al-Nisa’ is the 4th sura of the Qur’an, which means ‘The Women’, reflecting the subject matter of the sura. It belongs to the Medinan period and consists of 176 verses, 3745 words, 16,030 letters and 24 segments. It is the 92nd sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Mumtahana, around the time of the Battle of Uhud and its aftermath. This sura focuses on women’s rights, various conditions of marriage, marital relations and laws of inheritance. It commands orphans to be treated fairly and kindly, women to be paid their rightful dowry and treated with utmost justice and generosity. Punishment is also prescribed for sexual sin, and a list of forbidden degrees of kinship is given. This sura also declares a wilful murderer will be punished forever in Hell. Much of this sura may reasonably be considered a ‘Women’s Rights Document’ because of its deep concern for the rights and privileges of women.

Most importantly, this sura establishes that the Sunna of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is as mandatory as the Holy Qur’an. It emphatically declares that obedience to the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is undoubtedly obedience to Allah. It further explains that whoever denies accepting the command of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and challenges its binding authority is not considered a believer.

It also emphasises the importance of human rights and commands to protect human life, honour and property, prohibiting unlawful consumption of people’s wealth. This sura also explains the Islamic view regarding the inseparable relation between religious beliefs, human rights and social behaviour. In the end, the sura firmly denies the myth that Prophet ‘Isa (peace be upon him) was killed or crucified through an unequivocal statement. It is one of the most fundamental passages in understanding the Islamic viewpoint regarding the Christian crucifixion view.