Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah At-Tahrim

 

Name of the Surah

This surah is called ‘At-Tahrim’ because Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] made something prohibited for himself. This surah begins with a gentle reproof to Messenger Muhammad as a way of drawing his attention. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

66:1 O Prophet, why do you forbid yourself what Allah has made lawful to you.

Surah at-Tahrim was revealed in Al-Madinah and contains twelve Ayat.

Relationship between Surah At-Talaq and At-Tahrim

• Both surahs begin by addressing Prophet Muhammad, ‘O Prophet…’
• Both surahs discuss rules related to women. Surah at-Talaq discusses the rules of divorce, the waiting period of divorce, the rights of the divorcée, and the commandment of good companionship between the spouses. On the other hand, surah at-Tahrim begins by referring to the attitude of some of Prophet Muhammad’s wives and how he treated them gently and advised them.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah At-Tahrim

Surah at-Tahrim discusses some rules related to the wives of Messenger Muhammad [peace be him] so that it will serve as a role model for all individuals of the Islamic nation.

Surah at-Tahrim begins with a gentle reproof to Prophet Muhammad as he made a permissible thing prohibited for himself, namely, honey, to please some of his wives.

66:1 O Prophet, why do you forbid yourself what Allah has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

Then, the surah reproached some of the wives of Prophet Muhammad as they revealed a secret that Prophet Muhammad had told only to his wife Hafsa, may Allah be pleased with her. Hafsa told that secret to Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, which angered Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], and he was about to divorce his wives. Moreover, Allah threatened Prophet Muhammad’s wives that He would replace them with wives who were better than them.

66:5 It may be that if he divorces you, his Lord will give him instead of you wives, who are better than you, women, who are submissive, believing, pious, repentant, devout, fasting, and who have been previously married and virgins.

Then, the believers are admonished to protect themselves and their families against the severe punishment of Hell, which is guarded by strong angels who obey the commands of Allah and do as they are commanded. Moreover, the believers are commanded to fight against the disbelievers for the sake of Allah and are promised that they will be rewarded immensely on the Day of Judgment.

66:6 O you who believe protect yourselves and your families against a Fire whose fuel is men and stones, and over which are harsh strong angels who disobey not Allah in what He commands them, and do what they are commanded.

Surah at-Tahrim is concluded by citing two examples, one for the disbelievers and the other for the believers. The first example is about a disbelieving wife, namely, the wife of Prophet Noah, and Prophet Lot. The second example is about believing women, namely, the wife of Pharaoh, and Maryam, the daughter of Imran, and the mother of Messenger Jesus [peace be upon him].

66:11 And Allah sets forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My Lord, build for me with You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his work, and save me from the wrongdoing people.’