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 And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already specified for them an obligation, then [give] half of what you specified - unless they forego the right or the one in whose hand is the marriage contract foregoes it. And to forego it is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget graciousness between you. Indeed Allah, of whatever you do, is Seeing. 237 Be ever mindful of prayers, especially the middle prayer; and stand up before God in submissive devotion. 238 And if ye fear, then pray on foot or riding; then when ye are secure, remember Allah in the way He hath taught you which ye ever knew not. 239 And those of you who die, leaving wives, let them make testament for their wives, provision for a year without expulsion; but if they go forth, there is no fault in you what they may do with themselves honourably; God is All-mighty, All-wise. 240 There shall be for divorced women provision honourable -- an obligation on the godfearing. 241 Thus does God explain His revelations to you so that perhaps you will have understanding. 242