Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Studies of Quran

Exegetical Analysis of Verse 16 of Surah An-Nisa with a Critical Approach Focused on Context

Document Type : Original

Author
mahbubeh mousaeipour
Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'anic and Hadith Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/csq.2024.432393.1376
Abstract
One of the important aspects of Qur'anic exegesis is the careful examination of exegetical opinions and the analysis of the reasons behind scholars' arguments in addressing questions raised regarding specific verses. Verse 16 of Qur’an 3 [Surah An-Nisā] is one of those verses that has generated various exegetical opinions and numerous questions about its abrogation or non-abrogation, the subject of the verse, and its intended addressees. Many critiques have been made against the reasons and opinions provided. Therefore, this study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, explores the linguistic analysis, attention to the context of the verse, and its semantic connection with the surrounding verses. It aims to clarify the weaknesses and shortcomings in the existing interpretations and propose a new perspective. The findings suggest that Verse 16 when connected to the preceding and following verses, addresses Islamic family laws, particularly focusing on purifying homes from infidelity, corruption, and illicit family relationships after the verses on inheritance and other related rulings. Thus, this verse pertains to a man and a woman from an Islamic family who are involved in sexual infidelity toward each other. Attention to this context, along with a precise understanding of the vocabulary used, leads to an interpretation different from the common view of many Qur’anic exegetes. According to this approach, there is no abrogation in this verse or the verse preceding it.
Keywords
Verse 16 of An-Nisa
Qur'anic exegetes
Critical approach
Abrogation
Context
Islamic family

Subjects

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Comparative Studies of Quran
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 17
September 2024
Pages 146-167

  • Receive Date 25 December 2023
  • Revise Date 12 March 2024
  • Accept Date 23 June 2024
  • Publish Date 22 August 2024