Source: The Holy Qur'an, translated by M. H. Shakir. Published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Inc., and made available online by the University of Virginia Library.
Date of online version: 1997.
Excerpts captured on: 30 May 2004, from a mirror of the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library.
Surah 4: Excerpts
On Women
4.1
Opening verse addressing humankind to be mindful of their duty to Allah.
Allah is described as the Creator who made humans from a single being and created its mate from itself.
This emphasizes the kinship of men and women and the divine oversight of Allah who watches over people's relationships.
4.2
Instructions on orphans:
Necessity to give orphans their property.
Warning against substituting worthless items for valuable ones and against consuming the property of orphans unjustly, which is classified as a major crime.
4.3
Guidance on marriage:
Permission to marry multiple women (up to four) if one can treat them equitably.
If equity cannot be maintained, it is advised to marry only one or those owned by right hands (i.e., slaves or concubines).
4.4
Men are instructed to give women their dowries as a free gift.
If women voluntarily give a portion back, it is permissible to accept it with enjoyment.
4.7
Inheritance rights:
Establishes that both men and women are entitled to a portion of their parent's inheritance, regardless of the magnitude of the estate.
Specifies a stated portion to be accounted.
4.11
Instructions about children’s inheritance:
A male receives the share equivalent to that of two females.
Female heirs inherit two-thirds if more than two females are involved, or half if only one is present.
Each parent receives one-sixth if the deceased has a child; if only parents are left, the mother receives one-third.
Specification around the payments of debts and bequests is included.
4.12
Rules regarding spouses’ inheritance:
A husband inherits half of his wife's property if there are no children; one-fourth if children are present.
Reverse case for wives inheriting from husbands.
4.19
Advice against taking women forcefully as inheritance against their will.
Men are urged to treat women kindly and not to take back what was given unless they are guilty of manifest indecency.
4.20
A caution for husbands not to reclaim possessions given to their wives even if they long for another marriage, including emphasis on fairness.
4.34
Declaration of men's role as maintainers of women, grounded in natural differences and economic responsibilities.
Good women described as obedient and protective.
Strategies for dealing with disobedience include admonishment, separation in sleeping quarters, and the controversial (and often debated) option of physical discipline.
4.35
A process for resolving marital discord involving appointing judges from both families, stressing the importance of reconciliation.
4.128
Insights into women's grievances regarding their husbands and the recommendation for reconciliation.
4.129
Acknowledgment of the difficulty of equitable treatment among multiple wives and a caution against total neglect of any partner.
4.130
Assurance of Allah's provisions in case of separation of spouses, emphasizing the concept of divine support.
4.153 - 4.161
Discussion on the disbelief and demands of the followers of the Book (referring to earlier prophets and their miracles).
Clarifies the misconceptions surrounding the death of Isa (Jesus) and his apostleship.
Reference to historical grievances against the Jews for their disbelief and actions against the prophets.
4.171
Admonition for the followers of the Book to respect the confines of their religion.
Proclaims Isa as only a messenger of Allah and warns against attributing divine nature to him, insisting on the oneness of God.
4.172
Emphasis on humility in servitude to Allah; declaring that those who show pride will face divine reckoning.
Surah 2: Excerpts
On Revelations to the Apostles of Allah; On Righteousness; On Women
2.136
Affirmation of faith in Allah and the revelation given to previous prophets including Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, and Yaqoub.
Advocates for unity in believing without distinction made among the prophets.
2.177
Definition of righteousness which transcends physical acts of worship and emphasizes belief in Allah and moral actions.
Stresses the importance of charity, prayer, keeping promises, patience in adversity, and self-restraint.
2.185
Mention of the significant month of Ramadan as the period of Qur’anic revelation, instituting fasting for believers while allowing exceptions.
2.187
Regulations regarding intimate relations between spouses during fasting, re-establishing their lawful and beneficial connection.
Clear delineation of the fasting period.
2.222
Addressing the topic of menstruation as a natural discomfort.
Instructs on maintaining purity and engaging with women only after they have completed their cycle.
2.223
A metaphorical description of wives as farmland, indicating the responsibility of husbands to engage in relations lawfully and productively.
2.233
Regulations surrounding breastfeeding, highlighting the duration of suckling and responsibilities of fathers regarding maintenance.
2.234
Instructions for widows to observe a waiting period of four months and ten days post their husband's death before remarrying, with an allowance for lawful actions thereafter.
Acknowledging the importance of familial duties while also recognizing individual rights.