A marital relation can only be resumed after the first and second divorce, otherwise it must be continued with fairness or terminated with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back from women what you have given them unless you are afraid of not being able to observe God's law. In this case, it would be no sin for her to pay a ransom to set herself free from the bond of marriage. These are the laws of God. Do not transgress against them; those who do so are unjust. 229 After a divorce for the third time, it is not lawful for the husband to resume marital relations with her or remarry her until she has been married and divorced by another husband. In that case, there is no sin for the former husband to marry her if they (both) think that they can abide by the law. These are the laws of God. He explains them for the people of knowledge. 230 And when ye have divorced your women, and they have attained their period, then either retain them reputably or let them off kindly; and retain them not to their hurt that ye may trespass; and whosoever doth this assuredly wrongeth his soul. And hold not Allah's commandments in mockery and remember Allah's favour upon you, and that he hath sent down unto you the Book and the wisdom wherewith He exhorted you; and fear Allah, and know that verily Allah is of everything the Knower 231