In understanding the Qur’an, translations play a crucial role. However, incorrect translations of certain verses can lead to perceptions that contradict the fundamental principles of Islam. Surah An-Nisa 4:34, in particular, has often been the subject of debate regarding the issue of “beating women.” In this article, the verse will be examined in its proper context through lexical analysis and contextual emphasis.
The Multiple Meanings of the Word “Daraba”
The word “daraba” appears in the Qur’an in 58 different places and carries various meanings depending on the context. Some of these meanings include:
To be struck or punished: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:61
To strike: Surah Muhammad 47:27 and Surah Al-Anfal 8:50
To travel or go out: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:273; Aal Imran 3:156; An-Nisa 4:101
To cover: In Surah An-Nur 24:31, the word “daraba” appears with the preposition “bi” and means “to cover”
This diversity shows that translating “daraba” solely as “to beat” is insufficient. In different contexts, the word acquires different meanings depending on accompanying prepositions and context. However, even when “daraba” appears without a preposition in Surah An-Nisa 4:34, it does not necessarily mean only “to beat.”
Translation Issues in Surah An-Nisa 4:34
Misinterpretations of this verse arise from translators rendering the word superficially. The phrase:
“Ar-rijālu qawwāmūna ‘alan-nisā’”
is often translated as “men are in charge of women.” However, the same root is used in other verses (An-Nisa 4:135 and Al-Ma’idah 5:8) in the sense of “upholding justice.”
The word قَوَّامُونَ (qawwāmūn) comes from the root q-w-m (ق-و-م), which carries meanings such as:
to stand
to uphold
to maintain
to be responsible
Derived from the intensive form (fa‘‘āl), qawwām means “one who consistently maintains, takes responsibility, and diligently upholds.” Thus, qawwāmūn is the plural form meaning “those who take responsibility, maintain, and care.”
In this context, it should be understood as a responsibility of care and maintenance, not superiority or dominance. The verse also explains the reason for this role:
Because Allah has given some people more capacity than others
Because men spend from their wealth
Originally, this implied responsibility has been misinterpreted by some communities as superiority, dominance, or authority over women. In traditional social structures, this was often understood as male authority and female obedience.
However, in the Qur’anic context, this role refers to financial responsibility and social responsibility—not a privilege or superiority. Therefore, a more accurate translation would be:
“Men are responsible for the maintenance of women” or “Men are responsible for supporting women.”
The phrase “faḍḍala Allāhu ba‘ḍahum ‘alā ba‘ḍ” refers to diversity in human abilities, not superiority.
The Concept of “Nushūz”
Another important term in the verse is “nushūz,” which is often interpreted as disobedience or misconduct by women. However, in Surah An-Nisa 4:128, the term is used to describe a husband’s harshness or mistreatment.
The root n-š-z (ن-ش-ز) carries meanings such as:
to rise or elevate
to withdraw or distance oneself
to show defiance or resistance
For example:
“The place rose”
“The woman became distant from her husband”
Over time, in Islamic societies, the term “nushūz” was narrowed and predominantly attributed to women as disobedience, although in the Qur’anic context it is broader and applies to both spouses.
Thus, “nushūz” should be understood as marital discord, emotional or physical distancing, or imbalance in the relationship.
Three Steps Toward Reconciliation
The verse suggests three steps in case of marital discord:
- Admonition: Attempt to resolve issues through communication
- Separating beds: Creating physical distance to allow reflection
- Daraba: Depending on context, this may mean “to separate” or “to seek a solution together”
Interpreting “daraba” as “to beat” contradicts the overall message of peace in the Qur’an. Violence destroys trust between partners and cannot provide a lasting solution.
A Correct Translation of the Verse
Based on the above, a more accurate translation of Surah An-Nisa 4:34 can be rendered as:
“Men are responsible for the maintenance of women because Allah has granted some of them more capacity than others and because they spend from their wealth. Righteous women are devout and protect what Allah has entrusted them with in the unseen. As for those from whom you fear discord, advise them, separate your beds, and finally seek a resolution by distancing. But if they return to harmony, do not seek any further means against them. Indeed, Allah is Most High, Most Great.”
Misinterpretations of this verse have led to the false perception that the Qur’an permits violence against women. However, when examined in its proper context, with lexical analysis and in light of the overall ethical principles of Islam, it becomes clear that the Qur’an promotes peace, justice, and harmony within the family.
Therefore, it is crucial that translations reflect the deeper meanings of the verses.
