In His words, “For divorced women there is a provision in a fair manner; a duty incumbent upon the God-fearing” (al-Baqarah 2:241), the general wording indicates that every divorced woman is entitled to a parting gift from her husband. If the marriage was not consummated and no dower had been named, the gift is obligatory—as noted earlier—in proportion to the husband’s means, whether affluent or of modest means. If a dower had been stipulated, half of it is due upon divorce, and that half itself counts as the parting gift. In situations other than these, the gift remains an acknowledged right and a gracious, commendable act of kindness,
— because it consoles her and meets the pressing needs that are likely to arise in such a circumstance;
— because it signals that the separation has been carried out honorably;
— because it forestalls quarrels and enmities that so often flare up between people at the time of divorce;
— because it serves as a safeguard, clearing the husband of any potential liabilities toward her;
— and because it facilitates a return or renewal of the marriage should circumstances change and Allah bring about a different outcome.
It offers many other benefits besides.

Allah praised these noble rulings with His words, “Thus does Allah make clear His revelations to you so that you may reason” (al-Baqarah 2:242). He called them “revelations” because they give the clearest proof of His care and kindness toward His servants, and because He has legislated rulings that are sound for every time and place; nothing else can truly reform His servants.