Surah An-Nisaa 4:99 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 99
Arabic Text
فَاُولٰٓٮِٕكَ عَسَى اللّٰهُ اَنۡ يَّعۡفُوَ عَنۡهُمۡؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُوۡرًا
Transliteration
Faola-ika AAasa Allahuan yaAAfuwa AAanhum wakana Allahu AAafuwwan ghafoora
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
An-Nisa 4:99 reveals Allah's infinite mercy toward those who are genuinely helpless and unable to migrate from oppressive circumstances. The verse states 'Fa-ulāika ʿasā Allāhu an yaʿfuwa ʿanhum wa kāna Allāhu ʿafuwwan ghafūran' (These are they whom Allah is likely to forgive them, and Allah is ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving). According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse follows the discussion of those required to migrate but provides a divine exception for the truly powerless - including weak men, women, and children who cannot devise any plan or find their way to safety. The two divine attributes mentioned, 'Afuww' (Oft-Pardoning) and 'Ghafoor' (Oft-Forgiving), emphasize Allah's nature to overlook shortcomings and completely erase sins. Classical tafsir explains that while migration was obligatory for those able, Allah's mercy encompasses those genuinely unable to fulfill this obligation due to physical weakness, lack of resources, or absence of safe passage. This verse demonstrates that Allah judges based on ability and circumstances, not mere external compliance, showing His perfect justice combined with boundless compassion for human limitations.
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 99 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 99
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does An-Nisa 4:99 teach about Allah's mercy for the helpless and vulnerable?
An-Nisa 4:99 reveals Allah's infinite mercy toward those genuinely helpless and unable to migrate from oppressive circumstances. The verse states that Allah is likely to forgive those who are truly powerless - including weak men, women, and children who cannot devise any plan or find their way to safety. This demonstrates Allah's perfect justice combined with boundless compassion for human limitations.
❓What is the historical context and circumstances of revelation for this verse?
This verse was revealed in the context of early Islamic migration from Mecca to Medina. Some Muslims remained in Mecca due to various circumstances - some were truly helpless (elderly, women, children), while others stayed for worldly reasons. The verse follows previous ayahs that required migration for those able, but provides divine mercy for those genuinely unable to leave oppressive conditions. Ibn Abbas himself was among those whom Allah excused, as recorded in authentic narrations.
❓What is the linguistic and theological significance of Allah's names 'Afuww' and 'Ghafoor' mentioned in this verse?
The verse concludes with two divine attributes: 'Afuww' (Oft-Pardoning) and 'Ghafoor' (Oft-Forgiving). 'Afuww' from the root ع-ف-و means to overlook, pardon, or efface completely - Allah overlooks shortcomings without punishment. 'Ghafoor' from غ-ف-ر means to cover, conceal, or forgive completely - Allah not only forgives but covers the sin entirely. Together, these names emphasize Allah's comprehensive mercy that both pardons and completely erases sins for those genuinely unable to fulfill obligations.
❓What are the practical legal principles and rulings derived from this verse regarding religious obligations?
This verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that Allah judges based on ability and circumstances, not mere external compliance. It provides legal basis for exempting the genuinely incapable from religious obligations they cannot fulfill. Classical scholars derived that physical weakness, lack of resources, absence of safe passage, or genuine inability constitutes valid excuse from migration or similar duties. This principle extends to all Islamic obligations - Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme and context of Surah An-Nisa?
An-Nisa 4:99 comes within the section discussing migration and jihad obligations. It follows verses condemning those who wronged themselves by remaining in oppressive conditions when able to migrate, and precedes encouragement for those who emigrate in Allah's cause. This verse serves as the merciful exception, showing that Allah's justice is always tempered with compassion. It perfectly fits An-Nisa's overall theme of establishing just social order while protecting the vulnerable.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings regarding divine mercy and human limitations?
This verse teaches that Allah's mercy encompasses human limitations and genuine helplessness. It emphasizes that divine judgment considers circumstances, not just actions. The spiritual lesson is that believers should never despair of Allah's mercy, even when unable to fulfill certain obligations. It also teaches compassion toward the vulnerable and recognition that not everyone has the same capabilities. The verse instills hope while maintaining accountability for those who are genuinely able.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern contexts and contemporary challenges?
In modern times, this verse applies to Muslims facing genuine hardships - those in oppressive regimes, refugees unable to reach safety, people with disabilities, the elderly, or those lacking resources. It provides comfort to converts facing family pressure, workers in environments hostile to Islamic practice, or anyone genuinely unable to fulfill certain religious obligations due to circumstances beyond their control. The principle teaches that Allah judges based on sincerity and ability, not external circumstances.
❓How does this verse address concerns about divine justice and mercy appearing contradictory?
This verse demonstrates that Allah's justice and mercy are not contradictory but perfectly integrated. Divine justice requires holding people accountable only for what they can reasonably accomplish, while mercy provides forgiveness for genuine inability. The phrase 'Allah is likely to forgive' (asa Allah an ya'fu) indicates Allah's inclination toward mercy while maintaining that His forgiveness is based on knowledge of true circumstances. This resolves the apparent tension by showing that perfect justice necessarily includes compassion for human limitations.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...