Meaning of Quran

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Al-Hujurat | The Rooms

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[49:1] O you who believe, do not proceed ahead of Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, AllKnowing.

[49:2] O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and be not loud when speaking to him, as you are loud when speaking to one another, lest your good deeds should become void while you are not aware.

[49:3] Surely, those who lower their voices before Allah‘s Messenger are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety; for them, there is forgiveness and a great reward.

[49:4] As for those who call you from behind the chambers, most of them have no sense.

[49:5] Had they remained patient until you come out to them, it would have been much better for them. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Very-Merciful.

[49:6] O you who believe, if a sinful person brings you a report, verify its correctness, lest you should harm a people out of ignorance, and then become remorseful on what you did.

[49:7] And know that among you there is the Messenger of Allah. If he obeys you in many a matter, you will certainly fall into hardship. But Allah has endeared to you the Faith, and made it beautiful in your hearts, and made detestable to you the disbelief and sins and disobedience. Such people are rightly guided,

[49:8] as a grace from Allah, and as a blessing. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

[49:9] If two groups of the believers fight each other, seek reconciliation between them. And if one of them commits aggression against the other, fight the one that commits aggression until it comes back to Allah‘s command. So if it comes back, seek reconciliation between them with fairness, and maintain justice. Surely Allah loves those who maintain justice.

[49:10] All believers are but brothers, therefore seek reconciliation between your two brothers, and fear Allah, so that you may be blessed with mercy.

[49:11] O you who believe, no men should ever scoff at other men. Maybe, the latter are better than the former. Nor should women (ever scoff) at other women. Maybe, the latter women are better than the former ones. And do not find fault with one another, nor call one another with bad nicknames. Bad is the name of sinfulness after embracing Faith. If anyone does not repent, then such people are the wrongdoers.

[49:12] O you who believe, abstain from many of the suspicions. Some suspicions are sins. And do not be curious (to find out the faults of others), and do not backbite one another. Does one of you like that he eats the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is Most-Relenting, Very-Merciful.

[49:13] O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah‘s sight, is the one who is most pious of you. Surely Allah is Al-lKnowing, All-Aware.

[49:14] The Bedouins say, ‘We have come to believe’. Say, ‘You have not come to believe; instead, you (should) say, We have surrendered and the belief has not entered your hearts so far. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not curtail (the reward of) any of your deeds in the least. Surely Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful’.

[49:15] Believers, in fact, are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then have no doubt, and struggle, with their riches and their lives, in the way of Allah. Those are the truthful.

[49:16] Say, ‘Would you apprise Allah of your religion, while Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing about everything?’.

[49:17] They oblige you that they have accepted Islam, (as if it was a favour shown to you). Say, ‘Do not oblige me for your accepting Islam. Rather, Allah makes you obliged for His having guided you to the Faith, if you are truthful’.

[49:18] Surely Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and the earth, and Allah keeps in sight whatever you do.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah Al-Hujurat

  1. Title and Position: Surah Al-Hujurat is the 49th chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Hujurat” translates to “The Private Apartments,” referring to the private quarters of the Prophet Muhammad.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 18 verses. It is renowned for its guidance on social behavior, ethics, and community relations in Islam.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the proper conduct towards the Prophet, the principles of social interaction among Muslims, the importance of verifying information, and the unity and equality of believers.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Hujurat is significant for its comprehensive teachings on ethical behavior, respect, and unity within the Muslim community, and its emphasis on moral conduct and societal harmony.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Respect for the Prophet: The surah instructs Muslims to show utmost respect towards the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the importance of decorum in his presence.
  2. Ethical Social Interaction: It lays down principles for ethical social behavior, including avoiding suspicion, spying, backbiting, and upholding the dignity of others.
  3. Unity and Equality of Believers: Surah Al-Hujurat highlights the unity of the Muslim community, stressing the equality of all believers

regardless of their ethnic or social backgrounds. It underscores the idea that the most honorable in the sight of God is the most righteous.

  1. Avoidance of Unverified News: The surah advises against acting on hearsay and stresses the importance of verifying information before reacting, to prevent harm and misunderstanding within the community.
  2. Reconciliation and Peacemaking: It also addresses conflict resolution, urging the resolution of disputes and the promotion of peace and reconciliation among believers.
  3. Development of a Moral Community: Surah Al-Hujurat serves as a guide for building a harmonious and moral community, based on mutual respect, justice, and compassion.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah Al-Hujurat named “The Private Apartments”?
    • The surah is named “Al-Hujurat” due to its initial verses that instruct the believers on how to behave respectfully when approaching the Prophet Muhammad’s private living quarters.
  2. How does Surah Al-Hujurat address the conduct towards the Prophet Muhammad?
    • It emphasizes respectful behavior towards the Prophet, including not raising voices in his presence and acknowledging his authority and position.
  3. What does the surah teach about social ethics in Islam?
    • It teaches key principles of social ethics, including respect for individual dignity, avoidance of negative assumptions and gossip, and the importance of community cohesion and mutual respect.
  4. How does Surah Al-Hujurat contribute to understanding the concept of equality in Islam?
    • The surah clearly states that all believers are equal regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status, with righteousness being the only criterion of honor in the eyes of God.

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