Ya ayyuha allatheena amanookoonoo qawwameena bilqisti shuhadaalillahi walaw AAala anfusikum awi alwalidayniwal-aqrabeena in yakun ghaniyyan aw faqeeran fallahuawla bihima fala tattabiAAoo alhawaan taAAdiloo wa-in talwoo aw tuAAridoo fa-inna Allahakana bima taAAmaloona khabeera
——— Transliteration
What Does Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 135 Mean? - Common Questions & Answers
Explore the meaning, interpretation, and Islamic explanation of Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 135 from the Holy Quran. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this verse, its context, and significance in Islamic teachings.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of An-Nisa 4:135?
An-Nisa 4:135 commands believers to 'stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives.' This verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that divine justice must supersede all personal relationships and worldly considerations. The Arabic terms 'qawwamina bil-qist' (upholders of justice) and 'shuhada lillah' (witnesses for Allah) emphasize unwavering commitment to truth and fairness as a divine obligation.
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
This Medinan verse was revealed to address the pre-Islamic tribal system where justice was often compromised based on family loyalty, tribal allegiance, wealth, or social standing. The verse came as part of Allah's guidance to establish a divine system of justice that would transcend all human biases and create a society based purely on truth and fairness, regardless of personal consequences.
❓What is the significance of the specific wording and structure of this verse?
The verse strategically addresses three main impediments to justice: self-interest ('against yourselves'), family bonds ('parents and relatives'), and socioeconomic bias ('whether rich or poor'). The phrase 'Allah is more worthy of both' indicates that Allah alone is the ultimate protector, making human favoritism unnecessary. The warning against following desires (hawa) and the mention of distorting testimony emphasize the sacred nature of bearing witness for divine truth.
❓What primary legal principles or rulings derive from this verse?
This verse establishes fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence: absolute impartiality in testimony and judgment, prohibition of bias based on family ties or economic status, requirement of truthful witness even when personally detrimental, and the supremacy of divine justice over human sentiment. These principles form the foundation of Islamic legal proceedings and judicial fairness.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah An-Nisa?
An-Nisa 4:135 represents the culmination of the surah's themes of social justice, family relationships, and community obligations. Following discussions of inheritance, marriage, and social conduct, this verse provides the overarching principle that divine justice must govern all human relationships and social institutions, establishing Allah's law as the supreme arbiter in all matters.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches the highest level of taqwa (God-consciousness) by requiring believers to prioritize divine truth over personal comfort and relationships. It cultivates spiritual maturity by challenging believers to transcend natural human biases, develops moral courage to speak truth regardless of consequences, and establishes Allah as the ultimate source of protection and justice, freeing believers from the need to compromise truth for worldly security.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern applications include: maintaining integrity in professional testimony and business dealings regardless of personal relationships, supporting justice in legal proceedings even when it affects family or friends, advocating for fair treatment of all people regardless of their socioeconomic status, standing against corruption and favoritism in institutions, and prioritizing ethical principles over personal gain in decision-making.
❓How does this verse address potential ambiguities or modern concerns about justice?
The verse clarifies that true justice is not about showing mercy to the poor or deference to the rich, but about upholding truth regardless of circumstances. It addresses modern concerns about social justice by establishing that divine justice transcends human concepts of fairness, while the warning against following desires counters relativistic approaches to truth. The verse affirms that Allah's comprehensive knowledge makes human attempts to 'balance' justice unnecessary.
❓What is the relationship between bearing witness for Allah and establishing justice on earth?
According to Islamic theology, bearing witness for Allah is the means by which divine justice is established on earth. When believers consistently testify to truth regardless of personal cost, they become instruments of Allah's justice in the world. This verse connects individual moral courage with the broader divine purpose of creating a just society, making every Muslim responsible for upholding divine law through truthful witness.
❓How does this verse balance justice with other Islamic values like family loyalty and social harmony?
The verse establishes that while Islam highly values family bonds and social harmony, these must never compromise divine justice. True loyalty to family means guiding them toward truth rather than covering their wrongdoing. The verse teaches that temporary social disruption caused by upholding justice leads to lasting harmony based on truth, while compromising justice for apparent peace creates deeper corruption and injustice in society.