and therefore recommends as much kindness towards women in the case of divorce as in that of marriage. Again and again stress is laid on this point: “Divorce may be pronounced twice; then keep them in good fellowship or let them go with kindness (iḥsān)” (2:229); “And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed time, then retain them with kindness or set them free with kindness” (2:231); “So when they have reached their prescribed limit, retain them with kindness or dismiss them with kindness” (65:2). Thus woman is to be treated with equal kindness and generosity, whether she is a sharer in a man’s weal or woe as wife, or one from whom he has been compelled to part company. Marital differences, like other differences, may be as often honest as not, but the Holy Qur’ān recommends that the most charitable view of them should be taken.