al-Maʿrūf is interpreted in four senses:
1. By al-Maʿrūf, what is meant is the obligatory (farḍ); as in the following verses:
Let those who do not have need act with chastity, and let the poor one
eat according to maʿrūf (that is, the obligatory) (al-Nisāʾ/6)
There is no good in much of their secret talk, except for those who enjoin charity, or maʿrūf (that is, the obligatory). (al-Nisāʾ/114)
2. al-Maʿrūf is used in the sense of a good promise; as in the following verses:
There is no blame upon you for hinting at a proposal to women, or for keeping it within yourselves. (...) But do not make a secret arrangement with them except by speaking a maʿrūf word (that is, making a good promise)! (al-Baqara/235)
And when the relatives (who are not heirs) are present at the division (of inheritance), then provide for them out of it and speak to them a maʿrūf word (that is, make a good promise to them)! (al-Nisāʾ/8)
3. By the word al-Maʿrūf, what is meant is the woman adorning herself after completing her waiting period; as in the following verse:
When they have reached the end of their term (that is, when they have completed their waiting period), there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in accordance with maʿrūf (that is, for the woman who has completed her waiting period to adorn herself, to appear before men who wish to marry her, or to seek such a proposal). (al-Baqara/234)
4. By the term al-Maʿrūf, what is meant is that which is easy for a person; as in the following verses:
Divorced women should be provided for according to maʿrūf (that is, in a manner that is easy or possible for the man [the one who divorces]). This is a duty upon the God-conscious (muttaqīn). (al-Baqara/241)
Provide for them in a maʿrūf manner (that is, give something to the woman you have divorced according to your means and ability / in a way that is easy for you)... This is a duty upon the doers of good (muḥsinīn). (al-Baqara/236)
It is incumbent upon the father (to provide) for the food and clothing of the nursing women (that is, if the woman you have divorced is nursing your child) in a maʿrūf manner (that is, according to his means and ability). (al-Baqara/233)