Re-Examining the Meaning of the Quranic Phrase "Wa yastahyuna nisa`ukum" and Criticizing Common Interpretations of It

Most commentators and translators of the Holy Qur'an have interpreted the verb "Yastahyoun" and its other forms in the meaning of the verb form "yastahyuna" and its other derivatives in relation to the meaning of the verb "yastabquna", having the concept of seeking in Istif`al form of the verb, simply in the meaning of "seeking to keep women alive". While understanding the lexical meaning of the verses and also, paying attention to the root of the word and the context of the verses, as well as the use of historical and narrative sources, gives a comprehensive and complete meaning of the verb "yastahyuna" and its derivatives, which excludes the one-dimensionality of the meaning of these verbs. The usage of the Istif`al form of the verb "hayya" in the 6 verses describes the behavior of the haraohs with Bani Israel and the brutal slaughter of their children, which is used in different forms and in the form of verbs: " yastahyuna, istahyu, nastahyi, and yastahyi" and in all these cases, the word "nisa`" has been used as their complement or object. The findings of the research show that the meaning of "seeking women's life" and "violating their sanctity", with the intention of finding male babies, is compatible with the meaning of the verb "yastahyuna". Moreover, " search and severe care of pregnant women and tearing their bellies", with the meaning of "keeping women alive with the intention of serving" from the verb " yastahyuna", cannot refer to the harsh and tormenting situation that is mentioned in the verses of the Holy Quran expressed as "Yasūmūnakum sū`a al a`dhāb".