97. it behoveth her to wait for a period of nine months, after which there is no impediment to her taking another husband
In the event of the husband's failure, either to return at the end of the specified period of time or to notify his wife of a delay, the wife must wait nine months, after which she is free to remarry, though it is preferable for her to wait longer (see note 147 for the Baha'i calendar). (210:1)

Baha'u'llah states that, in such circumstances, should news reach the wife of "her husband's death or murder", she must also wait nine months, prior to remarrying (Q and A 27). Abdu'l-Baha, in a Tablet, has further clarified that the nine months' waiting period following news of the husband's death applies only if the husband had been away at the time of his death, and not if he dies while at home. (210:2)

98. she should choose the course that is praiseworthy
Baha'u'llah defines "the course that is praiseworthy" as "the exercise of patience" (Q and A 4). (210:3)

99. two just witnesses
Baha'u'llah sets out "the criterion of justness" in relation to witnesses as "a good reputation among the people". He states that it is not necessary that the witnesses should be Baha'is since "The testimony of all God's servants, of whatever faith or creed, is acceptable before His Throne" (Q and A 79). (210:4)

100. Should resentment or antipathy arise between husband and wife, he is not to divorce her but to bide in patience throughout the course of one whole year
Divorce is strongly condemned in the Baha'i Teachings. If, however, antipathy or resentment develop between the marriage partners, divorce is permissible after the lapse of one full year. During this year of patience, the husband is obliged to provide for the financial support of his wife and children, and the couple is urged to strive to reconcile their differences. Shoghi Effendi affirms that both the husband and wife "have equal right to ask for divorce" whenever either partner "feels it absolutely essential to do so". (210:5)

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