An-Nisa (ٱلنِّسَاء)

Surah An-Nisa (سورة النساء, Sūratu an-Nisā) is the 4rth Surah or chapter of the Holy Quran. Its literal meaning is ‘The Women’ or ‘The Female’. However, the surah’s 176 verses and 24 Rukus cover a wide range of topics including women, unity of Muslims, inheritance law, etc. Surah Al-Nisa falls in both Juz 4 and 5 after Surah Aali-Imran. Since it was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, we may conclude that it is a Madni Surah. It was not revealed in a continuous pattern; rather, scholars estimate that its revelation was from the third Hijr to the fourth Hijr’s end. Some of the verses were part of the Prophet (ﷺ)’s last sermon during Hajj on the Day of Arafat.

There are also hints that parts of the Surah were revealed after The Battle of Uhud. During this battle, many Muslim men were martyred and their children were left orphaned. The matter of inheritance arose along with the rights of the orphans. Surah Al-Nisa has the answer to these questions in some detail. It also contains several other subjects, such as the admonishment of Jews, warnings to Muslims about their conduct, and the allowance of Tayammum under certain conditions. 

٤ - ٱلنِّسَاء

4 - An-Nisa

يٰۗاَيُّھَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَكُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَّخَلَقَ مِنْھَا زَوْجَہَا وَبَثَّ مِنْہُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيْرًا وَّنِسَاۗءً۝۰ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللہَ الَّذِيْ تَسَاۗءَلُوْنَ بِہٖ وَالْاَرْحَامَ۝۰ۭ اِنَّ اللہَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيْبًا۝۱
Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakumu allathee khalaqakum min nafsin wahidatin wakhalaqa minha zawjaha wabaththa minhuma rijalan katheeran wanisaan waittaqoo Allaha allathee tasaaloona bihi waalarhama inna Allaha kana AAalaykum raqeeban

English

Ahmed Ali

O MEN, FEAR your Lord who created you from a single cell, and from it created its mate, and from the two of them dispersed men and women (male and female) in multitudes. So fear God in whose name you ask of one another (the bond of) relationships. God surely keeps watch over you.

1

وَاٰتُوا الْيَــتٰمٰۗى اَمْوَالَھُمْ وَلَا تَتَبَدَّلُوا الْخَبِيْثَ بِالطَّيِّبِ۝۰۠ وَلَا تَاْكُلُوْۗا اَمْوَالَھُمْ اِلٰۗى اَمْوَالِكُمْ۝۰ۭ اِنَّہٗ كَانَ حُوْبًا كَبِيْرًا۝۲
Waatoo alyatama amwalahum wala tatabaddaloo alkhabeetha bialttayyibi wala takuloo amwalahum ila amwalikum innahu kana hooban kabeeran

English

Ahmed Ali

Give to the orphans their possessions, and do not replace things of your own which are bad with things which are good among theirs, and do not intermix their goods with your own and make use of them, for this is a grievous crime.

2

وَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تُقْسِطُوْا فِي الْيَتٰمٰى فَانْكِحُوْا مَا طَابَ لَكُمْ مِّنَ النِّسَاۗءِ مَثْنٰى وَثُلٰثَ وَرُبٰعَ۝۰ۚ فَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا فَوَاحِدَۃً اَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ اَيْمَانُكُمْ۝۰ۭ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰۗى اَلَّا تَعُوْلُوْا۝۳ۭ
Wain khiftum alla tuqsitoo fee alyatama fainkihoo ma taba lakum mina alnnisai mathna wathulatha warubaAAa fain khiftum alla taAAdiloo fawahidatan aw ma malakat aymanukum thalika adna alla taAAooloo

English

Ahmed Ali

If you fear you cannot be equitable to orphan girls (in your charge, or misuse their persons), then marry women who are lawful for you, two, three, or four; but if you fear you cannot treat so many with equity, marry only one, or a maid or captive. This is better than being iniquitous.

3

وَاٰتُوا النِّسَاۗءَ صَدُقٰتِہِنَّ نِحْلَۃٍ۝۰ۭ فَاِنْ طِبْنَ لَكُمْ عَنْ شَيْءٍ مِّنْہُ نَفْسًا فَكُلُوْہُ ہَنِيْۗـــــًٔـا مَّرِيْۗــــــًٔـا۝۴
Waatoo alnnisaa saduqatihinna nihlatan fain tibna lakum AAan shayin minhu nafsan fakuloohu haneean mareean

English

Ahmed Ali

Give to women their dowers willingly, but if they forego part of it themselves, then use it to your advantage.

4

وَلَا تُؤْتُوا السُّفَھَاۗءَ اَمْوَالَكُمُ الَّتِىْ جَعَلَ اللہُ لَكُمْ قِيٰـمًا وَّارْزُقُوْھُمْ فِيْھَا وَاكْسُوْھُمْ وَقُوْلُوْا لَھُمْ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا۝۵
Wala tutoo alssufahaa amwalakumu allatee jaAAala Allahu lakum qiyaman waorzuqoohum feeha waoksoohum waqooloo lahum qawlan maAAroofan

English

Ahmed Ali

Do not entrust (their) property God has given you to maintain (On trust), to those who are immature; but feed them and clothe them from it, and speak to them with kindness.

5

وَابْتَلُوا الْيَتٰمٰى حَتّٰۗي اِذَا بَلَغُوا النِّكَاحَ۝۰ۚ فَاِنْ اٰنَسْتُمْ مِّنْھُمْ رُشْدًا فَادْفَعُوْۗا اِلَيْھِمْ اَمْوَالَھُمْ۝۰ۚ وَلَا تَاْكُلُوْھَاۗ اِسْرَافًا وَّبِدَارًا اَنْ يَّكْبَرُوْا۝۰ۭ وَمَنْ كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ۝۰ۚ وَمَنْ كَانَ فَقِيْرًا فَلْيَاْكُلْ بِالْمَعْرُوْف۝۰ۭ فَاِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ اِلَيْھِمْ اَمْوَالَھُمْ فَاَشْہِدُوْا عَلَيْھِمْ۝۰ۭ وَكَفٰى بِاللہِ حَسِـيْبًا۝۶
Waibtaloo alyatama hatta itha balaghoo alnnikaha fain anastum minhum rushdan faidfaAAoo ilayhim amwalahum wala takulooha israfan wabidaran an yakbaroo waman kana ghaniyyan falyastaAAfif waman kana faqeeran falyakul bialmaAAroofi faitha dafaAAtum ilayhim amwalahum faashhidoo AAalayhim wakafa biAllahi haseeban

English

Ahmed Ali

And test (and try) the orphans until they are of marriageable age. If you find they have acquired sound judgement, then hand over their property to them; but devour not their wealth, nor use it up hastily out of fear that soon they will grow up (and demand it). And (the guardian) who is rich should abstain from spending much (of their wealth); and he who is poor should use only as much as is fair. And when you give back their possessions have this witnessed, (and remember) that God is sufficient to take all account.

6

لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ۝۰۠ وَلِلنِّسَاۗءِ نَصِيْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْہُ اَوْ كَثُرَ۝۰ۭ نَصِيْبًا مَّفْرُوْضًا۝۷
Lilrrijali naseebun mimma taraka alwalidani waalaqraboona walilnnisai naseebun mimma taraka alwalidani waalaqraboona mimma qalla minhu aw kathura naseeban mafroodan

English

Ahmed Ali

Men have a share in what the parents and relatives leave behind at death; and women have a share in what the parents and relatives leave behind. Be it large or small a legal share is fixed.

7

وَاِذَا حَضَرَ الْقِسْمَۃَ اُولُوا الْقُرْبٰي وَالْيَتٰمٰى وَالْمَسٰكِيْنُ فَارْزُقُوْھُمْ مِّنْہُ وَقُوْلُوْا لَھُمْ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا۝۸
Waitha hadara alqismata oloo alqurba waalyatama waalmasakeenu faorzuqoohum minhu waqooloo lahum qawlan maAAroofan

English

Ahmed Ali

And when the relatives and orphans and the needy collect at the time of the division (of property) provide for them too, and talk kindly to them.

8

وَلْيَخْشَ الَّذِيْنَ لَوْ تَرَكُوْا مِنْ خَلْفِھِمْ ذُرِّيَّۃً ضِعٰفًا خَافُوْا عَلَيْھِمْ۝۰۠ فَلْيَتَّقُوا اللہَ وَلْيَقُوْلُوْا قَوْلًا سَدِيْدًا۝۹
Walyakhsha allatheena law tarakoo min khalfihim thurriyyatan diAAafan khafoo AAalayhim falyattaqoo Allaha walyaqooloo qawlan sadeedan

English

Ahmed Ali

Let people fear the day when they leave small children behind them unprovided, and how concerned they would be for them. So fear God and say the right things to them.

9

اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ يَاْكُلُوْنَ اَمْوَالَ الْيَتٰمٰى ظُلْمًا اِنَّمَا يَاْكُلُوْنَ فِيْ بُطُوْنِھِمْ نَارًا۝۰ۭ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيْرًا۝۱۰ۧ
Inna allatheena yakuloona amwala alyatama thulman innama yakuloona fee butoonihim naran wasayaslawna saAAeeran

English

Ahmed Ali

Those who devour the possessions of the orphans unjustly devour only fire, and will surely burn in Hell.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah An-Nisa was revealed during the early years after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ from Mecca to Medina. The majority of the scholars and Quran Commentators agree that this Surah was revealed during the period from late 3AH to early 5AH. The Surah was sent down in parts, covering different subject matters. It was the time when the newly founded Islamic State at Medina was in the process of consolidation. On the other hand, despite winning the Battle of Badr, the setback at the Battle of Uhud caused a sense of insecurity among the Muslim Community in Medina.

As a matter of fact, not only the disbelievers of Mecca but the Jews, Christians, and hypocrites of Medina were a permanent threat to the newly established Muslim State. Moreover, the first Islamic State founded by the Prophet also required the formulation of the Islamic rules and regulations to dispose of the day-to-day civic, economic, and family matters. Above that, interfaith relations, especially with the Jews and the Christians, also required attention. Surah An-Nisa was revealed on different occasions to address all such issues, including community regulations, social justice, women’s rights, family laws, matters related to inheritance, rights of orphans, governance, and relations with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians).

After the battle of Uhud, where around 70 Muslims were martyred, several children were left orphaned. So, the immediate resolution to the issues of inheritance and the rights of the orphans was required. It is believed that the first part of this Surah was revealed to give a solution to these issues, most probably in the late 3AH. This part of the Surah established the rules of guardianship, treatment of orphans, and marriages of widows. Likewise, the rules of inheritance for women were also conveyed through this Surah, as in the Arab culture before Islam, women were considered the property of men. The daughters were not given any share in the inheritance. Matters related to the rights of women and inheritance to daughters, mothers, and wives are settled through the revelation of this Surah. Accordingly, a dignified status of women was established.

Another issue, being faced by the Muslim Community was the betrayal and breach of treaties by the People of the Book. The behavior of the hypocrites of Medina was yet another serious issue, especially their backing out from the Battle of Uhud. These issues were also addressed through the revelation of this Surah. A stern warning was given to the hypocrites, whereas guidance on the relationship with the Jews and Christians was also provided through this Surah.

Similarly, the matters related to offering prayers during wartime and the performance of wudu in the absence of water were also addressed in this Surah. The permission of tayammum (wudu by using clean soil or sand instead of water) was granted. So, the purpose of the revelation of this Surah was to establish Islamic rules and regulations on different issues, which were necessary for the newly founded Islamic State. These rules also set the future course of an Islamic society.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah An-Nisa is a Madni Surah. It is one of the longest Surahs of the Quran; hence revealed in parts on different occasions. Mainly, the period of its revelation is believed to be during the 3rd to 5th year after Hijrat-e-Medina.

Place in the Quran

It is the 4th Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) 4, 5 and 6. It appears after Surah Aal-e-Imran and before Surah Al-Ma’idah. Per the order of revelation, it is the 92nd Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 4.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Imran has 176 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Imran consists of 24 Ruku (sections).

Significance of Surah An-Nisa

Surah An-Nisa, one of the longest surahs of the Quran, is very important, especially in terms of setting rules and laws on various family and inheritance issues. It also provides guidance on the most important matter of interfaith relations, in the backdrop of the then prevalent vulnerable relationship with Jews and Christians. Another nuisance in the shape of hypocrisy is also discussed in this surah, giving a stern warning to such people.

Hence, the significance of Surah An-Nisa can be described as follows:

  • Social and Legal Guidance – Through this Surah, the most critical social and legal issues have been settled, providing the most comprehensive framework. The matters related to inheritance, marriages, rights of women, family structure, and treatment of orphans and widows have been explained in detail, while providing complete guidance on these sensitive issues. Women, including widows, are given a dignified status through the revelation of this Surah. A comprehensive family law is formulated through this Surah. 
  • Islam is the Protector of Women’s Rights – This Surah frames a complete set of rights of women, for the first time in human history. In the Arabian society before Islam, there were no rights of women; they were treated a property, and they had no share in inheritance. This Surah declares that both men and women are spiritually equal. Islam is the provider and, more importantly, the protector of women’s rights, which are explicitly described in this Surah. Their social and marital rights are also defined through this Surah.
  • Hypocrisy Discouraged in Islam – The bad role of the hypocrites was unearthed during the Battle of Uhud, which the Prophet highly disliked. The dangers of hypocrisy and the betrayal of the hypocrites of Medina are exposed in Surah An-Nisa. A strict warning is given to them, which, on the other hand, teaches Muslims to ensure loyalty, sincerity, and steadfastness in their deeds and faith.
  • Principles of Justice – The verses of this Surah remind the Muslims to do justice in their affairs and deeds, no matter if it goes against themselves or their family. Emphasis is given on the principles of justice and obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  • Interfaith Relations – The relations with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) are also emphasized in this Surah. The principles of fair ties with them are also defined in it.
  • Recitation is Highly Recommended – The Prophet encouraged the recitation of Surah An-Nisa, as mentioned in Hadith 5050 of Sahih Al-Bukhari, where it is described that the Prophet asked his companion to recite this Surah. When the 41st verse of this Surah was recited, the Prophet’s eyes were filled with tears. It reflects the significance of Surah An-Nisa, especially the 41st verse. 

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Nisa

Along with women’s issues, this Surah also talks about important subjects such as how to deal with hypocrites, the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), and the danger of falling into shirk. The name of the Surah does not restrict its themes or topics. 

Since this is a Madni Surah, it’s more relevant to the occurrences during that period of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life. Some of the main themes include the following:

  • The Matter of Inheritance

Many Hadith give details about inheritance laws in Islam. However, inheritance is one of the few matters where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has given quite a bit of detail in the Quran. The laws of inheritance are laid out clearly and there are dire warnings to anyone who rejects or neglects these laws. By following these rules, Muslims can avoid various societal and family problems.

  • Family Dynamics and Law

Surah Al-Nisa also places importance on the role of each family member. The man is usually supposed to be the leader and caretaker of the family, with many responsibilities falling on his shoulders. Women and children, on the other hand, have their own responsibilities and duties. Following the rules laid out in the Quran will help Muslim families to become more stable and functional. 

  • The Matter of Orphans

This Surah places emphasis on orphans and how to deal with them. Orphans are a part of society and need someone responsible to take care of them until they’re adults. If they remain neglected and unsupported, their last resort might be a life of crime and exploitation. This will weaken the roots of society, so Muslims need to take extra care in this regard. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Nisa

The main benefit of this Surah is the laws it outlines. Since it provides guidance about important topics like marriage, women’s rights, orphan rights, and inheritance, we get a proper insight into how a Muslim community should be. The timing of its revelation is the period after Hijrah, mainly because this was the point where the Muslims were settling down. They were still a fairly new community, with much to learn about how to lead their daily lives. 

Overall, Surah Al-Nisa guides Muslims about family life and consolidating their community through the family unit. Since the Muslims were losing several individuals due to war and famine, these issues started becoming more important in the Madni period. Ali bin Abu Talib عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is reported to have said that the reciter of Surah Nisa (especially on Fridays) will gain protection ‘from the squeeze of the grave’. This signals that reciting this Surah might assist believers in reducing their trials after death.

Another benefit of this Surah is its revelation about how to deal with non-Muslim parties. When the Muslims were a boycotted group in Makkah, this matter did not come up. Most people were enemies of Islam, so the issue of friendships and collaborations did not come up. In Madinah, however, there was a lot of tension between the Jewish tribes and the newly formed Muslim community. The Jews also offered their support in the Battle of Uhud. In Surah Al-Nisa, however, the Jews were admonished for their unsavory conduct. 

Finally, Surah Al-Nisa details the features of the hypocrites so that the Muslims may recognize them in their community. This information is also useful for Muslims to check their own intentions and correct their beliefs before they stray from the right path. All these lessons are still relevant and useful today, with the rulings forming an essential part of Islamic Law.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah An-Nisa by Renowned Qaris

Listening to the recitation of the Quran, including Surah An-Nisa, is very important. It is even more important that the Quran be recited with correct pronunciation, as a slight mistake in pronunciation may entirely change its theme. For non-Arabic speakers, the matter becomes even more sensitive, as they might not be able to correctly read the Arabic words of some of the Quranic verses, whereas reading the Quran with Tajweed is crucial. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari may help us in understanding the correct way of recitation of the Quranic Surahs, including Surah An-Nisa.

Sometimes, one may just like to listen to the Quran, instead of reading it oneself. At MuslimandQuran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by different renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the Mobile Application of the MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Imran.

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Surah An-Nisa PDF

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FAQs:

The meaning of An-Nisa is "Woman". The matters related to the rights of women, their social status, and giving them a share in the inheritance are comprehensively discussed in this Surah; hence, the name An-Nisa is assigned to this Surah.  

Surah Al-Imran has 176 verses.

This surah deals with the Islamic rules and laws on the most important matters such as family structure, inheritance, rights and status of women and orphans, marriages, and status of widows. So, recitation of this Surah is highly beneficial in understanding the laws and regulations on these important but sensitive matters. It also provides guidance on interfaith relations. Apart from that, the Prophet also liked its recitation, as mentioned in Hadith 5050 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. Moreover, recitation of any Surah or verses of the Quran is highly beneficial and brings rewards. The same also applies to the recitation of Surah An-Nisa.

It can be recited anytime during the day or night. No specific time is associated with its recitation. No particular time is associated with or recommended for its recitation.