Surah At-Tahreem (Chapter 66 of the Qur'an) is a Madinan surah consisting of 12 verses. Its title, "At-Tahreem" (التحريم), means "The Prohibition," referring to a personal incident in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) where he prohibited something for himself to please his wives, which God later addressed through revelation.
Key Themes and Lessons:
Personal Conduct of the Prophet (PBUH):
The surah begins with addressing the Prophet (PBUH), urging him not to forbid lawful things that God has made permissible. It illustrates the balance between personal and divine commands, emphasizing that religious duty should not be compromised for personal reasons or family relations.
Advice to the Wives of the Prophet (PBUH):
The surah discusses a particular incident involving some of the Prophet's wives, Aisha and Hafsa, who conspired to make the Prophet abstain from something permissible. God reminds them of their exalted position as the wives of the Prophet and warns them of the consequences of such actions. They are urged to repent and are reminded that if they persist, God will replace them with better believers.
General Guidance on Family Relations:
The surah provides broader lessons about family dynamics, showing that even the closest relationships (spouses) should adhere to the principles of justice, truth, and righteousness in faith.
Repentance and God’s Mercy:
Allah commands believers to repent sincerely for their misdeeds and strive to correct themselves. The surah highlights the importance of sincerity in faith and action, as well as the boundless mercy of God for those who seek forgiveness.
Historical Examples:
The surah presents examples from the past, such as the wives of Prophet Noah and Prophet Lot, who despite being married to righteous men, did not obey God and faced the consequences. On the other hand, it praises the example of the wife of Pharaoh (Asiya) and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who demonstrated immense faith despite their trials.
Lessons for Believers:
The surah teaches that personal preferences should not override divine commandments.
Even the most pious individuals, including the Prophet's family, are not exempt from accountability.
Sincere repentance and devotion are essential for every believer.
Faith and righteousness are personal responsibilities, and relationships with others do not guarantee salvation.
Overall, Surah At-Tahreem emphasizes the importance of sincerity in faith, the need for repentance, and the consequences of deviating from God's guidance.