۞ لَّا خَيْرَ فِى كَثِيرٍ مِّن نَّجْوَىٰهُمْ إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلَـٰحٍۭ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا 114
Translations
No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allāh - then We are going to give him a great reward.
Transliteration
Lā khayra fī kathīrin min najwāhum illā man amara bi-sadaqatin aw ma'rūfin aw islāhin bayna an-nās. Wa-man yaf'al dhālika ibtighā'a mardāti Allāhi fa-sawfa nu'tīhi ajran 'adhīmā.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns most private conversations (najwá) among people as lacking goodness, excepting those conversations that command charity, advocate kindness, or seek reconciliation between people. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this refers particularly to backbiting, gossip, and plotting—common vices in any society. The verse concludes by promising immense reward to those who engage in these three righteous acts of private counsel with sincere intention to please Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa, a Medinan surah revealed during a period when the Muslim community was facing internal challenges, including disputes and social discord. The broader context addresses ethical behavior and community conduct, making this verse particularly relevant to regulating private conversations and preventing harm within the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895). Additionally, 'Whoever reconciles between two people and brings good, Allah will give him a good reward' (Sunan Abu Dawud 4919).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that our private conversations carry moral weight and divine scrutiny; we should guard our tongues and use confidential moments to encourage goodness, charity, and reconciliation rather than engaging in gossip or harm. When we act with sincere intention to please Allah rather than for worldly gain, even small acts of kindness gain immeasurable spiritual value.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ رَأَيْتَ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنكَ صُدُودًا
And when it is said to them, "Come to what Allāh has revealed and to the Messenger," you see the hypocrites turning away from you in aversion.
فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَمِنْهُم مَّن صَدَّ عَنْهُ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِجَهَنَّمَ سَعِيرًا
And some among them believed in it, and some among them were averse to it. And sufficient is Hell as a blaze.
بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا
Rather, Allāh raised him to Himself. And ever is Allāh Exalted in Might and Wise.
فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا۟ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا
But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muḥammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.