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 them before the marriage is consummated, but after their dower money has been settled, give them the half of their dower money, unless they [the women] agree to forego it, or the man [the husband] in whose hand lies the marriage knot foregoes it. To forego is nearer to righteousness. Do not neglect any chance of behaving benevolently towards each other. God is observant of whatever you do. 237 Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah. 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 And those of you who die and leave wives behind, (make) a bequest in favor of their wives of maintenance for a year without turning (them) out, then if they themselves go away, there is no blame on you for what they do of lawful deeds by themselves, and Allah is Mighty, Wise. 240 And for the divorced women shall be a reputable present: and duty on the God-fearing. 241 Thus Allah expoundeth unto you His revelations so that ye may understand. 242