92 Page Notes

04 Surah An-Nisa (continued)

Page 92 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

4:87

4:88

4:89

4:90

4:91

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 92 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

_Page 92 of the Madinah Mushaf contains Surah An-Nisāʾ (4:87–91). These verses discuss Allah's absolute knowledge and judgment, the issue of hypocrites (munāfiqūn), loyalty during wartime, and the protection of those who seek peace.

Several authentic hadiths and reports explain the background and application of these verses.

Verse 4:87

"Allah—there is no deity except Him. He will surely gather you on the Day of Resurrection..."

Related Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ frequently emphasized the certainty of resurrection and judgment.

From Abu Hurairah:

"People will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised."

Reported in:

• Sahih al-Bukhari

• Sahih Muslim

This hadith reinforces the message of verse 87 that Allah will certainly gather all humanity for judgment.

Verses 4:88–89

"Why are you divided into two groups concerning the hypocrites...?"

The Main Hadith Explaining These Verses

Zayd ibn Thabit reported:

When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ marched toward the Battle of Uhud, a group of people who had gone out with him turned back to Madinah. The Muslims then split into two groups regarding them—one group said they should be fought, while the other said they should not. Then Allah revealed:

"Why are you divided into two groups concerning the hypocrites..." (4:88)

The Prophet ﷺ then said regarding Madinah:

"It is Tayyibah (Madinah); it removes impurities just as a furnace removes the impurities of iron."

Sources

• Sahih al-Bukhari

• Sahih Muslim

• Mentioned by Ibn Kathir in his tafsir.

Lesson

These verses were revealed about people who outwardly joined the Muslims but abandoned them during a military campaign, creating disagreement among the believers.

Verse 4:89

"...if they turn away, seize them and kill them wherever you find them..."

Important Context from the Sunnah

The hadith above shows that this verse concerns a specific wartime situation involving hostile hypocrites and traitors who aligned themselves against the Muslim community, not ordinary non-Muslims. The following verse immediately provides exceptions for those who seek peace.

Classical commentators such as Ibn Kathir explain that these verses address people engaged in hostility and betrayal during conflict.

Verse 4:90

"...if they withdraw from you, do not fight you, and offer you peace, then Allah gives you no way against them."

Related Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ consistently honored treaties and accepted peace from those who refrained from fighting.

For example, the treaty of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah demonstrates the Prophetic practice of accepting peaceful relations even with former enemies.

The principle reflected in this verse is:

If people refrain from fighting and seek peace, Muslims are not permitted to attack them.

Verse 4:91

"You will find others who wish to be secure from you and secure from their own people..."

Related Understanding from the Sunnah

This verse refers to groups who tried to appear neutral but repeatedly returned to hostility when opportunities arose. Classical tafsir literature explains that such people could not be treated the same as those who sincerely sought peace.

The Prophet ﷺ judged people according to their actions, treaties, and conduct rather than merely their claims.

Summary of the Key Hadith Connection

The most important hadith connected to An-Nisāʾ 4:88–91 is the narration of Zayd ibn Thabit about the hypocrites who turned back from the expedition to Uhud. It explains:

1. Why the Muslims were divided into two groups regarding the hypocrites.

2. The historical context of verses 88–89.

3. Why these verses concern wartime betrayal and hostility.

4. Why verses 90–91 immediately exempt those who seek peace or are protected by treaties.