Surah An-Nisa — Verse 3

Word Meanings:

• Tuqsitu (تُقْسِطُوا): To be just and fair, to act with equity.
• Yatama (الْيَتَامَى): Orphans; here specifically referring to orphan girls under one's guardianship.
• Ma Tabā (مَا طَابَ): What is good, lawful, and permissible.
• Mathnā wa Thulāth wa Rubā' (مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ): Two, three, or four (i.e., up to four wives).
• Ta'dilū (تَعْدِلُوا): To maintain perfect justice and fairness between wives.
• Ma Malakat Aymānukum (مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ): Those whom your right hands possess (i.e., female captives/slaves).
• Ta'ūlū (تَعُولُوا): To deviate from justice, to commit injustice, or to become burdened with dependents.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This noble verse addresses a critical social concern in early Islamic society: the fair treatment of orphan girls. Before Islam, guardians would often marry orphan girls under their care solely to seize their wealth, denying them their rightful dowries and treating them unjustly. Allah, in His infinite mercy, addresses this by commanding believers: "If you fear that you cannot act justly toward the orphans, then marry what seems good to you of women—two, three, or four."

The meaning is profound: if you are afraid that you cannot give orphan girls their full rights—whether in terms of dowry, fair treatment, or protection of their inheritance—then do not marry them at all. Instead, marry other women who are lawful for you, whether two, three, or four, as long as you can maintain justice between them. This was a revolutionary step, as it placed a strict limit on polygamy (which was previously unlimited in pre-Islamic Arabia) and tied it to the condition of absolute fairness.

Then the verse continues: "But if you fear that you cannot maintain justice between them, then marry only one, or what your right hands possess." This is a clear directive that if a man doubts his ability to treat multiple wives with complete equity—in terms of provision, time, and emotional support—then the door of polygamy closes for him, and he should suffice with one wife. The mention of "what your right hands possess" refers to female captives of war, for whom the same level of financial and emotional obligations are not required as for free wives.

The verse concludes with a beautiful wisdom: "That is more likely to prevent you from committing injustice." In other words, this entire legislation—limiting marriage to four, and then reducing to one if justice cannot be guaranteed—is designed to protect both women and men from falling into oppression and transgression. It is not a license for unchecked desires, but a framework for social justice, family stability, and moral purity.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, see how Islam, from its very foundation, elevated the status of women and orphans. This verse came at a time when women were treated as property, and orphans were devoured of their rights. Islam stepped in and said: "If you cannot be just, then step away." This is the religion of mercy and balance. It does not burden a man beyond his capacity, nor does it leave women unprotected. The permission to marry up to four wives is conditional, restricted, and tied to the heavy responsibility of justice—a condition that most scholars agree is nearly impossible to fulfill in today's world, which is why the default for most Muslims is monogamy.

This verse also teaches us a timeless principle: whenever you fear falling into injustice, choose the safer, simpler path. Whether in marriage, business, or daily dealings, Islam always guides us toward what is more likely to keep our hearts pure and our actions upright. The Quran is not just a book of laws; it is a manual for a peaceful heart and a just society. Embrace it, and you will find tranquility in this life and the next.