Response to WikiIslam’s View of Verse 4:3

Response to WikiIslam’s View of Verse 4:3

Everything I have written here is simply a response to WikiIslam based upon the evidence I have found in the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith.

WikiIslam tries to argue from the Ahadith and Tafaseer of the Holy Qur’an that verse 4:3 of the Holy Qur’an is misinterpreted by Muslim apologetics. This verse states (full translation):

“If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:3, Yusuf Ali translation)

WikiIslam tries to argue that the verse here does not speak of equality between wives, but only about financial equality because of what the Tafaseer and the Ahadith state about the context of the revelation of this verse. Furthermore, WikiIslam attempted to argue that this verse does not suggest that a Muslim man be married to one woman in any way shape or form and that it does not suggest that a man love his wives equally as the Muslims apologetics claim it does.

My refutation:

The crux of the matter here is the use of the word “justly”, which WikiIslam tries to suggest meaning only the giving of Mahr  and treating orphans equally, and if financial equity is not observed, then that is the only justice which is concerned here because it is mentioned in the Tafaseers and the Ahadith. I will not state the Ahadith here, but in the section with notes at the bottom one may read them. The Tafaseers used were Ibn Kathir, Al-Jalalayn, Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn Abbas and Al-Wahidi’s Tafsir. These are all found easily online, so I suggest that whoever reads this article visits these webpages themselves as I have summarized WikiIslam’s argument here which they have made based upon these Tafaseer.

The principle of Tafseer is given in the Holy Qur’an in verse 3:7:

“He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.” (Holy Qur’an, 3:7, Yusuf Ali translation)

Based upon this verse’s principle of using similar verses to find the meaning of another verse, I will look at the use of the word “justice’ in verse 4:3 to arrive at the conclusion of what it means rather than rely on a single interpretation.

The word for “justly” in this verse in Arabic is “ta’dilu”, and this word occurs as well in verses 4:129, 4:135 and 5:8. Verse 4:129 deals with the same subject-matter as verse 4:3 and is linked in the Ahadith with reference to it as well. I will explain this verse in a bit. First let us look at the other two verses.

Verse 4:135 explains the meaning of what “ta’dilu” is because it is concerned with explaining justice:

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:135, Yusuf Ali translation)

And verse 5:8 says:

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” (Holy Qur’an, 5:8, Yusuf Ali translation)

These two verses have explained in good detail that the meaning of ta’dilu means to work equitably with the women, whether orphans or other women. No verse of the Qur’an is allowed to contradict another one in meaning, thus verse 4:129 is explained here by Allah’s statements elsewhere.

WikiIslam tries to argue their views on verse 4:129 that polygamy is allowed whether a man can act justly or not with his wives. They do this via the following statement of Ibn Kathir which says:

(But if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or what your right hands possess.) The Ayah commands, if you fear that you will not be able to do justice between your wives by marrying more than one, then marry only one wife, or satisfy yourself with only female captives, for it is not obligatory to treat them equally, rather it is recommended. So if one does so, that is good, and if not, there is no harm on him. In another Ayah, Allah said,

(You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire) ﴿4:129

Ibn Kathir here was not referring to the inequality of treatment of wives in general, but he only referred to how much love one is able to give equally to wives or not. It is explained in Lane’s Lexicon:

“Ye will not be able to act with perfect equity between women”... is said to mean, in respect of love, and of jima’i.” (Under Ayd-Dal-Lam, explanation of the word ta’dilu)

Further reasons for why Ibn Kathir did not refer to the general treatment of wives in terms of equitability is because the Holy Prophet (saw) has already explained what equitability of the treatment of wives means for the husband in the Ahadith.

‘Aishah narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) would divide (between his wives), and be fair. And he would say: ‘O Allah! This is my division regarding what I have control over, so do not reprimand me regarding what You control and I do not control!” (Sahih)

Abu Dawud said: He (saw) meant (the feelings) of the heart.

[Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith #2134]

It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to divide his time equally among his wives, then he would say: 'O Allah, this is what I am doing with regard to that which is in my control, so do not hold me accountable for that which is under Your control and is beyond my control.'" (Sahih)

[Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith #1971]

Let us investigate what this portion of this verse means:

And the term “ta’ulu” means, according to Mujahid and most others that the words “‘Alla ta’ulu” means, “that ye might not deviate from the right course.” The general meaning of the root, which is ‘Ayn-Waw-Lam is, “He fed, nourished, or sustained, his family, or household; (with respect to the orphan) and expended upon them: or he supplied them with what they needed of food and clothing and other things.” (Lane’s Lexicon)

The meaning of this term has done away with the argument which WikiIslam used, that is, “As "justice" is used twice in the verse in connection with two different types of women (orphans and free women) it is apparent that Justice means the same thing both times it is used. It would be incorrect to assume that "justice" means mahr in relation to orphans and something else for free women given the context of the verse.”

The reason why it is false for WikiIslam to assume this fact is because the context of the verse was such that it was revealed to help the Muslims keep away from doing injustice to the property of the orphans. The option for marrying other women if one cannot do justice is given, not the option to justice itself. To simply quote a Hadith which historical context does not simply involve coming up with fabricated meanings. The reason why this verse is specifically dealing with the Mahr of the orphans and the financial equality for them is because this problem persisted during the time period of the Jahiliyyah. Those orphans who were under the care of a guardian and had wealth found that their wealth was usurped by their guardians because the guardians thought they had all the right in the world to their wealth. The Qur’an has explained in many different places as a warning to tell Muslims to not use the property of the orphans in an unjustified manner:

“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.” (Holy Qur’an, 2:177, Yusuf Ali translation)

“They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well.” (Holy Qur’an, 2:215, Yusuf Ali translation)

“(Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."” (Holy Qur’an, 2:220, Yusuf Ali translation)

“To orphans restore their property (When they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:2, Yusuf Ali translation)

“Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, Let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: But all-sufficient is Allah in taking account.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:6, Yusuf Ali translation)

“Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bodies: They will soon be enduring a Blazing Fire!” (Holy Qur’an, 4:10, Yusuf Ali translation)

“They ask thy instruction concerning the women say: Allah doth instruct you about them: And (remember) what hath been rehearsed unto you in the Book, concerning the orphans of women to whom ye give not the portions prescribed, and yet whom ye desire to marry, as also concerning the children who are weak and oppressed: that ye stand firm for justice to orphans. There is not a good deed which ye do, but Allah is well-acquainted therewith.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:127, Yusuf Ali translation)

“And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice;- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfil the covenant of Allah: thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.” (Holy Qur’an, 6:152, Yusuf Ali translation)

“Come not nigh to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfil (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).” (Holy Qur’an, 17:34, Yusuf Ali translation)

It is apparent that the Holy Qur’an speaks greatly of the equitable treatment required by the people towards the orphans in terms of financial equality and kind treatment.

As for the general equitable treatment of wives, the Holy Qur’an has explained in other places the right of the husband and wife as being mutual in care and in love and tenderness:

“Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them,” (Holy Qur’an, 2:187, Yusuf Ali translation)

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” (Holy Qur’an, 30:21, Yusuf Ali translation)

Therefore, verse 4:3 does not speak of the equitable treatment of the orphans and rejection of the equitable treatment towards wives in Islam by polygamy. The verse is not speaking of the negation of justice towards wives and it is aimed at speaking about the property of the orphans. It does not speak of financial practicability of having many wives either.