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 guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah. 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 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 Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you might use reason. 242