Verse 14 of Surah An-Nisa (The Women) outlines the severe consequences for those who disobey Allah and His Messenger, and transgress divine limits.
The verse states:
"And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, and exceeds His limits, He will enter him a Fire, immortal therein, and he will have a humiliating torment. But whoever disobeys God and His Messenger, and transgresses His bounds, him will He commit to the fire, there to abide forever; and shameful torment awaits him."
Understanding An-Nisa, Verse 14
This powerful verse delivers a stern warning regarding the grave repercussions of defying God's commandments and the teachings conveyed through His Messenger. It emphasizes the concept of divine limits (or bounds) and the absolute necessity of adhering to them in all aspects of life.
Key Aspects of the Verse
- Disobedience to Allah and His Messenger: The verse highlights that disobedience is not limited to Allah alone but extends to His Messenger (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), whose teachings and Sunnah are integral to understanding and practicing Islam.
- Transgressing Divine Limits: Islam sets clear boundaries and guidelines concerning what is permissible (halal) and impermissible (haram). Exceeding these limits implies violating divine laws, whether in matters of worship, social conduct, financial dealings, or personal ethics.
- Eternal Punishment in Hellfire: A primary consequence mentioned is entry into the Fire (Jahannam), where the disobedient will remain "immortal therein" or "to abide forever." This signifies a permanent and unending state of punishment for those who willfully and persistently transgress.
- Humiliating Torment: Beyond the physical pain of the Fire, the verse also specifies "humiliating torment" or "shameful torment." This implies a spiritual and psychological suffering that adds to the severity of the punishment, underscoring the degradation and disgrace associated with such disobedience.
Significance and Warning
Verse 14 of Surah An-Nisa serves as a crucial reminder for believers about the importance of absolute submission to divine will. It underscores that there are strict consequences for those who knowingly choose a path of rebellion against God's laws. This verse complements other verses in the Quran that promise reward for obedience and warns against the dangers of transgression, thereby reinforcing the core Islamic principle of accountability in the afterlife. For a complete understanding of the context of Surah An-Nisa, one can refer to reliable Quranic translations and commentaries found on reputable Islamic websites.
