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RationalWiki:Annotated Qur'an/Women

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Annotated Qur'an
Sura 4: Women
Word-by-word translation
Alternate translations and related tafsirs
Alternate translations
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Qur'an 4:1[edit]

O people! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and propagated from them many men and women. And revere God whom you ask about, and the parents. Surely, God is Watchful over you.

Qur'an 4:1 Notes[edit]

This chapter starts by telling people to fear the "Most Merciful" and "Most Forgiving" god who created humanity and somehow doesn't know anything about his own creations. Also, why exactly does God need to watch over anybody when he claims to already know literally everything about literally everyone at any given time?

Qur'an 4:2[edit]

And give orphans their properties, and do not substitute the bad for the good. And do not consume their properties by combining them with yours, for that would be a serious sin.

Qur'an 4:2 Notes[edit]

This verse actually has a good moral teaching.

Qur'an 4:3[edit]

If you fear you cannot act fairly towards the orphans—then marry the women you like—two, or three, or four. But if you fear you will not be fair, then one, or what you already have. That makes it more likely that you avoid bias.

Qur'an 4:3 Notes[edit]

And then things get questionable. Really? Also, most of these "women" would be young girls, right? Muhammad had no problems marrying a literal child, so this sets a dangerous precedent.

Qur'an 4:4[edit]

Give women their dowries graciously. But if they willingly forego some of it, then consume it with enjoyment and pleasure.

Qur'an 4:4 Notes[edit]

This is thankfully not as egregious as the previous verse.

Qur'an 4:5[edit]

Do not give the immature your money which God has assigned to you for support. But provide for them from it, and clothe them, and speak to them with kind words.

Qur'an 4:5 Notes[edit]

No pocket money kids!

Qur'an 4:6[edit]

Test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage. If you find them to be mature enough, hand over their properties to them. And do not consume it extravagantly or hastily before they grow up. The rich shall not charge any wage, but the poor may charge fairly. When you hand over their properties to them, have it witnessed for them. God suffices as a Reckoner.

Qur'an 4:6 Notes[edit]

An all-knowing god would know exactly how to handle these systemic issues.

Qur'an 4:7[edit]

Men receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave, and women receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave; be it little or much—a legal share.

Qur'an 4:7 Notes[edit]

Do these shares have to be evenly divided or what?

Qur'an 4:8[edit]

If the distribution is attended by the relatives, and the orphans, and the needy, give them something out of it, and speak to them kindly.

Qur'an 4:8 Notes[edit]

Can this verse be more specific?

Qur'an 4:9[edit]

Those who are concerned about the fate of their weak children, in case they leave them behind, should fear God, and speak appropriate words.

Qur'an 4:9 Notes[edit]

This verse is confusingly written in the original Arabic while the various translations don't exactly clarify it.

Qur'an 4:10[edit]

Those who consume the wealth of orphans illicitly consume only fire into their bellies; and they will roast in a Blaze.

Qur'an 4:10 Notes[edit]

Be afraid, be very afraid...

Qur'an 4:11[edit]

God instructs you regarding your children: The male receives the equivalent of the share of two females. If they are daughters, more than two, they get two-thirds of what he leaves. If there is only one, she gets one-half. As for the parents, each gets one-sixth of what he leaves, if he had children. If he had no children, and his parents inherit from him, his mother gets one-third. If he has siblings, his mother gets one-sixth. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. Your parents and your children—you do not know which are closer to you in welfare. This is God's Law. God is Knowing and Judicious.

Qur'an 4:11 Notes[edit]

Allah is sexist. Also, could he not have come up with a clearer system for inheritance?

Qur'an 4:12[edit]

You get one-half of what your wives leave behind, if they had no children. If they had children, you get one-fourth of what they leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. They get one-fourth of what you leave behind, if you have no children. If you have children, they get one-eighth of what you leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. If a man or woman leaves neither parents nor children, but has a brother or sister, each of them gets one-sixth. If there are more siblings, they share one-third. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts, without any prejudice. This is a will from God. God is Knowing and Clement.

Qur'an 4:12 Notes[edit]

Allah is also bad at math. Looking at this confusing verse with the previous confusing verse and also 4:176, these ratios should always add up to 100% but don't. For example, a man can leave inheritance for his wife, both of his parents, and two daughters. His wife gets 1/8 of the money, his parents each get 1/6, and his daughters get a combined total of 2/3 of the money. In total, he leaves behind 9/8 of whatever sum of money he had after paying off any outstanding debts. People have come up with different solutions to this problem, but why does a clear, perfected book have such a problem in the first place?

Qur'an 4:13[edit]

These are the bounds set by God. Whoever obeys God and His Messenger, He will admit him into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. That is the great attainment.

Qur'an 4:13 Notes[edit]

How exactly are people supposed to obey this God when his commands are mathematically impossible?

Qur'an 4:14[edit]

But whoever disobeys God and His Messenger, and oversteps His bounds, He will admit him into a Fire, wherein he abides forever, and he will have a shameful punishment.

Qur'an 4:14 Notes[edit]

So... Hell?

Qur'an 4:15[edit]

Those of your women who commit lewdness, you must have four witnesses against them, from among you. If they testify, confine them to the homes until death claims them, or God makes a way for them.

Qur'an 4:15 Notes[edit]

Lewdness is forbidden.

Qur'an 4:16[edit]

If two men among you commit it, punish them both. But if they repent and reform, leave them alone. God is Redeemer, Full of Mercy.

Qur'an 4:16 Notes[edit]

Apparently Allah hates the homosexuals.

Qur'an 4:17[edit]

Repentance is available from God for those who commit evil out of ignorance, and then repent soon after. These—God will relent towards them. God is Knowing and Wise.

Qur'an 4:17 Notes[edit]

He is clearly neither "Knowing" nor "Wise" based on the first few verses of this chapter alone. He could just choose to relent towards everybody or create a moral system in which nobody would need him to relent towards anybody to avoid infinite torture.

Qur'an 4:18[edit]

But repentance is not available for those who commit evils, until when death approaches one of them, he says, “Now I repent,” nor for those who die as disbelievers. These—We have prepared for them a painful torment.

Qur'an 4:18 Notes[edit]

"We have prepared for them a painful torment."
This is the "Merciful" and "Forgiving" god who deliberately predestined people to "commit evils" in the first place and also prevents people from believing in him if he doesn't want them saved. Why would he do that? Why would he be so malicious that he actively prevents most of his own human creations from believing in him and thus sets them up for endless agony?

Qur'an 4:19[edit]

O you who believe! It is not permitted for you to inherit women against their will. And do not coerce them in order to take away some of what you had given them, unless they commit a proven adultery. And live with them in kindness. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something in which God has placed much good.

Qur'an 4:19 Notes[edit]

Just state that women are humans and not property. It's not that hard.

Qur'an 4:20[edit]

If you wish to replace one wife with another, and you have given one of them a fortune, take nothing back from it. Would you take it back fraudulently and sinfully?

Qur'an 4:20 Notes[edit]

Women keep the money in divorce?

Qur'an 4:21[edit]

And how can you take it back, when you have been intimate with one another, and they have received from you a solid commitment?

Qur'an 4:21 Notes[edit]

Marriage counseling from the almighty here.

Qur'an 4:22[edit]

Do not marry women whom your fathers married, except what is already past. That is improper, indecent, and a bad custom.

Qur'an 4:22 Notes[edit]

No getting it on with your step-mothers... wait, what does "except what is already past" mean?

Qur'an 4:23[edit]

Forbidden for you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal aunts, your maternal aunts, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your foster-mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your stepdaughters in your guardianship—born of wives you have gone into—but if you have not gone into them, there is no blame on you. And the wives of your genetic sons, and marrying two sisters simultaneously. Except what is past. God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Qur'an 4:23 Notes[edit]

Just in case the definition of incest was unclear, this verse deliberately excludes cousins. In other words, cousin marriage is allowed.

Qur'an 4:24[edit]

And all married women, except those you rightfully possess. This is God’s decree, binding upon you. Permitted for you are those that lie outside these limits, provided you seek them in legal marriage, with gifts from your property, seeking wedlock, not prostitution. If you wish to enjoy them, then give them their dowry—a legal obligation. You commit no error by agreeing to any change to the dowry. God is All-Knowing, Most Wise.

Qur'an 4:24 Notes[edit]

Possessing many women is fine. More importantly, "rightfully possess" is a euphemism for slavery.[1] This portion of the Quran is outright legalizing the practice of sex-slavery, while ironically outlawing the consensual exchange of money for consensual sex. The wise all-knowing Allah says so.

Qur'an 4:25[edit]

If any of you lack the means to marry free believing women, he may marry one of the believing maids under your control. God is well aware of your faith. You are from one another. Marry them with the permission of their guardians, and give them their recompense fairly—to be protected—neither committing adultery, nor taking secret lovers. When they are married, if they commit adultery, their punishment shall be half that of free women. That is for those among you who fear falling into decadence. But to practice self-restraint is better for you. God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Qur'an 4:25 Notes[edit]

Stop trying to make sex-slavery work! Women are human beings and not property!

Qur'an 4:26[edit]

God intends to make things clear to you, and to guide you in the ways of those before you, and to redeem you. God is Most Knowing, Most Wise.

Qur'an 4:26 Notes[edit]

God clearly failed. The Quran fails to approach clarity whatsoever. Even God's infinite sadism is unclear, though it is definitely clearer than anything else that this book repeats ad nauseam.

Qur'an 4:27[edit]

God intends to redeem you, but those who follow their desires want you to turn away utterly.

Qur'an 4:27 Notes[edit]

God could just redeem everyone without any strings attached and ensure that no "desires" can ever go against that.

Qur'an 4:28[edit]

God intends to lighten your burden, for the human being was created weak.

Qur'an 4:28 Notes[edit]

Without Allah, all are doomed! DOOMED!!!
Also, why did he even create weak humans while also creating burdens. He could just... have made a world without weakness or burdens in the first place.

Qur'an 4:29[edit]

O you who believe! Do not consume each other’s wealth illicitly, but trade by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves, for God is Merciful towards you.

Qur'an 4:29 Notes[edit]

First of all, now this divine despot cares about "mutual consent" but not with the various forms of slavery and violent conquests that this religion condones? Second of all, many people cite verses like 2:286, the ending verse of the second chapter of this book, to state that Allah never overwhelms or burdens a soul. However, the fact that any people would ever try to kill themselves is enough to prove this wrong. What kind of "Merciful" god is this?

Qur'an 4:30[edit]

Whoever does that, out of hostility and wrongdoing, We will cast him into a Fire. And that would be easy for God.

Qur'an 4:30 Notes[edit]

This verse is threatening people who suffered enough, given that they seriously consider ending their own suffering. This is nothing short of despicable cruelty. Again, what kind of "Merciful" god is this?

Qur'an 4:31[edit]

If you avoid the worst of what you are forbidden, We will remit your sins, and admit you by a Gate of Honor.

Qur'an 4:31 Notes[edit]

He could just abolish this whole system of sins in the first place.

Qur'an 4:32[edit]

Do not covet what God has given to some of you in preference to others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask God of his bounty. God has knowledge of everything.

Qur'an 4:32 Notes[edit]

He can't even do basic math. This is hardly a surprise coming from a god who doesn't know anything about biology, ecology, cosmology, psychology, or history.

Qur'an 4:33[edit]

To everyone We have assigned beneficiaries in what is left by parents and relatives. Those with whom you have made an agreement, give them their share. God is Witness over all things.

Qur'an 4:33 Notes[edit]

Fun fact: Allah can just praise himself in his own book all he wants, but he will never deserve a letter of that praise.

Qur'an 4:34[edit]

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, as God has given some of them an advantage over others, and because they spend out of their wealth. The good women are obedient, guarding what God would have them guard. As for those from whom you fear disloyalty, admonish them, and abandon them in their beds, then strike them. But if they obey you, seek no way against them. God is Sublime, Great.

Qur'an 4:34 Notes[edit]

This verse has often been used by men to exercise authority over their wives and daughters. This verse has also been used by those same women to accept this blatant sexism. Also, the "strike them" in this verse does refer to painfully hitting them. Despite what many people will say, the original Arabic does not clearly state that men should hit their wives gently or anything like that. The chapter titled "Women" seems to clearly put women beneath men and completely disregard anybody who doesn't fall into this strict gender binary. The false idea that this is from an omniscient god is what allowed it to cause so much harm for so many centuries.

Qur'an 4:35[edit]

If you fear a breach between the two, appoint an arbiter from his family and an arbiter from her family. If they wish to reconcile, God will bring them together. God is Knowledgeable, Expert.

Qur'an 4:35 Notes[edit]

God is clearly not "Knowledgeable" about people without living kin, including the orphans mentioned earlier in this chapter.

Qur'an 4:36[edit]

Worship God, and ascribe no partners to Him, and be good to the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the neighbor next door, and the distant neighbor, and the close associate, and the traveler, and your servants. God does not love the arrogant showoff.

Qur'an 4:36 Notes[edit]

No showoffs!

Qur'an 4:37[edit]

Those who are stingy, and exhort people to stinginess, and conceal what God has given them from His bounty. We have prepared for the disbelievers a disgraceful punishment.

Qur'an 4:37 Notes[edit]

This may be lost in translation. What a wonderfully clear book!

Qur'an 4:38[edit]

And those who spend their money to be seen by people, and believe neither in God nor in the Last Day. Whoever has Satan as a companion—what an evil companion.

Qur'an 4:38 Notes[edit]

What of those who don't believe in God or the Last Day or Satan? Also, this god repeatedly admits to creating flawed human beings and hating most of them that he sets them up for infinite torture. This same god is cool with various forms of slavery, violent conquest, domestic abuse, and authoritarianism. Who exactly is "evil" here?

Qur'an 4:39[edit]

What would they have lost, had they believed in God and the Last Day, and gave out of what God has provided for them? God knows them very well.

Qur'an 4:39 Notes[edit]

If this "God" fellow exists, then this book isn't his word. Many theists have no problem with God or the Last Day but still reject this book because of its glaring contradictions, hypocrisy, moral failings, and awful writing.

Qur'an 4:40[edit]

God does not commit an atom's weight of injustice; and if there is a good deed, He doubles it, and gives from His Presence a sublime compensation.

Qur'an 4:40 Notes[edit]

God does not commit an atom's weight of injustice; God goes far beyond that.

Qur'an 4:41[edit]

Then how will it be, when We bring a witness from every community, and We bring you as a witness against these?

Qur'an 4:41 Notes[edit]

Each of those witnesses would know infinitely more than the vapid god of this religion.

Qur'an 4:42[edit]

On that Day, those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger will wish that the earth were leveled over them. They will conceal nothing from God.

Qur'an 4:42 Notes[edit]

Muhammad was not a tyrant, but he commanded people to obey his every word and threatened those who dared question him.

Qur'an 4:43[edit]

O you who believe! Do not approach the prayer while you are drunk, so that you know what you say; nor after sexual orgasm—unless you are travelling—until you have bathed. If you are sick, or traveling, or one of you comes from the toilet, or you have had intercourse with women, and cannot find water, find clean sand and wipe your faces and your hands with it. God is Pardoning and Forgiving.

Qur'an 4:43 Notes[edit]

God can take that "clean sand" and shove it!

Qur'an 4:44[edit]

Have you not considered those who were given a share of the Book? They buy error, and wish you would lose the way.

Qur'an 4:44 Notes[edit]

This book is riddled with errors and fails to meets its own basic standards.

Qur'an 4:45[edit]

But God knows your enemies best. God is sufficient as a Protector, and God is sufficient as a Supporter.

Qur'an 4:45 Notes[edit]

God is humanity's enemy.

Qur'an 4:46[edit]

Among the Jews are some who take words out of context, and say, “We hear and we disobey”, and “Hear without listening”, and “Observe us,” twisting with their tongues and slandering the religion. Had they said, “We hear and we obey”, and “Listen”, and “Give us your attention,” it would have been better for them, and more upright. But God has cursed them for their disbelief; they do not believe except a little.

Qur'an 4:46 Notes[edit]

Who? The same god who is the reason why they disbelieved and did any of that in any case?

Qur'an 4:47[edit]

O you who were given the Book! Believe in what We sent down, confirming what you have, before We obliterate faces and turn them inside out, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. The command of God is always done.

Qur'an 4:47 Notes[edit]

You can stop with the threats and actually convince anybody, anybody at all, that anything leaving your mouth has an ounce of truth to it.

Qur'an 4:48[edit]

God does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives anything less than that to whomever He wills. Whoever associates anything with God has devised a monstrous sin.

Qur'an 4:48 Notes[edit]

The most heinous crime is apparently sincere disbelief in Allah as this flawed book describes him. Genocide seems like it would be a greater evil, but this crybaby skydaddy is so insecure that he can forgive genocide while never forgiving sincere disbelief.

Qur'an 4:49[edit]

Have you not considered those who claim purity for themselves? Rather, God purifies whom He wills, and they will not be wronged a whit.

Qur'an 4:49 Notes[edit]

Unfortunately, "whom He wills" is not all of humanity, even though it should be for an actually loving, merciful deity.

Qur'an 4:50[edit]

See how they devise lies against God. That alone is an outright sin.

Qur'an 4:50 Notes[edit]

Several contradictions in this book are specifically about Allah. Did the supposed prophet Muhammad "devise lies against God" when including them in this message?

Qur'an 4:51[edit]

Have you not considered those who were given a share of the Book? They believe in superstition and evil powers, and say of those who disbelieve, “These are better guided on the way than the believers.”

Qur'an 4:51 Notes[edit]

Muslims necessarily "believe in superstition and evil powers" as this book states repeatedly.

Qur'an 4:52[edit]

Those are they whom God has cursed. Whomever God curses, you will find no savior for him.

Qur'an 4:52 Notes[edit]

Allah curses people and states that not a soul can be spared this endless wrath.

Qur'an 4:53[edit]

Or do they own a share of the kingdom? Then they would not give people a speck.

Qur'an 4:53 Notes[edit]

Many disbelievers are generous and caring enough to offer something to those in need.

Qur'an 4:54[edit]

Or do they envy the people for what God has given them of His grace? We have given the family of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and We have given them a great kingdom.

Qur'an 4:54 Notes[edit]

Abraham had a whole "great kingdom"? Where is the historical and archaeological evidence pointing its existence?

Qur'an 4:55[edit]

Among them are those who believed in it, and among them are those who held back from it. Hell is a sufficient Inferno.

Qur'an 4:55 Notes[edit]

Sincere disbelief apparently deserves Hell because the skydaddy said so.

Qur'an 4:56[edit]

Those who reject Our revelations—We will scorch them in a Fire. Every time their skins are cooked, We will replace them with other skins, so they will experience the suffering. God is Most Powerful, Most Wise.

Qur'an 4:56 Notes[edit]

Allah hurt his own feelings by predestining the vast majority of humanity to disbelieve in him, something that he presumably knew when creating them and their world. He got so offended by his own actions that he not only decided to inflict this immense agony on them but made sure to keep that agony going forever. God even states in this book that he doesn't even want the majority of humanity to believe in him and created humans accordingly. What a cruel despot! What an infinitely awful being!

Qur'an 4:57[edit]

As for those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. They will have purified spouses therein, and We will admit them into a shady shade.

Qur'an 4:57 Notes[edit]

Believers will presumably experience infinite joy in this paradise. This includes those who know that their parents, children, and best friends were condemned to Hell for disbelief. These believers will know that Allah predestined their loved ones to infinite torture and be perfectly happy with that. According to other verses, they will even get to see those filthy sinners, hear their screams, and laugh at their endless demise. This is nothing short of sickening sadism.

Qur'an 4:58[edit]

God instructs you to give back things entrusted to you to their owners. And when you judge between people, judge with justice. God’s instructions to you are excellent. God is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

Qur'an 4:58 Notes[edit]

This "All-Hearing, All-Seeing" narcissist has no concept of excellence.

Qur'an 4:59[edit]

O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you dispute over anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if you believe in God and the Last Day. That is best, and a most excellent determination.

Qur'an 4:59 Notes[edit]

How can people today refer anything to a god who never answers his believers and a messenger who died a millennium and a half ago?

Qur'an 4:60[edit]

Have you not observed those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, yet they seek Satanic sources for legislation, in spite of being commanded to reject them? Satan means to mislead them far away.

Qur'an 4:60 Notes[edit]

Allah is the one who "means to mislead them far away" as this book states ad nauseam.

Qur'an 4:61[edit]

And when it is said to them, “Come to what God has revealed, and to the Messenger,” you see the hypocrites shunning you completely.

Qur'an 4:61 Notes[edit]

An actual all-knowing god would not reveal this mess or choose Muhammad as a messenger.

Qur'an 4:62[edit]

How about when a disaster strikes them because what their hands have put forward, and then they come to you swearing by God: “We only intended goodwill and reconciliation”?

Qur'an 4:62 Notes[edit]

How about those times when Allah strikes the noblest of people with disasters and leaves them in the dark regarding what even happened?

Qur'an 4:63[edit]

They are those whom God knows what is in their hearts. So ignore them, and admonish them, and say to them concerning themselves penetrating words.

Qur'an 4:63 Notes[edit]

God refuses to talk about them accurately. Does he really know anything about them?

Qur'an 4:64[edit]

We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by God’s leave. Had they, when they wronged themselves, come to you, and prayed for God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had prayed for their forgiveness, they would have found God Relenting and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:64 Notes[edit]

Of course. God is only "Relenting and Merciful" to those who kiss up to his infinitely inflated ego and shows none of this mercy to the rest of humanity.

Qur'an 4:65[edit]

But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they call you to arbitrate in their disputes, and then find within themselves no resentment regarding your decisions, and submit themselves completely.

Qur'an 4:65 Notes[edit]

Unsurprisingly, most people don't "submit themselves completely" when they hear a guy say a moderately agreeable thing.

Qur'an 4:66[edit]

Had We decreed for them: “Kill yourselves,” or “Leave your homes,” they would not have done it, except for a few of them. But had they done what they were instructed to do, it would have been better for them, and a firmer confirmation.

Qur'an 4:66 Notes[edit]

This verse will have to contend with various earlier verses in the same chapter.

Qur'an 4:67[edit]

And We would have given them from Our presence a rich compensation.

Qur'an 4:67 Notes[edit]

For a supposedly infinite god, this stick and carrot are disappointingly basic.

Qur'an 4:68[edit]

And We would have guided them on a straight path.

Qur'an 4:68 Notes[edit]

So wait, they would need to be unguided and believe the nonsensical ramblings of one specific cult leader anyhow for this totally-real skydaddy to guide them on the straight path? What even is this "straight path" anyhow? If you're going to keep bragging about how you made your revelations clear, then actually do it!

Qur'an 4:69[edit]

Whoever obeys God and the Messenger—these are with those whom God has blessed—among the prophets, and the sincere, and the martyrs, and the upright. Excellent are those as companions.

Qur'an 4:69 Notes[edit]

This book portrays none of them as excellent.

Qur'an 4:70[edit]

That is the grace from God. God suffices as Knower.

Qur'an 4:70 Notes[edit]

What a graceless god!

Qur'an 4:71[edit]

O you who believe! Take your precautions, and mobilize in groups, or mobilize altogether.

Qur'an 4:71 Notes[edit]

Is this a specific command for a specific event or just a general guideline for life? Again, this book is woefully unclear.

Qur'an 4:72[edit]

Among you is he who lags behind. Then, when a calamity befalls you, he says, “God has favored me, that I was not martyred with them.”

Qur'an 4:72 Notes[edit]

That guy would be right to enjoy the fact that he dodged a bullet.

Qur'an 4:73[edit]

But when some bounty from God comes to you, he says—as if no affection existed between you and him—“If only I had been with them, I would have achieved a great victory.”

Qur'an 4:73 Notes[edit]

Is this about a specific individual? Is this referring to a specific battle?

Qur'an 4:74[edit]

Let those who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause of God. Whoever fights in the cause of God, and then is killed, or achieves victory, We will grant him a great compensation.

Qur'an 4:74 Notes[edit]

What exactly is "the cause of God"? Different people ask Allah this question and hear different answers which they interpret as coming from Allah. Muhammad died over a millennium ago and is thus unable to clarify this. What about times of peace?

Qur'an 4:75[edit]

And why would you not fight in the cause of God, and the helpless men, and women, and children, cry out, “Our Lord, deliver us from this town whose people are oppressive, and appoint for us from Your Presence a Protector, and appoint for us from Your Presence a Victor.”

Qur'an 4:75 Notes[edit]

This verse rings hollow when looking at the oppression from Muslim armies over the centuries.

Qur'an 4:76[edit]

Those who believe fight in the cause of God, while those who disbelieve fight in the cause of Evil. So fight the allies of the Devil. Surely the strategy of the Devil is weak.

Qur'an 4:76 Notes[edit]

This entire part of the chapter is just dangerous and leads people to commit atrocities. Also, it has nothing to do with women, but these longer chapters often lack cohesion.

Qur'an 4:77[edit]

Have you not considered those who were told, “Restrain your hands, and perform your prayers, and spend in regular charity”? But when fighting was ordained for them, a faction of them feared the people as God is ought to be feared, or even more. And they said, “Our Lord, why did You ordain fighting for us? If only You would postpone it for us for a short while.” Say, “The enjoyments of this life are brief, but the Hereafter is better for the righteous, and you will not be wronged one bit.”

Qur'an 4:77 Notes[edit]

Muhammad, as portrayed in this book and Hadith, was a psychopathic warlord.

Qur'an 4:78[edit]

Wherever you may be, death will catch up with you, even if you were in fortified towers. When a good fortune comes their way, they say, “This is from God.” But when a misfortune befalls them, they say, “This is from you.” Say, “All is from God.” So what is the matter with these people, that they hardly understand a thing?

Qur'an 4:78 Notes[edit]

Say, "All is from God" and know that this includes any misfortune to ever befall anybody.

Qur'an 4:79[edit]

Whatever good happens to you is from God, and whatever bad happens to you is from your own self. We sent you to humanity as a messenger, and God is Witness enough.

Qur'an 4:79 Notes[edit]

The previous verse contradicts this one.

Qur'an 4:80[edit]

Whoever obeys the Messenger is obeying God. And whoever turns away—We did not send you as a watcher over them.

Qur'an 4:80 Notes[edit]

This "Messenger" is conveniently allowed to command people to do anything and have it be exactly what Allah wants people to do.

Qur'an 4:81[edit]

They profess obedience, but when they leave your presence, some of them conspire something contrary to what you said. But God writes down what they conspire. So avoid them, and put your trust in God. God is Guardian enough.

Qur'an 4:81 Notes[edit]

Islam is an authoritarian religion of fear and control. Many disbelievers would have every reason to "profess obedience" given the circumstances. Thankfully, most Muslims nowadays are a lot more peaceful and loving than their prophet, though this doesn't stop many, many people from hiding their disbelief to save their skins.

Qur'an 4:82[edit]

Do they not ponder the Quran? Had it been from any other than God, they would have found in it much discrepancy.

Qur'an 4:82 Notes[edit]

This chapter alone has enough discrepancy to render this verse meaningless.

Qur'an 4:83[edit]

When some news of security or alarm comes their way, they broadcast it. But had they referred it to the Messenger, and to those in authority among them, those who can draw conclusions from it would have comprehended it. Were it not for God’s blessing and mercy upon you, you would have followed the Devil, except for a few.

Qur'an 4:83 Notes[edit]

Why does this religion even need a devil when Allah is more than demonic enough? Also, this verse suggests that the masses lack the proper mental faculties and judgment to draw their own conclusions, thus leaving the thinking to authority figures instead.

Qur'an 4:84[edit]

So fight in the cause of God; you are responsible only for yourself. And rouse the believers. Perhaps God will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. God is Stronger in Might, and More Punishing.

Qur'an 4:84 Notes[edit]

As an example, this is one of the many verses that make the entire religion look man-made to people who think about it critically.

Qur'an 4:85[edit]

Whoever intercedes for a good cause has a share in it, and whoever intercedes for an evil cause shares in its burdens. God keeps watch over everything.

Qur'an 4:85 Notes[edit]

Why exactly would God need to keep watch over anything when he seemingly already knows everything?

Qur'an 4:86[edit]

When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with a better greeting, or return it. God keeps count of everything.

Qur'an 4:86 Notes[edit]

Allah is counting all the times you say hello. The NSA does this also.

Qur'an 4:87[edit]

God—there is no god except He. He will gather you to the Day of Resurrection, in which there is no doubt. And who speaks more truly than God?

Qur'an 4:87 Notes[edit]

Yes, we do wonder...
Perhaps a being who doesn't brag about misleading the vast majority of humans to ever exist would speak more truly than the god who won't shut up about that?

Qur'an 4:88[edit]

What is the matter with you, divided into two factions regarding the hypocrites, when God Himself has overwhelmed them on account of what they did? Do you want to guide those whom God has led astray? Whomever God leads astray—you will never find for him a way.

Qur'an 4:88 Notes[edit]

Allah explicitly talks about how he "leads astray" countless people and still has the gall to ask who can speak more truly than he does. People are allowed to brag about how they love to spread falsehood and lead people away from the truth. Everybody would be right to reject anything coming from that person's mouth.

Qur'an 4:89[edit]

They would love to see you disbelieve, just as they disbelieve, so you would become equal. So do not befriend any of them, unless they emigrate in the way of God. If they turn away, seize them and execute them wherever you may find them; and do not take from among them allies or supporters.

Qur'an 4:89 Notes[edit]

Oh no! How dare those infidels want people to stop believing a violent, misogynistic, abusive, nonsensical belief system? I, the totally real creator of the universe, command you to stay away from these people because they might commit the horrid atrocity of convincing you that this religion is not the absolute truth! This verse seems to refer to those disbelievers who wish to force Muslims to abandon their faith, which is absolutely unacceptable, but "the Clear Book" is unclear yet again.

Qur'an 4:90[edit]

Except those who join people with whom you have a treaty, or those who come to you reluctant to fight you or fight their own people. Had God willed, He would have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. If they withdraw from you, and do not fight you, and offer you peace, then God assigns no excuse for you against them.

Qur'an 4:90 Notes[edit]

Thankfully, very few people want to use any kind of force to get Muslims to leave their faith. Credit where it's due, this isn't explicitly telling Muslims to be violent with disbelievers at large.

Qur'an 4:91[edit]

You will find others who want security from you, and security from their own people. But whenever they are tempted into civil discord, they plunge into it. So if they do not withdraw from you, nor offer you peace, nor restrain their hands, seize them and execute them wherever you find them. Against these, We have given you clear authorization.

Qur'an 4:91 Notes[edit]

This also needs clarification. Is this meant for individual offenders or entire people-groups?

Qur'an 4:92[edit]

Never should a believer kill another believer, unless by error. Anyone who kills a believer by error must set free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the victim’s family, unless they remit it as charity. If the victim belonged to a people who are hostile to you, but is a believer, then the compensation is to free a believing slave. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then compensation should be handed over to his family, and a believing slave set free. Anyone who lacks the means must fast for two consecutive months, by way of repentance to God. God is All-Knowing, Most Wise.

Qur'an 4:92 Notes[edit]

The "All-Knowing" should know that few people nowadays hold slaves because slavery is a brutal institution that should never have been allowed whatsoever, though the institution of slavery sadly still exists. Why did this book not explicitly outlaw it and explain how a society can prosper without it? That seems like it would be very important. Also, why do only believing slaves get to go free?

Qur'an 4:93[edit]

Whoever kills a believer deliberately, the penalty for him is Hell, where he will remain forever. And God will be angry with him, and will curse him, and will prepare for him a terrible punishment.

Qur'an 4:93 Notes[edit]

Murder is wrong to be sure, though is Hell actually a proportional punishment or just a deterrent? It doesn't seem to be a very good deterrent given how many people still murder to this day.

Qur'an 4:94[edit]

O you who believe! When you journey in the way of God, investigate, and do not say to him who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” aspiring for the goods of this world. With God are abundant riches. You yourselves were like this before, and God bestowed favor on you; so investigate. God is well aware of what you do.

Qur'an 4:94 Notes[edit]

This is essentially telling believers to only slaughter violent unbelievers and be careful when slaughtering them.

Qur'an 4:95[edit]

Not equal are the inactive among the believers—except the disabled—and the strivers in the cause of God with their possessions and their persons. God prefers the strivers with their possessions and their persons above the inactive, by a degree. But God has promised goodness to both. Yet God favors the strivers, over the inactive, with a great reward.

Qur'an 4:95 Notes[edit]

God playing favorites among his creations will never make sense considering that he supposedly chose to make them exactly as they are.

Qur'an 4:96[edit]

Degrees from Him, and forgiveness, and mercy. God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:96 Notes[edit]

Is he?

Qur'an 4:97[edit]

While the angels are removing the souls of those who have wronged themselves, they will say, “What was the matter with you?” They will say, “We were oppressed in the land.” They will say, “Was God’s earth not vast enough for you to emigrate in it?” These—their refuge is Hell. What a wretched retreat!

Qur'an 4:97 Notes[edit]

Is this verse seriously telling oppressed people to move and go live somewhere else to avoid oppression, or does this incredibly "clear" verse mean something else?

Qur'an 4:98[edit]

Except for the weak among men, and women, and children who have no means to act, and no means to find a way out.

Qur'an 4:98 Notes[edit]

So... much... clarity...

Qur'an 4:99[edit]

These—God may well pardon them. God is Pardoning and Forgiving.

Qur'an 4:99 Notes[edit]

No matter how many times he calls himself "Pardoning and Forgiving", the mere existence of Hell is enough to debunk his claims to be so.

Qur'an 4:100[edit]

Anyone who emigrates for the sake of God will find on earth many places of refuge, and plentitude. Anyone who leaves his home, emigrating to God and His Messenger, and then is overtaken by death, his compensation falls on God. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Qur'an 4:100 Notes[edit]

The repetitive ramblings continue.

Qur'an 4:101[edit]

When you travel in the land, there is no blame on you for shortening the prayers, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you. The disbelievers are your manifest enemies.

Qur'an 4:101 Notes[edit]

This verse is explicitly stating that disbelievers are enemies. This verse could be saying that these disbelievers could potentially be violent enemies and that Muslims should be wary, but "the Clear Book" fails to make that clear as well.

Qur'an 4:102[edit]

When you are among them, and you stand to lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you, and let them hold their weapons. Then, when they have done their prostrations, let them withdraw to the rear, and let another group, that have not prayed yet, come forward and pray with you; and let them take their precautions and their weapons. Those who disbelieve would like you to neglect your weapons and your equipment, so they can attack you in a single assault. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or are sick, by putting down your weapons; but take precautions. Indeed, God has prepared for the disbelievers a demeaning punishment.

Qur'an 4:102 Notes[edit]

God is okay with people shortening and combining prayers during these excursions, so why not just put them on hold and consider this excursion for God as a form of worship?

Qur'an 4:103[edit]

When you have completed the prayer, remember God, standing, or sitting, or on your sides. And when you feel secure, perform the prayer. The prayer is obligatory for believers at specific times.

Qur'an 4:103 Notes[edit]

God's narcissism is seemingly the only reason why prayer is obligatory anyhow.

Qur'an 4:104[edit]

And do not falter in the pursuit of the enemy. If you are aching, they are aching as you are aching, but you expect from God what they cannot expect. God is Knowledgeable and Wise.

Qur'an 4:104 Notes[edit]

God claims to be "Knowledgeable and Wise" when he shows little knowledge or wisdom of any sort.

Qur'an 4:105[edit]

We have revealed to you the Scripture, with the truth, so that you judge between people in accordance with what God has shown you. And do not be an advocate for the traitors.

Qur'an 4:105 Notes[edit]

Can we see that revelation? The Quran can't possibly be it given how untrue most of it seems.

Qur'an 4:106[edit]

And ask God for forgiveness. God is Forgiver and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:106 Notes[edit]

God repeats these tired lies almost often enough to make any of them sound sensible. God created a moral system in which people need "forgiveness" in order to avoid infinite agony. A truly forgiving, merciful being could start by simply not having such a cruel system in the first place and also not requiring people to beg him for the "forgiveness" that should just be the status quo.

Qur'an 4:107[edit]

And do not argue on behalf of those who deceive themselves. God does not love the deceitful sinner.

Qur'an 4:107 Notes[edit]

What about those who do not deceive themselves because God deceived them?

Qur'an 4:108[edit]

They hide from the people, but they cannot hide from God. He is with them, as they plot by night with words He does not approve. God comprehends what they do.

Qur'an 4:108 Notes[edit]

God predestined each and every thought in each and every human ever created according to "the Clear Book" and thus approves of everything that everybody thinks or does.

Qur'an 4:109[edit]

There you are, arguing on their behalf in the present life, but who will argue with God on their behalf on the Day of Resurrection? Or who will be their representative?

Qur'an 4:109 Notes[edit]

God is constantly pretending to be something that he simply isn't.

Qur'an 4:110[edit]

Whoever commits evil, or wrongs his soul, then implores God for forgiveness, will find God Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:110 Notes[edit]

This "Forgiving and Merciful" dictator doesn't see Muhammad the "Prophet" as evil in spite of everything that he did to those around him.

Qur'an 4:111[edit]

And Whoever earns a sin, earns it against himself. God is Aware and Wise.

Qur'an 4:111 Notes[edit]

The idea of "sin" by itself is frankly nonsensical and entirely incompatible with this book's contradictory descriptions of God.

Qur'an 4:112[edit]

And whoever commits a mistake, or a sin, and then blames it on an innocent person, has taken a slander and a clear sin.

Qur'an 4:112 Notes[edit]

Framing innocent people for transgressions is wrong, so these revelations actually contain some good advice scattered about. They could be the entirety of this book, but this capricious deity chose to reveal them with awful immorality, nonsensical impossibilities, scientific inaccuracies, and cruel threats.

Qur'an 4:113[edit]

Were it not for God’s grace towards you, and His mercy, a faction of them would have managed to mislead you. But they only mislead themselves, and they cannot harm you in any way. God has revealed to you the Scripture and wisdom, and has taught you what you did not know. God’s goodness towards you is great.

Qur'an 4:113 Notes[edit]

The narcissism here truly has no limits.

Qur'an 4:114[edit]

There is no good in much of their private counsels, except for him who advocates charity, or kindness, or reconciliation between people. Whoever does that, seeking God’s approval, We will give him a great compensation.

Qur'an 4:114 Notes[edit]

This book now says that "kindness" and "reconciliation between people" are good things when it was seemingly written with the exact opposite in mind.

Qur'an 4:115[edit]

Whoever makes a breach with the Messenger, after the guidance has become clear to him, and follows other than the path of the believers, We will direct him in the direction he has chosen, and commit him to Hell—what a terrible destination!

Qur'an 4:115 Notes[edit]

God really thinks that people make an informed choice to go to Hell because "the guidance has become clear" according to a questionable cult leader turned warlord.

Qur'an 4:116[edit]

God will not forgive that partners be associated with Him; but will forgive anything less than that, to whomever He wills. Anyone who ascribes partners to God has strayed into far error.

Qur'an 4:116 Notes[edit]

God could just send crystal-clear evidence that points to his existence and that can't apply to any others if he doesn't want to forgive people for doing what they sincerely believe to be the right thing.

Qur'an 4:117[edit]

They invoke in His stead only females. In fact, they invoke none but a rebellious devil.

Qur'an 4:117 Notes[edit]

Satan is a goddess? I side with her for that reason alone. That, and the supposed "God" of this religion is a raging misogynist and a cruel jackass.

Qur'an 4:118[edit]

God has cursed him. And he said, “I will take to myself my due share of Your servants.”

Qur'an 4:118 Notes[edit]

God is misgendering Satan on purpose, isn't he? That, or he's just an idiot who can't keep his story straight. Why should we trust him to accurately represent Satan when he doesn't accurately represent disbelievers?

Qur'an 4:119[edit]

“And I will mislead them, and I will entice them, and I will prompt them to slit the ears of cattle, and I will prompt them to alter the creation of God.” Whoever takes Satan as a lord, instead of God, has surely suffered a profound loss.

Qur'an 4:119 Notes[edit]

Satanists are evil. Remember that.

Qur'an 4:120[edit]

He promises them, and he raises their expectations, but Satan promises them nothing but delusions.

Qur'an 4:120 Notes[edit]

Satanists are deluded. There cannot possibly be anything in what they believe.

Qur'an 4:121[edit]

These—their place is Hell, and they will find no escape from it.

Qur'an 4:121 Notes[edit]

God reminds us about how forgiving and merciful he is all the time.

Qur'an 4:122[edit]

But as for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. The promise of God is true—and who is more truthful in speech than God?

Qur'an 4:122 Notes[edit]

Pretty much anybody is way "more truthful in speech than God" if this is his book.

Qur'an 4:123[edit]

It is not in accordance with your wishes, nor in accordance with the wishes of the People of the Scripture. Whoever works evil will pay for it, and will not find for himself, besides God, any protector or savior.

Qur'an 4:123 Notes[edit]

God is redundant as usual when talking about his cruelty.

Qur'an 4:124[edit]

But whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, and is a believer—those will enter Paradise, and will not be wronged a whit.

Qur'an 4:124 Notes[edit]

This verse implies that disbelievers will be wronged, despite the Quran saying otherwise. Then again, the idea that anybody can be predestined to suffer infinitely is proof that this capricious deity wrongs people infinitely. On a side note, this all-knowing god only knows about two genders. Interesting

Qur'an 4:125[edit]

And who is better in religion than he who submits himself wholly to God, and is a doer of good, and follows the faith of Abraham the Monotheist? God has chosen Abraham for a friend.

Qur'an 4:125 Notes[edit]

Since this verse mentions Abraham, what historical evidence points to him ever existing?

Qur'an 4:126[edit]

To God belongs what is in the heavens and what is on earth, and God encompasses everything.

Qur'an 4:126 Notes[edit]

God should actually get to know anything about anything given that he supposedly owns everything. How does that work?

Qur'an 4:127[edit]

They ask you for a ruling about women. Say, “God gives you a ruling about them, and so does what is stated to you in the Book about widowed women from whom you withhold what is decreed for them, yet you desire to marry them, and about helpless children: that you should treat the orphans fairly.” Whatever good you do, God knows it.

Qur'an 4:127 Notes[edit]

God finally remembered what this chapter was supposed to talk about.

Qur'an 4:128[edit]

If a woman fears maltreatment or desertion from her husband, there is no fault in them if they reconcile their differences, for reconciliation is best. Souls are prone to avarice; yet if you do what is good, and practice piety—God is Cognizant of what you do.

Qur'an 4:128 Notes[edit]

This advice is not just generic. It's straight-up bad with irreconcilable differences. This book could go into details regarding which marriages are worth continuing and which marriages are worth ending. The all-knowing god who supposedly created all of humanity should know exactly how to communicate that in a crystal-clear manner.

Qur'an 4:129[edit]

You will not be able to treat women with equal fairness, no matter how much you desire it. But do not be so biased as to leave another suspended. If you make amends, and act righteously—God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:129 Notes[edit]

This verse is specifically talking about polygamy, which is apparently allowed in Islam.

Qur'an 4:130[edit]

And if they separate, God will enrich each from His abundance. God is Bounteous and Wise.

Qur'an 4:130 Notes[edit]

Tell that to the many women who had to divorce and were left with scraps after the divorce.

Qur'an 4:131[edit]

To God belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. We have instructed those who were given the Book before you, and you, to be conscious of God. But if you refuse—to God belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. God is in no need, Praiseworthy.

Qur'an 4:131 Notes[edit]

God is a narcissist who threatens people with infinite torture for not praising him. How is that "Praiseworthy" exactly?

Qur'an 4:132[edit]

To God belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. God suffices as Manager.

Qur'an 4:132 Notes[edit]

pwned

Qur'an 4:133[edit]

If He wills, He can do away with you, O people, and bring others. God is Able to do that.

Qur'an 4:133 Notes[edit]

The threats keep coming. They also keep missing.

Qur'an 4:134[edit]

Whoever desires the reward of this world—with God is the reward of this world and the next. God is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

Qur'an 4:134 Notes[edit]

And yet he seems to know very little. Otherwise, he would just prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is indeed "All-Hearing, All-Seeing" by actually describing the world which he supposedly created. He would not need to constantly say that he sees and hears everything if it was actually true.

Qur'an 4:135[edit]

O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, God takes care of both. So do not follow your desires, lest you swerve. If you deviate, or turn away—then God is Aware of what you do.

Qur'an 4:135 Notes[edit]

God seems to prefer taking care of the rich as far as humans in this life can see.

Qur'an 4:136[edit]

O you who believe! Believe in God and His messenger, and the Book He sent down to His messenger, and the Book He sent down before. Whoever rejects God, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day, has strayed far in error.

Qur'an 4:136 Notes[edit]

Interestingly, most Muslims reject the Bible and other religious texts because they were supposedly corrupted over the centuries. Is this god really saying that those Muslims "strayed far in error" by rejecting all but one of his books? Is this why the Quran feels so incomplete?

Qur'an 4:137[edit]

Those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe, then disbelieve, then increase in disbelief, God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way.

Qur'an 4:137 Notes[edit]

They seemingly stopped believing because God deliberately misguided them. Then again, it could also be the complete lack of any good reason to believe this contradictory nonsense. Who knows? God certainly doesn't.

Qur'an 4:138[edit]

Inform the hypocrites that they will have a painful punishment.

Qur'an 4:138 Notes[edit]

Do those nasty infidels fail to believe that God is indeed "Forgiving" and "Merciful" as his book constantly says? A threat of intense agony is sure to fix that. Evidence is not required.

Qur'an 4:139[edit]

Those who ally themselves with the disbelievers instead of the believers. Do they seek glory in them? All glory belongs to God.

Qur'an 4:139 Notes[edit]

If God was even remotely as good as the Quran says, then he wouldn't need to threaten disbelievers with the endless torture after they die.

Qur'an 4:140[edit]

He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear God’s revelations being rejected, or ridiculed, do not sit with them until they engage in some other subject. Otherwise, you would be like them. God will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers, into Hell, altogether.

Qur'an 4:140 Notes[edit]

God is admitting that this religion is so unbelievable that even the mere act of listening to criticism is enough to possibly debunk it and get people to stop believing this unbelievable message.

Qur'an 4:141[edit]

Those who lie in wait for you: if you attain victory from God, they say, “Were we not with you?” But if the disbelievers get a turn, they say, “Did we not side with you, and defend you from the believers?” God will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection; and God will give the disbelievers no means of overcoming the believers.

Qur'an 4:141 Notes[edit]

What is even the point of any of this?

Qur'an 4:142[edit]

The hypocrites try to deceive God, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing off in front of people, and remembering God only a little.

Qur'an 4:142 Notes[edit]

Is anybody who believes in an all-knowing being trying to "deceive" him? This looks and smells like any other strawman in this book.

Qur'an 4:143[edit]

Wavering in between, neither with these, nor with those. Whomever God sends astray, you will never find for him a way.

Qur'an 4:143 Notes[edit]

God loves bragging about how he sends people astray.

Qur'an 4:144[edit]

O you who believe! Do not befriend disbelievers rather than believers. Do you want to give God a clear case against you?

Qur'an 4:144 Notes[edit]

This religion can't possibly handle people with differing opinions, can it? God threatens people for the mere sin of having good relations with disbelievers.

Qur'an 4:145[edit]

The hypocrites will be in the lowest level of the Fire, and you will find no helper for them.

Qur'an 4:145 Notes[edit]

God loves to remind humanity of his cruelty.

Qur'an 4:146[edit]

Except those who repent, and reform, and hold fast to God, and dedicate their religion to God alone. These are with the believers; and God will give the believers a great reward.

Qur'an 4:146 Notes[edit]

What a sadistic egomaniac!

Qur'an 4:147[edit]

What would God accomplish by your punishment, if you have given thanks, and have believed? God is Appreciative and Cognizant.

Qur'an 4:147 Notes[edit]

What would God accomplish by punishing anyone whatsoever?

Qur'an 4:148[edit]

God does not like the public uttering of bad language, unless someone was wronged. God is Hearing and Knowing.

Qur'an 4:148 Notes[edit]

This is rich coming from a book that constantly dehumanizes people who don't believe what God specifically refuses to let them believe.

Qur'an 4:149[edit]

If you let a good deed be shown, or conceal it, or pardon an offense—God is Pardoning and Capable.

Qur'an 4:149 Notes[edit]

This book is simply far too great an offense on its own.

Qur'an 4:150[edit]

Those who disbelieve in God and His messengers, and want to separate between God and His messengers, and say, “We believe in some, and reject some,” and wish to take a path in between.

Qur'an 4:150 Notes[edit]

Many people reject God and all of these so-called "messengers" instead of accepting any of them.

Qur'an 4:151[edit]

These are the unbelievers, truly. We have prepared for the unbelievers a shameful punishment.

Qur'an 4:151 Notes[edit]

How much shorter would this book be if it didn't constantly repeat the horrific threats?

Qur'an 4:152[edit]

As for those who believe in God and His messengers, and make no distinction between any of them—He will give them their rewards. God is Forgiver and Merciful.

Qur'an 4:152 Notes[edit]

God is unforgiving and merciless to the vast majority of humans who have ever existed.

Qur'an 4:153[edit]

The People of the Scripture challenge you to bring down to them a book from the sky. They had asked Moses for something even greater. They said, “Show us God plainly.” The thunderbolt struck them for their wickedness. Then they took the calf for worship, even after the clear proofs had come to them. Yet We pardoned that, and We gave Moses a clear authority.

Qur'an 4:153 Notes[edit]

People wanted to clearly see this deity to know that he actually exists. How exactly is this "wickedness" worthy of any sort of punishment? Those "clear proofs" must not have actually been clear proofs.

Qur'an 4:154[edit]

And We raised the Mount above them in accordance with their covenant, and We said to them, “Enter the gate humbly”, and We said to them, “Do not violate the Sabbath”, and We received from them a solemn pledge.

Qur'an 4:154 Notes[edit]

God literally lifted an entire mountain? Did he leave behind any evidence of him doing that even after setting that mountain back in place?

Qur'an 4:155[edit]

But for their violation of their covenant, and their denial of God’s revelations, and their killing of the prophets unjustly, and their saying, “Our minds are closed.” In fact, God has sealed them for their disbelief, so they do not believe, except for a few.

Qur'an 4:155 Notes[edit]

God sealed their minds because they didn't believe. They didn't believe because God did this. How does this make even the slightest lick of sense?

Qur'an 4:156[edit]

And for their faithlessness, and their saying against Mary a monstrous slander.

Qur'an 4:156 Notes[edit]

God is the reason for their faithlessness.

Qur'an 4:157[edit]

And for their saying, “We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of God.” In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them as if they did. Indeed, those who differ about him are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, except the following of assumptions. Certainly, they did not kill him.

Qur'an 4:157 Notes[edit]

What is faith if not "the following of assumptions" and unfounded confidence?

Qur'an 4:158[edit]

Rather, God raised him up to Himself. God is Mighty and Wise.

Qur'an 4:158 Notes[edit]

He also deliberately tricked many people, including the disciples of this Jesus fellow. He also claims to be "truthful" when bragging about himself.

Qur'an 4:159[edit]

There is none from the People of the Scripture but will believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them.

Qur'an 4:159 Notes[edit]

God could just stop threatening people for their beliefs any century now.

Qur'an 4:160[edit]

Due to wrongdoing on the part of the Jews, We forbade them good things that used to be lawful for them; and for deterring many from God’s path.

Qur'an 4:160 Notes[edit]

Were all of "the Jews" guilty of this or is this just collective punishment? Do any Jews living today still have to suffer for the "wrongdoing" of their ancestors? Antisemitism is a serious problem all around the world. Is that part of their collective punishment?

Qur'an 4:161[edit]

And for their taking usury, although they were forbidden it; and for their consuming people's wealth dishonestly. We have prepared for the faithless among them a painful torment.

Qur'an 4:161 Notes[edit]

This god allows people to hold slaves and even chose a slaver as his final messenger. What is his idea of "consuming people's wealth dishonestly" if slave holders controlling fellow humans as mere property counts as perfectly ethical?

Qur'an 4:162[edit]

But those among them firmly rooted in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you; and the observers of prayers, and the givers of charity, and the believers in God and the Last Day—upon these We will bestow an immense reward.

Qur'an 4:162 Notes[edit]

The phrase "firmly rooted in knowledge" roughly translates to "stubborn in their superstitions" for reference.

Qur'an 4:163[edit]

We have inspired you, as We had inspired Noah and the prophets after him. And We inspired Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and Jesus, and Job, and Jonah, and Aaron, and Solomon. And We gave David the Psalms.

Qur'an 4:163 Notes[edit]

How many of these figures actually have any historical evidence pointing to their existence as this book describes them?

Qur'an 4:164[edit]

Some messengers We have already told you about, while some messengers We have not told you about. And God spoke to Moses directly.

Qur'an 4:164 Notes[edit]

Several other people claim to speak to God directly. What makes them any less reliable than Moses?

Qur'an 4:165[edit]

Messengers delivering good news, and bringing warnings; so that people may have no excuse before God after the coming of the messengers. God is Powerful and Wise.

Qur'an 4:165 Notes[edit]

What happens when two different messengers deliver contradictory messages and seem equally convincing (or unconvincing) while doing so? How are people supposed to know which one, if either of them, is anywhere near the truth?

Qur'an 4:166[edit]

But God bears witness to what He revealed to you. He revealed it with His knowledge. And the angels bear witness. Though God is a sufficient witness.

Qur'an 4:166 Notes[edit]

What knowledge is he talking about? This book only shows an utter lack of actual knowledge.

Qur'an 4:167[edit]

Those who disbelieve and repel from God’s path have gone far astray.

Qur'an 4:167 Notes[edit]

Could it be because God directly led them astray?

Qur'an 4:168[edit]

Those who disbelieve and transgress; God is not about to forgive them, nor will He guide them to any path.

Qur'an 4:168 Notes[edit]

Remember that God is "Forgiving" and "Merciful" while he deliberately puts them in a situation where they suffer forever and refuses to show them an iota of mercy.

Qur'an 4:169[edit]

Except to the path of Hell, where they will dwell forever. And that is easy for God.

Qur'an 4:169 Notes[edit]

These reminders are necessary because verses like this make God look like an infinitely cruel monster.

Qur'an 4:170[edit]

O people! The Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe—that is best for you. But if you disbelieve, to God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. God is Omniscient and Wise.

Qur'an 4:170 Notes[edit]

God would not need to tell people to believe this message if there was any truth to it. He could just reveal those "clear proofs" mentioned repeatedly in this book.

Qur'an 4:171[edit]

O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion, and do not say about God except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, is the Messenger of God, and His Word that He conveyed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and do not say, “Three.” Refrain—it is better for you. God is only one God. Glory be to Him—that He should have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth, and God is a sufficient Protector.

Qur'an 4:171 Notes[edit]

Muhammad said many contradictory things about God, so...

Qur'an 4:172[edit]

The Messiah does not disdain to be a servant of God, nor do the favored angels. Whoever disdains His worship, and is too arrogant—He will round them up to Himself altogether.

Qur'an 4:172 Notes[edit]

What about those who disbelieve not because of arrogance but because this message makes no sense to them and seems just as fake as any other major religion out there? God seemingly recognizes that people can sincerely disbelieve when he himself is the one forcing them to disbelieve.

Qur'an 4:173[edit]

But as for those who believe and do good works, He will pay them their wages in full, and will increase His grace for them. But as for those who disdain and are too proud, He will punish them with an agonizing punishment. And they will find for themselves, apart from God, no lord and no savior.

Qur'an 4:173 Notes[edit]

Are there any real non-strawman people who deliberately choose to disbelieve out of arrogance? Or is he saying that people's arrogance is what leads them to disbelief? Why isn't "the Clear Book" actually clear?

Qur'an 4:174[edit]

O people! A proof has come to you from your Lord, and We sent down to you a clear light.

Qur'an 4:174 Notes[edit]

This proof is astounding.

Qur'an 4:175[edit]

As for those who believe in God, and hold fast to Him, He will admit them into mercy and grace from Him, and will guide them to Himself in a straight path.

Qur'an 4:175 Notes[edit]

God chooses to close this chapter with a reminder of his narcissism. He only forgives those who worship and obey him despite directly choosing who believes and who disbelieves.

Qur'an 4:176[edit]

They ask you for a ruling. Say, “God gives you a ruling concerning the person who has neither parents nor children.” If a man dies, and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she receives one-half of what he leaves. And he inherits from her if she leaves no children. But if there are two sisters, they receive two-thirds of what he leaves. If the siblings are men and women, the male receives the share of two females.” God makes things clear for you, lest you err. God is Aware of everything.

Qur'an 4:176 Notes[edit]

More inheritance instructions? Why is this at the very end of the chapter about women and not with the other inheritance instructions that are also in the chapter about Women for some reason? God makes things unclear for everyone and is aware of nothing.