This Medinan surah aims at protecting the newly formed Muslim community by outlining acceptable behavior for Muslims.[8] It illustrates the Quran's role as an authoritative legal source[13] and its ability to shape the community. The surah aims to eradicate the earlier practices of pagan, Arab communities that are no longer considered moral in the Muslim society.[8] For example, the section of this surah about dealing fairly with orphan girls (4:2-4) addresses the pre-Islamic Arabic practice of marrying orphan girls to take their property.[14]

Shirk (refer 4:48 and 4:116)[1] is held to be the worst form of disbelief, and it is identified in the Quran as the only sin that God will not pardon.[15]