INTRODUCTION TO SURAT An-Nisäa (4) – Women
This Sūra of the Quran is closely connected chronologically with Süra III (Ale Imran). Its subject-matter deals with the social problems which the Muslim community had to face immediately after Battle of Uhud. While the particular occasion made the necessity urgent, the principles laid down have permanently governed Muslim Law and social practice.
Broadly speaking, the Sura consists of two parts:
(1) that dealing with women, orphans, inheritance, marriage, and family rights generally, and
(2) that dealing with the recalcitrants in the larger family, the community at
Madinah, viz., the Hypocrites and their accomplices.
Summary
1. Unity, Family Rights, and Inheritance (Verses iv. 1–14)
It begins with an appeal to the solidarity of mankind, the rights of
women and orphans, and the implications of family relationship, including an
equitable distribution of property after death.
2. Family Ethics and Rights of Women
(iv. 15–42)
While the decencies of family life should be enforced, women should be
held in honour and their rights recognized, in marriage, property, and
inheritance; and this principle of goodness should be extended to all beings,
great and small.
3. Acceptance of Faith and Obedience (iv. 43–70)
The sections in Madinah, not yet in the Muslim community, should not go
after false gods, but should accept the authority of the Prophet Mohammed, and obey him.
Then it will be their privilege to be admitted to a great and glorious
Fellowship.
4. Defense and Hypocrisy (iv. 71–91)
The Believers should organize in self-defence against their enemies, and
beware of the secret plots and mischiefs of the Hypocrites; how deserters
should he treated.
5. Sanctity of Life and Duties in War (iv. 92–104)
Caution about the taking of life; recommendations for leaving places
inimical to Islam; religious duties in the midst of war.
6. Treachery and Evil (iv. 105–126)
Treachery and the lure of evil.
7. Justice, Faith, and Conduct (iv. 127–152)
Women and orphans to be justly dealt with, Faith must go with justice,
sincerity, and moderation in speech.
8. People of the Book (iv. 153–176)
Where People of the Book went wrong, with honourable exceptions.
CONTENTS
Surah 4 An-Nisaa – Women
Introduction and Summary
Unity and mankind; Sacredness of sex and family relationships; Women and
orphans; Distribution of property after death
Marriage, Rights, and Social Ethics
Crimes against sex to be rooted out: Marriage and women's rights: Live in
faith, charity, and kindness
Part 5.
Virtues and Obedience
Cleanliness, purity, truth, obedience, and other virtues lead to a
glorious company
Brotherhood, Defense, and Hypocrisy
Rights and duties of Brotherhood: fear nothing, maintain the right, and
guard against Hypocrites and Deserters
Sanctity of Life and Migration
Sacredness of life migrate from places hostile to Islam: precautions in
prayer in time of danger
Warnings Against Treachery
Treachery and secrecy to be avoided: firmness and faith to be encouraged
Justice and Social Responsibility
Justice to women and orphans and to all be true and considerate
Part 6
People of the Book
Where the People of the Book went wrong Revelation continued
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