Period of Revelation
This Surah comprises several discourses which were revealed on
different occasions during the period ranging probably between the
end of A. H. 3 and the end of A. H. 4 or the beginning of A. H. 5.
Although it is difficult to determine the exact dates of their
revelations, yet it is possible to assign to them a fairly correct
period with the help of the Commandments and the events mentioned
therein and the Traditions concerning them. A few instances are
given below by way of illustration :
- We know that the instructions about the division of
inheritance of the martyrs and for the safeguard of the rights
of the orphans were sent down after the Battle of Uhd in which
70 Muslims were killed. Then naturally the question of the
division of the inheritance of the martyrs and the safeguard of
the rights of their orphans arose in many families at
Al-Madinah. From this we conclude that vv. 1 -28 were revealed
on that occasion.
- We learn from the Traditions that the Commandment about
salat during war time was given on the occasion of
Zat-ur-Riqa'a, an expedition which took place in A. H. 4. From
this we conclude that the discourse containing v. 102 was
revealed on that occasion.
- The last warning (v. 47) to the Jews was given before the
Banu Nadir were exiled from Al-Madinah in Rabi'-ulAwwal, A. H.
4. From this it may safely be concluded that the discourse
containing v. 47 must have been revealed some time before that
date.
- The permission about tayammum (the performance of
ablutions with pure dust, in case no water be available) was
given during the Bani-al-Mustaliq expedition, which took place
in A. H. 5.. Therefore the probable period of the revelation of
the discourse containing v. 43 was A. H. 5.
Topics and Their Background
Let us now consider the social and historical considerations of
the period in order to understand the Surah. All the discourses in
this Surah deal with three main problems which confronted the Holy
Prophet at the time. First of all, he was engaged in bringing
about an all round development of the Islamic Community that had
been formed at the time of his migration to Al-Madinah. For this
purpose he was introducing new moral, cultural, social, economic
and political ways in place of the old ones of the pre-Islamic
period. The second thing that occupied his attention and efforts
was the bitter struggle that was going on with the mushrik
Arabs, the Jewish clans and the hypocrites who were opposing tooth
and nail his mission of reform. Above all he had to propagate
Islam in the face of the bitter opposition of these powers of evil
with a view to capturing more and more minds and hearts.
Accordingly, detailed instructions have been given for the
consolidation and strengthening of the Islamic Community in
continuation of those given in Al-Baqarah. Principles for the
smooth running of family life have been laid down and ways of
settling family disputes have been taught. Rules have been
prescribed for marriage and rights of wife and husband have been
apportioned fairly and equitably. The status of women in the
society has been determined and the declaration of the rights of
orphans has been made laws and regulations have been laid down for
the division of inheritance, and instructions have been given to
reform economic affairs. The foundation of the penal code has been
laid down drinking has been prohibited, and instructions have been
given for cleanliness and purity. The Muslims have been taught the
kind of relations good men should have with their Allah and fellow
men. Instructions have been given for the maintenance of
discipline in the Muslim Community.
The moral and religious condition of the people of the Book has
been reviewed to teach lessons to the Muslims and to forewarn them
to refrain from following in their footsteps. The conduct of the
hypocrites has been criticized and the distinctive features of
hypocrisy and true faith have been clearly marked off to enable
the Muslims to distinguish between the two.
In order to cope with the aftermath of the Battle of Uhd,
Inspiring discourses were sent down to urge the Muslims to face
the enemy bravely, for the defeat in the Battle had so emboldened
the mushrik Arab clans and the neighboring Jews and the
hypocrites at home that they were threatening the Muslims on all
sides. At this critical juncture, Allah filled the Muslims with
courage and gave them such instructions as were needed during that
period of war clouds. In order to counteract the fearful rumors
that were being spread by the hypocrites and the Muslims of weak
faith, they were asked to make a thorough enquiry into them and to
inform the responsible people about them. Then they were
experiencing some difficulties in offering their salat during the
expeditions to some places where no water was available for
performing their ablutions, etc. In such cases they were allowed
to cleanse themselves with pure earth and to shorten the salat or
to offer the "Salat of Fear", when they were faced with danger.
Instructions were also given for the solution of the puzzling
problem of those Muslims who were scattered among the unbelieving
Arab clans and were often involved in war. They were asked to
migrate to Al-Madinah, the abode of Islam.
This Surah also deals with the case of Bani Nadir who were
showing a hostile and menacing attitude, in spite of the peace
treaties they had made with the Muslims. They were openly siding
with the enemies of Islam and hatching plots against the Holy
Prophet and the Muslim Community even at AI-Madinah itself. They
were taken to task for their inimical behavior and given a final
warning to change their attitude, and were at last exiled from
Al-Madinah on account of their misconduct.
The problem of the hypocrites, who had become very troublesome
at that time, was involving the Believers in difficulties--
Therefore they were divided into different categories to enable
the Muslims to deal with them appropriately.
Clear instructions were also given regarding the attitude they
should adopt towards the non-belligerent clans. The most important
thing needed at that time was to prepare the Muslims for the
bitter struggle with the opponents of Islam. For this purpose
greatest importance was attached to their character building, for
it was obvious that the small Muslim Community could only come out
successful, nay, survive, if the Muslims possessed high moral
character. They were, therefore, enjoined to adopt the highest
moral qualities and were severely criticized whenever any moral
weakness was detected in them.
Though this Surah mainly deals with the moral and social
reforms, yet due attention has been paid to propagation of Islam.
On the one hand, the superiority of the Islamic morality and
culture has been established over that of the Jews, Christians and
mushriks; on the other hand, their wrong religious conceptions,
their wrong morality and their evil acts have been criticized to
prepare the ground for inviting them to the way of the Truth.
Subject: Consolidation of the Islamic Community
The main object of this Surah is to teach the Muslims the ways
that unite a people and make them firm and strong. Introductions
for the stability of family, which is the nucleus of community
have been given. Then they have been urged to prepare themselves
for defence. Side by side with these, they have been taught the
importance of the propagation of Islam. Above all, the importance
of the highest moral character in the scheme of consolidation of
the Community has been impressed.
Topics and their Interconnection
Just, fair and equitable laws and regulations for the smooth
running of family life have been laid down for the husband and
wife. Detailed instructions have been given for the division of
inheritance and due regard has been paid to the rights of orphans.
1 - 35
In order to inculcate the right spirit for the observance of
rules and regulations, the Muslims have been enjoined to show
generosity to all around them and to be free from meanness,
selfishness, stinginess of mind, because this is essential for the
consolidation of the Communities and helpful for the propagation
of Islam. 36 - 42
The ways of the purification of mind and body for the offering
of Salat have been taught because it plays the most important part
in every scheme of moral and social reform. 43
After moral preparation, instructions for defence have been
given. First of all, the Muslims have been warned to be on their
guard against the cunning machinations and vile practices of the
local Jews who were hostile to the New Movement. This caution was
necessary for removing some possible misunderstanding that might
have arisen on account of the pre-Islamic alliance between the
people of Al-Madinah and the Jews. 44 - 57
Then they have been enjoined to place their trusts and offices
of trust in the custody of honest and qualified persons, and to do
what is just and right, and to obey Allah and His Messenger and
those among themselves entrusted with the conduct of their affairs
and to turn to Allah and His Messenger for the settlement of their
disputes. As such an attitude and behaviour alone can ensure
consolidation, they have been strongly warned that any deviation
from this path will lead to their disintegration. 58 - 72
After this pre-requisite, they have been exhorted to make
preparation for defence and to fight bravely for the cause of
Islam, without showing any kind of cowardice or weakness. They
have also been warned to be on their guard against hypocrites. A
line of demarcation has been drawn to distinguish the intentional
shirkers from the helpless devotees. 73 - 100
Here again instructions have been given for the offering of
Salat during military campaigns and actual fighting. This is to
impress the importance of Salat even at the time of fear and
danger. 101 - 103
Before proceeding on to the next topic, the Muslims have been
exhorted to persevere in their fight without showing any kind of
weakness. 104
In order to make the Islamic Community firm and strong for
defence, the Muslims have been enjoined to observe the highest
standard of justice. The Muslims are required to deal out strict
justice even in case of the enemy, with whom they might be
involved in war. They should also settle disputes between husband
and wife with justice. In order to ensure this, they should keep
their beliefs and deeds absolutely free from every kind of
impurity and should become the standard bearers of justice. 105
- 135
Resuming the theme of defence, the Muslims have been warned to
be on their guard against their enemies. They have been admonished
to take necessary precautions against the machinations of the
hypocrites and the unbelievers and the people of the Book. As
belief in Allah, and Revelation and Life-after-death is the only
safeguard against every kind of enemy, they should sincerely
believe in and follow His Messenger, Muhammad (Allah's peace be
upon him). 136 - 175
Though this verse also deals with the family laws contained in
verses 1 - 35, it has been added as a supplement at the end
of this Surah because it was revealed long after An-Nisa was being
recited as a complete Surah. 176