Ma'ariful Qur'an (Mufti Muhammad Shafi'): The Discussion of Surah An-Nisa 4:3 and 4:129

Ma'ariful Qur'an is a widely read tafsir among the scholars of the subcontinent. Its author Mufti Muhammad Shafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) was a bearer of the tradition of Darul Uloom Deoband and known as the chief mufti of Pakistan.

Ma'ariful Qur'an — Mufti Muhammad Shafi'

Note: A summary written in our own words; see the original book for details.

The structure of the tafsir

The general arrangement of Ma'ariful Qur'an:

1. A simple translation of the verse.
2. The context of the verse (the occasion of revelation) and the connection with what comes before and after.
3. Explanation of the verse — clarifying words and ideas.
4. Related rulings — fiqh rulings, especially in light of the Hanafi madhhab.
5. Lessons and advice.

In its Bengali translation the book is easily available to many readers.

What is in the discussion of verse 4:3 of Surah An-Nisa

• The context of the verse — the protection of the rights of orphans (Explanation of 4:3).
• The limit on numbers and the condition of justice.
• What justice means — maintenance, time division and conduct (Justice).
• The instruction of one wife if there is a fear of injustice.

In the discussion of verse 4:129 of Surah An-Nisa

• The difference between the leaning of the heart and outward conduct.
• The meaning of "ka'l-mu'allaqah" (a woman left hanging) and the instruction not to put her in such a state.
• Inability in the effort at justice and forgiveness — a call to taqwa and correction.
• Reconciling the two verses (The answer to the misconception about 4:129).

Why it suits the Hanafi reader

• In the fiqh discussion connected with the verses, the Hanafi madhhab's viewpoint is clear.
• Examples and advice keeping in mind the social reality of the subcontinent.
• Simple language while maintaining depth of knowledge.

Caution

• The tafsir gives general guidance; in your personal case (such as a decision on a second marriage or a dispute) consult a qualified mufti.
• The modern legal process (Bangladesh's Muslim family law) is not a subject of tafsir (The legal process).

About the author

Mufti Muhammad Shafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) (1897–1976) was a student and teacher of Darul Uloom Deoband and after the Partition founded Darul Uloom Karachi in Karachi. Ma'ariful Qur'an is the great work of his life, in which he presented the tafsir of the Qur'an in simple language suited to the general public.

Special features of the tafsir

• Simple language: understandable to both scholars and ordinary readers.
• Connection with rulings: the rulings drawn from a verse under a separate heading.
• Hints of the contemporary context: discussion in the social context of the subcontinent.
• A summary of earlier tafsir: the essence of Ibn Kathir and other classical tafsirs.

Three questions while reading 4:3 and 4:129

1. Which justice is obligatory in the verses and which is called beyond capacity?
2. What is meant by "leaving hanging" and what should the husband do?
3. What rulings are drawn from the two verses and how do they apply in contemporary society?

The lessons of the verses and social application

Ma'ariful Qur'an stresses the Shariah importance of justice, protecting the wife's rights and staying away from oppression. This lesson is relevant today to bring balance to the discussion of plural marriage: neither needless condemnation nor treating it as an easy right without justice (The Islamic ruling on multiple marriages).

Where to consult other sources too

• Legal matters: the law of Bangladesh (The legal process).
• The chain of hadith: the critical research of hadith scholars.
• The views of other madhhabs: comparative fiqh (Fiqh as-Sunnah).

More tafsir summaries: Tafsir Ibn Kathir. Details of Hanafi fiqh: Al-Hidaya and Radd al-Muhtar. If you have questions, contact us.