There is no sin in divorcing your wives before the consummation of marriage or settling the dowry; but then provide adequately for them, the affluent according to their means, the poor in accordance with theirs as is befitting. This is surely the duty of those who do good. 236 If you divorce your wives before the consummation of the marriage and the amount of dowry has been fixed, pay your wives half of the amount of their dowry unless she or her guardians drop their demand for payment. To drop such a demand is closer to piety. Be generous to each other. God is Well-Aware of what you do. 237 Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient. 238 And if you fear, then (pray) on foot or riding. But when you are safe, then remember Allah, as He has taught you what you did not know. 239 Those who die and leave wives behind should bequeath to them a year's maintenance without causing them to leave their homes; but if they leave, no blame shall be attached to you in what they do with themselves kindly. Allah is Mighty and Wise. 240 And for divorced women also, is a complete provision in reasonable manner; this is a duty upon the pious. 241 Thus does God explain His revelations to you so that perhaps you will have understanding. 242