The present research seeks to offer a novel and comprehensive interpretation of the term "idribuhunna" (اضربوهن) that resolves the existing ambiguities surrounding it.  Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this article examines and evaluates various interpretations of the term "idribuhunna" in verse 34 of Surah An-Nisa. Six theories were assessed, including public reprimand, physical striking in cases of nushuz (disobedience), the gradual abrogation of pre-Islamic rulings, and the treatment of masochism. It was determined that these theories are subject to significant criticisms. Furthermore, prominent narrations related to this topic, including those concerning the context of revelation (asbab al-nuzul), were analyzed. The authors suggest that the omission of certain words in the verse is due to linguistic context (qarina lafziyya) and brevity (ijaz), which they consider a more accurate explanation.
The verse employs the rhetorical device of ihtibak (concealment), where the phrase "fi al-madaji'" (in the beds) is not repeated in the clause "wa-idribuhunna" (and strike them) because it was mentioned in the preceding clause. The implied meaning of the verse is "wa-ahjuruhunna fi al-madaji' wa-idribuhunna fi al-madaji'" (avoid them in the beds and move away from them in the beds). The use of the preposition "fi" (in) with the verb "daraba" (to strike) shifts its meaning to "moving away from" or "leaving the bed". Thus, the verse does not advocate physical harm but rather emphasizes emotional and physical distancing as a disciplinary measure.