An-Nisaa 4:163
Surah An-Nisaa, Verse 163 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:163 establishes the divine chain of revelation, stating 'We have sent revelation to you [Prophet Muhammad] as We did to Noah and the prophets after him' (Innā awhainā ilaika kamā awhainā ilā Nūhin wa'n-nabiyyīna min ba'dih). This verse was revealed in response to Jewish challenges to Prophet Muhammad's prophethood, specifically from Sukayn and Adi bin Zayd who claimed Allah had not sent revelation after Moses. The verse mentions seventeen prophets by name: Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the twelve tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, Solomon, and David who received the Zabur (Psalms). According to authentic tafsir, Noah represents the beginning of the formal prophetic testing phase after 950 years of life without physical aging. Moses is later mentioned as having the unique honor of direct speech with Allah (Kalīm Allah), a status that refutes theological attempts to deny Allah's speech. The verse establishes that all prophets received the same type of divine revelation (wahy), making Prophet Muhammad's message a continuation rather than contradiction of previous scriptures. This prophetic succession eliminates any excuse (hujjah) people might have against Allah, as divine guidance has been continuously available throughout history. The unity of divine revelation across different prophets demonstrates Allah's justice and wisdom in providing clear guidance before any judgment.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
اِنَّاۤ اَوۡحَيۡنَاۤ اِلَيۡكَ كَمَاۤ اَوۡحَيۡنَاۤ اِلٰى نُوۡحٍ وَّالنَّبِيّٖنَ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِهٖۚ وَاَوۡحَيۡنَاۤ اِلٰٓى اِبۡرٰهِيۡمَ وَاِسۡمٰعِيۡلَ وَاِسۡحٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوۡبَ وَالۡاَسۡبَاطِ وَعِيۡسٰى وَاَيُّوۡبَ وَيُوۡنُسَ وَهٰرُوۡنَ وَسُلَيۡمٰنَۚ وَاٰتَيۡنَا دَاوٗدَ زَبُوۡرًاۚ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Inna awhayna ilaykakama awhayna ila noohin wannabiyyeenamin baAAdihi waawhayna ila ibraheemawa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba wal-asbatiwaAAeesa waayyooba wayoonusa waharoona wasulaymanawaatayna dawooda zaboora
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 163
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 context of An-Nisa 4:163 about divine revelation?
An-Nisa 4:163 establishes the divine chain of revelation stating 'We have sent revelation to you [Prophet Muhammad] as We did to Noah and the prophets after him.' This verse was revealed in response to Jewish challenges to Prophet Muhammad's prophethood, specifically from those who claimed Allah had not sent revelation after Moses. It validates Muhammad's prophethood by placing it within the historical context of previous divine messengers, emphasizing that all prophets received the same type of divine revelation (wahy).
❓Why does Allah mention Noah first in the prophetic chain of this verse?
According to classical Islamic tafsir, Noah represents the beginning of the formal prophetic testing phase in human history. Noah lived 950 years without physical aging as a divine miracle, and his time marked when revelation evolved from an initial educational stage (beginning with Adam) to a complete testing phase. The mention of Noah first establishes him as the foundational figure in the systematic chain of divine messengers that would continue through to Prophet Muhammad.
❓What is the significance of Moses being called 'Kalim Allah' (the one who spoke with Allah)?
Moses holds the unique honor of speaking directly with Allah, earning the title 'Kalim Allah' (the one who spoke with Allah). This direct speech represents a special form of divine communication beyond regular revelation. The tafsir emphasizes this to refute theological attempts to deny Allah's speech, confirming through multiple authentic chains of transmission that Moses indeed had direct conversation with Allah, making his prophetic experience distinctive among the messengers.
❓Why is David specifically mentioned as receiving the Zabur (Psalms)?
David's receipt of the Zabur (Psalms) demonstrates the diversity of divine revelation forms. While other prophets received comprehensive legal and guidance scriptures, David received a book of praise, worship, and spiritual reflection. This highlights that Allah sent different types of divine communication according to each prophet's specific mission and the needs of their communities, showing the comprehensive nature of divine guidance across different aspects of human spiritual life.
❓How does this verse respond to the People of the Book's challenges to Prophet Muhammad?
This verse was specifically revealed when Jews (including Sukayn and Adi bin Zayd) challenged Prophet Muhammad's claim to prophethood, arguing that Allah had not sent revelation to anyone after Moses. The verse responds by establishing logical continuity: anyone who believed in previous revelations must logically accept the Quran, since the source (Allah) and nature of revelation (wahy) are identical. This eliminates their theological objection while affirming the authenticity of previous scriptures.
❓What is the theological significance of the prophetic succession mentioned in this verse?
The prophetic succession establishes several key theological principles: First, it demonstrates Allah's continuous care for humanity through consistent divine guidance. Second, it shows that no people can claim ignorance of divine guidance, as prophets were sent across different nations and time periods. Third, it establishes the unity of the divine message despite diversity in prophets' backgrounds and missions. Finally, it proves divine justice by ensuring clear warnings and guidance before any judgment, leaving humanity without excuse (hujjah) before Allah.
❓How does Islamic revelation continue rather than contradict previous divine messages?
According to the tafsir, Islamic revelation represents continuation rather than contradiction of previous divine messages. All prophets received the same fundamental type of divine communication (wahy) from the same source (Allah), carrying the same core message of monotheism and moral guidance. The Quran serves as the final, complete guidance that confirms and preserves the original messages of previous prophets, while correcting human alterations that may have occurred to earlier scriptures over time.
❓What is the difference between wahy (revelation) and other forms of divine communication?
Wahy (revelation) represents a unique, inimitable form of divine communication reserved specifically for prophets. Unlike inspiration (ilham) that can come to righteous people, or dreams that may contain divine guidance, wahy is direct, infallible divine instruction that forms the basis of religious law and guidance. The verse emphasizes that all mentioned prophets received this same type of authoritative divine communication, establishing their equal status as authentic messengers of Allah despite differences in their specific missions and scriptures.
❓What is the contemporary relevance of this verse for interfaith relations?
This verse provides a foundation for understanding Islam's relationship with other Abrahamic faiths by acknowledging the authentic divine origin of previous scriptures and prophets. It establishes that Muslims must believe in the original revelations to Moses, Jesus, David, and other prophets mentioned. This creates theological common ground while maintaining that the Quran represents the final, preserved guidance. The verse promotes respect for previous prophetic traditions while asserting the completeness and finality of Islamic revelation for contemporary guidance.
Translations & Commentary
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