An-Nisaa 4:116
Surah An-Nisaa, Verse 116 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:116 establishes one of Islam's most fundamental theological principles: that shirk (associating partners with Allah in worship) is the only unforgivable sin, while Allah may forgive all other transgressions for whomever He wills. The verse states 'Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly gone far astray.' According to classical Islamic scholarship, shirk is unforgivable because it fundamentally corrupts human nature and severs the spiritual connection between the created being and the Creator. The tafsir explains that while other sins may stem from human weakness, shirk represents pure insolence and rebellion against divine sovereignty. The phrase 'gone far astray' (ḍalla ḍalālan ba'īdan) indicates complete spiritual disorientation, where the person has lost all connection to their true purpose and divine guidance. However, authentic Islamic sources emphasize that repentance from shirk is always accepted if it occurs before death, as Allah's mercy encompasses all who sincerely turn to Him in monotheistic worship. This verse appears twice in Surah An-Nisa with slight variations, addressing different audiences - the People of the Book in verse 48 and the pagan Arabs in verse 116 - demonstrating the universal nature of this divine law.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ اَنۡ يُّشۡرَكَ بِهٖ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُوۡنَ ذٰلِكَ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُؕ وَمَنۡ يُّشۡرِكۡ بِاللّٰهِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلٰلاًۢ بَعِيۡدًا
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Inna Allaha la yaghfiru anyushraka bihi wayaghfiru ma doona thalika limanyashao waman yushrik billahi faqad dalladalalan baAAeeda
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 116
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is shirk and why is it considered the only unforgivable sin in Islam?
Shirk is the act of associating partners with Allah in worship, considering any created being equal to Allah in His divine attributes. According to An-Nisa 4:116 and Islamic scholarship, shirk is unforgivable because it fundamentally corrupts human nature and severs the spiritual connection between the created being and the Creator. Unlike other sins that may stem from human weakness, shirk represents pure insolence and rebellion against divine sovereignty, destroying the very foundation of faith.
❓Why does Allah forgive all sins except associating partners with Him?
Allah's infinite mercy encompasses all sins except shirk because shirk represents a complete rejection of divine unity and the purpose of creation. The verse explains that Allah 'forgives what is less than that for whom He wills,' indicating that all other transgressions can be pardoned through divine grace. Shirk alone remains unforgivable because it denies the very basis of the relationship between Creator and creation, making genuine repentance impossible while in that state.
❓What does 'gone far astray' mean in the context of this verse?
The phrase 'ḍalla ḍalālan ba'īdan' (gone far astray) indicates complete spiritual disorientation where the person has lost all connection to their true purpose and divine guidance. According to classical tafsir, this represents not just a temporary deviation but a fundamental corruption of spiritual nature. The person becomes so distant from truth that they cannot find their way back to the straight path, having severed their connection with the divine source of guidance.
❓Can someone repent from shirk and be forgiven by Allah?
Yes, authentic Islamic sources emphasize that repentance from shirk is always accepted if it occurs before death. The unforgivable nature of shirk applies only to those who die in that state without repentance. Allah's mercy encompasses all who sincerely turn to Him in monotheistic worship. The Quran and hadith provide numerous examples of former polytheists who embraced Islam and were completely forgiven, demonstrating that the door of repentance remains open until the moment of death.
❓How does this verse demonstrate the balance between divine justice and mercy?
An-Nisa 4:116 perfectly demonstrates divine justice and mercy by establishing clear boundaries while maintaining infinite compassion. Justice requires that the gravest sin - rejecting divine unity - carries the severest consequence. Mercy is shown through Allah's willingness to forgive all other sins 'for whom He wills,' regardless of their magnitude. This balance ensures that divine sovereignty is maintained while leaving the door of forgiveness wide open for sincere repentance from any transgression except dying in a state of shirk.
❓What are the different forms of shirk mentioned in Islamic theology?
Islamic theology identifies several forms of shirk: worshipping idols or created beings alongside Allah (as the pagan Arabs did), attributing divine legislative authority to humans (as mentioned regarding People of the Book who took their rabbis and monks as lords), and spiritual polytheism where one's ultimate love, fear, or hope is directed toward other than Allah. The tafsir explains that even the ancient Arabs recognized Allah as Creator but committed shirk by taking intermediaries in worship, believing these would bring them closer to Allah.
❓Why does this verse appear twice in Surah An-Nisa with different endings?
The verse appears in An-Nisa 4:48 and 4:116 with different conclusions to address different audiences. Verse 48 ends with 'has invented a great sin' (iftarā ithman 'aẓīman), addressing the People of the Book who knew the truth through their scriptures but still committed shirk, making it forgery against divine revelation. Verse 116 ends with 'has gone far astray' (ḍalla ḍalālan ba'īdan), addressing the pagan Arabs who lacked revealed guidance but violated clear rational evidence for monotheism.
❓How does shirk affect a person's spiritual capacity for good deeds?
According to the tafsir, shirk fundamentally corrupts the spiritual foundation from which all actions spring. While a person in shirk may perform outwardly good deeds, these actions lack divine connection and spiritual substance. The commentary explains that monotheistic actions have their roots firmly established in Allah, allowing them to bear fruit in the hereafter, while polytheistic actions are surface-level and easily nullified, failing to reach spiritual fruition. This is why even apparent good works cannot compensate for the fundamental spiritual corruption of shirk.
❓What role does Shaytan play in leading people to shirk according to this passage?
The tafsir reveals that polytheists ultimately worship Shaytan, as he commands and beautifies shirk in their eyes. Shaytan's strategy involves making false promises and arousing false hopes, leading people to believe they are gaining benefit through idol worship. However, Shaytan possesses no real authority - he can only deceive through empty promises. On the Day of Judgment, he will openly admit his powerlessness and betray his followers, as mentioned in the Quran: 'I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me.'
Translations & Commentary
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