Tafsir of An-Nisa' 4:129

An-Nisa (The Women): Verse 129

{And you will never be able to be just between women, even if you should strive [to do so].}

There are two scholarly opinions regarding this verse:

1. The First Opinion: You will not be able to achieve equality between them in the inclination of natural disposition (mayl al-ṭibāʿ). If you are incapable of achieving this, then you are not obligated to do so. The Mu'tazila argue that this proves that obligating what is beyond one's capacity (taklīf mā lā yuṭāq) does not occur and is not permissible. We have already discussed that this objection is necessary for them concerning knowledge and motivations (dawāʿī).
2. The Second Opinion: You cannot achieve equality between them in speech and actions because disparity in love necessitates disparity in the results of love, as an action without the motivating factor (dāʿī) and despite the presence of a deterrent (ṣārif) is impossible.

{So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging.}

This means that you are not forbidden from the occurrence of disparity in the inclination of the heart, as that is beyond your ability. However, you are forbidden from manifesting that disparity in speech and action.

Al-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that he used to divide [his time/possessions] and say: "This is my division concerning what I own, and You [Allah] know best what I do not own."

{Thus, you leave her like one suspended.}

Meaning, she remains neither married nor divorced, just as a suspended object is neither on the ground nor in the sky. In the recitation of Ubayy, it is: {Thus, you leave her like one imprisoned (al-masjūnah)}.

In the Hadith, it is stated: "Whoever has two wives and inclines toward one of them, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with one side of his lip drooping."

It is narrated that 'Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him) sent provisions to the wives of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). 'Ā'ishah said: "Did 'Umar send this much to all the wives of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)?" They replied: "No, he sent this much to the Qurayshi women, and something else to others." She told the messenger: "Lift your head and tell 'Umar: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to be just between us in the division of his wealth and his person." The messenger returned and informed him, so he completed the provisions for all of them equally.

{And if you effect reconciliation and maintain righteousness [toward them], then indeed, Allah is ever, for what you do, Forgiving and Merciful.}

This refers to what occurred in the heart—the inclination toward some women over others.

Alternatively, the meaning is: If you rectify what has passed of your inclination and make amends for it through repentance, and you guard against doing the like of it in the future, Allah will forgive you for that. This latter interpretation is preferable because disparity in the inclination of the heart, since it was beyond capacity, did not require forgiveness in the first place.

{And if they separate, Allah will enrich each of them out of His abundance. And ever is Allah, Most Sufficient for all needs, Wise.}