Surah An-Nisaa 4:128 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 128
Arabic Text
وَاِنِ امۡرَاَةٌ خَافَتۡ مِنۡۢ بَعۡلِهَا نُشُوۡزًا اَوۡ اِعۡرَاضًا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡهِمَاۤ اَنۡ يُّصۡلِحَا بَيۡنَهُمَا صُلۡحًاؕ وَالصُّلۡحُ خَيۡرٌؕ وَاُحۡضِرَتِ الۡاَنۡفُسُ الشُّحَّ ؕ وَاِنۡ تُحۡسِنُوۡا وَتَتَّقُوۡا فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ خَبِيۡرًا
Transliteration
Wa-ini imraatun khafat min baAAlihanushoozan aw iAAradan fala junaha AAalayhimaan yusliha baynahuma sulhan wassulhukhayrun waohdirati al-anfusu ashshuhhawa-in tuhsinoo watattaqoo fa-inna Allaha kanabima taAAmaloona khabeera
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:128 provides divine guidance for marital reconciliation when relationships face challenges, teaching that 'reconciliation is best' (wa as-sulhu khayr). This verse addresses situations where wives fear ill-treatment (nushuz) or emotional withdrawal (i'rad) from their husbands, permitting peaceful compromise arrangements between spouses. The historical context includes the famous example of Sawdah bint Zam'ah, who gave her allocated day to Aisha to preserve her marriage with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islamic scholars explain this establishes three permissible responses to marital difficulties: mutual compromise where rights may be temporarily waived, patient endurance while maintaining full rights, or amicable separation if necessary. The verse acknowledges human nature with 'souls are swayed by greed' (uhdirat al-anfus ash-shuhh), recognizing that people naturally seek self-interest, yet encourages good conduct and God-consciousness. Classical tafsir emphasizes that any compromise must be genuinely voluntary and cannot permanently violate Islamic principles. The concluding phrase 'Allah is All-Aware of what you do' establishes divine accountability in all marital decisions, encouraging justice within human capacity while acknowledging emotional limitations that are beyond human control.
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 128 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 128
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the meaning and significance of An-Nisa 4:128 regarding marriage reconciliation?
An-Nisa 4:128 provides divine guidance for marital reconciliation, teaching that when a wife fears ill-treatment (nushuz) or emotional withdrawal (i'rad) from her husband, there is no sin in making peaceful settlements between spouses. The verse emphasizes 'reconciliation is best' (wa as-sulhu khayr), acknowledging that compromise can preserve marriage and family unity. This guidance recognizes human nature's tendency toward self-interest while encouraging good conduct and God-consciousness in resolving marital conflicts.
❓What is the historical example of Sawdah bint Zam'ah in relation to this verse?
Sawdah bint Zam'ah, one of the Prophet's wives, exemplified this verse when she voluntarily gave her allocated day to Aisha to maintain her marriage rather than face divorce due to her advanced age. This authentic historical example demonstrates how a wife can choose to compromise certain rights for the greater good of preserving the marital bond. Her action was accepted as a valid form of reconciliation that benefited all parties while maintaining the family structure.
❓What does 'nushuz' mean in Islamic marriage law and how should it be addressed?
Nushuz refers to ill-treatment, discord, or cruelty in marriage that disrupts marital harmony. When a wife fears nushuz from her husband, Islamic law provides three permissible responses: mutual compromise where some rights may be temporarily waived, patient endurance while maintaining full rights (which is most meritorious), or amicable separation if necessary. The verse emphasizes that any compromise must be genuinely voluntary and should not permanently violate Islamic principles or fundamental rights.
❓What are the limits and conditions of marital compromise according to this verse?
Islamic scholars explain that marital compromise must be completely voluntary and cannot violate fundamental Islamic principles. Wives can temporarily waive financial rights (like maintenance or portions of dowry) or time-based rights (like turns in polygamous marriages), but cannot permanently forfeit future conjugal rights or essential protections. The compromise should aim at preserving the family unit while ensuring both parties maintain their dignity and core Islamic rights.
❓How does this verse acknowledge human nature in relationships?
The verse states 'souls are swayed by greed' (uhdirat al-anfus ash-shuhh), acknowledging that humans naturally tend toward self-interest and material concerns. This realistic understanding of human nature makes the verse's guidance practical and compassionate. Rather than expecting perfect selflessness, Islam provides frameworks for managing natural human tendencies while encouraging good conduct, patience, and God-consciousness in marital relationships.
❓What is the significance of 'reconciliation is best' in Islamic family law?
The phrase 'reconciliation is best' (wa as-sulhu khayr) establishes preservation of family unity as a primary Islamic value. This principle reflects the broader Quranic emphasis on maintaining family bonds and protecting children's welfare. Islamic law generally favors solutions that keep families together while ensuring justice for all parties. This guidance encourages couples to exhaust peaceful resolution methods before considering separation, recognizing marriage as a sacred covenant.
❓How does divine accountability factor into marital decision-making according to this verse?
The verse concludes with 'Allah is All-Aware of what you do,' establishing that all marital decisions and treatments are under divine observation. This creates accountability beyond human judgment, encouraging spouses to act with justice and sincerity even in private matters. The divine awareness mentioned serves as both encouragement for good deeds and warning against exploitation, making marital conduct a matter of spiritual consciousness and eternal accountability.
❓What practical guidance does this verse provide for modern Muslim couples facing marital difficulties?
Modern applications include: seeking honest communication about relationship challenges, considering voluntary compromise solutions that benefit both parties, consulting Islamic counselors or scholars for guidance, prioritizing family preservation while respecting individual rights, practicing patience and good conduct during difficult periods, and remembering that Allah observes all marital interactions. The verse encourages couples to explore peaceful resolution methods while maintaining justice and dignity for all family members.
Translations & Commentary
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