(241–242) “Divorced women are entitled to a fair provision—an obligation upon the righteous. Thus Allah makes His signs clear to you so that you may understand.”

That is, every divorced woman is entitled to a fair parting gift. This is an obligation upon every person mindful of Allah, to console her and discharge some of the rights due to her. This parting gift is obligatory for a woman divorced before consummation and before a bridal gift has been fixed; for other divorced women, it is recommended, as explained above. This is the best interpretation offered. It has also been said that the parting gift is obligatory for every divorced woman, based on the general wording of this verse. However, the established rule is that an unqualified text is interpreted in light of a qualified one. It was explained above that Allah made the parting gift obligatory specifically for a woman divorced before the bridal gift was fixed and before consummation.

After Allah Most High had explained these momentous rulings, which embody wisdom and mercy, He reminded His servants of His favor through them, saying: “Thus Allah makes His signs clear to you”—that is, His limits, what He has made lawful and unlawful, and the rulings that benefit you—“so that you may understand” them, recognize them, and grasp their purpose; for whoever understands this will thereby be led to act upon them.

Then Allah Most High said: