Surah An-Nisaa 4:168 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 168
Arabic Text
اِنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا وَظَلَمُوۡا لَمۡ يَكُنِ اللّٰهُ لِيَـغۡفِرَ لَهُمۡ وَلَا لِيَـهۡدِيَهُمۡ طَرِيۡقًاۙ
Transliteration
Inna allatheena kafaroo wathalamoolam yakuni Allahu liyaghfira lahum walaliyahdiyahum tareeqa
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:168 delivers a stern declaration about divine justice, stating that those who both disbelieve and commit wrongdoing (zulm) will receive neither Allah's forgiveness nor guidance to any path. This Madani verse addresses the compound transgression of kufr (disbelief) combined with zulm (injustice/wrongdoing), particularly referring to those among the People of the Book who concealed the truth about Prophet Muhammad while actively opposing his message. The verse emphasizes that disbelief itself is considered a form of wrongdoing, but when combined with additional acts of injustice - such as distorting religious texts, misleading others, or persecuting believers - it creates a spiritual condition that blocks the channels of divine mercy and guidance.
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 168 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 168
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Definitional Question: What is the established meaning and interpretation of An-Nisa 4:168?
An-Nisa 4:168 declares that those who both disbelieve (kafaru) and commit wrongdoing (zalamu) will receive neither Allah's forgiveness nor guidance to any path. The verse addresses the compound transgression where disbelief is combined with active injustice. Classical commentators explain that kufr (disbelief) itself is considered a form of zulm (wrongdoing), but this verse particularly addresses those who add additional acts of injustice to their disbelief, such as concealing divine truth, misleading others, or persecuting believers.
❓Historical Context Question: What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
This Madani verse was revealed in the context of addressing the Jewish community in Medina who not only rejected Prophet Muhammad's message but also actively worked against it. The verse specifically targets those who possessed knowledge of the Prophet's truth from their own scriptures but chose to conceal, distort, or oppose this knowledge. It addresses the behavior of religious leaders who used their positions to mislead their communities and prevent them from accepting Islam, thus combining personal disbelief with systemic wrongdoing.
❓Linguistic & Rhetorical Question: What is the significance of the specific wording and structure of this verse?
The verse uses the emphatic 'inna' (indeed) to stress certainty, followed by the dual verbs 'kafaru' (disbelieved) and 'zalamu' (wronged). The negative construction 'lam yakun Allah liyaghfira lahum' (Allah will not forgive them) employs the strongest form of negation in Arabic. The phrase 'wala liyahdiyahum tariqa' (nor guide them to a path) uses the indefinite 'tariqa' to indicate any path of good, emphasizing complete spiritual closure. This structure highlights the finality and severity of the divine judgment.
❓Jurisprudential (Fiqh) Question: What primary legal principles derive from this verse?
This verse establishes the principle that wrongdoing compounds the spiritual consequences of disbelief. It supports the concept that concealing religious truth, especially by those in positions of religious authority, constitutes a severe transgression. The verse also indicates that persistent opposition to divine guidance, particularly when combined with misleading others, can lead to spiritual conditions where repentance becomes extremely difficult. It emphasizes that divine mercy has conditions and that certain behaviors can block access to forgiveness.
❓Thematic Connection Question: How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah An-Nisa?
Within An-Nisa's themes of justice, guidance, and community relations, verse 4:168 represents the culmination of warnings about rejecting divine guidance. It directly follows verse 4:167 about straying far away, creating a progression from misguidance to complete spiritual closure. The verse reinforces the surah's emphasis on accountability and the serious consequences of opposing Allah's message, particularly for those who combine personal rejection with active prevention of others' guidance.
❓Spiritual & Ethical Question: What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches that spiritual corruption reaches its most dangerous level when personal disbelief is combined with active wrongdoing against others. It emphasizes the grave responsibility of those who possess religious knowledge to share truth rather than conceal or distort it. The verse warns that persistent opposition to divine guidance can lead to spiritual hardening where the heart becomes closed to mercy and direction. It highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual openness and avoiding behaviors that compound transgression.
❓Practical Application Question: How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern believers should avoid not only personal rejection of truth but also any behavior that misleads others or prevents them from accessing authentic guidance. Those in positions of religious, educational, or social authority bear special responsibility to share knowledge honestly rather than distorting it for personal gain. The verse encourages self-reflection on whether our actions help or hinder others' spiritual journeys, and warns against allowing worldly interests to compromise our relationship with divine truth.
❓Clarification Question: How does this verse relate to the broader Islamic teaching about divine mercy and forgiveness?
This verse does not contradict Allah's infinite mercy but rather indicates that certain behavioral patterns can create spiritual conditions that block access to divine forgiveness. The verse addresses those who persistently combine disbelief with active wrongdoing, particularly against religious truth and community welfare. It emphasizes that while Allah's mercy is vast, it requires some level of spiritual openness from the recipient. The verse serves as a warning to prevent reaching such spiritual closure rather than a final judgment on individuals.
Translations & Commentary
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Resources & References
Related verses, scholarly sources, and contextual information.