You will not be blamed [for not paying the dower money] if you divorce women when you have not yet consummated the marriage or fixed a dower money upon them, but make fair provision for them, the affluent according to his means and the straitened according to his means; this is binding on righteous men. 236 In case you fixed a dower for them and then divorced them before you touched them, you should pay half of the fixed dower. But there is no harm if the woman agrees to forego it or the man, in whose hands is the marriage tie, is generous enough (to pay the dower in full). And if you (men) act generously, it is akin to piety. Do not forget to show generosity in your dealings with one another for Allah sees what you do. 237 Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind). 238 And if you are in fear, then afoot or mounted; but when you are secure, then remember God, as He taught you the things that you knew not. 239 And those of you who die and leave wives behind, they shall make a bequest unto their wives a year's maintenance without their having to go out, then if they go out, then no blame is on you for that which they do with themselves reputably, and Allah is Mighty, Wise. 240 For divorced women a provision in kindness: a duty for those who ward off (evil). 241 Thus Allah makes clear His Ayat (Laws) to you, in order that you may understand. 242