There is no blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched nor specified for them an obligation. But give them [a gift of] compensation - the wealthy according to his capability and the poor according to his capability - a provision according to what is acceptable, a duty upon the doers of 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 Be ever mindful of prayers, especially the middle prayer; and stand up before God in submissive devotion. 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 among you about to die leaving wives behind, should bequeath a year's maintenance and lodging for them, without expelling them from home. But if they leave (of their own accord), you will not be blamed for what they do with themselves in their own rights. God is all-mighty and all-wise. 240 And for the divorced women shall be a reputable present: and duty on the God-fearing. 241 In this way God makes clear unto you His messages, so that you might [learn to] use your reason. 242