70. Forgoing Mahar by men is desirable.

The verse (2:237) of the Quran says ‘For you (men) foregoing the Mahar offered by you is desirable. 

Exegetes differ in interpreting the word ‘You’ in this verse as either wife or husband. 

The phrase ‘Foregoing is desirable for you’ denotes men is the correct analyses.

If a divorce takes place before the consummation of marriage, men must pay half the Mahar agreed. Men should come forward to hand out the entire amount or in fact more than that. 

In Arabic, the word ‘you’ is used in two different contexts with word structures while referring the two sexes

Here the word structure used refers to men. 

Hence it must be taken as foregoing Mahar by men as desirable. 

In continuation the Quran says foregoing Mahar takes you close to being devout. ‘And do not forget there is greatness in some amongst you.’ This refers to the greatness in women. Foregoing of Mahar is considered desirable by men. 

Though most explanations given by others for this verse represent both sexes, we find this mistaken on literary grounds as well on the demands of sense of justice. This verse 2:237 of the Quran stresses the need on the part of men to show generosity. When the woman is considered a victim of divorce, Allah would not wish her to waive.

To know more about divorce please refer explanations points 66, 69, 74, 386, 402, 424