‘The Women’ (‘An-Nisaaa’ – 4th Surah) – Summary

LESSON # 470  FROM HOLY QUR’AN

‘The Women’ (‘An-Nisaaa’ – 4^th Surah) – Summary

This Chapter of Holy Qur’an named ‘An-Nisaaa’ (The Women) was revealed at Al-Madinah. There are 176 verses and 24 Sections in this Surah. Mutual relationship between the Man and the Woman has been described particularly in this Surah that which rights and duties they would have to perform for one another, how the relatives must be behaved, how the social evils can be removed, which method would be better to live all together and what are the benefits of living as a unit (one community) with each other?

Being a mankind, man and woman, both are equal because soul of both of them is the same. Care especially the orphans. Do not marry the fatherless girls for your own advantage losing them. You can marry two, three, or four common women at a time on the condition that you do justice between them and you should not seize the right of any woman. When you will be able to understand the rights of women correctly, then you will become justice and wise in getting the orphans married yourselves.

After that, law about dividing the inheritance has been mentioned in detail. Then punishment to the men and women upon their unacceptable actions has been prescribed. Time and method of penitence has been revealed. Then there is mention about those women with whom the marriage is unlawful. During the reign of last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace of Allah Almighty be upon him), there was a class of slaves and bondwomen, the method, how to treat them, has been stated.

Then it is commanded, “Do not take forcible possession of others’ property or wealth. However, willingly business is lawful through trade. Do not kill one another. The people are very different from each other in their personal strength and knowledge. Friendly relationship can be in such a manner that everybody would understand the limit of his capabilities and do his job remaining in it. There is much open difference between male and female. Therefore, they should never compete with each other. The person, who will work remaining in personal limits, shall get its fruit and will succeed. The relations between husband and wife cannot be at too much variance after deeming to this extent. If either behavior of the husband is quite correct but the wife begins to molest or opposite to it then it becomes very necessary somehow to correct the violent. 

Following two important laws have been described in this chapter. Mankind’s betterment, goodness and welfare depends upon them: 

·       Any person, who has capability of any work, that is to say he/she can perform any particular work in a very good manner, he/she should be appointed for that work. Likewise, everything should be given to the rightful. It should not be so, that the deserving person remains deprived of any particular thing and the unworthy person takes its possession. It is the key to soundness of the society.

·       Obey the orders of Allah Almighty and His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) and the person who is much at home in any work, follow him/her in that work and act upon his/her guidance. Find settlement/decision in the Commands/Sayings (Holy Qur’an and Hadith) of Allah Almighty and His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him), in case of difference of the opinions. These Commands/Sayings (Laws) are soul of the management of the government.  

Afterwards way of deeds regarding the Hypocrites has been discussed that they do not agree to the decisions of the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) and place more confidence in other people.

Then people are prevailed to be prepared for the crusade of religion because it is necessary to save the weak Muslims from the tyranny of cruel disbelievers. The behavior of Hypocrites has also been reproached in it. These people see nothing but their own benevolence/advantage. To kill any Muslim intentionally is a very severe crime and its punishment is wrath of Allah Almighty and Fire of Hell. If anybody kills a Believer by mistake, error or omission, then expiation should be paid for it.

The prayers during journey and in the condition of fear have been explained that if there is threat of enemy’s attack and the time of prayer has started then how it would be offered.

After that, belief in a plurality of Allah Almighty (polytheism) has been mentioned that it is an unpardonable crime. Remain with the group and use to discuss the matters regarding introduction of good deeds, methods of correction and mutual relationships during reciprocally meetings. Keep correct and good faith in Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). At the end, remaining principles regarding inheritance have been described.    

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islah wa Tableegh, Lahore and translated Urdu to English  by Muhammad Sharif.