Surah An-Nisaa 4:43 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 43
Arabic Text
يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَقۡرَبُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاَنۡـتُمۡ سُكَارٰى حَتّٰى تَعۡلَمُوۡا مَا تَقُوۡلُوۡنَ وَلَا جُنُبًا اِلَّا عَابِرِىۡ سَبِيۡلٍ حَتّٰى تَغۡتَسِلُوۡاؕ وَاِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ مَّرۡضَىٰۤ اَوۡ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ اَوۡ جَآءَ اَحَدٌ مِّنۡكُمۡ مِّنَ الۡغَآٮِٕطِ اَوۡ لٰمَسۡتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَلَمۡ تَجِدُوۡا مَآءً فَتَيَمَّمُوۡا صَعِيۡدًا طَيِّبًا فَامۡسَحُوۡا بِوُجُوۡهِكُمۡ وَاَيۡدِيۡكُمۡؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُوۡرًا
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoola taqraboo assalata waantum sukarahatta taAAlamoo ma taqooloona walajunuban illa AAabiree sabeelin hattataghtasiloo wa-in kuntum marda aw AAala safarin awjaa ahadun minkum mina algha-iti aw lamastumuannisaa falam tajidoo maan fatayammamoo saAAeedantayyiban famsahoo biwujoohikum waaydeekuminna Allaha kana AAafuwwan ghafoora
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:43 provides comprehensive guidelines for Islamic prayer and purification, establishing fundamental rules that every Muslim must follow. The Arabic text 'Ya ayyuha alladhina amanoo la taqraboo as-salata wa antum sukara hatta ta'lamoo ma taqooloona' begins by prohibiting approaching prayer while intoxicated until one knows what they are saying. According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse was revealed during the gradual prohibition of alcohol, when Sayyidna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) made errors while leading prayer under the influence of alcohol at Abdul Rahman ibn Awf's dinner. The verse then addresses ritual impurity states, forbidding prayer while in major impurity (janabah) until performing ghusl (full bath), with an exception for travelers passing through. It introduces the concept of tayammum - using clean earth as a substitute for water when one is ill, traveling, has answered the call of nature, or had intimate relations but cannot find water. The detailed instructions specify wiping the face and hands with clean dust, emphasizing Allah's mercy in providing alternatives for purification. Classical tafsir explains that this verse demonstrates Islam's gradualism in legislation and Allah's consideration for human circumstances, making the religion practical while maintaining the sanctity of prayer. The concluding phrase 'inna Allaha kana afuwwan ghafuran' (Indeed, Allah is Ever-Pardoning and Forgiving) emphasizes divine mercy in accommodating believers' needs while upholding spiritual obligations.
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 43 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 43
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What are the essential prayer guidelines in An-Nisa 4:43?
An-Nisa 4:43 establishes fundamental prayer guidelines including: do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you know what you're saying, do not approach prayer while in a state of major impurity (janabah) until you perform ghusl (full bath), and provides instructions for tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable due to illness, travel, or other circumstances.
❓How do you perform tayammum according to Islamic law?
Tayammum is performed by striking the hands on clean earth or dust, then wiping the face and hands with it. This serves as a substitute for water-based purification when water is unavailable due to illness, travel, or after answering the call of nature or intimate relations. It allows Muslims to maintain spiritual cleanliness and offer prayers even when water cannot be used.
❓What is the historical context of this verse's revelation?
According to authentic hadith, this verse was revealed after an incident involving Sayyidna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who made errors while leading Maghrib prayer at Abdul Rahman ibn Awf's dinner due to alcohol consumption. This occurred during the gradual prohibition of alcohol in Islamic history, serving as a step toward complete prohibition while emphasizing the sanctity of prayer.
❓What is the difference between major and minor impurity in Islam?
Major impurity (janabah) is caused by sexual intercourse or seminal discharge and requires ghusl (full bath) for purification. Minor impurity (hadath asghar) is caused by breaking wudu through actions like using the bathroom or passing gas, and requires wudu (ablution) for purification. Both prevent one from offering prayer until proper purification is performed.
❓Can someone pass through a mosque while in a state of impurity?
The verse mentions an exception 'illa abiri sabeel' (except when passing through), which has different interpretations among scholars. According to Hanafi interpretation, this refers to travelers who can perform tayammum when water is unavailable. The Shafi'i interpretation allows passing through a mosque while in major impurity without stopping, but Hanafi scholars generally prohibit entering mosques in states of major impurity.
❓Why was alcohol prohibition gradual in Islamic legislation?
Islam's approach to alcohol prohibition demonstrates divine wisdom in legislation. Since drinking was a deeply ingrained habit in Arabian society, sudden prohibition would have been extremely difficult to follow. The gradual approach helped people understand alcohol's negative effects, particularly how it interfered with proper worship, eventually leading to complete prohibition in Surah Al-Ma'idah.
❓What does Allah being 'Ever-Pardoning and Forgiving' mean in this context?
The concluding phrase emphasizes Allah's mercy in providing alternatives like tayammum when normal purification isn't possible. It shows divine compassion in making religious obligations manageable while maintaining their sanctity. Allah's forgiveness covers human limitations and circumstances, demonstrating that Islamic law is both spiritual and practical.
❓What makes tayammum a unique blessing for the Muslim community?
According to authentic hadith, tayammum is a special favor granted exclusively to the Muslim community. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that his ummah was given three unique privileges, including the ability to use clean earth for purification when water is unavailable. This makes worship possible in all circumstances and environments.
❓How does this verse demonstrate the balance between spiritual obligation and practical circumstances?
This verse perfectly exemplifies Islamic balance by maintaining the sanctity of prayer while accommodating human circumstances. It prohibits prayer in improper states but provides alternatives (tayammum) for unavoidable situations. This shows that Islam values both spiritual purity and practical realities, making religious observance possible for all believers regardless of their circumstances.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...