Introductions to Surah An-Nisaa.

A commentary by Syed Abu-Ala' Maududi

Period of Revelation

Surah An-Nisaa [The Women] is the fourth Surah. It 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 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.

(a) 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 Uhud 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.

(b) We learn from the Traditions that the Commandment about solat during wartime was given on Zat-ur-Riqa'a an expedition that took place in A. H. 4. From this, we conclude that the discourse containing v. 102 was revealed on that occasion.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 Sura. All the discourses in this Sura deal with three main problems, which confronted the Holy Prophet at the time.

First, 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, the declaration of the rights of orphans has been made laws, 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 Uhud 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 was 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 because of their misconduct.

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.

End.