The Holy Quran, like an illuminating lamp, enlightens the path of human felicity in all dimensions of life. Verse nineteen of Surah An-Nis stands as one of the prominent verses that, through a profound examination of human relationshipsparticularly the bond between men and womendelineates ethical and legal principles aimed at establishing justice and balance in society. This treatise, by reflecting upon this noble verse and scholarly analyses, explores fundamental issues of gender relations, social roles, and the necessity of equitable legislation. Its objective is to present Quranic concepts in a lucid and dignified language, within a scientific and practical framework, tailored for scholars and seekers of truth.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَرِثُوا النِّسَاءَ كَرْهًا ۖ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوا بِبَعْضِ مَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّا أَنْ يَأْتِينَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ مُبَيِّنَةٍ ۖ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ فَإِنْ كَرِهْتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَيَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا
O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor should you treat them harshly so as to take back part of what you have given themunless they commit a manifest immorality. And live with them honourably. But if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.
This noble verse addresses the believers explicitly, elucidating ethical and legal principles governing familial relationships. The invocation O you who have believed signals a covenant of faith that summons the faithful to uphold justice in their dealings with women. The prohibition of inheriting women by compulsion, forbidding the coercive reclamation of dowries, and emphasising honourable companionship collectively illustrate the Qurans endeavour to establish justice and respect within human interactions. This verse serves as a mirror reflecting cultural and social shortcomings in gender relations and offers profound solutions for their rectification.
Verse nineteen of Surah An-Nis, with a clear and decisive expression, provides a framework for just and ethical relations between men and women. The verse addresses not only legal matters such as inheritance and dowry but also invites cultural and behavioural reform through the emphasis on honourable companionship. The analysis of this verse highlights the necessity of reconsidering both traditional and modern perspectives on gender relations.
From the Quranic viewpoint, man and woman are akin to two wings of a bird, which in harmony soar towards perfection. Neither superiority of one over the other nor absolute equality is affirmed, as both extremes deviate from the truth of human existence. Innate differences, such as womens capacity for childbirth or mens physical strength, are not signs of superiority but rather of mutual completion. This complementarity resembles puzzle pieces that together portray a complete image of humanity.
Perspectives that assert male superiority over women or absolute equality between men and women are incorrect from Quranic and philosophical standpoints. Patriarchy, relying on unsubstantiated narrations, relegates women to a secondary status, whereas radical feminism, by disregarding biological and social distinctions, promotes absolute equality. Both views resemble misguided corridors straying from the path of truth. The Holy Quran, by emphasising complementarity, reveals the middle way whereby each of man and woman, with their unique attributes, assist in the completion of the other.
The Quranic outlook on gender relations, with its emphasis on complementarity, avoids all forms of extremism. This perspective not only recognises innate differences but introduces them as factors for balance and coordination within society. Criticism of patriarchal and feminist viewpoints underscores the necessity of reevaluating gender concepts to establish a just and balanced society.
Human history, akin to a book filled with bitter chapters, testifies to the insecurity faced by women against patriarchy and barbarity. Even noble figures such as Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) could not fully claim their rights due to the absence of security. This insecurity, like a heavy shadow, has restricted womens active participation in society and hindered the blossoming of their talents.
Neither in Islamic nor in Western or non-Western societies has comprehensive legislation emerged to protect women. This absence, like a void in the foundation of society, renders women vulnerable to oppression and violation. Assaults on womenwhether in workplaces, homes, or streetsare among the greatest global challenges, rooted in the lack of just laws and improper cultural norms.
Inappropriate attire in some societies acts as an open door to harm, placing women at risk. Nevertheless, confining women to their homes is equally a narrow cage and another form of injustice that impedes their growth and flourishing. The solution lies neither in domestic restriction nor unbridled freedom, but in creating a safe and regulated environment where women can participate in society while preserving their dignity.
Social and legal challenges in gender relationsfrom historical insecurity to lack of just legislationoriginate in erroneous attitudes and defective cultures. The Holy Quran, by presenting ethical and legal principles, offers a solution for establishing a safe and just society where men and women can live in harmony and mutual respect.
Traditional religious knowledge, due to its lack of scientific approach and entanglement in taqiyya and constraints, has failed to address fundamental issues of gender relations. Prominent scholars such as Avicenna and Mulla Sadra, though having produced monumental works in philosophy and mysticism, have not adequately attended to womens issues. This deficiency, akin to a void in the edifice of religious knowledge, has prevented comprehensive elucidation of jurisprudential and social matters.
Resolving gender issues requires ijtihd based on human and social sciences. Religious knowledge must, by employing scientific methods, formulate just and practical legislation. This ijtihd, like a bridge between the Holy Quran and modern needs, can respond to contemporary challenges and establish justice in human relations.
Religious knowledge must utilise scientific methods and interdisciplinary approaches to meet the needs of modern society. Critiquing past shortcomings and emphasising scientific ijtihd paves the way for drafting just and applicable laws that can realise Quranic justice in the present era.
The Holy Quran, by emphasising shirhunna bil-marf (live with them honourably), considers honourable companionship as the foundation of family life. Marf is an intellectual and social concept defined according to the culture and customs of each society. Such companionship, like a gentle breeze, directs family relations towards tranquillity and respect, prohibiting any form of ill temper, taciturnity, or harshness.
The noble verse, by stating faas an takrah shayan wa yajal Allhu fhi khayran kathran, alludes to divine wisdom that good may be concealed within what appears disagreeable. This perspective, like a torch in darkness, prevents superficial judgments and invites contemplation of deeper values.
Honourable companionship and attention to abundant good constitute two fundamental principles in human relations emphasised by the Holy Quran. These principles not only strengthen family bonds but also, through urging reflection and refraining from superficial judgements, guide humanity towards perfection and felicity.
Verse nineteen of Surah An-Nis, like a radiant gem within the Holy Quran, delineates ethical and legal principles for human relations. This verse, by forbidding coercion and pressure in familial relations, emphasising honourable companionship, and inviting reflection on abundant good, offers a comprehensive approach for establishing justice and balance in society. The relationship between men and women, as complements to one another, is defined not on the basis of superiority or absolute equality but on coordination and mutual respect. The absence of just legislation and social insecurity are challenges that necessitate scientific ijtihd and reconsideration of traditional and modern perspectives. This treatise, through reflection on Quranic concepts and scholarly analyses, endeavours to pave the way for a deeper understanding of gender justice and human relations.
