In Arabic, the term Nisa (نساء) primarily means women. It is inherently a plural word, referring to a group of females.
Understanding the Meaning of Nisa
The word "Nisa" is a significant term in Arabic, especially within the context of the Quran, where it is frequently used to refer to women collectively.
- Plural Context: "Nisa" is always used in a plural sense. It refers to more than one woman, differentiating it from singular terms like "imra'ah" (woman).
- Quantity Implication: In certain contexts, particularly as derived from specific Quranic verses (e.g., Quran 4:11), "Nisa" denotes three or more women. This is understood from the phrase "fawqa ithnatayni," meaning 'more than two,' which is equated with "Nisa" in that context.
- Clear Usage: The meaning of "women" for "Nisa" is evident across numerous verses, leaving no doubt about its definition.
Examples and Context from the Quran
The Quran's usage of "Nisa" provides clear evidence and reinforces its meaning:
- Quran 2:222: This verse directly references menstruation ("They ask you concerning menstruation. Say, 'It is an adha [a discomfort or a harm], so keep away from women during menstruation...'"). The mention of menstruation, a biological characteristic specific to women, firmly establishes "Nisa" as referring to females.
- Quran 4:11: This verse addresses inheritance laws, stating a distribution for "more than two women" (fawqa ithnatayni), which directly corresponds to the term "Nisa." This clarifies that "Nisa" specifically implies a group of three or more women when discussing a quantity.
These examples illustrate that "Nisa" consistently signifies women in a plural capacity, often implying a group of at least three. Its usage across various themes in the Quran confirms its clear and unambiguous meaning.
