Surah An Nisa , 4 : 1 - 14

Excerpt from " A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Muhammad al-Ghazali [ 1917 -1996 ]

ABOUT A THIRD OF THIS SURAH deals with the nucleus of human society, the family, and issues related to it. The rest is a discussion of wider issues pertaining to the larger human community, or to use the Arabic term, The Ummah. The subject of the surah overall then is human social relations and how they are to be conducted and regulated. This is made quite clear right at the outset, for the surah opens with the words: "O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom ye claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bare you). Lo! Allah hath been a watcher over you. (1) . Although we human beings may look  and seem different, we are in fact  all related, sharing the same origin and the same common ancestry. It is indeed important for everyone to remember this fact and strive to maintain good and constructive contact with other fellow humans, no matter how near or far. This is one of Islam's principles. The sense of belonging and togetherness should be extended beyond blood relations in order to encompass all human groups, races, and colors, and bring about cohesion between people.

In order to drive this home, the opening verse instructs humankind to fear God, and emphasizes His omnipotence and total control over the destiny of man. That notwithstanding, we can also find in the surah passages that encourage optimism and raise hope in God's grace and mercy. Verse 31 says: "  If ye avoid the great (things) which ye are forbidden, We will remit from you your evil deeds and make you enter at a noble gate. "(31), while verse 110 says: " Yet whoso doeth evil or wrongeth his own soul, then seeketh pardon of Allah, will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful. "(110) . Verse 48 states: " Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin. "(48), and verse 17 says: "  Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah. These are they toward whom Allah relenteth. Allah is ever Knower, Wise. "(17) . While verses 26 to 28 read:

Allah would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and would turn to you in mercy. Allah is Knower, Wise. (26) And Allah would turn to you in mercy; but those who follow vain desires would have you go tremendously astray. (27) Allah would make the burden light for you, for man was created weak. (28) 

God has no desire to overburden His servants with obligations and rituals that are beyond their human ability and scope. The efforts they are required to exert are those which are necessary but bearable and within their capabilities in order for them to gain knowledge, understanding, and experience, and achieve progress in life. A believers life is controlled by his or her fear of God and the promise of His mercy and compassion. These are the two strong forces guiding believers in this world and preparing them to account before their Lord sooner or later in the hereafter.

Reflection and commentary by Mufti Hussain Kamani :


[ ayat 1 - 4 ]  :   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZBCb_VmeYM


...surah an nisa is summarised by 'ih dinas sirho tal mustakim' in the al fatihah

...the prime importance of the 'womb'

...in this ugama allah has made nikah easy and zina haram, now we have made nikah difficult and zina easy....

....dont make fun of allah's injunction; if you don't wear hijab, don't belittle those who do!

..2, 3 or 4 ......otherwise just 1



[ ayat 5 - 10 ]   :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMVh1Tm1EnY



.......special place of orphans in islam; now 'child adoption' is no longer the norm


.......age of maturity: 15 ;


......wasiah & bequest

.......7 major sins




[ ayat 11 - 14 ] :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flQL83SKM7g


......when a person is about to pass away, what do you have to do

......death is a reminder

......the janazah solat

.....the burial

.....the debt first, only then the janazah prayer during nabi's time.


.........inheritance

..........why sons get more than daughters?


........several models to follow, before death.