فَمَنِ ٱبْتَغَىٰ وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْعَادُونَ 31
Translations
But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors -
Transliteration
Fa-mani ibtagha waraaa dhaalika fa-ulaika hum al-'adun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the discussion on lawful sexual relations within marriage (mentioned in verse 70:29-30), stating that whoever seeks beyond that—meaning those who engage in unlawful sexual relations—are indeed the transgressors. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as referring to those who violate the boundaries set by Allah regarding conjugal relations, including adultery, fornication, and other forms of sexual misconduct. The term 'al-'adun' (the transgressors) emphasizes that such behavior constitutes a violation of divine limits and moral boundaries.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a broader Meccan passage (verses 22-35 of Surah Al-Ma'arij) that describes the characteristics of the faithful believers and contrasts them with those who reject faith. The surah addresses key Islamic virtues including patience, prayer, charity, and chastity. This particular ayah fits within the discussion of moral conduct and sexual propriety as essential components of Islamic character.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'No person commits fornication while he is a believer' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3175). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized guarding one's chastity and warned against immoral conduct in numerous traditions found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim regarding the importance of maintaining sexual boundaries.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Islamic law provides clear, merciful boundaries for human desires, and transgressing these limits—even in matters of intimacy—constitutes spiritual violation and transgression. For modern readers, it underscores that true faith involves disciplining desires and respecting the divine order, with the understanding that such restrictions are meant for individual and societal well-being.