4. An-Nisaa

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those unto whom a portion of the Scripture has been given) those who have been given knowledge of the Torah in relation to your trait and attribute, the verse of stoning [married people who commit fornication], and similar other issue, namely. Malik Ibn al-Sayf and his friends who were about seventy people, (how they believe in idols) this is Huyayy Ibn Akhtab (and false deities) Ka'b Ibn Ashraf, (and bow they say of those (idolaters) who disbelieve) the unbelievers of Mecca: (�These are more rightly guided) they have a better religion (than those who believe?�) in the Qur'an and in Muhammad and his Religion.

(Those are they whom Allah hath cursed) Allah has punished them by imposing on them the capitation tax, (and he whom Allah hath cursed) he whom Allah punishes in this world or in the Hereafter, (thou) O Muhammad (wilt find for him no helper) to save him from Allah's punishment.

(Or are they jealous) nay, they are jealous (of mankind) of Muhammad and his Companions (because of that which Allah of His bounty hath bestowed upon them?) the Scripture, prophethood and marrying many wives. (For We bestowed upon the house of Abraham) David and Solomon ((of old) the Scripture and Wisdom) knowledge, understanding and prophethood, (and We bestowed on them a mighty kingdom) We honoured them with prophethood and Islam and bestowed upon them sovereignty over the Children of Israel. David had 100 legitimate wives, and Solomon had 300 legitimate wives plus 700 concubines.

(And of them) of the Jews (were (some) who believed therein) believed in the Scripture of David and Solomon (and of them were (some) who disbelieved therein. Hell is sufficient for (their) burning) i.e. Ka'b and his followers.

(Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations) Muhammad and the Qur'an, (We shall expose them to the Fire) in the Hereafter. This is a threat to them. (As often as their skins are consumed) by the Fire (We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment) so that they feel the torment. (Lo! Allah is ever Mighty) by taking vengeance on them, (Wise) He ruled that burnt skins be exchanged for fresh ones.

Then Allah said about the believers: (And as for those who believe) in Muhammad, the Qur'an and in all Scriptures and messengers (and do good works) acts of obedience, i.e. they sincerely perform that which is between them and their Lord, (We shall make them enter) in the Hereafter (Gardens beneath which) beneath its trees and walls (rivers) rivers of wine, milk, honey and water (flow to dwell therein for ever) dwelling in Paradise, never to die or be removed; (there for them) in Paradise (are pure companions) they are pure from menstruation and filth (and We shall make them enter plenteous shade) a protected retreat; and it is also said that this means: an extended shade.

Regarding the key that the Prophet (pbuh) took from 'Uthman Ibn Talhah as a deposit, Allah commanded His Messenger to give back deposits to their owner, saying: (Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye restore deposits) to give back the key (to their owners) to 'Uthman Ibn Talhah, (and, if ye judge between mankind) between 'Uthman Ibn Talhah and 'Abbas Ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, (that you judge justly) that you give back to 'Uthman and the providing of water (siqaya) to al-'Abbas. (Lo! comely is this which Allah admonisheth you) comely is this which Allah commands you, of giving back deposits to their owners and judging justly. (Lo! Allah is ever Hearer) when al-'Abbas said: O Messenger of Allah! give me both the key and the providing of water, (Seer) of what 'Uthman Ibn Talhah did when he refused to give the key and said: By Allah's trust! Give me my right, O Messenger of Allah!

(O ye who believe!) 'Uthman Ibn Talhah and his fellow believers. (Obey Allah) in that which He has commanded you, (and obey the messenger) in that which he commands you (and those of you who are in authority) the leaders of military expeditions; it also said that this means: the men of sacred knowledge; (and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah) to the Book of Allah (and the messenger) and to the practice of the Messenger (if you are (in truth) believers in Allah and the Last Day) resurrection after death. (That) referring the matter to the Book of Allah and the practice of His Messenger (is better and more seemly in the end).

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those who pretend that they believe in that which is revealed unto thee) i.e. the Qur'an (and that which was revealed before thee) i.e. the Torah, (how they would go for judgement (in their disputes) to false deities) Ka'b Ibn al-Ashraf (when they have been ordered) in the Qur'an (to abjure them?) to disavow them. (Satan would mislead them far astray) from the Truth and guidance. This verse was revealed about a hypocrite by the name of Bishr whom 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab had killed. This hypocrite had a dispute with a Jewish man.