An-Nisâ' (Surah 4)
An-Nisâ' (Women)
Madni SurahIntroduction
This sûrah focuses on the rights of women (hence the sûrah’s name), the law of inheritance, care for orphans, lawful and unlawful women to marry, and standing for justice (see the remarkable example of justice to a Jew in verses 105-112). As the sûrah progresses, the focus shifts to the etiquette of striving in the cause of Allah and the relationship between Muslims and the People of the Book, culminating in a rebuttal to the claims about the crucifixion and divinity of Jesus (ﷺ). Like the previous and the next sûrahs, this sûrah also deals with the issue of hypocrisy—a common theme in many other Medinian sûrahs. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Commitment to Allah and Kinship Ties
1. O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and (honour) family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you.
Surah 4 - An-Nisâ' (Women) - Verses 1-1
Orphans Given back Their Wealth
2. Give orphans their wealth (when they reach maturity), and do not exchange your worthless possessions for their valuables, nor cheat them by mixing their wealth with your own. For this would indeed be a great sin.
Surah 4 - An-Nisâ' (Women) - Verses 2-2
Bridal Gifts
3. If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their (due) rights (if you were to marry them), then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then (content yourselves with) one or those (bondwomen) in your possession. This way you are less likely to commit injustice. 4. Give women (you wed) their due dowries graciously. But if they waive some of it willingly, then you may enjoy it freely with a clear conscience.
Surah 4 - An-Nisâ' (Women) - Verses 3-4
Managing Wealth Responsibly
5. Do not entrust the incapable (among your dependants) with your wealth which Allah has made a means of support for you—but feed and clothe them from it, and speak to them kindly.