An-Nisa

Sura An-Nisa (Arabic: سورة النساء, Sūratu an-Nisā, "Women")^[1] is the fourth chapter of the Qur'an, with 176 verses. It is a Medinan sura. It is the third longest chapter in the Qur'an after Al-i-Imran and Al-Baqarah and was recited after sura Al-Mumtahina.^{[citation needed]}

As its name suggests, it deals extensively with matters relating to women and their rights and obligations, outlining the requirements of modesty, including the verse traditionally interpreted to require wearing of the hijab. It also describes a variety of other legal and ethical matters, such as inheritance law, marriage, and orphans, and deals with matters relating to Medinan politics, in particular tensions with the Hypocrites (i.e. the party of Abdullah ibn Ubayy) and Jews. An-Nisa also mentions the matter of ma malakat aymanukum and addresses the Nikah Mut'ah.

Selected verses

A 13th century Qur'anic manuscript showing some verses of sura An-Nisa in Maghribi script.

^[Quran 4:3]

And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice (between them), then (marry) only one or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course.

Regarding polygamy in Islam. If we read the first verse this encourages an individual to adopt orphans, if one has a capacity to be just and equitable just as to one's own children. In other words this also suggests adoption of orphans over marriage.

^[Quran 4:4]

And give women their dowries as a free gift, but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it, then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result.

^{[Quran 4:11]}

(Inheritance) The male shall have the equal of the portion of two females

^{[Quran 4:17]}

Repentance with Allah is only for those who do evil in ignorance, then turn (to Allah) soon, so these it is to whom Allah turns (mercifully), and Allah is ever Knowing, Wise.

This verse describes God's/Allah's forgiveness.

^{[Quran 4:23]}

Forbidden to you are your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your paternal aunts and your maternal aunts and brothers' daughters and sisters' daughters and your mothers that have suckled you and your foster-sisters and mothers of your wives and your step-daughters who are in your guardianship, (born) of your wives to whom you have gone in, but if you have not gone in to them, there is no blame on you (in marrying them), and the wives of your sons who are of your own loins and that you should have two sisters together, except what has already passed; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

This verse details all woman whom a man may not marry(Mahram). The iteration continues in to the first line of verse 24 with the line "And all married women except those whom your right hands possess.

^{[Quran 4:24]}

Sahih International

And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.^[2]

According to Shia Tafseer, it's a verse that has been called "the verse of Mut'ah"^[3]

^{[Quran 4:34]}

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great. " (translation by Muhsin Khan)^[4]

See also

• Women in Islam
• Islamic marital jurisprudence

References

External links

• An-Nisa at Quran.com
• Quran An-Nisa with Translation

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