The Qur'ān reading for day four is the entirety of Surah al-Nisā', the second longest Surah in the Qur'ān. Our focus today centers on two critical areas: laws for governing the family and society, and warnings against both Ahlul Kitāb (People of the Book) and the Munafiqūn (hypocrites).
Verses 58-59 contain the foundation for correctly governing a Muslim society. This Surah aims to strengthen the covenant primarily by reinforcing the Muslim community through enhancement of the family unit.
Key Focus Areas
Family and societal laws
Warnings against hypocrisy
Inheritance regulations
Community governance
Main Themes and Purpose
As we learned, all Madinan Suwar are built around detailing the main themes of Surah al-Baqarah. Both Baqarah and Āli 'Imrān focus on the covenant with Allah and His Messenger ﷺ (tawḥīd & sunnah).
Unity Through Monotheism
The Surah's purpose is unity upon monotheism, which Surah Āli 'Imrān guided to, and the Book which Surah Al-Baqarah directed towards.
Family as Foundation
Since the greatest cause for unity and connection are the emotional bonds of kinship, around which women are central, it was named 'Surah An-Nisā' (The Women).
Warning Against Division
A warning against what Shās ibn Qays and his followers intended of division among the believers.
Distinctive Aspects of Surah al-Nisā'
Inheritance Laws
Uniquely contains detailed verses about inheritance laws, establishing justice and fairness in wealth distribution.
Beautiful Names
Includes thirty of Allah's Beautiful Names throughout the Surah.
Prophets Mentioned
Mentions the names of twelve prophets in just two verses.
Divine Forgiveness
Features the verse: "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills..." repeated twice.
Structure and Coherence
Connection to Surah Āli 'Imrān
Āli 'Imrān concludes with the command to fear Allah, and this Surah begins with it, marking one of the most emphatic connections in the sequence of the Surahs.
The previous Surah fully narrated the story of Uhud, and this Surah follows up on that, specifically addressing the hypocrites and the battle of Hamra' al-Asad.
Internal Coherence
The Surah starts with instructions to give orphans their wealth and women their dowries, and concludes with the division of inheritances.
All of this demonstrates Allah's justice and mercy towards mankind, glorified be He.
Pages 77-80: Foundation of Family Rights
1
Common Origin (Verses 1-6)
Humanity shares a common origin, thus they should fear Allah who created them and show mercy to one another. Protection of the vulnerable through just treatment of women and orphans. Permissibility of polygamy subject to fairness.
2
Inheritance Laws (Verses 7-11)
Reflect on the Sharia's focus on justice ensuring individual interests of both men and women. Women's inheritance rights were firmly established long ago by the Quran and Sunnah. Stern prohibition against misusing orphans' wealth.
3
Divine Justice (Verses 12-14)
Distribution of inheritance after debts are paid and wills executed. Compliance with divine commands is a hallmark of true faith. Severe warning against neglecting equitable division of inheritance.
4
Repentance & Marriage (Verses 15-19)
Adultery is one of the gravest sins with harsh punishments. Allah is vastly merciful in opening the door of repentance. Balanced perspective in marriage essential for sustainable relationships.
Pages 81-85: Marriage Laws and Social Justice
These pages detail comprehensive marriage regulations including the security of dowry after consummation, prohibitions of marrying fathers' wives and detailed specifications of who is permissible or forbidden to marry. The Shariah preserves rights of people, prohibiting assault on life, property, and honor.
Guardianship of Men
The established guardianship of men over women is due to Allah's favoring them with responsibilities, most prominently providing for the wife. Gather the qualities of righteous women from the verses.
Warning Against Vice
Warning against vile traits such as arrogance, boastfulness, stinginess, and concealing knowledge. Arrogance and haughtiness are not traits of Muslims; avoid them.
Pages 86-90: Warnings and Obligations
Crimes of the Yahūd
Exposing crimes such as distorting Allah's words, disrespecting His Messenger, and seeking judgment outside His law. Those who distort the meanings of the Quran resemble the Yahūd and Naṣārā.
Noble Morals
The command to uphold noble morals, such as safeguarding trusts and ruling with justice. The obligation to obey rulers unless they command disobedience to Allah.
True Faith
Seeking judgment outside Allah's law contradicts faith in Allah. True faith is only with adherence to the Shariah, with both internal and external submission.
Jihad and Steadfastness
Being cautious and prepared by using all available means to fight the enemy is essential. The obligation to fight for the elevation of Allah's word and to support the oppressed.
Pages 91-95: Believers' Conduct and Prayer
Key Principles
Sanctity of believer's life
Verification before action
Superiority of jihad
Virtue of migration
Legitimacy of shortening prayers
The Quran greatly emphasizes the sanctity of a believer's life, forbids its violation, and prescribes severe punishments for it. The necessity of verification and caution to avoid mistreatment of the innocent is paramount.
The superiority of jihad for the sake of Allah and the immense reward for mujahidīn, with promises of high ranks in Paradise exclusive to them. The legitimacy of the 'fear prayer' (Salat al-Khawf), its rules, and its method are detailed.
Pages 96-100: Repentance and Justice
Against Betrayal
Prohibition against defending and disputing on behalf of falsehood. Beware of betrayal and avoid it; Allah does not love those who betray and are sinful.
Divine Mercy
The vastness of Allah's mercy and forgiveness for those who wrong themselves, regardless of the extent of their wrongdoing, if they are sincere in their repentance.
Reconciliation
Encouragement of reconciliation between spouses in disputes and prioritizing mutual interest. Reconciliation is more beloved by Allah than divorce.
Universal Justice
The obligation of justice in judgment and testimony among people, even if it is against oneself or a relative. Beware of following desires.
Pages 101-105: People of the Book and Final Guidance
These final pages address the People of the Book, clarifying the truth about Jesus (peace be upon him) and refuting the Christian belief in the Trinity. The verses affirm that Jesus and all angels are created servants who do not disdain acknowledging their servitude to Allah.
01
Sealing of Hearts
The sealing of hearts leads to their deprivation of understanding. Ask Allah for the rectitude of your heart, and seek refuge from it being sealed.
02
Defense of the Righteous
Explanation of the Yahūd's enmity towards Jesus and his mother, highlighting the importance of defending scholars and the righteous from abuse.
03
Virtue of Knowledge
Among the People of the Book are those firmly established in knowledge, leading them to believe in Prophet Muhammad. Strive in seeking knowledge to increase your faith.
04
Clear Light
If you seek guidance and light, adhere to the path of Muhammad. "O mankind, there has come to you a proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light."
Reflection Questions for Deep Contemplation
These reflection questions are designed to deepen your understanding of Surah al-Nisā' and encourage personal application of its teachings. Consider journaling your responses or discussing them with fellow students of the Qur'ān.
On Faith & Practice
How does verse 1 reveal inconsistencies in people's reverence of Allah?
What does "what is goodly and permissible to you" indicate about choosing a spouse?
How does verse 11 illustrate Allah's mercy surpassing parental love?
On Justice & Rights
Why is adultery termed a grave sin?
What is the significance of concluding verse 34 with "the Most High, the Greatest"?
How does verse 135 explain the danger of following whims?
On Knowledge & Wisdom
What is the expected benefit of contemplating the Quran (verse 82)?
How can you identify those firmly grounded in knowledge among scholars?
Why are rulings in the Qur'ān often concluded by mention of Allah's Beautiful Names?
Special Contemplation Readings: For deeper study, review Tafsīr al-Sa'dī on the five benefits of marriage rulings (verse 2), four great wisdoms of not divorcing when love is missing (verse 19), and four great benefits of contemplating the Qur'ān (verse 82).