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66

At-Tahrim

The Prohibition

Verses

12

Revelation Period

Madinan

View all verses

Background Info

  • When & Where: Revealed in Medina, after the Hijrah.
  • The Situation: Addresses a specific incident within the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) household where he made something lawful (like honey, or relations with a wife) prohibited for himself to please some of his wives. This highlighted dynamics within his family and broader principles about oaths and permissions.
  • The Need: To gently correct the Prophet (PBUH) regarding making lawful things unlawful, guide his wives towards better conduct and mutual support, emphasize the importance of family leaders guiding their families towards righteousness, and stress individual accountability.
  • Purpose of the Chapter: To address the specific incident concerning the Prophet's oath, provide rulings on expiating unnecessary oaths, counsel the Prophet's wives, urge believers to protect themselves and their families from Hellfire, and present examples of faithful women (Pharaoh's wife, Maryam) and unfaithful ones (wives of Noah and Lot).
  • In short: At-Tahrim, revealed in Medina, deals with a specific event in the Prophet's (PBUH) household, offering guidance on oaths, family relations, seeking repentance, and individual responsibility before Allah.

Core Message

This chapter addresses conduct within the Prophet's (PBUH) household as a lesson for the wider community, emphasizing the importance of respecting Allah's boundaries, the necessity of sincere repentance, the responsibility of believers towards their families' salvation, and the ultimate individual accountability for faith, regardless of marital or family ties.

Summary

The Surah begins by gently addressing the Prophet (PBUH) concerning an incident where he forbade himself something Allah had permitted, seeking to please his wives. It cautions the wives involved, urging them towards repentance and reminding them of Allah's support for His Prophet. The chapter then expands the message to all believers, commanding them to protect themselves and their families from the Hellfire, describing its severity and the angels who guard it.

It emphasizes the importance and reward of sincere repentance (Tawbah Nasuha). The Surah concludes by presenting powerful examples: the disbelieving wives of Prophet Nuh (AS) and Prophet Lut (AS), whose prophethood did not benefit their wives due to their own disbelief, and the believing wife of the tyrannical Pharaoh and Maryam (AS), the daughter of 'Imran, whose piety and chastity are highlighted as examples for all believers. These examples underscore that faith and salvation are personal achievements, independent of spousal or family connections.

Reason for the Name

Named after the opening verse which mentions the act of 'Tahrim' (prohibition), referencing an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made something lawful forbidden for himself to please some of his wives.

Unique Features

  • One of the few Surahs addressing specific events within the Prophet's (PBUH) private life, drawing universal lessons from them.
  • Provides striking contrasting examples of women – both righteous and unrighteous – connected to significant figures (Prophets, Tyrants).
  • Contains the command regarding "Tawbah Nasuha" (sincere repentance).
  • Focuses heavily on family responsibility in the context of faith and the Hereafter.

Themes

  • Adherence to Allah's Commands (avoiding prohibiting the lawful)
  • Marital Relations & Household Conduct
  • Repentance (Tawbah), specifically sincere repentance (Nasuha)
  • Responsibility for Family's Spiritual Well-being
  • Consequences of Belief vs. Disbelief
  • Individual Accountability before Allah
  • Examples of Pious and Impious Women
  • Divine Justice and Support for the Believers

Key Verses

  • "O Prophet! Why do you prohibit ˹for yourself˺ what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking to please your wives? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." - Highlights the primary incident and sets the tone of gentle guidance.
  • "O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded." - A crucial command regarding family responsibility and the gravity of Hellfire.
  • "O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance (Tawbatan Nasuha)..." - Emphasizes the door of repentance and its importance.
  • Provide the contrasting examples of the wives of Nuh (AS)/Lut (AS) and the wife of Pharaoh, demonstrating that righteousness and salvation are individual.
  • Mentions Maryam (AS) as an example of faith, chastity, and obedience.

Stories

  • The incident leading to the Prophet (PBUH) prohibiting something lawful (often related in Tafsir to honey or relations with a specific wife) .
  • Brief reference to the disbelief and fate of the wives of Prophet Nuh (AS) and Prophet Lut (AS) .
  • The faith, supplication, and salvation of the wife of Pharaoh (often identified as Asiya) .
  • The piety, chastity, and status of Maryam (AS), mother of Isa (AS) .

Personalities

  • Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Directly addressed in the opening verses .
  • Wives of the Prophet (PBUH): Addressed collectively and warned . (Specific wives like Aisha and Hafsa are often mentioned in commentary relating to the initial incident, but not named in the Quranic text itself).
  • Nuh (Noah) (AS): Mentioned in relation to his disbelieving wife .
  • Lut (Lot) (AS): Mentioned in relation to his disbelieving wife .
  • Pharaoh: Mentioned as the oppressor from whom his wife sought deliverance .
  • Wife of Pharaoh (Asiya): Presented as a prime example of faith under duress .
  • Maryam (Mary) (AS): Daughter of 'Imran, presented as an example of chastity, faith, and obedience .

Practical Guidance

  • Respecting Allah's limits regarding Halal (lawful) and Haram (forbidden).
  • Seeking marital harmony should not lead to compromising religious principles.
  • The importance of resolving marital disputes with wisdom and reference to Allah's guidance.
  • The continuous need for sincere repentance for any shortcomings.
  • The active duty to spiritually guide and protect one's family from paths leading to destruction.
  • Understanding that individual faith and actions are paramount; one cannot rely solely on the piety or status of family members for salvation.
  • Finding inspiration in the steadfastness of believers like the wife of Pharaoh and Maryam (AS), especially when facing difficulty or oppression.

Points of Reflection

  • How can the lessons from the Prophet's (PBUH) household management apply to challenges within my own family?
  • What concrete actions can I take today to fulfill the command "Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire" ?
  • In what ways do the examples of the wives of Nuh/Lut and the wife of Pharaoh/Maryam challenge my assumptions about faith, family, and environment?

Connection to Chapters

  • Follows Surah At-Talaq (Chapter 65), which primarily deals with the rulings of divorce, patience, and reliance on Allah, particularly concerning women's rights and responsibilities. Surah At-Tahrim continues the theme of family life, addressing internal household dynamics and responsibilities, complementing the legal framework of the previous chapter with guidance on conduct and piety within the family unit.
  • It precedes Surah Al-Mulk (Chapter 67), which shifts focus dramatically towards Allah's absolute sovereignty, dominion over the universe, creation, life, death, and the call to reflect on the signs of Allah in the cosmos.