Surah An-Nisa 4:127
سُورَةُ النِّسَاءِ · Medinan · Verse 127 of 176
وَيَسْتَفْتُونَكَ فِى ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِيهِنَّ وَمَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ فِى يَتَٰمَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّٰتِى لَا تُؤْتُونَهُنَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُونَ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ وَٱلْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلْوِلْدَٰنِ وَأَن تَقُومُوا۟ لِلْيَتَٰمَىٰ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمًۭا
Translation
They ask you [Prophet] for a ruling about women. Say, ‘God Himself gives you a ruling about them. You already have what has been recited to you in the Scripture about orphan girls [in your charge] from whom you withhold the prescribed shares [of their inheritance] and whom you wish to marry, and also about helpless children- God instructs you to treat orphans fairly: He is well aware of whatever good you do.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens with people seeking rulings from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, regarding women's affairs. Allah instructs His Prophet to declare that He Himself will provide the necessary guidance, emphasizing His supreme authority in these matters. The term "يستفتونك" (they ask you for a ruling) implies a request for clarification on complex issues, turning to the ultimate source of truth when human understanding is insufficient.
A Divine Answer
Allah's response is presented in two parts: "قل الله يفتيكم فيهن" (Say: Allah gives you a ruling concerning them) and "وما يتلى عليكم في الكتاب" (and what is recited to you in the Book). The placement of "Allah" first strongly emphasizes that this is a divine ruling, not merely a human opinion. The phrasing also cleverly indicates that guidance comes from two channels: new, direct pronouncements from Allah, and also from verses already revealed in the Quran, which continue to serve as guidance. Attributing the act of "giving a ruling" to "what is recited" is a beautiful figure of speech, meaning the revealed text itself contains and conveys Allah's divine decrees.
Unpacking the Ordeal of Orphans
The verse immediately clarifies that these rulings specifically concern "يتامى النساء اللاتي لا تؤتونهن ما كتب لهن" (orphaned women whom you do not give what is prescribed for them). This refers to their rightful share of inheritance and dowry, which was often denied in pre-Islamic times. A profound linguistic subtlety lies in the phrase "وترغبون أن تنكحوهن" (and you desire to marry them). As scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain, the verb "raghiba" (to desire) can take two prepositions in Arabic, "في" (in/for) or "عن" (from/away from), dramatically changing its meaning. By omitting the preposition, the Quran employs a powerful conciseness that encompasses both scenarios of injustice:
1. Desire to marry them: If an orphaned girl was beautiful or wealthy, her guardian might want to marry her without giving her the full dowry or rights prescribed by Allah, exploiting her vulnerability.
2. Disinclination to marry them: If an orphaned girl was unattractive or poor, her guardian might prevent her from marrying anyone else, hoping she would die and he could inherit her property.
The Quran's choice of wording brilliantly captures both forms of exploitation in a single phrase.
Justice for the Vulnerable
The verse extends this protection to "والمستضعفين من الولدان" (the weak among children). Historically, children, like women, were often denied inheritance in favor of adult men who could fight in battles. The Quran rectifies this, ensuring that the weakest members of society receive their due. The command "وأن تقوموا لليتامى بالقسط" (and that you stand for orphans with justice) reinforces the broad principle: guardians must act with fairness and equity in all matters concerning orphans, protecting their rights and well-being.
The All-Knowing Watcher
The verse concludes with a powerful reminder: "وما تفعلوا من خير فإن الله كان به عليما" (And whatever good you do, Allah is All-Knowing of it). This closing statement serves as both an encouragement and a warning. It assures believers that no act of kindness or justice, however small, goes unnoticed or unrewarded by Allah. Conversely, it implies a solemn caution against injustice, reminding those in positions of power over the vulnerable that Allah's knowledge is comprehensive and constant, and He will hold everyone accountable for their deeds.
Source: al-Razi, al-Zamakhshari, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran, al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Worldly Mirror
This verse opens with people asking the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, for guidance on matters concerning women. This wasn't just a casual inquiry; it arose from complex social realities of the time, where the rights and treatment of women, especially orphans and the vulnerable, were often neglected. Allah Himself directly responds to these questions, guiding the believers through His Prophet. The immediate situation is one of divine instruction, correcting ingrained societal injustices and establishing principles of fairness.
Justice for the Vulnerable
At its heart, this ayah is a powerful call to rectify deep-seated social injustices, particularly against the most vulnerable members of society. In pre-Islamic times, as noted by scholars like Sayyid Qutb and Ibn al-Jawzi, orphaned girls and weak children often faced exploitation. For instance, guardians might deny orphaned women their rightful inheritance or dowry, or even prevent them from marrying others to retain control of their wealth. If an orphaned girl was wealthy but not beautiful, her guardian might prevent her marriage entirely, hoping to inherit her wealth upon her death. Conversely, if she was beautiful and wealthy, the guardian might marry her himself without fulfilling her due rights, purely out of greed. This verse emphatically condemns such practices, reminding believers of the clear divine commands already revealed in the Qur'an regarding their rights. It also highlights the plight of *al-mustad'afeen min al-wildan*, the vulnerable children, who were often deprived of inheritance simply because they were not strong enough to fight or contribute to the tribe's defense. The Quran steps in to dismantle these customs, establishing that inheritance and respect are fundamental human rights, not privileges based on strength or gender.
The Inner Call to Justice
Beyond legal rulings, the verse emphasizes the personal responsibility and inner disposition required to uphold justice. When Allah commands *an taqoomoo lil-yataama bil-qist* (that you stand for orphans with justice), it's not merely an external rule, but an invitation to cultivate an inner state of fairness. Tazkirul Quran highlights that true justice blossoms when one fears Allah and genuinely seeks to do good. This reflection on outward social behavior points to an inner ethical stance. The verse concludes with a profound reminder: *Wama taf'aloo min khairin fa inna Allaha kana bihi 'aleeman* (And whatever good you do, Allah is ever All-Knowing of it). This underscores that every act of kindness, every decision made with integrity towards the vulnerable, is seen and recorded by Allah. This awareness fosters a deep sense of accountability and encourages believers to act with sincerity and compassion, knowing that their efforts for justice, however small, will not be overlooked by their Creator.
Sources: al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Connections
This verse opens with a profound moment of seeking guidance, where people approach the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with questions about women and their rights. It reflects a turning point for a society grappling with ingrained customs of injustice, particularly towards the vulnerable. Allah, the Most High, directly responds to these queries, asserting His ultimate authority and comprehensive knowledge.
A Divine Answer
The verse, "And they ask you for a ruling concerning women. Say, 'Allah gives you a ruling concerning them, and what is recited to you in the Book concerning orphan women...'" (4:127), establishes that the questions are directed to the Prophet, but the answers originate directly from Allah. This immediate context underscores that these are not mere social conventions but divine decrees. Al-Wasit notes this presentation offers reassurance to those seeking answers, akin to "you have found an expert." The majestic opening, "Say, Allah gives you a ruling concerning them," elevates the importance and certainty of the divine guidance.
A Thread in the Fabric
This ayah is a vital thread in the broader tapestry of Surah An-Nisa, which often circles back to themes of justice, inheritance, and the rights of women and orphans. As al-Biqa'i highlights, a central purpose of this Surah is to establish justice for the weak, including orphans, in matters like inheritance. This verse specifically reconnects with earlier pronouncements in the Surah, most notably Surah 4:3, which addresses marrying orphan women. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, clarified this connection, as relayed by al-Biqa'i and al-Wasit. She explained that the phrase "what is recited to you in the Book concerning orphan women, whom you do not give what is prescribed for them, and you desire to marry them" refers to a situation where a guardian might wish to marry an orphan girl under his care, either for her beauty and wealth without giving her a proper dowry, or he might neglect her if she lacks these qualities, preventing her from marrying others to retain her inheritance. This verse reinforces the principle established in 4:3: if one fears not being just towards an orphan, they should marry other women.
Unpacking the Guidance
The verse further extends divine guidance to "the weak among children," meaning young, vulnerable children, both male and female, who were often denied inheritance in pre-Islamic times. As al-Sabuni notes, people would say, "How can we give wealth to those who cannot ride a horse or bear arms?" Allah unequivocally commands that they be given their rights. The overall directive to "uphold justice for orphans" (4:127) encompasses all aspects of their well-being, reiterating the Quran's consistent emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Al-Shinqiti points to other verses like Surah Al-An'am 6:152 and Al-Baqarah 2:220, which further elaborate on this justice.
The All-Knowing Watch
The verse concludes with a powerful reminder: "And whatever good you do, Allah is All-Knowing of it." This closing statement, following specific commands about justice for women and orphans, serves as a comprehensive encouragement. It assures believers that every act of goodness, especially in upholding the rights of the weak, is not only witnessed by Allah but will also be rewarded. This connects back to the broader Surah's message of accountability and the promise of reward for good deeds, reinforcing that sincere actions, no matter how small, are treasured by the Divine.
Sources: al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nisa 4:127 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nisa 4:127 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.