It is no sin if you divorce your wives while you have not yet touched them or fixed any dower for them. In such a case, pay them something anyhow. A rich man should pay fairly according to his means and a poor man according to his resources, for this is an obligation on the righteous people. 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 Pay due attention to your prayers, especially the middle prayer and stand up while praying, in obedience to God. 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 IF any of you die and leave wives behind, they bequeath thereby to their widows [the right to] one year's maintenance without their being obliged to leave [the dead husband's home]. If, however, they leave [of their own accord,] there shall be no sin in whatever they may do with themselves in a lawful manner. And God is almighty, wise. 240 Likewise, the divorced women should also be given something in accordance with the known fair standard. This is an obligation upon the God-fearing people. 241 So God makes clear His signs for you; haply you will understand. 242