Surah 4, An-Nisa (The Women), Verses 25-147
Continuing with Surah An-Nisa,
sections 5 to 21.
Surah 4, An-Nisa (The Women)
Section 5: Woman's right over
her property, verses 26-33
"O ye who believe! Squander not
your wealth among yourselves in vanity, except it be a trade by mutual consent,
and kill not one another. Lo! Allah is ever Merciful unto you. Whoso doeth that
through aggression and injustice, we shall cast him into Fire, and that is ever
easy for Allah." (Verses 29-30)
"And covet not the thing in which
Allah hath made some of you excel others. Unto men a fortune from that which
they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned.
(Envy not one another) but ask Allah of His bounty. Lo! Allah is ever Knower of
all things." (Verse 32)
Every believer's property is his own-Islam gives the right to own private
property. Fair-play and honesty in trade has been emphasised, and dishonesty
has been described as killing one another. Furthermore, Allah has preferred
some people over others. There is no place for jealousy and envy because each
will be recompensed in the hereafter justly. There will be no discrimination in
the matter of reward and punishment. In Allah's view, both men and women are
equal.
Section 6: Disagreement and
reconciliation between husband and wife, verses 34-42
"Men are in charge of women,
because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they
spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the
obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from
whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and beat
them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever
High, Exalted, Great." (Verse 34)
Probably the
most controversial verse in the Quran today, or at least one that invites
a lot of debate and discussion. When people attack Islam and try to claim that
it promotes wife-beating, they all site the above verse. I have discussed this
in more detail in an earlier
blog. Suffice to say that once again, there are strict guidelines that need
to be followed as mentioned in the verse and it is also important to remember
that neither the Holy Prophet nor the Ahlul-Bayt ever struck their wives.
"Lo! Allah wrongeth not even of
the weight of an ant; and if there is a good deed, He will double it and will
give (the doer) from His presence an immense reward." (Verse 40)
Every single deed no matter how
big or small will be justly rewarded or punished by Allah.
Section 7: Cleanliness,
external and internal, verses 43-50
"Allah knoweth best (who are)
your enemies. Allah is sufficient as a Guardian, and Allah is sufficient as a
Supporter." (Verse 45)
"Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a
partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He
will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous
sin." (Verse 48)
Section 8: Leaning to injustice
and evil to be avoided, verses 51-59
"Those are they whom Allah hath
cursed, and he whom Allah hath cursed, thou (O Muhammad) wilt find for him no
helper." (Verse 52)
"Lo! Those who disbelieve Our
revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are
consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the
torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise. And as for those who believe and do
good works, We shall make them enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow - to
dwell therein for ever; there for them are pure companions - and We shall make
them enter plenteous shade." (Verses 56-57)
"O ye who believe! Obey Allah,
and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority; and if ye have a
dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and the messenger if ye are
(in truth) believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly
in the end." (Verse 59)
Verse 48 highlights the great sin that is
polytheism, the belief that God has a partner. Such people are cursed by Allah
and there is no help for them, even from the Holy Prophet (Verse 52).
Verse 59 is an extremely important verse, Allah
commands obedience of himself, the Holy Prophet and those "who are
in authority." The people of authority are none other that the
Ahlul-Bayt. So-called Muslim leaders in countries like Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain etc try to use this verse to command respect and obedience
but the violence and tyranny that they display exposes the falsehood in their
claims of authority. (Verse 83 also mentions the same).
Section 9: Hypocrites refuse to
accept the Apostle's judgement, verses 60-70
"We sent no messenger save that
he should be obeyed by Allah's leave. And if, when they had wronged themselves,
they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah, and asked
forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
But nay, by thy Lord, they will not believe (in truth) until they make thee
judge of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike
of that which thou decidest, and submit with full submission." (Verse 64-65)
"And whoever obeys Allah and the
Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of
the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous.
And excellent are those as companions." (Verse
69)
Verses 64-65 again discuss the process of
intermission. It is the will of Allah that people should obey the Holy Prophet.
If the sinners approach the Holy Prophet, he will speak on their behalf to
Allah, because He has given him the authority to intercede on behalf of the
repentant sinners. Allah has also decreed that the Holy Prophet's judgements, decisions
and directions on all matters should be accepted and carried out by his
followers.
"...The steadfast affirmers of
truth, the martyrs and the righteous," in verse 69 refers to Imam Ali (as), Imam Hasan (as),
Imam Husain (as) and the Holy Imams of the Ahlul-Bayt. To be in the company of
the Holy Prophet, Imam Ali (as) and the Holy Imams of the Ahlul-Bayt is the
highest possible elevation, therefore, certainly this is the grace of Allah.
Sections 10 & 11: Believers
to be cautioned & The hypocrites attitude towards the believers, verses
71-87
"Those who believe do battle for
the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols.
So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil's strategy is ever weak." (Verse 76)
"Wheresoever ye may be, death
will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing
befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth
them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from
Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a
happening? Whatever of good befalleth thee (O man) it is from Allah, and
whatever of ill befalleth thee it is from thyself. We have sent thee (Muhammad)
as a messenger unto mankind and Allah is sufficient as Witness." (Verses 78-79)
"Will they not then ponder on the
Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much
incongruity." (Verse 82)
"Whoso interveneth in a good
cause will have the reward thereof, and whoso interveneth in an evil cause will
bear the consequence thereof. Allah overseeth all things." (Verse 85)
Death is certain. It overtakes every human being wheresoever he or she is, even
in the safest of fortresses. The Quran makes it clear that what comes to us of
good is verily from Allah and what comes to us of evil is from our own selves
(our actions).
By using reason, objective observation and independent contemplation every
intelligent person comes to the conclusion that the Quran is a book from Allah,
free from all human conjectures and discrepancies.
Verse 85 encourages the actions of tawalla (doing good,
associating with good people) and tabarra (avoiding
evil and evildoers). Both important concepts in the Islamic faith to help
create a peaceful and harmonious society.
Sections 12 & 13: Dealing
with hypocrites & Murder and its punishment, verses 88-96
"Whoso slayeth a believer of set
purpose, his reward is hell for ever. Allah is wroth against him and He hath
cursed him and prepared for him an awful doom." (Verse 93)
"O ye who believe! When ye go
forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, be careful to discriminate, and say not
unto one who offereth you peace: "Thou art not a believer," seeking
the chance profits of this life (so that ye may despoil him). With Allah are
plenteous spoils. Even thus (as he now is) were ye before; but Allah hath since
then been gracious unto you. Therefore take care to discriminate. Allah is ever
Informed of what ye do." (Verse 94)
"Those of the believers who sit
still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality
with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah
hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the
sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those
who strive a great reward above the sedentary; Degrees of rank from Him, and
forgiveness and mercy. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Verses 95-96)
Verse 93 contains the law for the killer of a
believer. If the punishment for the murder of an ordinary believer is eternal
damnation, what will be the fate of the killers of the Ahlul-Bayt?
Verses 95-96 were revealed when certain companions
of the Holy Prophet refused to join the Prophet in his expedition to Tabuk.
Allah has exalted those in rank, who fight for the faith with their wealth and
selves, over those who sit idle (holding back). For the soldiers of Allah there
are higher ranks with Him.
Sections 14 & 15: Believers
remaining with the enemy & To cut short prayer while travelling, verses
97-104
"Whoso migrateth for the cause of
Allah will find much refuge and abundance in the earth, and whoso forsaketh his
home, a fugitive unto Allah and His messenger, and death overtaketh him, his
reward is then incumbent on Allah. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Verse 100)
"And when ye go forth in the
land, it is no sin for you to curtail (your) worship if ye fear that those who
disbelieve may attack you. In truth the disbelievers are an open enemy to
you." (Verse 101)
"When ye have performed the act
of worship, remember Allah, standing, sitting and reclining. And when ye are in
safety, observe proper worship. Worship at fixed times hath been enjoined on
the believers" (Verse 103)
If the proper observation of
the obligations of the faith is not possible in the land of one's birth and
dwelling, one can migrate to some other place on Allah's wide and spacious
earth.
Verse 101 refers to the concept of Qasr prayers
when travelling, with verse 102 going no to describe how to perform
prayers during time of battle. Verse 103 continues with the reminder to
remember Allah at all times and the confirmation of specific prayer times.
Section 16: Not to side the
dishonest, verses 105-112
"Yet whoso doeth evil or wrongeth
his own soul, then seeketh pardon of Allah, will find Allah Forgiving,
Merciful. Whoso committeth sin committeth it only against himself. Allah is
ever Knower, Wise. And whoso committeth a delinquency or crime, then throweth
(the blame) thereof upon the innocent, hath burdened himself with falsehood and
a flagrant crime." (Verses 110-112)
Verses 105-114 refer to the Jews of Ubayraq who
constantly tried to undermine and resist the teachings of the Holy Prophet. The
verses I've highlighted above ensure that each is responsible for their own
deeds and cannot be transferred - as always, Allah knows best.
Sections 17 & 18: Secret
counsels of the hypocrites & Idolatry prohibited, verses 113-126
"And whoso opposeth the messenger
after the guidance (of Allah) hath been manifested unto him, and followeth
other than the believer's way, We appoint for him that unto which he himself
hath turned, and expose him unto hell - a hapless journey's end!" (Verse 115)
"...they pray to none else than
Satan, a rebel Whom Allah cursed, and he said: Surely I will take of Thy
bondmen an appointed portion, And surely I will lead them astray, and surely I
will arouse desires in them, and surely I will command them and they will cut
the cattle' ears, and surely I will command them and they will change Allah's
creation. Whoso chooseth Satan for a patron instead of Allah is verily a loser
and his loss is manifest." (Verses 117-119)
Verses 117-122 speak openly about the dangers of
Shaitan. Shaitan declares to Allah what he will do and how he will lead people
astray. Whatever the promises Shaitan makes, whatever the desires he enkindles,
and whatever the hopes he rouses in men, they are no more than delusions. The
abode of those who follow him is hell from which they will find no escape.
Section 19: Dealing with
orphans and women, verses 127-134
"They consult thee concerning
women. Say: Allah giveth you decree concerning them, and the Scripture which
hath been recited unto you (giveth decree), concerning female orphans and those
unto whom ye give not that which is ordained for them though ye desire to marry
them, and (concerning) the weak among children, and that ye should deal justly
with orphans. Whatever good ye do, lo! Allah is ever Aware of it." (Verse 127)
"If He will, He can remove you, O
people, and produce others (in your stead). Allah is Able to do that." (Verse 133)
If mankind acts against the
will of Allah it shall be wiped out from the face of the Earth and replace.
There are stories throughout the Quran of communities of disbelievers,
hypocrites suffering the wrath of Allah for continuing to belie their respective
Messengers. Do such things occur today - are natural disasters a means of
dealing with corrupt, disbelieving societies in our time?
Section 20: Equity to everyone,
the Jewish hypocrisy condemned, verses 135-141
"Bear unto the hypocrites the
tidings that for them there is a painful doom; Those who chose disbelievers for
their friends instead of believers! Do they look for power at their hands? Lo!
all power appertaineth to Allah." (Verses 138-139)
"He hath already revealed unto
you in the Scripture that, when ye hear the revelations of Allah rejected and
derided, (ye) sit not with them (who disbelieve and mock) until they engage in
some other conversation. Lo! in that case (if ye stayed) ye would be like unto
them. Lo! Allah will gather hypocrites and disbelievers, all together, into
hell." (Verse 140)
Verse 140 discourages us from
engaging with those who reject Allah, the atheists. Although difficult in
practice as it is so prevalent, we should aim to avoid discussion which
involves people cursing Allah, rather instead encourage debate without
blasphemies.
Section 21: Fate of the
hypocrites, verses 142-152
"Lo! the hypocrites (will be) in
the lowest deep of the Fire, and thou wilt find no helper for them; Save those
who repent and amend and hold fast to Allah and make their religion pure for
Allah (only). Those are with the believers. And Allah will bestow on the believers
an immense reward. What concern hath Allah for your punishment if ye are
thankful (for His mercies) and believe (in Him)? Allah was ever Responsive,
Aware." (Verses 145-147)
"Lo! those who disbelieve in
Allah and His messengers, and seek to make distinction between Allah and His
messengers, and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and seek to
choose a way in between; Such are disbelievers in truth; and for disbelievers
We prepare a shameful doom." (Verses 150-151)
One of the
most prevalent themes that runs throughout the Holy Quran is the fate
of the hypocrites and how they will suffer. The hypocrites take on all sorts of
guises in the modern world and will be dealt with justly on the Day of
Judgement. However, as verse 147 highlights, Allah will always show
mercy to those who turn towards him.
Chapter 5 finishes but Surah
An-Nisa does not. It will conclude in Chapter 6 and we then move on to the 5th
Surah of the Holy Quran.
Thanks for reading.
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