Surah An-Nisa (91-100) – The Treatment of Non-Believers, Seeking Safety, and the Reward

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم

Surah An-Nisa (4:91-100) – The Treatment of Non-Believers, Seeking Safety, and the Reward of Migration

As we continue exploring Surah An-Nisa, these verses address how to deal with those who are neutral or hesitant in faith, the conditions for engaging in conflict, and the great rewards for those who migrate for the sake of Allah.

During this period, the Muslim community faced external threats from Quraysh and hostile tribes and internal deception from hypocrites. These verses provide guidance on recognizing true allies, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and the spiritual benefits of sacrificing for the faith.

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1. Distinguishing Between Enemies and Those Who Seek Peace (4:91-92)

Arabic:

{ سَتَجِدُونَ ءَاخَرِينَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَأْمَنُوكُمْ وَيَأْمَنُوا۟ قَوْمَهُمْ ۚ كُلَّ مَا رُدُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلْفِتْنَةِ أُرْكِسُوا۟ فِيهَا }

Translation:

"You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [temptation], they fall back into it." (Surah An-Nisa 4:91)

🔹 Key Insights:

Some people try to remain neutral, seeking safety from both Muslims and their enemies.

However, their loyalties shift whenever trials arise—they cannot be trusted.

Historical Context:

Certain tribes in Arabia claimed neutrality but secretly supported the Quraysh. They would side with whoever seemed stronger at any given time. This verse warns Muslims to be cautious of such individuals.

🔹 Lesson for New Muslims:

Not everyone who claims peace is sincere—some will always serve their own interests.

Islam does not encourage blind trust—actions speak louder than words.

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2. The Sanctity of Muslim Life (4:92)

Arabic:

{ وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ أَن يَقْتُلَ مُؤْمِنًا إِلَّا خَطَـًۭٔا ۚ }

Translation:

"It is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake." (Surah An-Nisa 4:92)

🔹 Key Insights:

Taking a believer’s life intentionally is a grave sin—Islam prioritizes peace.

If killing occurs by accident, there are strict compensations (blood money and freeing a slave).

🔹 Lesson for New Muslims:

Islam values human life above all—violence is never random or reckless.

Even in war, mistakes must be acknowledged and compensated.

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3. Recognizing Those Who Abstain from Conflict (4:93-94)

Arabic:

{ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُوا۟ وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ لِمَنْ أَلْقَىٰ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًۭا }

Translation:

"O you who have believed, when you go forth in the cause of Allah, investigate; and do not say to one who gives you a greeting of peace, ‘You are not a believer,’ seeking the goods of worldly life." (Surah An-Nisa 4:94)

🔹 Key Insights:

Do not attack those who claim to be Muslim—even if you suspect insincerity.

Islam commands investigation before taking action, avoiding unnecessary harm.

Historical Context:

A Muslim soldier killed a man who had declared peace, thinking he was pretending. The Prophet (ﷺ) condemned this act, emphasizing that a person’s verbal declaration of faith should be accepted.

🔹 Lesson for New Muslims:

Do not judge someone’s faith hastily—only Allah knows what is in the heart.

Avoid rash decisions—patience and investigation are key Islamic principles.

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4. The Reward for Those Who Strive and Migrate for Islam (4:95-96)

Arabic:

{ لَّا يَسْتَوِى ٱلْقَـٰعِدُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ غَيْرُ أُو۟لِى ٱلضَّرَرِ وَٱلْمُجَـٰهِدُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ }

Translation:

"Not equal are those believers who remain [at home]—except those with disability—and those who strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred the strivers through their wealth and their lives over those who remain [behind] by degrees." (Surah An-Nisa 4:95)

🔹 Key Insights:

Those who sacrifice for Islam (migrating, defending faith) have a greater reward.

However, those physically unable are exempt—Islam is not a burden.

Historical Context:

This verse was revealed when a blind man, Ibn Umm Maktum, expressed concern about being unable to fight. Allah clarified that those unable due to disability are exempt.

🔹 Lesson for New Muslims:

Striving for Islam takes many forms—wealth, time, effort, and even migration.

Intentions matter—even if you cannot physically contribute, sincerity is rewarded.

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5. Leaving Oppressive Lands for the Sake of Allah (4:97-100)

Arabic:

{ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ }

Translation:

"Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves—the angels will say, ‘In what [condition] were you?’ They will say, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ The angels will say, ‘Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?’" (Surah An-Nisa 4:97)

🔹 Key Insights:

Muslims living under oppression should migrate if possible.

Those who fail to do so when they can will be held accountable.

🔹 Lesson for New Muslims:

If you live in a place where practicing Islam is impossible, migration is encouraged.

Islam is about action, not excuses—if help is available, take it.

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Key Takeaways for New Muslims

✅ Not all non-Muslims are enemies—Islam distinguishes between combatants and neutrals.

✅ Muslim life is sacred—accidental killings require compensation.

✅ Avoid judging people’s faith too quickly—Islam teaches patience and investigation.

✅ Sacrificing for Islam (migration, striving) brings great rewards.

✅ Living under oppression is not an excuse if one has the ability to leave.

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Conclusion: Striving for Truth and Justice

These verses provide guidance on distinguishing allies from enemies, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and the importance of migration when faith is threatened. Islam is a balanced way of life—it encourages strength but also mercy, justice but also caution.

📖 Reflect, implement, and seek knowledge. May Allah guide us to sincerity and steadfastness. Ameen.