(236) “There is no blame upon you if you divorce women before consummating the marriage or fixing a bridal gift for them. But provide for them—the man of ample means according to his means, and the man of limited means according to his means—a fair provision, an obligation upon those who do good.”

That is: Husbands, you incur no blame or sin by divorcing women before consummating the marriage and fixing the bridal gift. Although this causes her distress, it is remedied by a parting gift. You must therefore provide for them by giving them some wealth to console their hearts. “The man of ample means according to his means, and the man of limited means”—that is, the man in financial difficulty—“according to his means.”

This is determined by customary practice and varies according to people’s circumstances. Hence He says, “A fair provision.” This is an obligatory right “upon those who do good,” and they may not deprive the women of what is due to them.

For just as the husbands caused them to look forward eagerly, to yearn, and to become emotionally attached, but then did not give them what they desired, they must provide them with a parting gift in return.

How perfect this divine ruling is, and how clearly it demonstrates the wisdom and mercy of the One who ordained it! “Who is better than Allah in judgment for a people of certain faith?” This, then, is the ruling concerning women divorced before consummation and before a bridal gift has been fixed.

He then mentioned the ruling concerning those for whom a bridal gift had been fixed, saying: