There is no sin in divorcing your wives before the consummation of marriage or settling the dowry; but then provide adequately for them, the affluent according to their means, the poor in accordance with theirs as is befitting. This is surely the duty of those who do 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 Guard all your prayers, and the middle prayer; and stand with reverence before Allah. 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 of you, who shall die and leave wives behind them, should make a will to the effect that they should be provided with a year's maintenance and should not be turned out of their homes. But if they leave their homes of their own accord, you shall not be answerable for whatever they choose for themselves in a fair way; Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise. 240 Provision should be made for divorced women with kindness. That is a right on the cautious. 241 In this wise Allah expoundeth unto you His commandments, haply ye may reflect. 242