And these are the limits (set by) Allah. For those who disbelieve (in Him), there is a painful penalty
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah . And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
If he cannot find any, then he shall fast two consecutive months before any sexual contact between them. If he cannot, then he shall feed sixty poor people. That is so you would believe in God and His messenger. And these are the limits set by God. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution
Abdel Haleem   
but anyone who does not have the means should fast continuously for two months before they touch each other, and anyone unable to do this should feed sixty needy people. This is so that you may [truly] have faith in God and His Messenger. These are the bounds set by God: grievous torment awaits those who ignore them
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
And whosoever findeth not a slave to free on him is the fasting for two months in succession before the twain touch each other, and on him who is not able to do so is the feeding of sixty needy ones. That is in order that ye may believe in Allah and His apostle; and these are the ordinances of Allah. And for the infidels is a torment afflictive
Ahmed Ali   
If one does not have the means (of doing so) then he should fast for two months continuously before he has physical contact; but any one who is unable to do so, should feed sixty needy persons. This (is enjoined) so that you may be faithful to God and His Apostle. These are the limits set by God. As for the unbelievers, there is painful punishment for them
Aisha Bewley   
Anyone who cannot find the means must fast for two consecutive months before the two of them may touch one another again. And anyone who is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people. That is to affirm your iman in Allah and His Messenger. These are Allah´s limits. The kafirun will have a painful punishment.
Ali Ünal   
Whoever does not find (means to do that), let him fast two (lunar) months consecutively before they (the spouses) touch each other. And he that is not able to do so, (his penance shall be) to feed sixty destitute ones (two meals). This is in order that you perfect your faith in God and His Messenger (so that you believe in the truth of whatever God has enjoined and His Messenger conveyed to you, and live accordingly). These are the bounds of God. And for the unbelievers there is a painful punishment
Ali Quli Qara'i   
He who can not afford [to free a slave] shall fast for two successive months before they may touch each other. If he cannot [do so], he shall feed sixty needy persons. This, that you may have faith in Allah and His Apostle. These are Allah’s bounds, and there is a painful punishment for the faithless
Hamid S. Aziz   
But whoever has not the means, let him fast for two successive months before they touch each other. And as for him who is unable to do so, let him feed sixty needy ones. This is in order that you may have faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the l
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
And if someone does not find (a slave) then fasting for two consecutive months before touching each other. And anyone who cannot (fast), then feeding sixty needy (people). This is for you to believe in God and His messenger, and this is the limits set by God, and disbelievers will have a painful punishment.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
And if any do not have the means, he should fast for two months consecutively, before they touch each other, but if any are unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, in order that you may show your belief in God and His messenger. Those are limits set by God, and for those who reject Him, there is a terrible penalty
Musharraf Hussain   
Anyone who can’t do this must fast for two consecutive months, before sleeping together. If he is unable to do that, then he should feed sixty needy people. This will be a proof of your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the boundaries of Allah. And for the disbelievers is painful punishment
Maududi   
And he who does not find a slave (to free), shall fast for two months consecutively before they may touch each other; and he who is unable to do so shall feed sixty needy people. All this is in order that you may truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. These are the bounds set by Allah; and a grievous chastisement awaits the unbelievers
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
If he cannot find any, then he shall fast two consecutive months before any sexual contact between them. If he cannot, then he shall feed sixty poor people. That is so you would believe in God and His messenger. And these are the boundaries set by God. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution
Mohammad Shafi   
Then he who finds not (a slave to free), let him fast for two successive months before they [husband and wife] touch each other. And for him who is unable to do so, the feeding of sixty needy persons [is the penance]. This, in order that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger. And this is the Law prescribed by Allah. And for those who suppress the Truth, there is a painful punishment

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
But whoso finds not a slave he should fast for two months continuously before they touch each other, and if any one is unable to fast, then he should feed sixty Poor people This is so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits of Allah, and for the infidels is a painful torment.
Rashad Khalifa   
If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall fast two consecutive months before resuming sexual relations. If you cannot fast, then you shall feed sixty poor people. You shall believe in GOD and His messenger. These are GOD's laws. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
He who is unable shall fast for two successive months before they touch one another. If he is unable to do this, let him feed sixty needy people that, so that you believe in Allah and His Messenger. Such are the bounds of Allah. There is a painful punishment awaiting the unbelievers
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
But he who has not the means, should fast for two months successively before they touch one another, and he who is unable to do so should feed sixty needy ones. That is in order that you may have faith in Allah and His Messenger. And these are Allah’s limits. And for the disbelievers is a painful chastisement
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
So who did not find, so fasting two months following each other (continuous) from before that they (B) touch each other, so who was not able, so feeding sixty poorest of poor/poor oppressed, that (is) to believe in God and His messenger, and those are God's limits/boundaries , and to the disbelievers a painful torture
Bijan Moeinian   
If such a man is not wealthy enough to free a slave, he should fast two consecutive months. If he is not physically fit to do so, he has to feed sixty needy ones. This is to increase your faith in God. The unbelievers who do not obey the laws of your Lord, will certainly deserve His punishment
Faridul Haque   
So one who cannot find a slave, must then fast for two successive months before they touch one another; and one who cannot even fast, must then feed sixty needy ones; this is in order that you keep faith in Allah and His Noble Messenger; and these are the limits of Allah; and for the disbelievers is a painful punishment
Sher Ali   
But he who does not find a slave, he must fast for two consecutive months, before they touch one another. And he who is not able to do so shall feed sixty poor people. This is enjoined on you so that you may have faith in ALLAH and HIS Messenger. And these are the limits prescribed by ALLAH; and for the disbelievers is a painful punishment
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
But the one who does not find (a slave) must fast for two consecutive months (as an obligation) before they touch each other. Then someone who is unable to do that must feed sixty poor people (under obligation). That is in order that you may keep your belief in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). And these are the limits (set by) Allah. And there is a painful punishment for the disbelievers
Amatul Rahman Omar   
He that cannot afford (a slave to be set free) shall then (observe) fasts for two consecutive months before he and his wife touch each other (for conjugal relationship). But he who has not even the strength (to fast for that time) shall feed sixty poor people. This has been so (ordained) that you may have faith in Allah and really submit before Him and His Messenger. These are the limits (enjoining you to give up foul practices and injustice to women) prescribed by Allah. And the deniers of these shall receive grievous punishment
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
And he who finds not (the money for freeing a slave) must fast two successive months before they both touch each other. And for him who is unable to do so, he should feed sixty of Miskeen (poor). That is in order that you may have perfect Faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah. And for disbelievers, there is a painful torment

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
But whosoever finds not the means, then let him fast two successive months, before the two of them touch one another. And if any man is not able to, then let him feed sixty poor persons -- that, that you may believe in God and His Messenger. Those are God's bounds; and for the unbelievers there awaits yet a painful chastisement
George Sale   
And whoso findeth not a captive to redeem, shall observe a fast of two consecutive months, before they touch one another. And whoso shall not be able to fast that time, shall feed threescore poor men, This is ordained you, that ye may believe in God and his apostle. These are the statutes of God: And for the unbelievers is prepared a grievous torment
Edward Henry Palmer   
But he who finds not (the means):- then a fast for two months consecutively, before they touch each other; and he who cannot endure that:- then the feeding of sixty poor folk. That is that ye may believe in God and His Apostle; and these are the bounds of God; and for the misbelievers is grievous woe
John Medows Rodwell   
And he who findeth not a captive to set free, shall fast two months in succession before they two come together. And he who shall not be able to do so, shall feed sixty poor men. This, that he may believe in God and His Apostle. These are the statutes of God: and for the unbelievers is an afflictive chastisement
N J Dawood (2014)   
He that has no slave shall fast two successive months before they touch one another. He that cannot shall feed sixty of the destitute. Thus it is, so that you may believe in God and His apostle. Such are the bounds set by God. Woeful punishment awaits the unbelievers

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
And whosoever does not find the means [to free a bondsman] then he must fast two consecutive months before they touch one another and whosoever is not able [to fast two consecutive months] then he must feed sixty needy ones. That is so in order that you may affirm your belief in Allah and in His messenger and these are the boundaries set by Allah and as for those who disbelieve, for them is a painful punishment.
Munir Mezyed   
However, the one who cannot find (a slave to free) must fast for two consecutive months before they touch each other. In case he cannot fast, then he should feed sixty needy ones. This is the command of Allâh so that you may have perfect trust in Allâh and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allâh. Those who are spiritually dead and blind will be subjected to a painful punishment.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
And who is unable, he must fast two consecutive months before the two touch, and he who does not find (the means) must feed sixty poor, that is in order for you to believe in Allah and His messenger, and these are the limits of Allah, and for those who reject (the truth) is a painful punishment.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
If someone does not have the ability [to free a slave], he should fast for two consecutive months before reconciliation. If someone is unable (to fast for two months), he should feed sixty people in need. This is so you may put your trust in Allah and His messenger. These are Allah’s limitations. The unbelievers will have a painful punishment.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
But whoever cannot find the means must fast for two consecutive months before they may touch one another, and if he is unable—then the feeding of sixty destitute people. This is to affirm yourpl faith in Allah and His Messenger, and these are the limits of Allah. And for the deniers is a painful punishment.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Whoever does not find such [a captive to free], should then fast for two consecutive months before either of them may touch one another. Anyone who is still unable [to conform] should then feed sixty paupers. That is [laid down] so you may believe in Allah (God) and His messenger; such are Allah (God)'s limits. Disbelievers will have painful torment!
Samy Mahdy   
So, whoever cannot find (the means) so he must fast for two consecutive months before they touch each other; and who is incapable, so (he) feeds sixty needy persons. That is to believe in Allah and His Messenger; and these are Allah’s limits. And for the infidels is a painful torment.
Ahmed Hulusi   
He who cannot find a slave to free, must fast for two months consecutively before he can have relations with his wife. And he who is unable (to fast for two months as atonement) must feed sixty needy people... These (laws) are for you to experience your faith in your essential reality, Allah and His Rasul; these are the limits set by Allah. And for those who deny the knowledge of the reality there is severe suffering.
Mir Aneesuddin   
But he who does not find (a slave) then he should fast for two months successively before they touch each other, but he who is not capable (to fast), should feed sixty needy ones. That (should be done, if you claim) that you believe in Allah and His messenger, and those are the limits of Allah. And there will be a painful punishment for the infidels. be a painful punishment for the infidels.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
And he, who does not have the means to do so, will have to fast by way a penitence for two successive months (dawn to sunset) before touching his wife, and if he is unable to fast, he may feed sixty indigent persons with desire and intention of amendment and repentance; this is to make you believe in Allah and His Messenger with hearts impressed with the image of religious and spiritual virtues. These are the limitations imposed by Allah; and those who deny Him shall be destined to suffer a condign punishment

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
And if any has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in God and His Apostle. Those are limits (set by) God. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous Penalty
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Then whoever (does) not find, then fasting (for) two months consecutively before [that] they both touch each other. But (he) who not is able then (the) feeding (of) sixty needy one(s). That - so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and these (are the) limits (of) Allah, and for the disbelievers (is) a punishment painful
OLD Transliteration   
Faman lam yajid fasiyamu shahrayni mutatabiAAayni min qabli an yatamassa faman lam yastatiAA fa-itAAamu sitteena miskeenan thalika litu/minoo biAllahi warasoolihi watilka hudoodu Allahi walilkafireena AAathabun aleemun