Surah Un Nisaa

The title of this Surah has been selected by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) with the guidance of Allah (S.W.T) from the word “Nisaa” (The Women). This word occurs at many places in this Surah. The Surah was revealed to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) in Madina Shareef during the period from 3 to 5 A.H.

Before the advent of Islam the woman was worthless in society. She was degraded to such a degree that in some societies she was buried and burnt alive. She was devoid of any rights but simultaneously burdened with heavy responsibilities.

For instance: Marriage to ones own daughter and sister was lawful. A rich man could marry hundreds of woman. He could then handover any of his wives to his friends like ordinary objects. The wife had no rights, and treated poorly.

In Islam women have been given great value and high status. As a mother, she is most respected, next in respect to Allah (S.W.T) and Holy Prophet (S.A.W). As a daughter she gets deep fatherly affection. As a sister she provides real link within the family. As a wife she is the most lovingly spouse and a life companion. She is the first teacher and motivator for sanity in infancy as well as chastity in adulthood. Integrity and solidarity of community lies in her hands.

Women are much more important for survival of human society. Therefore, Allah (S.W.T) has devoted this Surah to female serenity. Though she is considered a weaker vessel, she has been assigned a special status in divine scripture of the Holy Quran to protect her rights from male exploitation.

Surah Nisaa is one of the most important Chapters of the Holy Quran. It specifically lays down the principles of civil, criminal, family and social control laws, evidence act, Islamic Jurisprudence etc. Muslims are stressed to act upon the faith with sincerity, to get Allah’s (S.W.T) bounties. Only Islamic justice system provides the real basis of pure society. This is the aspiration of entire humanity to achieve peaceful coexistence for equitable prosperity which is the basic quality of an Islamic polity based on justice and piety.

It is mentioned in a Hadith that when a chaste woman who is mindful of her Salaah and fasting, and serves her husband, all eight doors of Jannah (Paradise) are opened for her. She may enter from whichever door she desires.

In another Hadith it states that when a husband and wife look at each other with love and affection, Almighty Allah Himself looks at both of them with love and affection.