Surah An-Nisaa 4:140 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 140
Arabic Text
وَقَدۡ نَزَّلَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِىۡ الۡـكِتٰبِ اَنۡ اِذَا سَمِعۡتُمۡ اٰيٰتِ اللّٰهِ يُكۡفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسۡتَهۡزَاُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقۡعُدُوۡا مَعَهُمۡ حَتّٰى يَخُوۡضُوۡا فِىۡ حَدِيۡثٍ غَيۡرِهٖۤۖ اِنَّكُمۡ اِذًا مِّثۡلُهُمۡؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ جَامِعُ الۡمُنٰفِقِيۡنَ وَالۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ فِىۡ جَهَـنَّمَ جَمِيۡعَا ۨ ۙ
Transliteration
Waqad nazzala AAalaykum fee alkitabian itha samiAAtum ayati Allahiyukfaru biha wayustahzao biha fala taqAAudoomaAAahum hatta yakhoodoo fee hadeethinghayrihi innakum ithan mithluhum inna Allaha jamiAAualmunafiqeena walkafireena fee jahannamajameeAAa
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:140 contains Allah's divine command that believers must not sit with those who deny and ridicule His verses until they change their conversation to other topics, warning that remaining in such gatherings makes one equal to the mockers. This verse references an earlier Makkan revelation in Surah Al-An'am 6:68 that commanded believers to turn away from those who engage in false conversation about Quranic verses. According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this guidance protects the believer's religious sensitivity (gheerah) and prevents the weakening of faith that occurs through repeated exposure to mockery. The verse emphasizes that Allah will gather both hypocrites and disbelievers together in Hell, indicating their shared fate due to their rejection of divine guidance. Classical scholars explain that this command applies not only to direct mockery but also to distortion of Quranic meanings, erroneous explanations contrary to prophetic teachings, and any behavior that treats sacred texts as subjects of ridicule. The divine wisdom behind this guidance is to preserve the community's reverence for Allah's revelation and maintain the spiritual strength necessary for upholding Islamic principles in society.
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 140 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 140
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the core meaning and interpretation of An-Nisa 4:140 regarding social conduct?
An-Nisa 4:140 commands believers not to sit with those who deny and ridicule Allah's verses until they engage in different conversation. This verse emphasizes that remaining in such gatherings makes one equal to the mockers. The verse references an earlier command in Surah Al-An'am 6:68 and serves to protect believers' faith from being weakened by repeated exposure to mockery of Islamic teachings.
❓What are the historical circumstances behind the revelation of this verse about avoiding gatherings?
This verse was revealed in Madinah as a reinforcement of earlier guidance given in Makkan Surah Al-An'am. Some Muslims in Madinah were attending gatherings of influential hypocrites where Islamic teachings were being mocked. The verse addressed the need for clear social boundaries to protect the Muslim community's faith and prevent gradual erosion of religious sensitivity through exposure to ridicule.
❓What is the linguistic and theological significance of the warning 'you would be like them'?
The Arabic phrase 'innakum idhan mithluhum' (you would then be like them) carries profound theological weight. Classical scholars explain this means that by remaining silent during mockery of Allah's verses, one becomes an accomplice to the sin. The linguistic structure emphasizes immediate consequence - the moment one chooses to stay in such gatherings, they share in the spiritual burden of those who mock divine revelation.
❓What are the primary jurisprudential principles derived from this verse regarding social interactions?
Islamic jurisprudence derives several key principles from this verse: the obligation to leave gatherings where religion is mocked, the prohibition of silent participation in sin, the requirement to show displeasure at religious mockery, and the principle that protecting faith takes precedence over social convenience. Scholars also establish guidelines for when returning to such gatherings becomes permissible.
❓How does this verse connect to the broader themes of Surah An-Nisa regarding community cohesion?
This verse fits within An-Nisa's comprehensive guidance on community relationships, following discussions of hypocrites who seek honor from disbelievers rather than Allah. It establishes clear social boundaries that strengthen Muslim community identity while warning against the gradual erosion of faith through inappropriate associations. The verse serves as practical guidance for maintaining spiritual integrity within diverse social environments.
❓What are the core spiritual and ethical lessons regarding faith protection and religious identity?
The verse teaches that protecting one's faith requires active choices about social environments. It emphasizes the importance of religious sensitivity (gheerah), the gradual nature of faith erosion through repeated exposure to mockery, and the responsibility each believer has to preserve the sanctity of divine revelation. The spiritual lesson is that faith requires constant vigilance and sometimes difficult social decisions.
❓How can this guidance be practically applied in modern multicultural societies and digital environments?
In modern contexts, this guidance applies to social media environments, workplace situations, and social gatherings where religious beliefs are mocked or belittled. Practical application includes leaving online discussions that mock religion, avoiding entertainment that ridicules faith, and maintaining respectful boundaries in diverse workplaces while remaining engaged in necessary professional interactions. The principle emphasizes protecting faith while remaining constructively engaged in society.
❓How does this verse address concerns about religious tolerance and social integration?
This verse does not prohibit interaction with people of different faiths but specifically addresses situations where sacred texts are actively mocked or ridiculed. Classical scholars clarify that this guidance protects religious dignity while allowing for respectful dialogue, educational discussions, and necessary professional interactions. The verse promotes principled engagement rather than isolation, establishing boundaries that preserve religious identity within diverse societies.
❓What is the relationship between this verse and the earlier command in Surah Al-An'am?
An-Nisa 4:140 references and reinforces the earlier Makkan command in Al-An'am 6:68 that instructed believers to turn away from those who engage in false conversation about Quranic verses. While the Al-An'am verse was more general, the An-Nisa verse specifically addresses the Madinan situation where some Muslims were compromising by remaining in gatherings where faith was mocked, adding the strong warning that such behavior makes one equal to the mockers.
❓What does this verse teach about the ultimate fate of hypocrites and their relationship with disbelievers?
The verse concludes with the declaration that Allah will gather hypocrites and disbelievers together in Hell, indicating that despite outward differences, their spiritual reality is the same due to their rejection of divine guidance. This teaches that Allah judges based on inner reality rather than outward appearance, and that those who mock faith while claiming belief will share the same fate as open disbelievers. The verse emphasizes the serious consequence of compromising one's faith for social acceptance.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...