Surah An-Nisaa 4:117 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 117
Arabic Text
اِنۡ يَّدۡعُوۡنَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِهٖۤ اِلَّاۤ اِنٰثًاۚ وَّاِنۡ يَّدۡعُوۡنَ اِلَّا شَيۡطٰنًا مَّرِيۡدًاۙ
Transliteration
In yadAAoona min doonihi illa inathanwa-in yadAAoona illa shaytanan mareeda
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:117 reveals the shocking reality behind idol worship: 'They invoke nothing but female deities besides Him (Allah), and they [actually] invoke nothing but a rebellious Satan.' This verse exposes how polytheists, believing they worship goddesses, are actually worshipping Satan who has deceived them into this practice. According to classical Islamic scholarship, the pre-Islamic Arabs claimed angels were Allah's daughters and created female-named idols like Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat, representing these supposed divine daughters. The tafsir explains that Satan commanded this practice and made it appear beautiful in their eyes, so in reality they were worshipping Satan despite thinking they honored divine intermediaries. The term 'mareed' (rebellious) describes Satan's persistent defiance against Allah and his determination to mislead humanity. Historical context shows that pagans justified their idol worship by claiming these deities would bring them closer to Allah, not realizing they had fallen into Satan's trap. This verse appears after the discussion of shirk being unforgivable, demonstrating how Satan systematically leads people away from pure monotheism through seemingly religious practices. The revelation exposes that all forms of polytheism, regardless of their apparent sophistication or spiritual justification, ultimately trace back to Satan's deception and rebellion against divine unity.
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 117 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 117
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why did pre-Islamic Arabs worship female deities according to this verse?
According to the tafsir, pre-Islamic Arabs believed angels were Allah's daughters and created female-named idols like Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat to represent these supposed divine daughters. They justified this by claiming these deities would bring them closer to Allah, not realizing they had fallen into Satan's deception. The verse reveals that what they thought was worship of divine intermediaries was actually worship of Satan who had commanded and beautified this practice in their eyes.
❓How is invoking female deities the same as invoking Satan according to the Quran?
The verse states that when polytheists invoke female deities, they 'actually invoke none but a rebellious Satan.' This is because Satan is the one who commanded idol worship and made it seem beautiful and justified in their eyes. Though they believe they are calling upon goddesses or divine intermediaries, in reality Satan is behind this deception, receiving their worship and leading them away from pure monotheism. The idols themselves have no power - Satan is the real entity responding to their invocations.
❓What does 'rebellious Satan' (Shaytan Mareed) mean in this context?
The term 'mareed' means persistently rebellious and defiant. It describes Satan's continuous, obstinate rebellion against Allah and his determination to mislead humanity. According to the tafsir, this rebellion began when Satan refused to prostrate to Adam and was expelled from divine mercy. He then vowed to take 'an appointed portion' of Allah's servants, demonstrating his persistent, calculated defiance. The word emphasizes Satan's relentless nature in opposing divine guidance and corrupting human worship.
❓What were the main female deities worshipped by pre-Islamic Arabs?
The main female deities worshipped by pre-Islamic Arabs included Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat, which are specifically mentioned elsewhere in the Quran. These idols had female names and were believed to represent angels, whom the Arabs considered to be Allah's daughters. The commentary explains that they created these idols in the shapes of women and claimed they resembled the 'daughters of Allah' (angels) whom they worshipped. This practice spread from the initial concept of angelic intercession to direct idol worship and eventually to worshipping mere stones.
❓How does Satan deceive people through idol worship according to Islamic teaching?
Satan deceives people by making idol worship appear beautiful, rational, and spiritually beneficial. He convinces them that worshipping intermediaries will bring them closer to Allah, when in fact it distances them from pure monotheism. The tafsir explains that Satan's method involves making false promises, arousing false desires, and encouraging people to delay sincere repentance. He presents polytheism as a sophisticated religious practice rather than rebellion against divine unity, thus leading people to unknowingly worship him while believing they honor God.
❓What is the connection between angels and the female deities mentioned in this verse?
According to classical commentary, the Arabs believed angels were Allah's daughters and created female idols to represent these angels. They claimed their worship of these idols was actually worship of the angels, seeking their intercession with Allah. However, the Quran makes clear that angels will disown such worship on the Day of Judgment, stating that these people 'used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them.' This reveals that the supposed angelic worship was actually demonic deception orchestrated by Satan.
❓How does this verse expose the reality behind all forms of polytheism?
This verse exposes that regardless of how sophisticated or spiritually justified polytheism appears, it ultimately traces back to Satan's deception and rebellion. Whether through goddess worship, angel veneration, or any form of religious intermediation that compromises pure monotheism, Satan is the real force behind such practices. The verse demonstrates that there is no neutral ground in worship - one either worships Allah alone or, through various forms of shirk, ends up serving Satan's agenda of leading humanity away from divine unity.
❓What does this verse teach about the nature of false religious practices?
This verse teaches that false religious practices, no matter how sincere the practitioners believe themselves to be, ultimately serve Satan's purposes rather than bringing one closer to Allah. It reveals that religious sincerity without correct monotheistic foundation leads to spiritual deception. The verse emphasizes that Satan's primary method is making wrong appear right, evil appear good, and spiritual corruption appear as religious devotion. This highlights the importance of adhering strictly to pure monotheism rather than innovative religious practices that seem spiritually appealing but lack divine sanction.
❓How does this verse relate to Satan's broader strategy mentioned in surrounding verses?
This verse is part of a larger passage detailing Satan's comprehensive strategy to mislead humanity. The surrounding verses mention Satan's vow to 'take an appointed portion' of Allah's servants, to mislead them, arouse false desires, and command them to alter Allah's creation. Female deity worship represents one specific tactic in Satan's broader campaign - using religious sentiment to lead people away from pure worship. The verse shows how Satan exploits humanity's natural spiritual inclinations by redirecting them toward false objects of worship, thereby achieving his goal of opposing divine unity through seemingly religious means.
Translations & Commentary
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