وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَـٰفِظُونَ 5
Translations
And they who guard their private parts
Transliteration
Wa alladhīna hum li furūjihim hāfizūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers as those who guard their private parts (chastity) and honor, refraining from unlawful sexual relations. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this refers to protecting oneself from zina (fornication/adultery) and other sexual indecencies, which is a fundamental characteristic of the righteous believers. This guarding includes both physical restraint and the purity of one's heart and intentions.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mu'minun, which outlines the distinguishing characteristics of true believers. It is part of a sequence (23:1-11) that enumerates the qualities of successful believers, serving as a moral framework revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period. The emphasis on chastity was particularly important in the context of pre-Islamic Arabia's moral laxity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Paradise is forbidden to three: the alcoholic, the disobedient to parents, and the one addicted to zina' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, Hadith Qudsi states that Allah said: 'Whoever guards his chastity, I will preserve his sight [from Haram]' (Tabarani).
Themes
Key Lesson
Guarding one's chastity is not merely a prohibition but a positive character trait that protects the individual's spiritual and social integrity. In modern times, this lesson extends to maintaining digital modesty, controlling lustful thoughts, and upholding moral boundaries in all aspects of life as a means of spiritual elevation.