4.
An-Nisá’: Women

In the name of Alláh, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

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 Alláh in Whom ye claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bare you). Lo! Alláh hath been a watcher over you.

Give unto orphans their wealth. Exchange not the good for the bad (in your management thereof) nor absorb their wealth into your own wealth. Lo! that would be a great sin.

And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.

And give unto the women (whom ye marry) free gift of their marriage portions; but if they of their own accord remit unto you a part thereof, then ye are welcome to absorb it (in your wealth).

Give not unto the foolish (what is in) your (keeping of their) wealth, which Alláh hath given you to maintain; but feed and clothe them from it, and speak kindly unto them.

Prove orphans till they reach the marriageable age; then, if ye find them of sound judgment, deliver over unto them their fortune; and devour it not by squandering and in haste lest they should grow up Whoso (of the guardians) is rich, let him abstain generously (from taking of the property of orphans); and whoso is poor let him take thereof in reason (for his guardianship). And when ye deliver up their fortune unto orphans, have (the transaction) witnessed in their presence. Alláh sufficeth as a Reckoner.

Unto the men (of a family) belongeth a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much—a legal share.

And when kinsfolk and orphans and the needy are present at the division (of the heritage), bestow on them therefrom and speak kindly unto them.

And let those fear (in their behaviour toward orphans) who if they left behind them weak offspring would be afraid for them. So let them mind their duty to Alláh, and speak justly.

Lo! Those who devour the wealth of orphans wrongfully, they do but swallow fire into their bellies, and they will be exposed to burning flame.

Alláh chargeth you concerning (the provision for) your children: to the male the equivalent of the portion of two females, and if there be women more than two, then theirs is two-thirds of the inheritance, and if there be one (only) then the half. And to each of his parents a sixth of the inheritance, if he have a son; and if he have no son and his parents are his heirs, then to his mother appertaineth the third; and if he have brethren, then to his mother appertaineth the sixth, after any legacy he may have bequeathed, or debt (hath been paid). Your parents and your children: Ye know not which of them is nearer unto you in usefulness. It is an injunction from Alláh. Lo! Alláh is Knower, Wise.

And unto you belongeth a half of that which your wives leave, if they have no child; but if they have a child then unto you the fourth of that which they leave, after any legacy they may have bequeathed, or debt (they may have contracted, hath been paid). And unto them belongeth the fourth of that which ye leave if ye have no child, but if ye have a child then the eighth of that which ye leave, after any legacy ye may have bequeathed, or debt (ye may have contracted, hath been paid). And if a man or a woman have a distant heir (having left neither parent nor child), and he (or she) have a brother or a sister (only on the mother’s side) then to each of them twain (the brother and the sister) the sixth, and if they be more than two, then they shall be sharers in the third, after any legacy that may have been bequeathed or debt (contracted) not injuring (the heirs by willing away more than a third of the heritage) hath been paid. A commandment from Alláh. Alláh is Knower, Indulgent.

These are the limits (imposed by) Alláh. Whoso obeyeth Alláh and His messenger, He will make him enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow, where such will dwell for ever. That will be the great success.

And whoso disobeyeth Alláh and His messenger and transgresseth His limits, He will make him enter Fire, where he will dwell for ever; his will be a shameful doom.

As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Alláh appoint for them a way (through new legislation).

And as for the two of you who are guilty thereof, punish them both. And if they repent and improve, then let them be. Lo! Alláh is ever relenting, Merciful.

Forgiveness is only incumbent on Alláh toward those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Alláh. These are they toward whom Alláh relenteth. Alláh is ever Knower, Wise.

The forgiveness is not for those who do ill-deeds until, when death attendeth upon one of them, he saith: Lo! I repent now; nor yet for those who die while they are disbelievers. For such We have prepared a painful doom.

O ye who believe! It is not lawful for you forcibly to inherit the women (of your deceased kinsmen), nor (that) ye should put constraint upon them that ye may take away a part of that which ye have given them, unless they be guilty of flagrant lewdness. But consort with them in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Alláh hath placed much good.

And if ye wish to exchange one wife for another and ye have given unto one of them a sum of money (however great), take nothing from it. Would ye take it by the way of calumny and open wrong?

How can ye take it (back) after one of you hath gone in unto the other, and they have taken a strong pledge from you?

And marry not those women whom your fathers married, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! it was ever lewdness and abomination, and an evil way.

Forbidden unto you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father’s sisters, and your mother’s sisters, and your brother’s daughters and your sister’s daughters, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and your mothers-in-law, and your step-daughters who are under your protection (born) of your women unto whom ye have gone in—but if ye have not gone in unto them, then it is no sin for you (to marry their daughters)—and the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins. And (it is forbidden unto you) that ye should have two sisters together, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! Alláh is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Alláh for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Alláh is ever Knower, Wise.

And whoso is not able to afford to marry free, believing women, let them marry from the believing maids whom your right hands possess. Alláh knoweth best (concerning) your faith. Ye (proceed) one from another; so wed them by permission of their folk, and give unto them their portions in kindness, they being honest, not debauched nor of loose conduct. And if when they are honourably married they commit lewdness they shall incur the half of the punishment (prescribed) for free women (in that case). This is for him among you who feareth to commit sin. But to have patience would be better for you. Alláh is Forgiving, Merciful.

Alláh would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and would turn to you in mercy. Alláh is Knower, Wise.

And Alláh would turn to you in mercy; but those who follow vain desires would have you go tremendously astray.

Alláh would make the burden light for you, for man was created weak.

O ye who believe! Squander not your wealth among yourselves in vanity, except it be a trade by mutual consent, and kill not one another. Lo! Alláh is ever Merciful unto you.

Whoso doeth that through aggression and injustice, we shall cast him into Fire, and that is ever easy for Alláh.

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.

And covet not the thing in which Alláh hath made some of you excel others. Unto men a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned. (Envy not one another) but ask Alláh of His bounty. Lo! Alláh is ever Knower of all things.

And unto each We have appointed heirs of that which parents and near kindred leave; and as for those with whom your right hands have made a covenant, give them their due. Lo! Alláh is ever Witness over all things.

Men are in charge of women, because Alláh hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Alláh hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Alláh is ever High, Exalted, Great.

And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Alláh will make them of one mind. Lo! Alláh is ever Knower, Aware.

And serve Alláh. Ascribe no thing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents, and unto near kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and unto the neighbour who is of kin (unto you) and the neighbour who is not of kin, and the fellow-traveller and the wayfarer and (the slaves) whom your right hands possess. Lo! Alláh loveth not such as are proud and boastful,

Who hoard their wealth and enjoin avarice on others, and hide that which Alláh hath bestowed upon them of His bounty. For disbelievers We prepare a shameful doom;

And (also) those who spend their wealth in order to be seen of men, and believe not in Alláh nor the Last Day. Whoso taketh Satan for a comrade, a bad comrade hath he.

What have they (to fear) if they believe in Alláh and the Last Day and spend (aright) of that which Alláh hath bestowed upon them, when Alláh is ever Aware of them (and all they do)?

Lo! Alláh wrongeth not even of the weight of an ant; and if there is a good deed, He will double it and will give (the doer) from His presence an immense reward.

But how (will it be with them) when We bring of every people a witness, and We bring thee (O Muḥammad) a witness against these?

On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the messenger will wish that they were level with the ground, and they can hide no fact from Alláh.

O ye who believe! Draw not near unto prayer when ye are drunken, till ye know that which ye utter, nor when ye are polluted, save when journeying upon the road, till ye have bathed. And if ye be ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from the closet, or ye have touched women, and ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and rub your faces and your hands (therewith). Lo! Alláh is Benign, Forgiving.

Seest thou not those unto whom a portion of the Scripture hath been given, how they purchase error, and seek to make you (Muslims) err from the right way?

Alláh knoweth best (who are) your enemies. Alláh is sufficient as a Guardian, and Alláh is sufficient as a Supporter.

Some of those who are Jews change words from their context and say: “We hear and disobey; hear thou as one who heareth not” and “Listen to us!” distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. If they had said: “We hear and we obey: hear thou, and look at us” it had been better for them, and more upright. But Alláh hath cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, save a few.

O ye unto whom the Scripture hath been given! Believe in what We have revealed confirming that which ye possess, before We destroy countenances so as to confound them, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers (of old time). The commandment of Alláh is always executed.

Lo! Alláh forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Alláh, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.

Hast thou not seen those who praise themselves for purity? Nay, Alláh purifieth whom He will, and they will not be wronged even the hair upon a date-stone.

See, how they invent lies about Alláh! That of itself is flagrant sin.

Hast thou not seen those unto whom a portion of the Scripture hath been given, how they believe in idols and false deities, and how they say of those (idolaters) who disbelieve: “These are more rightly guided than those who believe”?

Those are they whom Alláh hath cursed, and he whom Alláh hath cursed, thou (O Muḥammad) wilt find for him no helper.

Or have they even a share in the Sovereignty? Then in that case, they would not give mankind even the speck on a date-stone.

Or are they jealous of mankind because of that which Alláh of His bounty hath bestowed upon them? For We bestowed upon the house of Abraham (of old) the Scripture and wisdom, and We bestowed on them a mighty kingdom.

And of them were (some) who believed therein and of them were (some) who turned away from it. Hell is sufficient for (their) burning.

Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Alláh is ever Mighty, Wise.

And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall make them enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow—to dwell therein for ever; there for them are pure companions—and We shall make them enter plenteous shade.

Lo! Alláh commandeth you that ye restore deposits to their owners, and, if ye judge between mankind, that ye judge justly. Lo! comely is this which Alláh admonisheth you. Lo! Alláh is ever Hearer, Seer.

O ye who believe! Obey Alláh, and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority; and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Alláh and the messenger if ye are (in truth) believers in Alláh and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly in the end.

Hast thou not seen those who pretend that they believe in that which is revealed unto thee and that which was revealed before thee, how they would go for judgment (in their disputes) to false deities when they have been ordered to abjure them? Satan would mislead them far astray.

And when it is said unto them: Come unto that which Alláh hath revealed and unto the messenger, thou seest the hypocrites turn from thee with aversion.

How would it be if a misfortune smote them because of that which their own hands have sent before (them)? Then would they come unto thee, swearing by Alláh that they were seeking naught but harmony and kindness.

Those are they, the secrets of whose hearts Alláh knoweth. So oppose them and admonish them, and address them in plain terms about their souls.

We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Alláh’s leave. And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Alláh, and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Alláh Forgiving, Merciful.

But nay, by thy Lord, they will not believe (in truth) until they make thee judge of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike of that which thou decidest, and submit with full submission.

And if We had decreed for them: Lay down your lives or go forth from your dwellings, but few of them would have done it; though if they did what they are exhorted to do it would be better for them, and more strengthening;

And then We should bestow upon them from Our presence an immense reward,

And should guide them unto a straight path.

Whoso obeyeth Alláh and the messenger, they are with those unto whom Alláh hath shown favour, of the prophets and the saints and the martyrs and the righteous. The best of company are they!

That is bounty from Alláh, and Alláh sufficeth as Knower.

O ye who believe! Take your precautions, then advance the proven ones, or advance all together.

Lo! among you there is he who loitereth; and if disaster overtook you, he would say: Alláh hath been gracious unto me since I was not present with them.

And if a bounty from Alláh befell you, he would surely cry, as if there had been no love between you and him: Oh, would that I had been with them, then should I have achieved a great success!

Let those fight in the way of Alláh who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Alláh, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward.

How should ye not fight for the cause of Alláh and of the feeble among men and of the women and the children who are crying: Our Lord! Bring us forth from out this town of which the people are oppressors! Oh, give us from thy presence some protecting friend! Oh, give us from Thy presence some defender!

Those who believe do battle for the cause of Alláh; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil’s strategy is ever weak.

Hast thou not seen those unto whom it was said: Withhold your hands, establish worship and pay the poor-due, but when fighting was prescribed for them behold! a party of them fear mankind even as their fear of Alláh or with greater fear, and say: Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordained fighting for us? If only Thou wouldst give us respite yet a while! Say (unto them, O Muḥammad): The comfort of this world is scant; the Hereafter will be better for him who wardeth off (evil); and ye will not be wronged the down upon a date-stone.

Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Alláh; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muḥammad). Say (unto them): All is from Alláh. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?

Whatever of good befalleth thee (O man) it is from Alláh, and whatever of ill befalleth thee it is from thyself. We have sent thee (Muḥammad) as a messenger unto mankind and Alláh is sufficient as Witness.

Whoso obeyeth the messenger hath obeyed Alláh, and whoso turneth away: We have not sent thee as a warder over them.

And they say: (It is) obedience; but when they have gone forth from thee a party of them spend the night in planning other than what thou sayest. Alláh recordeth what they plan by night. So oppose them and put thy trust in Alláh. Alláh is sufficient as Trustee.

Will they not then ponder on the Qur’án? If it had been from other than Alláh they would have found therein much incongruity.

And if any tidings, whether of safety or fear, come unto them, they noise it abroad, whereas if they had referred it to the messenger and to such of them as are in authority, those among them who are able to think out the matter would have known it. If it had not been for the grace of Alláh upon you and His mercy ye would have followed Satan, save a few (of you).

So fight (O Muḥammad) in the way of Alláh Thou art not taxed (with the responsibility for anyone) except thyself—and urge on the believers. Peradventure Alláh will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Alláh is stronger in might and stronger in inflicting punishment.

Whoso interveneth in a good cause will have the reward thereof, and whoso interveneth in an evil cause will bear the consequence thereof. Alláh overseeth all things.

When ye are greeted with a greeting, greet ye with a better than it or return it. Lo! Alláh taketh count of all things.

Alláh! There is no God save Him. He gathereth you all unto a Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt. Who is more true in statement than Alláh?

What aileth you that ye are become two parties regarding the hypocrites, when Alláh cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they earned? Seek ye to guide him whom Alláh hath sent astray? He whom Alláh sendeth astray, for him thou (O MUhammad) canst not find a road.

They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Alláh; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,

Except those who seek refuge with a people between whom and you there is a covenant, or (those who) come unto you because their hearts forbid them to make war on you or make war on their own folk. Had Alláh willed He could have given them power over you so that assuredly they would have fought you. So, if they hold aloof from you and wage not war against you and offer you peace, Alláh alloweth you no way against them.

Ye will find others who desire that they should have security from you, and security from their own folk. So often as they are returned to hostility they are plunged therein. If they keep not aloof from you nor offer you peace nor hold their hands, then take them and kill them wherever ye find them. Against such We have given you clear warrant.

It is not for a believer to kill a believer unless (it be) by mistake. He who hath killed a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain, unless they remit it as a charity. If he (the victim) be of a people hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he cometh of a folk between whom and you there is a covenant, then the blood-money must be paid unto his folk and (also) a believing slave must be set free. And whoso hath not the wherewithal must fast two consecutive months. A penance from Alláh. Alláh is Knower, Wise.

Whoso slayeth a believer of set purpose, his reward is hell for ever. Alláh is wroth against him and He hath cursed him and prepared for him an awful doom.

O ye who believe! When ye go forth (to fight) in the way of Alláh, be careful to discriminate, and say not unto one who offereth you peace: “Thou art not a believer,” seeking the chance profits of this life (so that ye may despoil him). With Alláh are plenteous spoils. Even thus (as he now is) were ye before; but Alláh hath since then been gracious unto you. Therefore take care to discriminate. Alláh is ever Informed of what ye do.

Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Alláh with their wealth and lives. Alláh hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Alláh hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;

Degrees of rank from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. Alláh is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

Lo! as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wrong themselves, (the angels) will ask: In what were ye engaged? They will say: We were oppressed in the land. (The angels) will say: Was not Alláh’s earth spacious that ye could have migrated therein? As for such, their habitation will be hell, an evil journey’s end;

Except the feeble among men, and the women, and the children, who are unable to devise a plan and are not shown a way.

As for such, it may be that Alláh will pardon them. Alláh is ever Clement, Forgiving.

Whoso migrateth for the cause of Alláh will find much refuge and abundance in the earth, and whoso forsaketh his home, a fugitive unto Alláh and His messenger, and death overtaketh him, his reward is then incumbent on Alláh. Alláh is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

And when ye go forth in the land, it is no sin for you to curtail (your) worship if ye fear that those who disbelieve may attack you. In truth the disbelievers are an open enemy to you.

And when thou (O Muḥammad) art among them and arrangest (their) worship for them, let only a party of them stand with thee (to worship) and let them take their arms. Then when they have performed their prostrations let them fall to the rear and let another party come that hath not worshipped and let them worship with thee, and let them take their precaution and their arms. Those who disbelieve long for you to neglect your arms and your baggage that they may attack you once for all. It is no sin for you to lay aside your arms, if rain impedeth you or ye are sick. But take your precaution. Lo! Alláh prepareth for the disbelievers shameful punishment.

When ye have performed the act of worship, remember Alláh, standing, sitting and reclining. And when ye are in safety, observe proper worship. Worship at fixed times hath been enjoined on the believers.

Relent not in pursuit of the enemy. If ye are suffering, lo! they suffer even as ye suffer and ye hope from Alláh that for which they cannot hope. Alláh is ever Knower, Wise.

Lo! We reveal unto thee the Scripture with the truth, that thou mayst judge between mankind by that which Alláh showeth thee. And be not thou a pleader for the treacherous;

And seek forgiveness of Alláh. Lo! Alláh is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

And plead not on behalf of (people) who deceive themselves. Lo! Alláh loveth not one who is treacherous and sinful.

They seek to hide from men and seek not to hide from Alláh. He is with them when by night they hold discourse displeasing unto Him. Alláh ever surroundeth what they do.

Ho! ye are they who pleaded for them in the life of the world. But who will plead with Alláh for them on the Day of Resurrection, or who will then be their defender?

Yet whoso doeth evil or wrongeth his own soul, then seeketh pardon of Alláh, will find Alláh Forgiving, Merciful.

Whoso committeth sin committeth it only against himself. Alláh is ever Knower, Wise.

And whoso committeth a delinquency or crime, then throweth (the blame) thereof upon the innocent, hath burdened himself with falsehood and a flagrant crime.

But for the grace of Alláh upon thee (Muḥammad), and His mercy, a party of them had resolved to mislead thee, but they will mislead only themselves and they will hurt thee not at all. Alláh revealeth unto thee the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth thee that which thou knewest not. The grace of Alláh toward thee hath been infinite.

There is no good in much of their secret conferences save (in) him who enjoineth almsgiving and kindness and peace-making among the people. Whoso doeth that, seeking the good pleasure of Alláh, We shall bestow on him a vast reward.

And whoso opposeth the messenger after the guidance (of Alláh) hath been manifested unto him, and followeth other than the believer’s way, We appoint for him that unto which he himself hath turned, and expose him unto hell—a hapless journey’s end!

Lo! Alláh pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Alláh hath wandered far astray.

They invoke in His stead only females; they pray to none else than Satan, a rebel

Whom Alláh cursed, and he said: Surely I will take of Thy bondmen an appointed portion,