يَـٰنِسَآءَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۚ إِنِ ٱتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِٱلْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ ٱلَّذِى فِى قَلْبِهِۦ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا 32
Translations
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allāh, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.
Transliteration
Ya nisa'a al-nabiyyi lastunna ka-ahadin min al-nisa'. In ittaqaytunna fala takhda'na bi-al-qawli fayatma'a alladhi fi qalbihi maradun wa qulna qawlan ma'rufan.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), establishing their elevated status and distinguishing them from other women due to their unique position and responsibility as mothers of the believers. Allah commands them to exercise taqwa (God-consciousness) and warns them against softening their speech in a flirtatious manner toward men with spiritual ailments in their hearts, while instructing them to speak with propriety and honor. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this directive is specific to the Mothers of the Believers but serves as a general principle for all Muslim women regarding dignified conduct and guard against temptation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the regulations revealed regarding the Prophet's wives in Surah Al-Ahzab, revealed in the Medinan period. The broader context addresses the protocols and conduct expected of the Prophet's wives, particularly following the events of the Battle of the Confederates (Ahzab) and the clarification of family and social boundaries within the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record that 'Aisha reported the Prophet said regarding his wives: 'The best among you are those who are best to their wives.' Additionally, the hadith in Tirmidhi emphasizes the Prophet's instruction to his wives regarding modesty and propriety in their interactions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that spiritual awareness (taqwa) must accompany elevated status, and that both men and women bear responsibility in maintaining dignified boundaries and speech to protect society from temptation and moral corruption. Modern readers can reflect on how conscious God-awareness should inform all interactions and communications, particularly for those in positions of influence or visibility.