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A Critical Re-reading of Verse 21 of Surah al-Nisá with a Focus on the Linguistic and Interpretive Status of the Concepts of "Firm Covenant" (Mīthāq Ghalīdh) and "Iḥsān" in Women's Rights
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Mahbubeh Mousaipur1   , Zahra Narimani |
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Abstract: (15 Views) |
| This research aims to critically review and reflect on the interpretation of verse 21 of Surah al-Nisá, with a focus on addressing the weaknesses and shortcomings in some existing exegeses that influence public understanding. The study is based on an in-depth examination of the linguistic aspects, the thematic context of the verse, and its connection with previous verses, particularly the relationship between the concept of Mīthāq Ghalīdh (firm covenant) and verses concerning divorce, especially the phrase Tasrīh bi-Iḥsān (divorce with kindness). The findings suggest that the financial aspect of the verse is not limited to the dowry but includes all the wealth given to the wife. The content of the verse, in its continued explanation of behavioral norms between men and women in an Islamic family, delineates an ethical-legal framework that aligns with the preceding verses and other verses on the subject. In this framework, should a man desire to divorce, the period of affection between the spouses is recalled on one side, while the Mīthāq Ghalīdh reminds him of his financial duties towards his wife. Moreover, the recommendation for offering more than the obligatory financial rights to the wife at the time of divorce (Tasrīh bi-Iḥsān) is portrayed as a means of alleviating her pain during the hardship of divorce, highlighting the necessity of respecting women's rights. This perspective emphasizes that no man should fall short in fulfilling all of the wife’s financial and obligatory rights, and he cannot seek to reclaim anything from the wealth given to her. |
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| Keywords: Qur’an, Women, Mīthāq Ghalīdh, Iḥsān, Interpretation. |
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Full-Text [PDF 347 kb]
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/18 | Accepted: 2025/03/17 | Published: 2025/03/17
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