Surah An-Nisaa 4:144 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 144
Arabic Text
يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَتَّخِذُوۡا الۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ اَوۡلِيَآءَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِ الۡمُؤۡمِنِيۡنَؕ اَتُرِيۡدُوۡنَ اَنۡ تَجۡعَلُوۡا لِلّٰهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ سُلۡطٰنًا مُّبِيۡنًا
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoola tattakhithoo alkafireena awliyaamin dooni almu/mineena atureedoona an tajAAaloo lillahiAAalaykum sultanan mubeena
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:144 contains a direct divine command to believers: 'O you who believe, do not take disbelievers as allies (awliya) instead of believers.' The Arabic term 'awliya' encompasses deep friendship, intimate alliance, protectorship, and confidential relationships that involve sharing Muslim community secrets or supporting enemies against Islamic interests. According to classical Islamic scholarship, this verse establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic loyalty and community solidarity, emphasizing that Muslims should prioritize bonds with fellow believers over alliances with those who oppose Islam. The verse concludes with a stern warning: 'Do you wish to give Allah a clear proof (sultan mubeen) against yourselves?' Classical commentators explain that 'sultan mubeen' means providing clear evidence of one's guilt and deserving punishment. The tafsir clarifies this doesn't prohibit normal social interactions, trade, or just treatment of non-Muslims, but specifically forbids intimate alliances that compromise Muslim community interests or involve preferring disbelievers' counsel over believers' guidance. This verse was revealed during a time when some Muslims in Medina maintained close ties with Jewish tribes and Meccan enemies, potentially compromising the emerging Muslim community's security and 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 144 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 144
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does An-Nisa 4:144 teach about Islamic loyalty and taking disbelievers as allies?
An-Nisa 4:144 commands believers not to take disbelievers as 'awliya' (allies, protectors, intimate friends) instead of believers. The term 'awliya' encompasses deep friendship, intimate alliance, and confidential relationships that involve compromising Muslim community interests or sharing secrets with enemies of Islam. This establishes Islamic principles of community loyalty and solidarity.
❓Why does Islam prohibit taking disbelievers as allies over believers according to this verse?
This prohibition ensures Muslim community unity, security, and spiritual integrity. Taking enemies of Islam as intimate allies over fellow believers can compromise the community's safety, dilute Islamic values, and create conflicts of loyalty. The verse emphasizes that believers should prioritize bonds with those who share their faith and values, strengthening the Muslim ummah (community).
❓What is the meaning of 'sultan mubeen' (clear proof) mentioned in this verse?
According to Ibn Abbas and classical scholars, 'sultan mubeen' means clear proof or evidence against oneself that warrants divine punishment. By violating this command and allying with disbelievers over believers, Muslims would provide Allah with undeniable evidence of their disloyalty to the faith, justifying divine judgment and consequences.
❓How should Muslims balance relationships with non-Muslims according to Islamic teachings on this verse?
Islamic scholarship clarifies that this verse doesn't prohibit normal social interactions, trade relationships, or just treatment of non-Muslims. It specifically forbids intimate alliances that compromise Muslim community interests, sharing confidential information with enemies, or preferring disbelievers' counsel over believers' guidance. Muslims can maintain respectful, fair relationships while prioritizing community loyalty.
❓What are the historical circumstances that led to the revelation of this verse?
This verse was revealed during the Medinan period when some Muslims maintained close ties with Jewish tribes and Meccan enemies, potentially compromising the emerging Muslim community's security. Some believers were still influenced by pre-Islamic tribal loyalties or sought protection from powerful non-Muslim groups, which could undermine Islamic unity and expose community vulnerabilities.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Surah An-Nisa regarding community relationships?
An-Nisa extensively discusses community relationships, including marriage laws, inheritance, social justice, and loyalty. This verse reinforces the surah's emphasis on building a strong, unified Muslim community based on shared faith rather than tribal, economic, or political conveniences. It complements other verses warning against hypocrisy and emphasizing the importance of sincere commitment to Islamic principles.
❓What are the practical implications of this verse for Muslims living in diverse societies today?
Modern Muslims can maintain professional relationships, friendships, and civic participation with non-Muslims while upholding this principle by prioritizing Islamic values in decision-making, supporting Muslim community interests, and avoiding alliances that compromise their faith. The key is maintaining loyalty to Islamic principles while being fair and just to all people, regardless of their faith.
❓How does this verse contribute to understanding Islamic concepts of loyalty and community solidarity?
This verse establishes that Islamic loyalty transcends ethnic, tribal, or national boundaries, creating a faith-based community bond. It teaches that shared belief creates stronger obligations than blood relations or worldly interests, contributing to the Islamic concept of 'ummah' - a global community united by faith, mutual support, and common spiritual goals.
Translations & Commentary
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