Surah An-Nisaa 4:55 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 55
Arabic Text
فَمِنۡهُمۡ مَّنۡ اٰمَنَ بِهٖ وَمِنۡهُمۡ مَّنۡ صَدَّ عَنۡهُؕ وَكَفٰى بِجَهَـنَّمَ سَعِيۡرًا
Transliteration
Faminhum man amana bihi waminhum man saddaAAanhu wakafa bijahannama saAAeera
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Quran 4:55 from Surah An-Nisa states: 'Some of them believed in it and some turned away from it. Hell is sufficient as a blaze' (فمنهم من امن به ومنهم من صد عنه وكفي بجهنم سعيرا). This verse, revealed in Madinah, addresses the varied responses to Allah's messengers throughout history, particularly referencing the Children of Israel's reaction to divine guidance. According to classical Islamic tafsir, this verse follows Allah's discussion of the great favor bestowed upon the family of Ibrahim (Abraham) - including prophethood, divine books, and mighty kingdoms. Despite receiving such tremendous blessings, the verse reveals that even among the chosen people, some believed while others rejected and hindered others from the path of truth. The Arabic word 'صد' (sadda) means to turn away or obstruct, indicating not just personal rejection but active opposition to divine guidance. Islamic scholars explain that this verse serves as both historical reflection and eternal warning: those who reject Allah's messengers after receiving clear signs will face the blazing fire of Hell as just recompense. The phrase 'وكفي بجهنم سعيرا' (sufficient is Hell as a blaze) emphasizes the completeness of divine justice - Hell alone is adequate punishment for such rebellion against clear truth.
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 55 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 55
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 Quran 4:55 about some believing and some turning away?
Quran 4:55 states: 'Some of them believed in it and some turned away from it. Hell is sufficient as a blaze.' This verse addresses the varied responses to Allah's messengers throughout history, particularly among the Children of Israel. Despite receiving tremendous divine favors including prophethood, scriptures, and kingdoms, some believed while others rejected and actively hindered others from the path of truth. The verse serves as both historical reflection and eternal warning about divine justice.
❓What is the historical context behind the revelation of Surah An-Nisa 4:55?
According to classical Islamic sources and tafsir, this verse was revealed in the context of addressing Jewish attitudes toward Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Islam. The verse follows Allah's mention of the great favors bestowed upon the family of Abraham, including the Children of Israel, who received divine books, wisdom, and mighty kingdoms. Despite these blessings, when the final messenger came, some believed while others rejected him out of envy and opposition, demonstrating a pattern of varied responses to divine guidance throughout history.
❓Why does the verse emphasize that 'Hell is sufficient as a blaze' for those who turn away?
The Arabic phrase 'وكفي بجهنم سعيرا' (sufficient is Hell as a blaze) emphasizes the completeness and adequacy of divine justice. Islamic scholars explain that Hell alone is perfectly adequate punishment for those who reject Allah's messengers after receiving clear signs and guidance. The word 'sufficient' (كفى) indicates that no additional punishment is needed beyond the blazing fire of Hell for such rebellion against clear truth. This reflects the principle that divine punishment is proportional and just.
❓What does the Arabic word 'صد' (sadda) mean in the context of this verse?
The Arabic word 'صد' (sadda) in this verse means to turn away, obstruct, or hinder. It indicates not merely passive rejection but active opposition to divine guidance. According to Islamic linguistic analysis, this word implies that some people not only rejected the truth themselves but also actively worked to prevent others from accepting it. This makes their offense more severe, as they became obstacles in the path of those seeking guidance.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Surah An-Nisa regarding divine favors and human responses?
This verse fits within Surah An-Nisa's broader discussion of divine favors bestowed upon various communities and their varied responses. The chapter emphasizes that Allah granted the Children of Israel tremendous blessings - prophethood, divine books, and kingdoms - yet their responses differed. This pattern serves as a universal lesson: divine favor comes with responsibility, and rejection after receiving clear guidance results in severe consequences. The verse connects past patterns with contemporary realities, showing that human responses to divine guidance remain consistent across time.
❓What spiritual lessons does Quran 4:55 teach about belief and rejection of divine guidance?
The verse teaches several profound spiritual lessons: (1) Divine guidance evokes varied human responses regardless of external circumstances; (2) Previous divine favors do not guarantee future acceptance of truth; (3) Active opposition to guidance is more severe than passive rejection; (4) Divine justice ensures appropriate consequences for each response; (5) The opportunity to believe is a test that some pass and others fail. The verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and warns against the arrogance that can lead to rejection of truth.
❓How do classical Islamic commentators interpret the consequences mentioned in this verse?
Classical Islamic commentators like Ibn Kathir explain that this verse demonstrates Allah's perfect justice system. They note that despite the Children of Israel receiving unprecedented divine favors - including being among the family of Abraham, receiving scriptures, and ruling kingdoms - some still chose rejection. The commentators emphasize that the punishment of Hell is not arbitrary but a natural consequence of willful rebellion against clear guidance. They also point out that this serves as a warning for all future communities, including Muslims, about the importance of accepting and acting upon divine guidance.
❓What is the significance of mentioning both belief and rejection in the same verse?
The mention of both responses in one verse highlights the reality of human free will and the test of divine guidance. Islamic scholars explain that Allah presents the truth clearly, but humans retain the freedom to accept or reject it. This duality serves multiple purposes: (1) It acknowledges that even among privileged communities, responses will vary; (2) It validates the choices of those who believe while warning those who reject; (3) It demonstrates Allah's fairness in presenting both outcomes; (4) It emphasizes that salvation depends on individual choice rather than ethnic or tribal affiliation. This balance reflects the Quranic principle that guidance is available to all, but acceptance remains a personal responsibility.
Translations & Commentary
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