وَلِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مَوَٰلِىَ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ٱلْوَٰلِدَانِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبُونَ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ عَقَدَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ فَـَٔاتُوهُمْ نَصِيبَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدًا 33
Translations
And for all, We have made heirs to what is left by parents and relatives. And to those whom your oaths have bound [to you] - give them their share. Indeed Allāh is ever, over all things, a Witness.
Transliteration
Wa likull jaalanna mawali mimma taraka al-walidani wa al-aqrabun. Wa alladhina aqadat aymanukum fa-ātuhum nasībahum. Inna Allaha kana ala kulli shay'in shahīda.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the laws of inheritance, stipulating that for every person, heirs are designated from what parents and close relatives leave behind. It also obligates the fulfillment of covenants made by oath to non-relatives, ensuring they receive their due share. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse transitions from general family rights to specific inheritance rules, while simultaneously honoring contractual obligations made before witnesses, as Allah observes all actions.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa, revealed in Medina, which comprehensively addresses inheritance laws, family rights, and social contracts. The verse comes in the context of establishing Islamic jurisprudence regarding wealth distribution and contractual ethics following the migration to Medina, when such legal frameworks became necessary for the growing Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Al-Bukhari: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Verily, the best of you are those who are best to their families,' which relates to honoring family obligations in inheritance. Also, Muslim and others record the Prophet's emphasis on fulfilling covenants and trusts as fundamental Islamic principles.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Islamic law balances family obligations with individual contracts; we must honor both blood relations through fair inheritance and our sworn agreements with others, knowing that Allah witnesses all our dealings and will hold us accountable.