^{Surah Name:} An-Nis'aa ^Meaning: The Women

Key Points

Surah An-Nis'aa

Secrets Of Revelation

Again, the discussion reverts to the actual subject of the rights of women. Before the advent of Islam, women were not even considered as humans.. Islam gave her the right to inherit and actually made her a shareholder in the heritage, whereas the Arabs used to treat women as a part of heritage and distributed them amongst the heirs. Islam redeemed them from the depths of humiliation and raised them to a respectable status. So some classes of the society wanted an explanation, for it was hard for them to conceive how Islam could declare woman as a shareholder in heritage like man? They thought maybe this order was temporary, or for a specific group of people as it was very difficult for them to even imagine such a possibility. Therefore, the Holy Prophet^-SW was asked to tell those who still inquired about women, that Allaah^-SWT gives His verdict about them. A verdict is that decisive answer to a question which carries the final judgment, and whatever has been revealed is the final word. A woman too is a member of the human race who is also entrusted with responsibilities just as a man also has responsibilities. Similarly just as the man enjoys his rights, a woman too has rights. However, these rights and duties differ slightly in nature. Responsibilities have been assigned to them keeping in view their physical structure and their capabilities to manage the affairs of life; consequently, their rights differ in the same degree.

A Social Malpractice

In those days people used to marry orphan girls but did not bother to pay their obligatory rights such as Mehr money or to give any status to such wives. Most married these girls for their wealth and if their appearance did not appeal them, they were completely neglected. Or else if the reason behind the marriage was beauty then many of their other rights were usurped. Similarly in the case of orphan children, people would become their guardians but would deprive them of their wealth under the cover of raising them, and would also take service from them. Allaah^-SWT disapproves of all such malpractices and customs and commands to establish justice in dealing with the down trodden and the orphans. And whatever good one does Allaah^-SWT is well Aware of it.

Tips for a Pleasant Domestic Life

If a woman is fed up with the belligerence of her husband, or she feels that her husband is not giving her due attention as if he no longer desires her, then it is better for both to make peace on certain conditions. Rather it is commendable that they should settle their rifts mutually. If the husband is at fault, he should correct himself and if the wife is being unreasonable, she should mend her ways. Each one should forgo some of their own rights and forgive the other. Whatever is done, it is always better to make peace, even if it is achieved by sacrificing a few minor rights. Compromise improves the lives of the individual as well as the entire nation, whereas wars and unrest ruin them. Personal differences and domestic feuds often embitter the lives of the children. Similarly when tribes and families fight they move towards destruction. When countries are threatened by war, millions of people lose their peace. To avert such disaster, it is wise to forgo some of the rights. On a smaller scale, saving even a single household from breaking up is a big achievement. Compromises are often reached when a party offers to surrender a few rights, while in human beings generally the desire to acquire something works up to avarice. But if they make righteousness and piety as second nature, all these problems can be solved. As every problem has a solution provided people are sincere and God fearing. And whatever is done to please Allaah^-SWT never goes in vain, as Allaah^-SWT is Aware of the deeds of people.

Now another issue concerning polygamy must be clarified; that the subsequent marriages which are allowed upto four are conditional to the husband's ability to treat them with justice. If it is not possible to maintain justice amongst the wives, it is better to have one wife. The term justice is further explained to be applying to all those affairs which are in man's control, such as respect, clothing, food, housing, marital relation etc. but as far as the feelings of the heart are concerned, they are beyond one's control, as one cannot force the heart to love everyone equally and it is not possible even if one wants to. But what one can do is not to lean only towards one, leaving the other suspended in a state where she can neither be called married because she does not get her due rights, nor can she be termed as a spinster for she is bound by the wedlock after all. Therefore, it is the best policy to make peace within the first marriage even if it involves some temporary difficulties. Be straight with Allaah^-SWT as He is the Most Merciful.

If inspite of all these efforts it is impossible to live together then the woman can also demand for separation, which an Islamic Court or a Qazi (Islamic Judge) can grant her after reviewing the situation. A man has the right to divorce, but both husband and wife should not even think that one of them is indispensable for the other. Allaah^-SWT by His Grace, will create opportunities for them and they will both lead a normal life, as Allaah^-SWT has abundance for all and He is the Greatest Planner too.

All that is between the heavens and the earth, that which is in human knowledge as well as that which is beyond it belongs to Allaah^-SWT. Living in this world is nothing but a trial for people. Islam is a religion of humanity. Allaah^-SWT Commanded those who were given the Books before you, as He Commands you to keep your dealings with Him straight and to obey Him with sincere devotion. Even if someone disobeys Allaah^-SWT, it does not affect His Greatness in any way, as the entire creations within the universe are His slaves, yet He is not dependent on anyone for any service. He is Independent under all circumstances and is the Provider. Allaah^-SWT is worthy of all praise and Owner of magnificent qualities. All that is within the universe is not only owned by Him but also created by Him ; and He Alone is the supporter for everyone for all times to come and the focus of all hopes; and He is Omnipotent. If He wishes He can annihilate you and make others reside in your cities, in your place. He is certainly capable of doing so. These are historical facts that nations, kingdoms and countries, have flourished and have been destroyed. Allaah^-SWT is all Powerful and does whatever pleases Him. If someone seeks only worldly pleasures, then those too are in Allaah^-SWT's control; which only He can give and the Hereafter also is in His Power, and He may grant both the Hereafter and the world to the one who seeks the Hereafter. The one who is only after this worldly life, from where can he hope to attain anything by defying Allaah^-SWT? Allaah^-SWT Hears and Sees everything, therefore, the one striving for eternal success need not given up this world, but instead should adopt those means of earning worldly gains which have been permitted by Allaah^-SWT and His Prophet" ^-SW. By doing so he wins success in the Hereafter as a reward.