Surah Name: At-Tahrim (سورة التحريم)
Translation: The Prohibition
Origin of name: The name "At-Tahrim" comes from the word "tuharrimu" in the first verse, meaning "you make unlawful." It refers to a specific incident in the Prophet’s household related to a self-imposed prohibition.
Surah Number: 66
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 12
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the second half of the Madinah period
Historical Context
Surah At-Tahrim was revealed during the later years in Madinah, a time when the Muslim community had grown stronger both politically and economically. Muslims were experiencing a relatively higher level of security and prosperity compared to earlier difficult phases. As a result, personal and social dynamics, including family matters, began to play a more visible role in the life of the Prophet and his followers.
Although the Muslim community was thriving, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) continued to lead a simple life. His wives, on the other hand, naturally experienced human emotions such as jealousy and occasionally desired a more comfortable lifestyle, especially as they observed the improved standards of living among the families of other companions.
The Surah responds to a particular private matter involving the Prophet and two of his wives — Hafsa and Aisha — which caused personal tensions. The Prophet had confided in Hafsa, who later shared his words with Aisha, and both expressed a form of united displeasure. This led the Prophet to temporarily separate himself from his wives.
Additionally, the examples of righteous and unrighteous women from past prophets’ lives served as moral reflections, showing that noble lineage or marriage alone was not sufficient for salvation—a lesson important in a society where family status was highly regarded.
Surah At-Tahrim also indirectly connects with earlier revelations such as Surah Al-Ahzab (33:28–29), where the Prophet’s wives were advised to choose between worldly comfort and the responsibilities of life alongside the Messenger of Allah. According to the commentator Al-Tabari, these earlier verses are contextually linked to the events addressed in Surah At-Tahrim [1].
References:
[1] Al-Tabari, Jamiʿ al-Bayan, Vol. XXI, pp. 187–188
Main Themes of Surah At-Tahrim
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Personal Conduct of the Prophet:
The surah begins by addressing a private issue in the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) household, where he made something lawful forbidden for himself to please his wives. Allah reminds him that such actions should not override divine permission, guiding the Prophet on how to maintain balance between personal feelings and revelation. -
Repentance and Consequences:
The surah emphasizes that oaths made in personal matters can be broken, if necessary, to correct a mistake, and that expiation for them should be given. The Prophet’s wives involved are advised to repent for their actions, and a warning is given about the possibility of their replacement with better wives if they do not obey. -
Examples of Women in Faith and Disbelief:
The surah concludes with four examples of women to show that one’s relationship with God depends on personal faith, not on family ties.- The wives of Prophet Nuh and Prophet Lut are given as negative examples: despite being married to prophets, their lack of faith led them to doom.
- Pharaoh’s wife and Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus), are praised as positive examples of pure faith and submission to God despite extreme challenges.
Key Lessons from Surah At-Tahrim
- Do not make lawful things forbidden just to please others.
- If you break an oath, you must offer the proper expiation.
- True repentance brings forgiveness and closeness to Allah.
- A righteous woman can thrive spiritually even in a difficult or ungodly environment.
- Good character and strong faith are more valuable than worldly status or relationships.
Notable Ayahs from Surah At-Tahrim
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Verse 1:
"O Prophet! Why do you prohibit ˹yourself˺ from what Allah has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
This verse addresses the Prophet for making something lawful forbidden on himself to please his wives. -
Verse 2:
"Allah has already ordained for you ˹believers˺ the way to absolve yourselves from your oaths. For Allah is your Guardian. And He is the All-Knowing, All-Wise."
Encouragement to not remain bound by oaths that cause difficulty and that Allah provides a way out through expiation. -
Verse 3:
"˹Remember˺ when the Prophet had ˹once˺ confided something to one of his wives, then when she disclosed it ˹to another wife˺ and Allah made it known to him, he presented ˹to her˺ part of what was disclosed and overlooked a part. So when he informed her of it, she exclaimed, “Who told you this?” He replied, “I was informed by the All-Knowing, All-Aware.””
A reference to a private matter between the Prophet and his wife being disclosed, highlighting Allah’s perfect knowledge. -
Verse 6:
"O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded."
A powerful call to believers to take responsibility for the spiritual safety of themselves and their households. -
Verse 10:
"Allah sets forth an example for the disbelievers: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. Each was married to one of Our righteous servants, yet betrayed them. So their husbands were of no benefit to them against Allah whatsoever. Both were told, “Enter the Fire, along with the others!”"
Highlights that closeness to righteous individuals is not enough for salvation without personal faith. -
Verse 11:
"And Allah sets forth an example for the believers: the wife of Pharaoh, who prayed, “My Lord! Build me a house in Paradise near You, deliver me from Pharaoh and his ˹evil˺ doing, and save me from the wrongdoing people.”"
Shows that even in the most oppressive situations, sincere belief can lead to salvation and honor. -
Verse 12:
"˹There is˺ also ˹the example of˺ Mary, the daughter of ’Imrân, who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her ˹womb˺ through Our angel ˹Gabriel˺. She testified to the words of her Lord and His Scriptures, and was one of the ˹sincerely˺ devout."
Presents Mary as a model of faith, chastity, and sincerity in devotion to Allah.
