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 And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have appointed for them a portion, then (pay to them) half of what you have appointed, unless they relinquish or he should relinquish in whose hand is the marriage tie; and it is nearer to righteousness that you should relinquish; and do not neglect the giving of free gifts between you; surely Allah sees what you do. 237 Be wakeful of your service of prayer, and the midmost service; and honour God by standing before Him in devotion. 238 And if you are in fear, then afoot or mounted; but when you are secure, then remember God, as He taught you the things that you knew not. 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 the divorced women, too, shall have [a right to] maintenance in a goodly manner: this is a duty for all who are conscious of God. 241 Allah thus makes clear to you His communications that you may understand. 242