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Unjust Treatment of Wives (Qur'an 4:129) (view source)
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This article will examine a common [[ | {{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=3|Content=4|Language=2|References=4}} | ||
[[File:Quran 4-129.png|290px|right|thumb]] | |||
This article will examine a common [[Misrepresentations of Islamic Scripture|misinterpretation]] of [[Qur'an]] 4:129 and evidence in the [[Sahih]] [[hadith|ahadith]] and from [[Islam|Islamic]] scholars as to the true meaning. | |||
== Qur'an 4:129 == | ==Qur'an 4:129== | ||
{{ quote |{{Quran|4|129}}| "And you have it not in your power to do justice between wives, even though you may wish (it), but be not disinclined (from one) with total disinclination, so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect a reconciliation and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." }} | {{quote |{{Quran|4|129}}| "And you have it not in your power to do justice between wives, even though you may wish (it), but be not disinclined (from one) with total disinclination, so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect a reconciliation and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." }} | ||
== | ==Apologetic Claim== | ||
This verse is paired up with [[ | This verse is paired up with [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)| Quran 4:3]] in order to show that the apparent endorsement to [[Polygamy in Islamic Law|polygamy]] is actually an injunction. The apologist will state that Qur'an 4:3 requires a man to deal justly with all of his wives if he wishes to marry more than one. To further make this point, Qur'an 4:129 is next brought up to show that the Qur'an informs Muslims that this is not possible. | ||
However this explanation hinges on the meaning and scope of the required "justice" within both verses and any possible remedies to any dealt injustices. As [[ | However this explanation hinges on the meaning and scope of the required "justice" within both verses and any possible remedies to any dealt injustices. As [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)| illustrated in another article]], Qur'an 4:3's usage of the word "justice" only refers to the giving of an equitable [[Mahr (Marital Price)|Mahr]] and material provisions to any subsequent wives and as such, is not evidence of a polygamous injunction. | ||
The evidence for the meaning of Qur'an 4:129 can be ascertained by looking at the pertinent verses in the Qur'an, relevant ahadith and [[Tafsir]]s. As with many verses in the Quran, these verses were required in response to a situation occurring in [[Muhammad]]'s life at the time. | The evidence for the meaning of Qur'an 4:129 can be ascertained by looking at the pertinent verses in the Qur'an, relevant ahadith and [[Tafsir]]s. As with many verses in the Quran, these verses were required in response to a situation occurring in [[Muhammad]]'s life at the time. | ||
==Analysis== | |||
== Relevant Qur'an | ===Relevant Qur'an Verses=== | ||
And if a woman fears ill usage or desertion on the part of her husband, there is no blame on them, if they effect a reconciliation between them, and reconciliation is better, and avarice has been made to be present in the (people's) minds; and if you do good (to others) and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is aware of what you do. | {{quote | {{cite quran|4|128|end=130|style=ref}} |And if a woman fears ill usage or desertion on the part of her husband, there is no blame on them, if they effect a reconciliation between them, and reconciliation is better, and avarice has been made to be present in the (people's) minds; and if you do good (to others) and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is aware of what you do. | ||
And you have it not in your power to do justice between wives, even though you may wish (it), but be not disinclined (from one) with total disinclination, so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect a reconciliation and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | And you have it not in your power to do justice between wives, even though you may wish (it), but be not disinclined (from one) with total disinclination, so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect a reconciliation and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. | ||
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And if they separate, Allah will render them both free from want out of His ampleness, and Allah is Ample-giving, Wise. }} | And if they separate, Allah will render them both free from want out of His ampleness, and Allah is Ample-giving, Wise. }} | ||
===Evidence from Tafsirs=== | |||
{{quote |1=[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=600&Itemid=59#1 Tafsir 'Ibn Kathir - Quran 4:128-130] |2= | |||
{{ quote |1=[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=600&Itemid=59#1 Tafsir 'Ibn Kathir - Quran 4:128-130] |2= | |||
﴿وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَـفَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ الأنفُسُ الشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً ﴾ | ﴿وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَـفَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ الأنفُسُ الشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً ﴾ | ||
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(And Allah is Ever All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Wise.) is: His favor is tremendous, His bounty is enormous and He is All-Wise in all His actions, decisions and commandments.}} | (And Allah is Ever All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Wise.) is: His favor is tremendous, His bounty is enormous and He is All-Wise in all His actions, decisions and commandments.}} | ||
{{quote |1= al-Jalalayn Tafsir Quran 4:[http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=128&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 128], [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=129&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 129] & [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=130&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 130] | 2= | |||
{{ quote |1= al-Jalalayn Tafsir Quran 4:[http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=128&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 128], [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=129&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 129] & [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=130&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 130] | 2= | |||
{ وَإِنِ ٱمْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَٱلصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ ٱلأنْفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً } | { وَإِنِ ٱمْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَٱلصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ ٱلأنْفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً } | ||
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But if they, the married couple, separate, by way of divorce, God will compensate each of them, [from the need] of the other, out of His plenty, that is, out of His bounty, by giving her another as husband, and giving him another as wife. God is ever Embracing, of His creatures in bounty, Wise, in what He has ordained for them.}} | But if they, the married couple, separate, by way of divorce, God will compensate each of them, [from the need] of the other, out of His plenty, that is, out of His bounty, by giving her another as husband, and giving him another as wife. God is ever Embracing, of His creatures in bounty, Wise, in what He has ordained for them.}} | ||
{{quote |1= 'Ibn Abbas Tafsir Quran 4:[http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=128&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 128], [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=129&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 129] & [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=130&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 130] |2= | |||
{{ quote |1= 'Ibn Abbas Tafsir Quran 4:[http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=128&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 128], [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=129&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 129] & [http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=4&tAyahNo=130&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 130] |2= | |||
{ وَإِنِ ٱمْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَٱلصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ ٱلأنْفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً } | { وَإِنِ ٱمْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزاً أَوْ إِعْرَاضاً فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحاً وَٱلصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ ٱلأنْفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيراً } | ||
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(But if they separate) i.e. the man and the woman through divorce, (Allah will compensate each) the man and the woman (out of His abundance) from His provision: the man will be compensated with another wife and the woman with another husband. (Allah is ever All-Embracing) in relation to them as regards marriage, (All-Knowing) of that which He prescribed for them of justice. As'ad Ibn al-Rabi' had another young wife whom he favoured, and Allah forbade him from doing so and commanded that the young and the old wives were treated equally. }} | (But if they separate) i.e. the man and the woman through divorce, (Allah will compensate each) the man and the woman (out of His abundance) from His provision: the man will be compensated with another wife and the woman with another husband. (Allah is ever All-Embracing) in relation to them as regards marriage, (All-Knowing) of that which He prescribed for them of justice. As'ad Ibn al-Rabi' had another young wife whom he favoured, and Allah forbade him from doing so and commanded that the young and the old wives were treated equally. }} | ||
== Evidence | ===Evidence from Hadith=== | ||
{{quote | {{Bukhari|3|47|766}}| Narrated Aisha: | {{quote | {{Bukhari|3|47|766}}| Narrated Aisha: | ||
Whenever Allah's Apostle wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out. He used to fix for each of them a day and a night. But Sauda bint Zam'a gave up her (turn) day and night to 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet in order to seek the pleasure of Allah's Apostle (by that action). }} | Whenever Allah's Apostle wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out. He used to fix for each of them a day and a night. But Sauda bint Zam'a gave up her (turn) day and night to 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet in order to seek the pleasure of Allah's Apostle (by that action). }} | ||
{{quote | {{Bukhari|3|48|853}} | Narrated Aisha: | {{quote | {{Bukhari|3|48|853}} | Narrated Aisha: | ||
Whenever Allah's Apostle wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out. He used to fix for each of them a day and a night. But Sauda bint Zam'a gave up her (turn) day and night to 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet in order to seek the pleasure of Allah's Apostle (by that action). }} | Whenever Allah's Apostle wanted to go on a journey, he would draw lots as to which of his wives would accompany him. He would take her whose name came out. He used to fix for each of them a day and a night. But Sauda bint Zam'a gave up her (turn) day and night to 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet in order to seek the pleasure of Allah's Apostle (by that action). }} | ||
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{{quote | {{Muslim|8|3452}} | | {{quote | {{Muslim|8|3452}} | | ||
A hadith like this has been transmitted on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of narrators (and the words are): When Sauda became old (the rest of the hadith is the same) and in the narration of Sharik there is an addition (of these words:" She was the first woman whom he (Allah's Apostle) married after me." }} | A hadith like this has been transmitted on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of narrators (and the words are): When Sauda became old (the rest of the hadith is the same) and in the narration of Sharik there is an addition (of these words:" She was the first woman whom he (Allah's Apostle) married after me." }} | ||
{{ quote |{{Bukhari|7|62|134}} | Narrated Aisha: | {{quote |{{Bukhari|7|62|134}} | Narrated Aisha: | ||
regarding the Verse: 'If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part ...') (4.128) It concerns the woman whose husband does not want to keep her with him any longer, but wants to divorce her and marry some other lady, so she says to him: 'Keep me and do not divorce me, and then marry another woman, and you may neither spend on me, nor sleep with me.' This is indicated by the Statement of Allah: 'There is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between them both, and (such) settlement is better." (4.128) }} | regarding the Verse: 'If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part ...') (4.128) It concerns the woman whose husband does not want to keep her with him any longer, but wants to divorce her and marry some other lady, so she says to him: 'Keep me and do not divorce me, and then marry another woman, and you may neither spend on me, nor sleep with me.' This is indicated by the Statement of Allah: 'There is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between them both, and (such) settlement is better." (4.128) }} | ||
==Muhammad' | ===Muhammad and Qur'an 4:129=== | ||
Muhammad was not able to treat his own wives equally. In many hadiths | Muhammad was not able to treat his own wives equally. In many hadiths it is reported that [[Khadijah]] was his favorite wife and [[Aisha]] was jealous of Muhammad's love for her: | ||
{{quote|{{Muslim|31|5972}}| | {{quote|{{Muslim|31|5972}}| | ||
'A'isha reported: Never did I feel jealous of the wives of Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) but in case of Khadija, although I did not (have the privilege to) see her. She further added that whenever Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) slaughtered a sheep, he said: Send it to the companions of Khadija I annoyed him one day and said: (It is) Khadija only who always prevails upon your mind. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Her love had been nurtured in my heart by Allah Himself.}} | 'A'isha reported: Never did I feel jealous of the wives of Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) but in case of Khadija, although I did not (have the privilege to) see her. She further added that whenever Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) slaughtered a sheep, he said: Send it to the companions of Khadija I annoyed him one day and said: (It is) Khadija only who always prevails upon your mind. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Her love had been nurtured in my heart by Allah Himself.}} | ||
Given that Muhammad favored at-least one wife over the others and at-least one wife of his felt jealous of another wife, one could argue that Muhammad was unable to follow the order's of Qur'an which asked men not to marry multiple wives if they were not able to treat them equally. This | Given that Muhammad favored at-least one wife over the others and at-least one wife of his felt jealous of another wife, one could argue that Muhammad was unable to follow the order's of Qur'an which asked men not to marry multiple wives if they were not able to treat them equally. This makes the apologists claims that 4:129 is an injunction against the polygyny allowed in 4:3, not only an act of [[bid'ah]] (innovation) but also blasphemous. | ||
== | ===Summary=== | ||
Looking at the ahadith we see the these verses were revealed because Sauda feared that Muhammad would divorce her because she was older than his other wives. As a compromise she forfeited some of her own rights (her night in this case) and gave it to Muhammad's favorite living wife Aisha. Muhammad accepted this compromise in lieu of a divorce and then Qur'an 4:128-130 were revealed regarding this situation. Kathir further states: "By keeping her among his wives, his Ummah may follow this kind of settlement" This means that this was not a special case for Muhammad only. If a Muslim wants to divorce his wife, she can give up some (or all) of her own meager rights in order to avoid it. | Looking at the ahadith we see the these verses were revealed because Sauda feared that Muhammad would divorce her because she was older than his other wives. As a compromise she forfeited some of her own rights (her night in this case) and gave it to Muhammad's favorite living wife Aisha. Muhammad accepted this compromise in lieu of a divorce and then Qur'an 4:128-130 were revealed regarding this situation. Kathir further states: "By keeping her among his wives, his Ummah may follow this kind of settlement" This means that this was not a special case for Muhammad only. If a Muslim wants to divorce his wife, she can give up some (or all) of her own meager rights in order to avoid it. | ||
Regarding the apologist's claims about polygamy, and this verse's relevance to Qur'an 4:3, this is soundly refuted by the evidence. Kathir, Jalalayn | Regarding the apologist's claims about polygamy, and this verse's relevance to Qur'an 4:3, this is soundly refuted by the evidence. Kathir, Jalalayn and 'Ibn Abbas all confirm that "justice" as mentioned in Qur'an 4:3 is in reference to material rights only; and has no bearing on feelings shown or felt toward each wife. All three scholars also make it clear that you cannot be just with each wife in terms of love, affection and other feelings, but this is not mentioned as a prohibition against taking more than one wife. On the contrary, the three scholars all indicate that if you are "just" with all of your wives in all that you are able, then Allah will forgive you the favoritism that you could not help feeling for some over others. Kathir goes further in stating in regards to this verse that you cannot do "perfect justice" to your wives. However Qur'an 4:3 does not demand perfect justice - just justice in those things that you have power over. | ||
Jalalayan goes even further by suggesting situations where a man may be withholding the basic marital rights from his wife because of his dislike for her. This is a direct violation of Qur'an 4:3, which a Muslim man would have to abide by in order to justify his multiple wives. This means that a man can, at any time, ignore the mandate of material justice of Qur'an 4:3 and stop providing for his wife in any manner he sees fit. Her only recourse would be a divorce or forfeiture of her own rights in appeasement; which means he doesn't have to provide that which he was withholding in the first place. | Jalalayan goes even further by suggesting situations where a man may be withholding the basic marital rights from his wife because of his dislike for her. This is a direct violation of Qur'an 4:3, which a Muslim man would have to abide by in order to justify his multiple wives. This means that a man can, at any time, ignore the mandate of material justice of Qur'an 4:3 and stop providing for his wife in any manner he sees fit. Her only recourse would be a divorce or forfeiture of her own rights in appeasement; which means he doesn't have to provide that which he was withholding in the first place. | ||
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This provides an 'out' clause for Muslim men as to the obligations they have towards their multiple wives and and leaves the wives themselves with little or no recourse to the whims of her husband. This renders Quran 4:3's requirement of material justice almost meaningless (except for the Mahr). In this way, the Quran permits injustice to be served to Muslim wives in place of the justice it appears to promise. | This provides an 'out' clause for Muslim men as to the obligations they have towards their multiple wives and and leaves the wives themselves with little or no recourse to the whims of her husband. This renders Quran 4:3's requirement of material justice almost meaningless (except for the Mahr). In this way, the Quran permits injustice to be served to Muslim wives in place of the justice it appears to promise. | ||
== Conclusion == | ==Conclusion== | ||
Qur'an 4:3 and Qur'an 4:129 cannot be 'tied together' to show an injunction against polygamy because the definition of "justice" as used in both is demonstrably different and does not carry the same meaning. | Qur'an 4:3 and Qur'an 4:129 cannot be 'tied together' to show an injunction against polygamy because the definition of "justice" as used in both is demonstrably different and does not carry the same meaning. | ||
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The Qur'an does not prohibit polygamy; in fact it appears to make it much easier when the implications of both of these verses are taken into consideration. | The Qur'an does not prohibit polygamy; in fact it appears to make it much easier when the implications of both of these verses are taken into consideration. | ||
==See Also== | |||
* [[Polygamy in Islamic Law]] | |||
* [[Misrepresentations of Islamic Scripture (English)]] | |||
* [[Polygamy | |||
[[ | |||