Surah An-Nisaa 4:27 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 27
Arabic Text
وَاللّٰهُ يُرِيۡدُ اَنۡ يَّتُوۡبَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَيُرِيۡدُ الَّذِيۡنَ يَتَّبِعُوۡنَ الشَّهٰوتِ اَنۡ تَمِيۡلُوۡا مَيۡلاً عَظِيۡمًا
Transliteration
Wallahu yureedu an yatoobaAAalaykum wayureedu allatheena yattabiAAoona ashshahawatian tameeloo maylan AAatheem
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:27 states 'Allah wants to accept your repentance, but those who follow [their] passions want you to digress [into] a great deviation.' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse presents a stark contrast between Allah's merciful intentions and the destructive agenda of those who follow their desires. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah's desire to accept repentance (yatuba alaykum) demonstrates His readiness to forgive sins, provide clear guidance, and show mercy to believers who turn to Him. The phrase 'those who follow their lusts' (alladhina yattabi'una ash-shahawat) refers to followers of Satan among various groups who reject divine moral boundaries and seek to lead believers astray. The Tafsir Al-Mazhari elaborates that these are people who base their entire life system on sexual desires and lustful gratification, rejecting the restrictions of halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful). The 'tremendous deviation' (maylan aziman) they desire is complete abandonment of Islamic moral principles in favor of unrestricted satisfaction of physical desires. Classical scholars note this verse was revealed to warn the early Muslim community against those who wanted to pull them back to pre-Islamic moral corruption. The commentary emphasizes that only the Islamic system of life is based on seriousness, truth, righteousness, and sense of responsibility, while all other systems are founded on following desires, lustful obedience, transgression, and moral deviation. This verse serves as a timeless warning against modern movements that promote moral relativism and sexual liberalism under the guise of progress, while Allah's system provides protection, dignity, and spiritual elevation for humanity.
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 27 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 27
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does Allah want according to An-Nisa 4:27 and how does this demonstrate divine mercy?
An-Nisa 4:27 states that 'Allah wants to accept your repentance' (yureedu an yatuba alaykum), demonstrating His infinite mercy and compassion for believers. According to classical scholars, this divine desire encompasses: (1) Immediate acceptance of sincere repentance from any sin; (2) Providing clear guidance to prevent believers from falling into error; (3) Opening pathways for spiritual purification and character development; (4) Showing patience with human weakness while encouraging improvement; (5) Offering forgiveness that surpasses human understanding. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that Allah's willingness to accept repentance is not conditional on perfection but on genuine intention to return to the straight path, making divine mercy accessible to all who seek it with sincerity.
❓Who are 'those who follow their desires' mentioned in this verse?
The phrase 'alladhina yattabi'una ash-shahawat' (those who follow their desires) refers to individuals and groups who reject divine moral boundaries and base their life philosophy on satisfying physical lusts and worldly desires. According to Ibn Kathir, this includes 'followers of Satan among the Jews, Christians, and the adulterous' who want believers to abandon Islamic principles. The Tafsir Al-Mazhari explains these are people who: (1) Build their entire social system on sexual desires and lustful gratification; (2) Reject the concepts of halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful); (3) Promote unrestricted satisfaction of physical appetites; (4) Advocate for elimination of moral boundaries and family structures; (5) Present moral corruption as progress and enlightenment. This description applies to any ideology that prioritizes desires over divine guidance.
❓What is the 'tremendous deviation' that followers of desires want for believers?
The 'tremendous deviation' (maylan aziman) refers to complete abandonment of Islamic moral principles and total embrace of a desire-based lifestyle. Classical scholars explain this deviation involves: (1) Replacing divine guidance with human desires as the source of moral authority; (2) Abandoning the institution of marriage in favor of unrestricted sexual relationships; (3) Eliminating concepts of halal and haram from personal and social life; (4) Adopting a purely materialistic worldview that denies spiritual accountability; (5) Creating a society where 'anything goes' as long as desires are satisfied. The Tafsir Al-Mazhari warns this leads to social collapse where humans become like animals, following only instinct without moral restraint, destroying family structures, personal dignity, and community cohesion.
❓How does this verse contrast Allah's system with desire-based systems?
This verse presents a fundamental contrast between two opposing worldviews. According to the Tafsir Al-Mazhari, Allah's system is characterized by: (1) Seriousness, truth, righteousness, and sense of responsibility; (2) Clear moral boundaries that protect human dignity and social order; (3) Balance between spiritual and physical needs; (4) Family structures that ensure stability and continuity; (5) Accountability to divine authority that transcends human whims. In contrast, desire-based systems are founded on: (1) Following the self (nafs), obedience to lusts, and moral deviation; (2) Rejection of all moral restrictions; (3) Prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term consequences; (4) Viewing humans as mere animals driven by instinct; (5) Social chaos where power and cunning replace justice and mercy.
❓How should modern Muslims apply this verse in contemporary society?
This verse provides crucial guidance for Muslims living in societies where moral boundaries are increasingly challenged. Practical applications include: (1) Recognizing that movements promoting unlimited sexual freedom often mask deeper agendas against Islamic values; (2) Understanding that terms like 'women's liberation' may sometimes serve to undermine family structures rather than genuine women's rights; (3) Maintaining commitment to Islamic moral principles while engaging constructively with society; (4) Seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness when facing moral challenges rather than abandoning standards; (5) Teaching children to distinguish between genuine progress and moral corruption disguised as advancement; (6) Building strong Muslim communities that provide alternative models to desire-based lifestyles; (7) Approaching social issues with wisdom that upholds both divine guidance and human dignity.
❓What is the connection between this verse and the previous verses about marriage laws?
This verse directly relates to the preceding marriage legislation by explaining the divine wisdom behind Islamic family laws. The context shows that: (1) Allah's detailed marriage regulations aim to protect believers from the 'tremendous deviation' of uncontrolled sexual behavior; (2) Those who follow desires want to eliminate marriage boundaries and promote unrestricted relationships; (3) Islamic marriage laws provide a framework for channeling natural desires in beneficial ways; (4) The contrast between divine mercy (accepting repentance) and human corruption (following lusts) explains why Allah legislated specific rules; (5) Family structure protection serves as a defense against social movements that would lead believers astray. The verse thus validates that Islamic marriage laws are not restrictions but mercy, providing stability and protection against the chaos of desire-based systems.
❓How does Allah's acceptance of repentance provide hope for struggling believers?
Allah's desire to 'accept repentance' provides immense hope and encouragement for believers facing moral struggles. This divine mercy manifests in several ways: (1) No sin is too great for Allah's forgiveness when repentance is sincere; (2) Allah doesn't require perfection before accepting repentance but welcomes genuine intention to improve; (3) The opportunity for repentance remains open throughout a person's life; (4) Divine forgiveness comes with guidance to help prevent future mistakes; (5) Allah's mercy surpasses human understanding and offers fresh starts regardless of past failures. This stands in stark contrast to desire-based systems that offer no real redemption, only temporary satisfaction followed by emptiness. The verse assures believers that turning to Allah brings both forgiveness and strength to resist corrupting influences.
❓What warning does this verse provide about modern cultural influences?
This verse provides a timeless warning about cultural movements that promote moral relativism under the guise of progress and freedom. The warning includes recognition that: (1) Forces opposing Islamic values often present themselves as advocates for liberation and enlightenment; (2) Movements that eliminate moral boundaries typically start with reasonable-sounding arguments but lead to 'tremendous deviation'; (3) Cultural pressure to abandon Islamic principles comes from those whose entire worldview is built on satisfying desires; (4) Modern media and entertainment often serve as vehicles for promoting desire-based lifestyles; (5) Educational and social institutions may subtly undermine Islamic family values; (6) Believers must maintain vigilance against gradual erosion of moral standards. The verse encourages Muslims to seek Allah's guidance and mercy while remaining steadfast against influences that would lead them away from the straight path.
Translations & Commentary
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