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wa-lā junāḥa ʿalaykum fī-mā ʿarraḍtum bihī min khiṭbati n-nisāʾi ʾaw ʾaknantum fī ʾanfusikum ʿalima llāhu ʾannakum sa-tadhkurūnahunna wa-lākin lā tuwāʿidūhunna sirran ʾillā ʾan taqūlū qawlan maʿrūfan wa-lā taʿzimū ʿuqdata n-nikāḥi ḥattā yablugha l-kitābu ʾajalahū wa-ʿlamū ʾanna llāha yaʿlamu mā fī ʾanfusikum fa-ḥdharūhu wa-ʿlamū ʾanna llāha ghafūrun ḥalīmun
There is no sin upon you in what you may hint in proposing to [recently widowed] women, or what you may secretly cherish within your hearts. Allah knows that you will be thinking of them, but do not make troth with them secretly, unless you say honourable words, and do not resolve on a marriage tie until the prescribed term is complete. Know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, so beware of Him; and know that Allah is all-forgiving, all-forbearing.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 235
235. "There is no sin on you if you make an indirect proposal of marriage to (such) women, or keep concealed (the intention) to yourselves; Allah knows that you will think of them; but make no promise to them in secret, unless you speak in fairness. And do not resolve on a wedlock until the prescribed period is completed, and know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, so beware of Him; and know that Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing."
Can Widows Be Engaged during Warning Period?
As to the foregoing Qur'anic discussion about the waiting-period of women after their husband's death, in this verse, one of the important ordinances in relation to the widows in their waiting-period is pointed out. It says:
It is, in fact, a natural phenomenon that a woman may think of her future fate after the death of her husband. And, on the other hand, some men may also be in thought of marriage with them because of easier conditions that widows usually have. Then, continuing the subject, the verse says:
It is certain that if a person confirms a wedlock which is during the waiting-period, it is totally invalid / batil /, Moreover, if he does it intentionally, that action causes the woman to be unlawful / haram / to him forever. Then, it follows saying:
That is, Allah does not hasten to punish His servants, because He is 'Forbearing' about what they do.