Surah An-Nisaa (4) — Ayah 20
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
➋ {وَ اٰتَيْتُمْ اِحْدٰىهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا:} From this, it is understood that there is no fixed limit for a large dowry; the husband can give as much dowry as he wishes according to his means. At this point, the incident is mentioned of a woman during the time of Amir al-Mu’minin Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who recited this verse to justify a large dowry when Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) forbade setting high dowries. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that everyone is more knowledgeable than Umar, and many enemies of the Companions criticize Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) because of this. The incident of the woman is not proven by any authentic chain; for details, see Irwa al-Ghalil (1927).
➌ {وَ كَيْفَ تَاْخُذُوْنَهٗ وَ قَدْ اَفْضٰى …:} From this, it is understood that a dowry given after consummation cannot be taken back. Thus, regarding the demand for the return of dowry by a man who performed li'an, the Prophet said: "If you have spoken the truth about your wife committing adultery, then the dowry is in exchange for what you have made lawful of her private part for yourself, and if you have lied about her, then (the return of the dowry) is even more unlikely." [ بخاری، الطلاق، باب قول الإمام للمتلاعنین… ۵۳۱۲۔ مسلم : ۵؍۱۴۹۳، عن ابن عمر رضی اللہ عنہما ]
➍ {وَ اَخَذْنَ مِنْكُمْ مِّيْثَاقًا غَلِيْظًا:} By "firm covenant" is meant the marriage contract, i.e., your saying that I have accepted marriage with such-and-such woman. Now, in the case of divorce, there are only two ways: «فَاِمْسَاكٌۢ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ اَوْ تَسْرِيْحٌۢ بِاِحْسَانٍ » [ البقرۃ : ۲۲۹ ] and it is obvious that divorcing and not giving the dowry is neither of these two.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[35]
Attempting to Seize Wealth from the Woman at the Time of Divorce:
Here, "giving" does not refer only to the dowry (mahr). Whatever else you may have given to your wives besides this, it should never be taken back. The wife, after all, has a rightful claim. Even if a person gives something to someone else, he should not take it back. For the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The one who takes back his charity (and in another narration, his gift) is like a dog that vomits and then licks it up." [بخاری، کتاب الہبہ، باب ھبۃ الرجل لامراتہ و المرأۃ لزوجھا]
And this accusation and clear sin is in the sense that at the time of marriage, you acknowledged the payment of the dowry in front of witnesses in a public gathering. Therefore, to take back the full dowry, a part of it, or any gifted item from the woman, or to use various tricks to retrieve it, is a most heinous crime. In fact, Allah's command is that if you divorce them, then at the time of divorce, let them go in a good manner by giving them something more. How then can you even think of taking back anything you have already given? (Also, see footnote number 7 of this surah regarding this matter.)
