Surah An-Nisaa 4:106 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 106
Arabic Text
وَّاسۡتَغۡفِرِ اللّٰهَؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ غَفُوۡرًا رَّحِيۡمًاۚ
Transliteration
Wastaghfiri Allaha inna Allahakana ghafooran raheema
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:106 contains Allah's command: 'And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful' (Wastaghfir Allah inna Allah kana ghafooran raheema). This verse was revealed immediately after the previous verse about divine justice, instructing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to seek Allah's forgiveness for his initial inclination to support Banu Ubayriq in the armor theft case. According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this demonstrates the elevated spiritual standards expected of prophets, where even the slightest deviation from perfect judgment requires seeking divine forgiveness. The verse teaches fundamental principles of Islamic spirituality: that seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is essential even for the most righteous individuals, and that Allah's mercy always remains available to those who turn to Him in repentance. The two divine names 'Al-Ghafoor' (The Much-Forgiving) and 'Ar-Raheem' (The Especially Merciful) emphasize that Allah's mercy encompasses all human shortcomings when sincere repentance is sought. Classical commentators explain that this verse established the prophetic example of humility and constant return to Allah, teaching the Muslim community that seeking forgiveness should be a continuous practice regardless of one's spiritual status.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 106 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 106
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of An-Nisa 4:106?
An-Nisa 4:106 commands: 'And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.' This verse instructs continuous seeking of divine forgiveness through istighfar. The Arabic 'wastaghfir Allah' means to actively seek Allah's forgiveness, while 'inna Allah kana ghafooran raheema' emphasizes Allah's eternal attributes of being All-Forgiving (Al-Ghafoor) and Most Merciful (Ar-Raheem), indicating that His mercy is always available to those who seek it with sincerity.
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
This verse was revealed immediately following the previous verse about the armor theft incident. After Allah corrected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding his initial inclination to support Banu Ubayriq (the actual thieves) over the innocent Jewish person, Allah commanded the Prophet to seek forgiveness. This demonstrates that even prophets must seek Allah's forgiveness when their human judgment, though understandable, deviates from divine wisdom, establishing the principle that seeking forgiveness is essential for all believers.
❓What is the significance of the divine names Al-Ghafoor and Ar-Raheem in this context?
Al-Ghafoor (The Much-Forgiving) derives from the root 'ghafara' meaning to cover, conceal, and forgive. It indicates Allah's attribute of repeatedly forgiving sins and concealing faults. Ar-Raheem (The Especially Merciful) comes from 'rahmah' (mercy) and refers to Allah's specific, perfect mercy toward believers. Together, these names emphasize that Allah's forgiveness is not limited or conditional but abundant and merciful, encouraging believers to turn to Him in repentance without despair, knowing His mercy encompasses all sins.
❓What primary spiritual principles derive from this verse?
This verse establishes several foundational spiritual principles: (1) Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) should be a constant practice regardless of one's spiritual status, (2) Even the most righteous individuals need divine forgiveness, (3) Allah's mercy is always available to sincere seekers, (4) Humility before Allah is essential for spiritual growth, (5) Recognition of human fallibility and dependence on divine guidance, and (6) The importance of immediately turning to Allah after recognizing mistakes or shortcomings.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of justice and mercy in Islam?
This verse perfectly balances justice and mercy in Islamic theology. Following the stern command for justice in the previous verse, this verse demonstrates that Allah's justice is always accompanied by His mercy. It shows that while divine justice requires accountability and correction, divine mercy provides the path for redemption and spiritual purification. This balance teaches that Islamic law and spirituality emphasize both responsibility for actions and hope for forgiveness, creating a system that upholds justice while encouraging repentance and reformation.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and practical applications of this verse?
Core spiritual lessons include: (1) Cultivating humility by recognizing our constant need for Allah's forgiveness, (2) Developing the habit of regular istighfar as spiritual maintenance, (3) Understanding that seeking forgiveness strengthens rather than weakens our relationship with Allah, (4) Learning that divine mercy is accessible to all who approach Allah sincerely, and (5) Recognizing that even well-intentioned actions may require correction and forgiveness. Practically, this means incorporating 'Astaghfirullah' into daily speech, especially after mistakes or shortcomings.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern applications include: (1) Regular practice of istighfar throughout the day, especially during times of stress or after making mistakes, (2) Approaching Allah with confidence in His mercy when seeking forgiveness for serious sins, (3) Developing a mindset that views mistakes as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than sources of despair, (4) Teaching children that seeking forgiveness is a sign of strength and wisdom, not weakness, (5) Creating a culture of forgiveness in families and communities by modeling divine mercy, and (6) Using istighfar as a form of mindfulness and spiritual cleansing in busy modern life.
❓What does this verse teach about the prophetic example and human nature?
This verse reveals profound insights about prophethood and human nature. It shows that prophets, despite their elevated status and divine guidance, remain human and must seek Allah's forgiveness. This demonstrates that seeking forgiveness is not a sign of weakness or major sin, but a necessary aspect of the human condition. The prophetic example of immediately seeking forgiveness after divine correction teaches us humility, quick repentance, and trust in Allah's mercy. It establishes that spiritual excellence lies not in never making mistakes, but in quickly returning to Allah when corrected.
❓How does this verse address modern concerns about guilt, shame, and mental health?
This verse provides a healthy framework for dealing with guilt and mistakes. Rather than allowing guilt to fester into destructive shame, it offers an immediate remedy through seeking Allah's forgiveness. The emphasis on Allah being 'ever Forgiving and Merciful' prevents despair and promotes psychological healing. This approach encourages accountability without self-destruction, promotes self-forgiveness after seeking divine forgiveness, and provides a constructive outlet for dealing with regret. It teaches that past mistakes need not define our future relationship with Allah or our self-worth.
❓What is the relationship between seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification in Islamic practice?
Seeking forgiveness (istighfar) serves as a primary method of spiritual purification (tazkiyah) in Islam. The verse teaches that istighfar cleanses the heart from the effects of sins, removes spiritual barriers between the believer and Allah, and restores the soul's natural state of purity. Regular istighfar prevents the accumulation of spiritual rust on the heart, maintains awareness of Allah's presence, and keeps the believer in a state of humility and dependence on divine mercy. This creates a continuous cycle of spiritual renewal and growth.
Translations & Commentary
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