4. Women (An-Nisa') النساء

In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

4. Women (An-Nisa') النساء

A Brief Introduction

Surah An-Nisā’ is chronologically linked to Surah Āl-i-‘Imrān. It was revealed during a sensitive period in the life of the Muslim community, shortly after the Battle of Uhud, when many social challenges came to the forefront. While these circumstances made guidance urgently needed, the values and principles set forth in this Surah seek to shape Muslim law, ethics, and social life for generations to come.

At its heart, the Surah addresses the care of women, orphans, family relationships, marriage, and inheritance—laying a foundation of justice, dignity, and compassion within the home. It beautifully emphasizes justice for all—highlighted by its powerful example of fairness (with specific reference to the case of a Jewish man in the surah (105–112)). Besides, it speaks to the wider family of the community in Madinah, addressing those whose faith wavered, including the hypocrites and those who worked alongside them.

Main Themes (Summary)

Surah An-Nisā’ opens with a tender call to all humanity to remember Allah, who created everyone from a single soul and bound people together through family and kinship. It urges mindfulness of Allah in every relationship and honors family ties as a sacred trust under His constant care.

Special protection is given to orphans. Their wealth must be safeguarded, returned when they reach maturity, and never misused or mixed with that of their guardians. Those responsible for them are commanded to act with integrity, patience, and kindness, knowing that unjustly consuming an orphan’s wealth is a grave sin with severe consequences.

Marriage is presented as a responsibility grounded in justice and compassion. If fairness toward orphan- women cannot be ensured, One may choose to marry up to four, but if equal fairness cannot be truly upheld, it is kinder to be devoted to just one. Women should be respected by giving them their dowries kindly and gladly. And if they choose on their own to give back some of it, the husband may accept it with a contented and clear heart.

Inheritance laws are laid out with clarity and fairness, affirming that both men and women have fixed, rightful shares, whether the estate is large or small. Kindness is encouraged even beyond obligation: when the other relatives, orphans, or the needy are present at the distribution, they should be offered something and addressed with gentle words.

Guardians are reminded to care for orphans as they would hope others would care for their own children if they were left vulnerable. Honesty, accountability, and a reverent heart are emphasized in the surah, with Allah as the ultimate Witness and Judge of all our deeds.”

Believers must care for orphans with patience and love, guiding them until they reach maturity. When sound judgment is observed in them, their wealth must be returned fully. A well-off guardian should take nothing, and one in need should take only what is fair. The return of their property must be done openly, with witnesses, for Allah is ever watchful and fully capable of keeping account.”

Moreover, the Surah lovingly guides believers on the fair distribution of inheritance, ensuring justice and care for every family member. Its detailed rules invite careful reading and mindful practice, reminding us that Allah, All-Knowing and All-Wise, watches over every act of fairness and compassion.

Allah calls the community to uphold dignity, justice, and mercy. When grave moral wrongs occur, they are not taken lightly, yet the door of repentance remains open. Those who err are to be corrected with fairness, and when they turn back sincerely and mend their ways, they are met with forgiveness, for Allah is ever accepting of repentance and abundantly mercy. True repentance is for those who turn back promptly and honestly; as for those who persist knowingly until the end, they wrong only themselves. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.

Believers are also commanded to honor and protect women. It is not lawful to treat them as possessions, to coerce them, or to harm them in order to reclaim what was given in marriage. Live with them in kindness and fairness, for even in what you dislike, Allah may place great good. And if you part ways and choose another spouse, do not take back what you once gave, even if it was abundant. How could you reclaim it after closeness, trust, and a solemn covenant were shared?

Allah sets clear and protective boundaries to preserve dignity, family, and trust. He forbids marriage to those whose closeness makes such unions harmful or unjust, calling believers away from practices that degrade honor and compassion. Yet beyond these limits, lawful marriage is made wide and accessible, founded on commitment, responsibility, and mutual respect—not secrecy or exploitation. Dowries are to be given with goodwill, and kindness may guide what is shared between spouses. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.

For those who lack the means to marry freely, Allah opens a merciful path, permitting marriage with believing bondwomen in fairness and dignity, recognizing that all believers are equal before Him. Patience and restraint are praised, yet Allah remains Forgiving and Merciful.

Do not envy what Allah has given some over others. Each person—man or woman—is rewarded for their own deeds. Instead, turn to Allah and ask from His limitless bounty, for He knows all things perfectly.

Men are entrusted with the care and provision of women, and righteous women guard what Allah has placed in their care. When tension arises, let it be met first with counsel, patience, and restraint, never with injustice. If reconciliation is sought, Allah brings hearts back into harmony, for He is All-Knowing and All-Aware.

Worship Allah alone and show kindness to all: parents and relatives, orphans and the poor, neighbors near and far, friends, travelers, and those under your care. Allah does not love arrogance, stinginess, or showing off, nor those who withhold His blessings. True goodness lies in humility, generosity, and sincere faith

What harm could have come to people if they had believed in Allah, the Last Day, and given generously from what He provided? Allah knows all perfectly. He never wrongs anyone, and He multiplies good deeds many times over, rewarding from His boundless grace.

On the Day of Judgment, no one can hide from Allah, and those who denied Him will wish they had never existed.

Believers are instructed to approach prayer with full awareness and purity—physically and mentally. When water is unavailable, a symbolic purification with clean earth is sufficient, for Allah is ever-pardoning and forgiving.

Be mindful of those who twist guidance to mislead others. Allah knows your enemies best and is sufficient as your Guardian and Helper. Words spoken lightly or falsely, or to mock faith, are not unseen; Allah sees all, and justice is certain.

Those who follow the truth faithfully will be rewarded, while those who reject it knowingly may face consequence. Allah forgives all sins except associating partners with Him, which is the gravest of wrongs. True elevation comes only from Allah, and no one can wrong another even by the tiniest measure. Lies and false claims against Him are a serious sin.

Some people turn away from true guidance, placing false hopes in what cannot lead them, and even assuring others that misguidance is better than faith. Such hearts cut themselves off from Allah’s help. Envy blinds them, though Allah grants His gifts with wisdom to whom He wills, as He once did for the family of Prophet Abraham (A.S) —yet people still chose belief or rejection.

Those who deny clear signs close themselves to mercy, while those who believe and do good are welcomed into gardens of peace, lasting joy, and gentle shade. Allah is mighty and wise, firm in justice and generous in reward.

Allah commands trustworthiness and fairness: return every trust to its rightful owner, and judge between people with justice. Obey Allah, His Messenger, and rightful authority, and when disagreements arise, return to divine guidance—for this is the most just and best path.

Beware of claiming faith while rejecting divine judgment. True sincerity turns humbly toward Allah and His Messenger, seeking forgiveness and reform. Obedience is not a burden but a path to reassurance, strength, and grace. Those who follow it are guided straight and rewarded greatly.

Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous—what an honored company. This is Allah’s pure favor, and He alone knows best who is worthy of it.

Those who dedicate themselves to the Hereafter and stand for justice, protecting the oppressed, are promised honor and reward, whether in martyrdom or victory. Fight against injustice and evil, for Allah’s support is sure and Satan’s schemes are weak.

Even when fear holds some back, remind them that this worldly life is fleeting, and the Hereafter is far better for those mindful of Allah. Life and death are in His hands; all that befalls us—good or bad—is part of His divine plan. Trust in Him, for He witnesses all.

Obedience to the Messenger is obedience to Allah. Turn away from hypocrisy, trust in Allah, and let sincere reflection guide your heart. Speak kindly, act justly, and respond to greetings with warmth, knowing Allah watches over every detail.

Stand firm, encourage one another, and act courageously for good, for Allah gathers all on the Day of Judgment, and His word alone is true. Those who intercede for good share in reward, while those who promote harm bear their burden.

Believers are warned not to be divided over the hypocrites or led astray by those whom Allah has left to go their own way. True guidance comes from Allah alone. Those who turn away from faith or ally with oppression should not be trusted, while those who seek peace or refrain from harm deserve protection.

Accidental harm to a fellow believer requires atonement, but sincere effort in Allah’s cause—through wealth, life, or migration—is highly honored. Those who are oppressed without a way out are treated with mercy, and Allah forgives them.

Migrating for Allah brings safety, abundant resources, and assured reward. Travelers may shorten prayers in fear or danger, and those leading or guarding during conflict should remain vigilant. When safe, return to regular prayer, remembering Allah in all circumstances.

Faithful action, careful obedience, and trust in Allah bring reward, protection, and peace for both this life and the Hereafter.

Stand firm and do not lose heart in the face of hardship. If you suffer, know that others suffer as well—but you hold hope in Allah that they do not. Allah knows all and acts with perfect wisdom.

Allah revealed the Book in truth so that judgment may be made with justice. Do not defend deceit or wrongdoing, but seek Allah’s forgiveness, for He is ever forgiving and merciful. No secret can be hidden from Him; He sees every intention and act. Whoever sins harms only themselves, yet whoever turns back sincerely will find Allah welcoming and kind. Blaming the innocent for one’s wrongs is a grave injustice.

Allah protected His Messenger with grace and wisdom, teaching him what was unknown and surrounding him with divine favor. True goodness is found in words and actions that promote charity, kindness, and reconciliation. Whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure through such deeds will be richly rewarded.

As for those who knowingly turn away from clear guidance and oppose the Messenger, they choose their own path—and Allah allows every soul to face the outcome of what it has chosen.

Allah makes clear that associating anything with Him in worship is the gravest wrong, for it turns the heart far from truth. Everything else, however, is within His mercy for whom He wills. Satan offers only illusions and empty promises, leading people to loss, while Allah promises truth, hope, and lasting reward. Those who believe and do good are welcomed into gardens of peace that endure forever—whose word is more truthful than Allah’s?

Faith is not earned by wishful thinking, but by sincere belief and righteous action. Whoever does good, man or woman, will be rewarded fully, without the slightest injustice. The most beautiful faith is to submit wholly to Allah, do good, and follow the upright way of Abraham (A.S), whom Allah chose as a close friend. Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, and He is fully aware of all things.

Allah commands care, fairness, and compassion—especially toward women, orphans, and the vulnerable. He knows the struggles within marriages and allows reconciliation with kindness and balance, for generosity and mindfulness bring His pleasure. Where separation occurs, Allah promises to enrich both hearts from His bounty, for He is Ever-Bountiful and Wise.

Allah alone is self-sufficient and worthy of praise. He calls all people, now and before, to be mindful of Him, reminding that the rewards of this world and the next rest with Him alone. Finally, believers are commanded to stand firmly for justice, even against themselves or those they love, without bending to desire. Allah sees every intention and every act, and His justice is perfect and complete.

O believers, have faith in Allah, His Messenger, and the Scriptures revealed before. Those who reject these have gone far astray.

Hypocrites—those who fluctuate between belief and disbelief—will find neither forgiveness nor guidance from Allah. They seek allies among disbelievers instead of believers, yet all honor and power belong to Allah. Avoid the company of those who ridicule Allah’s signs; such gatherings only corrupt hearts.

Hypocrites act according to circumstances: if you succeed, they claim loyalty; if disbelievers gain, they side with them. Allah sees all and will judge justly. They may stand for prayer, but half-heartedly, seeking the praise of people rather than remembering Allah. Torn between belief and disbelief, they find no true path unless they sincerely return to Allah.

Believers must not take disbelievers as allies instead of fellow believers. Those who persist in hypocrisy will dwell in the lowest depths of the Fire, with no helper—except those who repent, mend their ways, and hold fast to Allah, who will join the believers in His mercy.

Gratitude and faithfulness bring Allah’s favor, for He is Ever-Appreciative and All-Knowing. Allah does not like negativity voiced except from those wronged, and whether you reveal or conceal good or pardon evil, Allah is Ever-Forgiving and Most Capable

Those who deny Allah and His messengers, trying to pick and choose whom to believe, are truly lost, but those who accept all His messengers will be rewarded, for Allah is Most Forgiving and Merciful. The People of the Book demanded signs greater than the Prophet Moses (A.S) received, yet Allah forgave them when they repented and gave Prophet Moses (A.S) clear proof. Christ Jesus (A.S) the son of Maryam (A.S) was (no more than) a messenger of Allah. Those who broke their covenant, denied His signs, or wrongfully accused Prophet Jesus (A.S) were guided by Allah’s wisdom; Jesus A.S) was not killed but raised to Him, and they will believe in him before the Last Day, when he will testify.

Disobedience brings consequences, such as forbidding lawful things unjustly, consuming wealth unfairly, or hindering others from Allah’s way. Believers are reminded to speak the truth about Allah, reject false claims of divinity or Trinity, and remember that the Messiah (A.S) was obedient and humble in his devotion, serving Allah with complete submission and love. Pride and arrogance lead to punishment, but faith and good deeds are rewarded with Allah’s grace and guidance.

Allah has provided clear inheritance laws for fairness, and His knowledge encompasses all. Humanity is called to accept the light and guidance sent from Allah, hold fast to Him, and follow the Straight Path to His mercy. In all, Allah alone is sufficient as a Protector, Trustee, and Source of justice and reward.

Revision: Heartfelt Insights from the Surah

The Surah opens with a heartfelt call to the unity of all humanity, reminding us of our shared origin and mutual responsibility. It emphasizes the sacred rights of women and orphans, the bonds of family, and the fair and thoughtful distribution of wealth after death (4:1–14).
It then gently but firmly calls for dignity and kindness within family life. Women are to be honoured and their rights fully recognized—in marriage, property, and inheritance. This spirit of goodness and fairness is not limited to the household, but extends to all people, young and old alike (4:15–42).
Those in Madinah who had not yet fully embraced faith are invited away from false gods and toward sincere obedience to the Prophet. In doing so, they are promised the joy of belonging to a noble and radiant fellowship (4:43–70).
Believers are reminded to stand together in self-defense, to remain alert to hidden plots, and to deal wisely and justly with those who abandon their commitments (4:71–91).
Great care is urged regarding the sanctity of life, the need to leave environments hostile to faith, and the fulfillment of religious duties even in times of conflict (4:92–104).
The Surah warns against betrayal and the subtle attraction of wrongdoing, guiding hearts back toward truth and accountability (4:105–126).
Once again, it returns with compassion to the care of women and orphans, affirming that true faith must be joined with justice, sincerity, and gentle, measured speech (4:127–152).
Finally, it reflects on where some among the People of the Book went astray—while honouring those who remained faithful and upright—offering lessons of humility, balance, and hope (4:153–176).