An-Nisaa 4:133
Surah An-Nisaa, Verse 133 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:133 delivers a profound divine warning: 'If He wills, He can take you away, O people, and bring others. And Allah is ever competent to do that' (In yasha yudhhibkum ayyuha annas wa ya'ti bi-akharin wa kana Allahu ala dhalika qadira). According to classical Islamic scholarship, this verse demonstrates Allah's absolute power (qudra) to replace any people or civilization if they persist in disobedience. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is able to take away disobedient people and replace them with others, referencing the similar Quranic statement: 'And if you turn away, He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes.' The tafsir emphasizes that sinful servants are extremely lowly and insignificant before Allah's majesty. This warning follows the discussion of Allah's ownership of all creation, establishing that since He owns everything, He has complete authority to remove and replace as He wills. The phrase 'wa kana Allahu ala dhalika qadira' (Allah is ever competent to do that) stresses this is not an empty threat but a statement of divine capability. Classical scholars note this connects to Ibrahim 14:19-20: 'Have you not seen that Allah created the heavens and earth in truth? If He wills, He can do away with you and bring forth a new creation. And that is not difficult for Allah.' This verse serves both as warning for the disobedient and comfort for believers, knowing Allah can establish justice by replacing oppressive systems with righteous ones.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
اِنۡ يَّشَاۡ يُذۡهِبۡكُمۡ اَيُّهَا النَّاسُ وَيَاۡتِ بِاٰخَرِيۡنَؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰى ذٰلِكَ قَدِيۡرًا
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
In yasha/ yuthhibkum ayyuha annasuwaya/ti bi-akhareena wakana Allahu AAalathalika qadeera
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 133
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 4:133 about Allah replacing humanity?
An-Nisa 4:133 states: 'If He wills, He can take you away, O people, and bring others. And Allah is ever competent to do that.' This verse demonstrates Allah's absolute power to replace any people or civilization if they persist in disobedience. The Arabic 'wa kana Allahu ala dhalika qadira' emphasizes this is not an empty threat but a statement of divine capability that Allah can easily accomplish.
❓What is the historical context and connection to the preceding verses about divine ownership?
This verse follows the declaration of Allah's ownership of everything in heavens and earth in verses 4:131-132. The tafsir explains that since Allah owns all creation, He has complete authority to remove and replace as He wills. The warning comes after commands for Taqwa, showing that those who reject divine guidance face the consequence of being replaced by more obedient people.
❓What does the phrase 'ayyuha annas' (O people) signify in this divine warning?
The address 'ayyuha annas' (O people) makes this warning universal, applying to all humanity regardless of race, nation, or time period. The tafsir notes that before Allah's majesty, all people are like 'a single soul' - equally powerless and replaceable. This universal address emphasizes that no group is indispensable to Allah's plans, and He can establish justice through any people He chooses.
❓How does this verse demonstrate Allah's attribute of being Qadeer (All-Powerful)?
The verse concludes with 'wa kana Allahu ala dhalika qadira' (Allah is ever competent/powerful over that), demonstrating His attribute Al-Qadeer. Ibn Kathir explains this means Allah has complete power to remove disobedient nations and bring forth new ones. This connects to Ibrahim 14:19-20 which states that destroying and recreating humanity 'is not difficult for Allah,' showing His unlimited creative and destructive power.
❓What are the historical examples mentioned in Islamic sources of Allah replacing disobedient nations?
The tafsir references similar Quranic statements like 'And if you turn away, He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes' (Muhammad 47:38). Classical Islamic scholarship cites examples like the replacement of Pharaoh's people with the Israelites, and warns that even Muslim communities can be replaced if they abandon their principles, as Allah's promise applies to any people who become persistently disobedient.
❓How does this verse connect to the broader themes of Surah An-Nisa about family and social laws?
The tafsir notes this warning comes after detailed family laws, showing that Allah connects specific social regulations to cosmic truths about His sovereignty. This demonstrates that Islamic family and social laws carry the same divine authority as theological principles. The verse warns that even failure to follow family laws properly can contribute to a society's replacement if it leads to overall disobedience.
❓What comfort does this verse offer to believers who face oppression and injustice?
While serving as warning for the disobedient, this verse comforts believers by confirming Allah's power to establish justice. Those who face tyranny can take hope that Allah can replace oppressive systems with righteous ones. The verse assures believers that no unjust power is permanent, as Allah has the absolute capability to remove oppressors and establish people who will implement His guidance properly.
❓How should Muslims respond to this divine warning in their daily lives?
Muslims should respond with increased Taqwa (God-consciousness), ensuring their individual and collective obedience to Allah's commands. This includes following both major theological principles and detailed family/social laws mentioned in Surah An-Nisa. The warning should motivate communities to reform themselves, establish justice, and fulfill their responsibilities as Allah's representatives on earth, knowing that their position is conditional on their obedience.
❓What does this verse teach about the temporary nature of human civilizations?
This verse teaches that no human civilization is permanent or indispensable. The tafsir emphasizes that Allah views sinful servants as 'extremely lowly and insignificant' before His majesty. This should cultivate humility in nations and communities, reminding them that their existence and success depend entirely on Allah's will and their adherence to His guidance. Worldly power and achievement mean nothing without divine approval.
Translations & Commentary
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