وَإِذْ أَسَرَّ ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِلَىٰ بَعْضِ أَزْوَٰجِهِۦ حَدِيثًا فَلَمَّا نَبَّأَتْ بِهِۦ وَأَظْهَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ عَرَّفَ بَعْضَهُۥ وَأَعْرَضَ عَنۢ بَعْضٍ ۖ فَلَمَّا نَبَّأَهَا بِهِۦ قَالَتْ مَنْ أَنۢبَأَكَ هَـٰذَا ۖ قَالَ نَبَّأَنِىَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ 3
Translations
And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allāh showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Aware."
Transliteration
Wa-idh asarra an-nabiyyu ila ba'di azwajihi hadeethan fa-lamma nabba'at bihi wa-athharahu Allahu alayhi arafa ba'dahu wa-a'rada an ba'di fa-lamma naba'aha bihi qalat man anba'aka hadha qala nabba'ani al-Aliymu al-Khabiru
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) confided a secret to one of his wives, which she subsequently disclosed to another wife, and Allah revealed this breach of confidence to the Prophet. When confronted, the Prophet informed her that Allah, the All-Knowing and All-Aware, had informed him of her disclosure. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as emphasizing the consequences of breaking trust and Allah's omniscience, while also illustrating the Prophet's wisdom in how he addressed the matter—mentioning only some aspects and overlooking others to maintain mercy and compassion.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah At-Tahrim revealed in Madinah and relates to household matters of the Prophet. The broader context involves the Prophet's wives and their conduct, serving as guidance for believers regarding marital relationships, confidentiality, and trust. The incident illustrates principles of wisdom, privacy, and divine knowledge of hidden matters.
Related Hadiths
In Sahih Bukhari, Aisha narrates incidents of the Prophet's household that contextually relate to breaches of confidence and the importance of maintaining secrets. Additionally, the principle of not disclosing private matters between spouses is supported by the Prophet's teaching that the best of people are those who are best to their families, emphasizing confidentiality and trust in marital relationships.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah is fully aware of all hidden matters, whether secrets disclosed or confidences broken, and encourages maintaining trust and discretion in intimate relationships. It reminds us that while human failings occur, responding with wisdom and mercy—as the Prophet did by acknowledging only some aspects of what was revealed—reflects true Islamic character and can preserve relationships while upholding accountability.