Surah An-Nisaa 4:35 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 35
Arabic Text
وَاِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ شِقَاقَ بَيۡنِهِمَا فَابۡعَثُوۡا حَكَمًا مِّنۡ اَهۡلِهٖ وَحَكَمًا مِّنۡ اَهۡلِهَاۚ اِنۡ يُّرِيۡدَاۤ اِصۡلٰحًا يُّوَفِّقِ اللّٰهُ بَيۡنَهُمَاؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيۡمًا خَبِيۡرًا
Transliteration
Wa-in khiftum shiqaqa baynihimafabAAathoo hakaman min ahlihi wahakaman minahliha in yureeda islahan yuwaffiqiAllahu baynahuma inna Allaha kanaAAaleeman khabeera
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:35 states 'And if you fear discord between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Aware.' This verse provides the Islamic framework for resolving serious marital conflicts through family-based arbitration when private reconciliation efforts have failed. The phrase 'if you fear discord' (wa in khiftum shiqāqa baynahimā) refers to deep-seated marital conflict where both spouses have become antagonistic toward each other, creating a state of 'shiqāq' (split/breach) that threatens the marriage foundation. The word 'shiqāq' derives from 'shaqq' (to split), indicating a fundamental division rather than minor disagreements. The Quranic solution involves appointing trusted arbitrators ('hakam') - one from the husband's family and one from the wife's family - who possess both knowledge and integrity to investigate the dispute impartially. The term 'hakam' (plural: hukkām) means one who has authority to judge and decide, emphasizing that these arbitrators must be knowledgeable, trustworthy, and capable of making binding decisions. Ibn Abbas explains that these arbitrators should first determine which spouse is primarily at fault, then work toward either reconciliation or, if necessary, separation. The fuqaha (Islamic jurists) describe a systematic process: first, community leaders or judges refer the couple to trusted mediators; if unsuccessful, formal arbitrators from both families are appointed with authority to investigate thoroughly and decide whether reconciliation or separation serves the marriage best. The verse emphasizes divine blessing for sincere reconciliation efforts: 'If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them' (in yurīdā iṣlāḥan yuwaffiqi Allāhu baynahumā). This conditional promise applies to both the arbitrators' sincere intentions and the spouses' genuine desire for reconciliation, indicating that divine assistance comes when human efforts are guided by pure motives. The conclusion 'Indeed Allah is ever Knowing and Aware' (inna Allāha kāna 'Alīman Khabīran) serves as both encouragement and warning - Allah knows the true intentions of all parties and will bless sincere reconciliation efforts while holding accountable those who abuse the arbitration process. This comprehensive system protects marriage sanctity while providing dignified resolution when relationships cannot be restored.
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 35 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 35
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the meaning of 'hakam' in Islamic marriage arbitration?
'Hakam' (plural: hukkām) means an arbitrator or judge with authority to decide disputes. In marriage conflicts, hakam refers to trusted individuals appointed from both the husband's and wife's families who possess knowledge, integrity, and decision-making authority. Unlike mere mediators, arbitrators have binding authority to determine the best course of action for the marriage. According to Ibn Abbas and classical scholars, these arbitrators must be knowledgeable about Islamic law, trustworthy in character, and capable of investigating the dispute thoroughly. Their role includes determining which spouse may be primarily at fault, attempting reconciliation through counseling and guidance, and ultimately deciding whether the marriage should continue or end if reconciliation proves impossible. The Quran emphasizes that these arbitrators should be from both families to ensure balanced representation and family investment in the outcome.
❓When should marriage arbitration be used according to this verse?
Marriage arbitration should be used when there is serious discord ('shiqāq') between spouses that private reconciliation efforts have failed to resolve. The word 'shiqāq' derives from 'shaqq' (to split), indicating fundamental division rather than minor disagreements. According to classical scholars, this process is implemented when: (1) Both spouses have become antagonistic toward each other; (2) Private efforts by the couple to reconcile have failed; (3) Simple mediation by family or friends has been unsuccessful; (4) The conflict threatens the marriage foundation and family stability; (5) There are ongoing disputes about fundamental marital rights and responsibilities. The fuqaha explain that arbitration is not for minor marital disagreements but for serious conflicts where the relationship has reached a breaking point. This systematic approach ensures that marriage - a sacred institution in Islam - is protected through every possible means before considering separation.
❓What authority do family arbitrators have in Islamic marriage disputes?
Family arbitrators have significant authority that includes both reconciliation and separation decisions. According to the majority of Islamic scholars, including Ibn Abbas, these arbitrators can: (1) Investigate the dispute thoroughly to determine the source of conflict; (2) Counsel both spouses and attempt reconciliation through guidance and advice; (3) Determine which spouse bears primary responsibility for the discord; (4) Impose conditions for reconciliation, such as behavior modification or temporary separation; (5) Decide on separation if reconciliation proves impossible; (6) In some interpretations, even pronounce divorce if both arbitrators agree it's necessary. The hadith narrated by 'Ubaidah al-Salmani describes how 'Ali (may Allah honor his face) told arbitrators: 'If you both agree to keep them together and make peace, do it. If you conclude that separation is best, do it.' This indicates that their authority extends to final decisions about the marriage's future, making their role more than mere mediation but actual arbitration with binding authority.
❓How does Allah's help factor into marriage reconciliation according to this verse?
Allah's divine assistance in marriage reconciliation comes through sincere intentions and genuine efforts from all parties involved. The verse states 'If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them' (in yurīdā iṣlāḥan yuwaffiqi Allāhu baynahumā). This conditional promise applies to: (1) The arbitrators' sincere desire to facilitate reconciliation rather than pursuing personal agendas; (2) The spouses' genuine willingness to work toward reconciliation despite their conflicts; (3) The families' commitment to supporting peace rather than taking sides. Classical scholars explain that when human efforts are guided by pure motives and Islamic principles, Allah blesses these efforts with success. The divine assistance may manifest as: softening of hearts, clarity in understanding underlying issues, wisdom in finding solutions, and removal of psychological barriers that prevent reconciliation. However, this promise is conditional - Allah's help comes when there is genuine desire for reconciliation (irādat al-iṣlāḥ) from all parties, not when people go through the motions while harboring other intentions.
❓What is the step-by-step process for Islamic marriage arbitration?
The Islamic marriage arbitration process follows these systematic steps: (1) **Assessment**: Community leaders or judges first refer the couple to trusted mediators for initial intervention; (2) **Formal Appointment**: If mediation fails, formal arbitrators (hakam) are appointed - one from the husband's family and one from the wife's family; (3) **Investigation**: Arbitrators meet with both spouses separately and together to understand the conflict's root causes and determine fault; (4) **Counseling Phase**: Arbitrators attempt reconciliation through Islamic guidance, counseling, and advice based on Quranic principles; (5) **Decision Making**: If reconciliation efforts succeed, they establish conditions for renewed harmony; if unsuccessful, they may decide on temporary separation or permanent dissolution; (6) **Implementation**: Their decision is binding and must be respected by both families and the broader community. The fuqaha emphasize that arbitrators should exhaust all reconciliation possibilities before considering separation, as Islam strongly favors preserving marriage. Throughout the process, the arbitrators must maintain fairness, seek Allah's guidance through prayer, and remember that they are accountable to Allah for their decisions.
❓Why does the verse emphasize that Allah is 'Knowing and Aware'?
The conclusion 'Indeed Allah is ever Knowing and Aware' (inna Allāha kāna 'Alīman Khabīran) serves multiple purposes in the arbitration context: (1) **Divine Oversight**: Allah observes all marriage disputes and the arbitration process, ensuring ultimate justice; (2) **Accountability Warning**: All parties - spouses, arbitrators, and families - are reminded that their intentions and actions are under divine scrutiny; (3) **Encouragement for Sincerity**: Those who genuinely seek reconciliation can trust that Allah witnesses their good intentions and will bless their efforts; (4) **Warning Against Abuse**: Anyone attempting to manipulate the arbitration process for personal gain faces divine consequences; (5) **Comfort in Difficulty**: When human relationships fail, believers can find solace knowing that Allah understands the full complexity of their situation. The dual attributes 'Alīm (All-Knowing) and Khabīr (All-Aware) emphasize that Allah knows both the hidden intentions of hearts and the manifest actions, making Him the ultimate witness to all marital proceedings. This serves as both comfort for the sincere and warning for those who might abuse this sacred process.
❓How should modern Muslim families apply this arbitration guidance?
Modern Muslim families can apply this arbitration guidance through several practical steps: (1) **Early Intervention**: Address marital conflicts early through family counseling before they escalate to arbitration level; (2) **Qualified Arbitrators**: Select arbitrators who combine Islamic knowledge with understanding of contemporary family dynamics and possibly professional counseling training; (3) **Structured Process**: Establish formal procedures that respect both Islamic principles and local legal requirements; (4) **Professional Integration**: Work with Islamic scholars, family therapists, and legal professionals who understand both religious and civil marriage law; (5) **Community Support**: Create community resources for marriage education, conflict resolution training, and ongoing support systems; (6) **Documentation**: Maintain proper records of arbitration proceedings while respecting confidentiality; (7) **Follow-up**: Provide ongoing support and monitoring for couples who reconcile through arbitration. Modern implementation should adapt to contemporary contexts while preserving the essential Islamic principles of family involvement, qualified arbitration, and divine guidance-seeking. This may include utilizing technology for distance arbitration when families are geographically separated, integrating professional counseling techniques with Islamic guidance, and ensuring that arbitration decisions comply with both Islamic law and local civil law requirements.
❓What wisdom lies behind involving families in marriage dispute resolution?
The Islamic requirement for family involvement in marriage arbitration reflects profound wisdom: (1) **Balanced Perspective**: Having arbitrators from both families ensures that each spouse's background, challenges, and circumstances are understood and fairly represented; (2) **Long-term Investment**: Family members have ongoing relationships with the couple, making them invested in sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes; (3) **Cultural Understanding**: Family arbitrators understand the cultural, social, and economic factors that may contribute to marital conflicts; (4) **Emotional Support**: Family involvement provides emotional support for both spouses during the difficult arbitration process; (5) **Community Accountability**: Family participation creates broader community accountability for supporting the marriage and respecting arbitration decisions; (6) **Practical Knowledge**: Family members often have intimate knowledge of the couple's relationship history, strengths, and challenges; (7) **Reconciliation Facilitation**: Family arbitrators can address extended family issues that may be contributing to marital discord; (8) **Social Stability**: This approach keeps marriage disputes within the family circle, preventing public scandals that could affect children and community harmony. The system recognizes that marriage in Islam is not just a contract between two individuals but a bond between families and communities, requiring collective wisdom and support for resolution.
Translations & Commentary
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