Is the command to provide *Muta'a* obligatory for a woman whose *mahr* was stipulated but who was divorced before consummation?

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The command to provide *Muta'a* for a woman who had a stipulated *mahr* but was divorced before consummation is understood as being recommendatory (*Mustahabb*). This interpretation reconciles the explicit mention of half the stipulated *mahr* (Quran 2:237) with the general command for *Muta'a* (Quran 2:236). Since the Quran explicitly legislated half the stipulated amount as her due, this specific ruling overrides the general command for *Muta'a* in this specific case, indicating its non-obligation. Furthermore, since *Muta'a* or its substitute is not obligatory for her before separation, it is not obligatory upon separation, similar to a widow.