Ketab-E-Qayyem

Ketab-E-Qayyem

A Critical Examination of the Meaning of 'Idribuhunna' in Verse 34 of Surah Al-Nisa

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Soheila Pirouzfar 1
sayyedeh fereshteh Mozaffari 2
1 Associate professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
2 PhD student, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Razavi University, Mashhad, Iran.
10.30512/kq.2025.21629.3881
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Iḥtibāk
Waḍribūhunna
Nushūz
Physical punishment of women
Verse 34 of Surah An-Nisa

Subjects

The Holy Quran
Nahj al-Balāgha
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  • Receive Date 14 March 2025
  • Revise Date 28 April 2025
  • Accept Date 03 May 2025