Al-Ḥujurât (Surah 49)
Al-Ḥujurât (The Private Quarters)
Madni SurahIntroduction
This Medinian sûrah, which takes its name from the reference to the Prophet’s private quarters in verse 4, instructs the believers on the proper conduct towards the Prophet (verses 1-5) and the social etiquette of dealing with other believers (verses 6-12) and the rest of humanity (verse 13). At the end of the sûrah, the nomadic Arabs are taught that true faith is proven by action not only words. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Manners with the Prophet 1) Respect Authority
1. O believers! Do not proceed (in any matter) before (a decree from) Allah and His Messenger. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Surah 49 - Al-Ḥujurât (The Private Quarters) - Verses 1-1
Manners with the Prophet 2) Watch Your Tongue
2. O believers! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you do to one another, or your deeds will become void while you are unaware. 3. Indeed, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah’s Messenger are the ones whose hearts Allah has refined for righteousness. They will have forgiveness and a great reward.
Surah 49 - Al-Ḥujurât (The Private Quarters) - Verses 2-3
Manners with the Prophet 3) Respect Privacy
4. Indeed, most of those who call out to you (O Prophet) from outside (your) private quarters have no understanding (of manners). 5. Had they been patient until you could come out to them, it would have certainly been better for them. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Surah 49 - Al-Ḥujurât (The Private Quarters) - Verses 4-5
Social Etiquette 1) Verifying News
6. O believers, if an evildoer brings you any news, verify (it) so you do not harm people unknowingly, becoming regretful for what you have done. 7. And keep in mind that Allah’s Messenger is (still) in your midst. If he were to yield to you in many matters, you would surely suffer (the consequences). But Allah has endeared faith to you, making it appealing in your hearts. And He has made disbelief, rebelliousness, and disobedience detestable to you. Those are the ones rightly guided. 8. (This is) a bounty and a blessing from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.