Surah An-Nisa [4] | Overview, Themes, Lessons & More

Surah Name: An-Nisa (سورة النساء)
Translation: The Women
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the word “Nisa” meaning “Women,” which appears multiple times in the text.

Surah Number: 4
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 176

Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: The Surah was revealed over different occasions between the end of A.H. 3 and A.H. 5, following the Battle of Uhud.

Historical Context

Surah An-Nisa was revealed during a critical period following the Battle of Uhud, between the 3rd and 5th year after the Hijra (A.H.). After the defeat at Uhud, the Muslim community in Madinah faced social, political, and economic challenges. The surah addresses these issues by providing comprehensive guidance on social justice, family rights, and community laws, aiming to strengthen the Muslim society.

At this time, Madinah was a small state surrounded by hostile forces including the Quraysh, Jewish tribes, and internal hypocrites. The surah responded to the difficulties of orphans and widows left behind after battles, explaining inheritance laws and family rights. It also addressed emerging tensions with the Jewish tribes who had previously made treaties with the Muslims but began violating them by aligning with the enemies of Islam.

Furthermore, the surah emphasizes the importance of moral conduct, defense preparation, and unity. Muslims were advised to be on guard against the conspiracies of their enemies, while at the same time, instructions were given on how to maintain justice, honesty, and religious responsibility both in family life and conflict situations.

Main Themes

• Women’s Rights and Family Laws:
  Surah An-Nisa emphasizes the proper treatment of women, orphans, and vulnerable members of society. Rules are set regarding marriage, inheritance, and family relationships to ensure fairness and justice in the family structure. Rights such as the dignity and protection of women, fair treatment in divorce, and the responsibility of men as guardians are outlined.

• Justice and Social Justice:
  A major theme is the implementation of justice in all aspects of life, whether in the family or society. Special emphasis is placed on fair inheritance laws, honest dealings, care for orphans, and the necessity of being just even when judging against oneself or family members.

• Unity of Humanity:
  The surah begins by reminding humanity of their shared origin, being created from a single soul. It calls for societal harmony and respect for each other’s rights, particularly focusing on the emphasis of treating others justly and fairly irrespective of gender, age, or status.

• Relations with Non-Muslims and Hypocrites:
  This surah also addresses the challenges within the early Islamic community, particularly with hypocrites and the Jewish tribes of Madinah who opposed the Islamic reform movement. It warns against deviating from the Prophet’s judgments and emphasizes the importance of self-defense and unity in the face of internal and external enemies.

• Prophets and Faith:
  The surah encourages Muslims to adhere to the teachings of all Allah’s Prophets and to stay firm in their faith. It also reminds people that believing in some parts of the revelation while rejecting others, as practiced by some from the People of the Book, is unacceptable.

• Laws on Warfare and Self-defense:
  Detailed instructions about defense measures during times of war are provided. These include rules for shortening prayers, showing courage in battle, and treating even non-Muslims fairly, especially during conflict, while avoiding hasty judgments.

• Call for Reform and Moral Improvement:
  The surah addresses moral and social reforms, urging believers to avoid the pitfalls that other communities, like the People of the Book, fell into. It highlights the necessity of truthfulness, transparency in speech, and the avoidance of hypocrisy as essential for a strong and cohesive Muslim community.

• Prohibition of Major Sins:
  Specific prohibitions are given against sins like murder and idolatry, emphasizing that some sins (like shirk) are unforgivable unless one repents.

Key Messages/Lessons

• Fairness to women, orphans, and marginalized members of society; marriage, inheritance, and family laws protect everyone’s rights.
• Respect and kindness towards women, securing their rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
• Equity in inheritance ensures family stability and justice in wealth distribution.
• Moral and social responsibility in all interactions, treating others with integrity.
• Unity against hypocrites and enemies, maintaining vigilance and strength within the community.
• Protect human life; wrongful killing is forbidden, and judgment should be exercised carefully.
• Fairness in conflict; avoid unjust harm and respect peace when offered.
• Importance of prayer in all situations, even during hardship.
• Shirk (associating others with Allah) is unforgivable; uphold belief in Allah’s Oneness.
• Rely on Allah and His Prophet’s guidance to avoid past mistakes.

Notable Ayahs from Surah An-Nisa

• Verse 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.”
  This verse establishes the unity of creation, emphasizing that all people are created from a single soul and should honor their relationships, especially through justice and respect.

• Verse 11:
  “Allah commands you regarding your children: the share of the male will be twice that of the female. If you leave only two ˹or more˺ females, their share is two-thirds of the estate. But if there is only one female, her share will be one-half…”
  This verse outlines the rules of inheritance to ensure fairness and the protection of family rights, particularly regarding orphans and women.

• Verse 19:
  “O believers! It is not permissible for you to inherit women against their will or mistreat them to make them return some of the dowry ˹as a ransom for divorce˺—unless they are found guilty of adultery. Treat them fairly. If you happen to dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing.”
  This verse condemns the unjust treatment of women and mandates kindness and justice in marital relationships.

• Verse 32:
  “And do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds and women ˹equally˺ according to theirs. Rather, ask Allah for His bounties. Surely Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things.”
  This verse encourages contentment and discourages envy, ensuring fair treatment of both men and women regarding inheritance and earnings.

• Verse 34:
  “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard….”
  A foundational verse on the roles and responsibilities within the family, especially between husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual protection and respect.

• Verse 43:
  “O believers! Do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you are aware of what you say, nor in a state of ˹full˺ impurity—unless you merely pass through ˹the mosque˺—until you have bathed. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth, wiping your faces and hands. And Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving.”
  This verse provides the flexibility of performing tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable, showing Islam’s pragmatic approach to worship.

• Verse 58:
  “Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
  A powerful command for justice and fairness, particularly in rendering trusts and judgments.

• Verse 92:
  “It is not lawful for a believer to kill another except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer unintentionally must free a believing slave and pay blood-money to the victim’s family—unless they waive it charitably…”
  A clear directive on the sanctity of life and the importance of compensating for accidental death, reflecting the gravity of taking another’s life unintentionally.

• Verse 135:
  “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺…”
  This verse emphasizes that justice must be upheld regardless of personal ties or social circumstances.

• Verse 171:
  “O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit ˹created by a command˺ from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs.”
  This verse calls the People of the Book to refrain from religious excesses, particularly the belief in the Trinity, and to return to monotheism.