JUZ FIVE
Surah al-Nisaʾ was revealed shortly after Surah Al ʿImran and continues its theme of addressing the aftermath of Uhud. While Surah Al ʿImran focused primarily on the political and theological lessons, Surah al-Nisaʾ primarily focuses on social and legal matters that arose in the aftermath of Uḥud. Although the surah is named the Chapter of Women due to the high number of gender-related rules that appear in it, the core theme is really society and the laws of Islam related to various aspects of society.
Due to the large number of men who were martyred at Uḥud, a variety of issues arose related to widows, orphans, and inheritance. All these issues are addressed in this surah. The surah begins with a reminder that humanity originated from a single couple, and so due to our common ancestry we must maintain the ties of kinship. This spirit of brotherhood and community runs throughout the surah. This verse is also a reminder
that although men and women are equal in terms of spirituality and potential for salvation, Allah created them to play different roles in society. This is another theme that runs throughout the surah, the dual roles of men and women, which are meant to complement each other so that society functions smoothly.
The surah then reminds us of the permission for and restrictions on polygamy. This verse was revealed during the aftermath of Uḥud, giving comfort to the widows and orphans of Uḥud that they would be taken care of and not forgotten. Although the permission for restricted polygamy is general, its roots have always been in societal and communal good, with a strong focus on the welfare of the women and children involved in such a family structure.
Surah al-Nisaʾ also continues the theme of defining this ummah. The previous two juz referred to this ummah as the balanced ummah and the best of ummahs, but in this juz we are told that our ummah is a witness over every other ummah, and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is a witness over us.38 There is a beautiful hadith narrated about this verse.
ʿAbd Allah Ibn Masud narrated: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said to me, “Recite [of the Qur’an] for me,” I said, “Shall I recite it to you although it had been revealed to you?” He said, “I like to hear [the Qur’an] from others.” So, I recited Surah al-Nisaʾ till I reached, “How [will it be] then when We bring from each nation a witness, and We bring you [O Muhammad] as a witness against these people?” Then he said, “Stop!” And behold, his eyes were overflowing with tears.
Another beautiful theme that flows through this surah is the theme of ease. This surah is heavy on legal matters and this may feel overwhelming to many readers. In between all these laws, Allah assures us that He revealed these laws to make life easier for us and that He understands that humans are weak.
God intends to make things clear to you, and to guide you in the ways of those before you, and to redeem you. God is Most Knowing, Most Wise. God intends to redeem you, but those who follow their desires want you to turn away utterly. God intends to lighten your burden, for the human being was created weak.
Another important lesson that is emphasized in this surah is the importance of obeying the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم .This is a continuation of the lessons from the Battle of Uḥud. The defeat at Uḥud was primarily due to the archers disobeying the command of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم .Because of this, the importance of obeying the Messenger is repeated throughout
Surah Al ʿImran and Surah al-Nisaʾ which includes the powerful command, “But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they call you to arbitrate in their disputes, and then find within themselves no resentment regarding your decisions and submit themselves completely.”
Surah al-Nisaʾ is the second longest surah in the Qur’an and flows through the fourth, fifth, and sixth juz of the Qur’an. The themes of law, society, the rights of the weak, and importance of obeying the law all flow throughout this powerful chapter of the Qur’an, giving us a lot to reflect on and more to practice.
By
Dr. Omar Suleiman & Sh. Ismail Kamdar
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