Surah An-Nisa — Verse 22

Word Meanings:

• Tankihū (تَنكِحُوا): To marry or enter into a marriage contract.
• Mā nakaha ābā’ukum (مَا نَكَحَ آبَاؤُكُم): Those women whom your fathers married (i.e., had a marriage contract with).
• Illā mā qad salaf (إِلَّا مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ): Except what has already passed (i.e., before the revelation of this prohibition in the pre-Islamic era of ignorance).
• Fāḥishah (فَاحِشَةً): An abominable, lewd act — extremely sinful and disgraceful.
• Maqtan (مَقْتًا): Intense hatred and abhorrence — an act that incurs Allah’s severe displeasure and wrath.
• Sā’a sabīlā (سَاءَ سَبِيلًا): An evil and wicked path — a way that leads to ruin.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse delivers a decisive and clear prohibition from Allah, the Most Wise, to the believers: Do not marry the women whom your fathers married — meaning those women with whom your fathers had a valid marriage contract, whether the marriage was consummated or not. This prohibition is absolute and permanent, covering all such unions, whether the father is alive or deceased, and whether the marriage ended by divorce or by the father’s death.

The exception mentioned — *"except what has already passed"* — refers to marriages that took place during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jāhiliyyah), before Islam was revealed. Those who committed this act before the revelation of this ruling are not held accountable for it, for Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, and He does not punish what was done in ignorance before the divine command arrived. However, from the moment this verse was revealed, the practice became strictly forbidden for all Muslims.

Then Allah explains the profound reasons behind this prohibition, describing this act with three severe attributes:

1. It is a fāḥishah — an abominable and lewd act, the ugliest of sins, one that violates natural human decency and the fitrah (innate disposition) that Allah created within people.
2. It is maqtan — an act that is intensely hated and abhorrent. It incurs Allah’s wrath and displeasure because it severs the sacred bonds of respect and honour between a father and his son. A father is the one who raised, nurtured, and cared for his child — to then marry his wife after him is a profound betrayal of that relationship, a violation of trust, and a cause of deep enmity and bitterness within the family.
3. It is sā’a sabīlā — an evil and wicked path, one that leads to corruption of the family structure, the breakdown of kinship ties, and the destruction of social harmony. It is a road that brings nothing but disgrace in this world and punishment in the Hereafter.

This verse beautifully demonstrates Islam’s concern for the purity of the family unit and the preservation of dignity and honour within human relationships. Islam came to elevate humanity, to protect the sanctity of the home, and to build a society founded on respect, love, and mutual care. By prohibiting this practice, Allah protects the psychological well-being of children, preserves the honour of women, and maintains the sacred bond of respect between generations.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, contemplate the wisdom of this divine command. Islam does not merely forbid — it explains, guides, and elevates. Every prohibition in the Qur’an is a mercy in disguise, protecting us from harm we may not even perceive. When Allah forbids something, He does so out of His infinite love for His servants, knowing what corrupts their souls and societies.

This verse also teaches us a profound lesson about repentance and Allah’s mercy: those who erred in the past are forgiven, and the door of repentance remains open for all. If you have committed sins in ignorance, know that Allah’s mercy is vast — turn to Him sincerely, and He will forgive you and guide you to the straight path.

Let us embrace the teachings of the Qur’an with open hearts, for in them lies our success in this life and the next. And let us thank Allah for sending us this perfect guidance through His beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), who came to perfect noble character and to purify humanity from all that is corrupt and harmful.