Tafsir of An-Nisa' 4:144

An-Nisā’ (The Women): Verse 144

The Almighty's Saying:

{...a way. O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers...}

The Prohibition of Alliance

The Almighty, having previously criticized the hypocrites for oscillating between the disbelievers and the Muslims without settling with either party, now forbids the believers from imitating their actions in this verse:

{O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers...}

Reason for Revelation (Asbāb al-Nuzūl):

1. The Anṣār and the Jews of Banū Qurayẓah: The Anṣār (helpers in Medina) had existing ties of kinship (fosterage), pacts, and affection with the Jews of Banū Qurayẓah. They asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) whom they should ally with. He replied, "The Emigrants (Muhājirūn)." It was then that this verse was revealed.

2. Al-Qaffāl's View: Another interpretation, offered by Al-Qaffāl (may Allah have mercy on him), is that this verse prohibits the believers from allying with the hypocrites. Since Allah has already clarified the character and doctrines of the hypocrites, the believers should not take them as allies.

The Consequence: A Clear Authority for Allah

Interpretation based on the preceding prohibition:

• If we hold the first prohibition (Do not take disbelievers as allies) to mean forbidding alliance with the disbelievers: The meaning of the subsequent phrase is: "Do you wish to establish for Allah a clear authority (proof/evidence) against yourselves that you are hypocrites?" That is, you wish to make the religion of Allah (represented by the Messenger and his Ummah) invalid concerning you.

• If we hold the first prohibition to refer to the hypocrites (as per Al-Qaffāl's view): The meaning is: "Do you wish to establish for Allah an authority over you regarding your punishment because of your alliance with the hypocrites?"

The Status of the Hypocrites