Surah At-Tahrim
Surah At-Tahrim
The Prohibition
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ لِمَ تُحَرِّمُ مَآ أَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ لَكَۖ تَبْتَغِى مَرْضَاتَ أَزْوَٰجِكَۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ
Yaaa ayyuhan-nabiyyu lima tuharrimu maaa ahallallaahu laka; tabtaghee mardaata azwaajik; wallaahu Ghafoorur-Raheem
O Prophet, why do you prohibit what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking the pleasure of your wives? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ | Yaaa ayyuhan-nabiyy | O Prophet |
| لِمَ | Lima | why |
| تُحَرِّمُ | Tuharrim | do you prohibit / make unlawful |
| مَآ أَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ | Maaa ahallallaah | what Allah made lawful |
| لَكَ | Laka | for you |
| تَبْتَغِى | Tabtaghee | seeking |
| مَرْضَاتَ | Mardaata | the pleasure |
| أَزْوَٰجِكَ | Azwaajik | your wives |
| غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ | Ghafoorur-Raheem | Most Forgiving, Most Merciful |
Simple Explanation
Allah addresses the Prophet ﷺ with gentle correction. The lesson is that even love, family pressure, and the wish to please close people must remain under Allah’s law.
What Allah has made lawful should not be declared unlawful by personal pressure or emotional difficulty. Only Allah has the right to make halal and haram.
The ayah ends with Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. This teaches that correction from Allah is not humiliation; it is guidance, mercy, and protection for the believer and the community.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Respect for Allah’s Law | You do not make halal and haram by emotion. |
| Balance in Relationships | You please loved ones without crossing Allah’s limits. |
| Humility | You accept correction as mercy. |
| Hope | You remember Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, keep my choices within what You made lawful and protect me from pleasing people by displeasing You.
قَدْ فَرَضَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ تَحِلَّةَ أَيْمَـٰنِكُمْۚ وَٱللَّهُ مَوْلَىٰكُمْۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
Qad faradallaahu lakum tahillata aymaanikum; wallaahu mawlaakum; wa Huwal-‘Aleemul-Hakeem
Allah has already prescribed for you the release from your oaths. And Allah is your Protector, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| قَدْ فَرَضَ | Qad farad | has already prescribed |
| ٱللَّهُ | Allah | Allah |
| لَكُمْ | Lakum | for you |
| تَحِلَّةَ | Tahillah | release / expiation |
| أَيْمَـٰنِكُمْ | Aymaanikum | your oaths |
| مَوْلَىٰكُمْ | Mawlaakum | your Protector / Guardian |
| ٱلْعَلِيمُ | Al-‘Aleem | the All-Knowing |
| ٱلْحَكِيمُ | Al-Hakeem | the All-Wise |
Simple Explanation
Allah explains that there is a prescribed way to release a person from certain oaths through expiation. This shows that Islam gives lawful ways to correct mistakes instead of leaving people trapped.
Allah is our Protector. He protects believers through guidance, law, mercy, and correction.
He is All-Knowing and All-Wise, so His rulings are not random. He knows our situations and gives commands that carry wisdom, even when the situation is emotional or private.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Trust in Allah’s Law | You believe Allah gives a lawful way out. |
| Hope | You do not despair when correcting a mistake. |
| Reliance | You see Allah as your Protector. |
| Submission | You trust the All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, guide me to correct my mistakes in the way You love.
وَإِذْ أَسَرَّ ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِلَىٰ بَعْضِ أَزْوَٰجِهِۦ حَدِيثًۭا فَلَمَّا نَبَّأَتْ بِهِۦ وَأَظْهَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ عَرَّفَ بَعْضَهُۥ وَأَعْرَضَ عَنۢ بَعْضٍۢۖ فَلَمَّا نَبَّأَهَا بِهِۦ قَالَتْ مَنْ أَنۢبَأَكَ هَـٰذَاۖ قَالَ نَبَّأَنِىَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ
Wa iz asarran-nabiyyu ilaa ba‘di azwaajihee hadeethaa falammaa nabba’at bihee wa azharahullaahu ‘alaihi ‘arrafa ba‘dahoo wa a‘rada ‘am-ba‘d; falammaa nabba’ahaa bihee qaalat man amba’aka haazaa; qaala nabba’aniyal-‘Aleemul-Khabeer
And when the Prophet confided a matter to one of his wives, and when she informed of it and Allah made it known to him, he made known part of it and overlooked part. Then when he informed her of it, she said, Who informed you of this? He said, The All-Knowing, the Fully Aware informed me.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| أَسَرَّ | Asarra | confided secretly |
| ٱلنَّبِىُّ | An-nabiyy | the Prophet |
| بَعْضِ أَزْوَٰجِهِۦ | Ba‘di azwaajih | one of his wives |
| حَدِيثًا | Hadeethaa | a matter / speech |
| نَبَّأَتْ | Nabba’at | she informed |
| أَظْهَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ | Azharahullaah | Allah made it known |
| عَرَّفَ | ‘Arrafa | he made known |
| أَعْرَضَ | A‘rada | he overlooked |
| ٱلْعَلِيمُ | Al-‘Aleem | the All-Knowing |
| ٱلْخَبِيرُ | Al-Khabeer | the Fully Aware |
Simple Explanation
Allah refers to a private family matter of the Prophet ﷺ and teaches that secrets and trust are serious. When a confidential matter was disclosed, Allah informed His Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned part of the matter and overlooked part. This shows wisdom and restraint: not every mistake needs to be exposed in full, especially when correction can happen with mercy.
The ayah teaches that Allah knows what is hidden in homes, conversations, and hearts. Privacy does not mean anything is hidden from Al-‘Aleem, Al-Khabeer.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Trustworthiness | You protect what is entrusted to you. |
| Wisdom in Correction | You do not expose every detail when mercy is better. |
| Awareness of Allah | You remember Allah knows private matters. |
| Restraint | You correct without humiliating when possible. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, make me trustworthy with secrets and wise when correcting others.
إِن تَتُوبَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ صَغَتْ قُلُوبُكُمَاۖ وَإِن تَظَـٰهَرَا عَلَيْهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ مَوْلَىٰهُ وَجِبْرِيلُ وَصَـٰلِحُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَۖ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ ظَهِيرٌ
In tatoobaaa ilallaahi faqad saghat quloobukumaa; wa in tazaaharaa ‘alaihi fa innallaaha Huwa mawlaahu wa Jibreelu wa saalihul-mu’mineen; wal-malaaa’ikatu ba‘da zaalika zaheer
If you both repent to Allah, then your hearts have inclined. But if you support one another against him, then indeed Allah is his Protector, and Jibril, and the righteous believers, and the angels after that are helpers.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| إِن تَتُوبَآ | In tatoobaa | if you both repent |
| إِلَى ٱللَّهِ | Ilallaah | to Allah |
| صَغَتْ | Saghat | inclined / deviated |
| قُلُوبُكُمَا | Quloobukumaa | your two hearts |
| تَظَـٰهَرَا | Tazaaharaa | you support one another |
| عَلَيْهِ | ‘Alaih | against him |
| مَوْلَىٰهُ | Mawlaah | his Protector |
| جِبْرِيلُ | Jibreel | Jibril |
| صَـٰلِحُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ | Saalihul-mu’mineen | the righteous believers |
| ظَهِيرٌ | Zaheer | helpers / supporters |
Simple Explanation
Allah calls for repentance where hearts had inclined away from what was right. This shows that even honored people must return to Allah when corrected.
Allah also makes clear that the Prophet ﷺ is supported by Allah, Jibril, the righteous believers, and the angels. No personal alliance can stand against Allah’s support.
This ayah teaches that repentance is the honorable path after a mistake. It also teaches believers not to support one another in wrong against truth, even within close relationships.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Repentance | You return to Allah when the heart slips. |
| Loyalty to Truth | You do not support loved ones in wrongdoing. |
| Respect for the Prophet ﷺ | You recognize Allah’s support for His Messenger. |
| Humility | You accept correction without pride. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, turn my heart back to You whenever it inclines away from truth.
عَسَىٰ رَبُّهُۥٓ إِن طَلَّقَكُنَّ أَن يُبْدِلَهُۥٓ أَزْوَٰجًا خَيْرًۭا مِّنكُنَّ مُسْلِمَـٰتٍۢ مُّؤْمِنَـٰتٍۢ قَـٰنِتَـٰتٍۢ تَـٰٓئِبَـٰتٍ عَـٰبِدَٰتٍۢ سَـٰٓئِحَـٰتٍۢ ثَيِّبَـٰتٍۢ وَأَبْكَارًۭا
‘Asaa Rabbuhuuu in tallaqakunna ay-yubdilahooo azwaajan khairam-minkunna muslimaatim-mu’minaatin qaanitaatin taaa’ibaatin ‘aabidaatin saaa’ihaatin thayyibaatinw-wa abkaaraa
Perhaps his Lord, if he divorced you, would replace you with wives better than you: submitting, believing, devoutly obedient, repentant, worshipping, fasting, previously married and virgins.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| عَسَىٰ | ‘Asaa | perhaps |
| رَبُّهُۥٓ | Rabbuh | his Lord |
| طَلَّقَكُنَّ | Tallaqakunn | he divorced you |
| يُبْدِلَهُۥٓ | Yubdilah | would replace for him |
| أَزْوَٰجًا | Azwaajaa | wives |
| خَيْرًا | Khairaa | better |
| مُسْلِمَـٰتٍ | Muslimaat | submitting women |
| مُّؤْمِنَـٰتٍ | Mu’minaat | believing women |
| قَـٰنِتَـٰتٍ | Qaanitaat | devoutly obedient |
| تَـٰٓئِبَـٰتٍ | Taaa’ibaat | repentant |
| عَـٰبِدَٰتٍ | ‘Aabidaat | worshipping |
| سَـٰٓئِحَـٰتٍ | Saaa’ihaat | fasting / devoted |
Simple Explanation
Allah lists the qualities of righteous believing women: submission, faith, obedience, repentance, worship, and devotion. The focus is not on outer status, but inner faith and obedience.
This ayah reminds that no person is irreplaceable before Allah. Honor remains through obedience, humility, and sincerity, not through closeness to someone righteous.
It also teaches what qualities matter most in marriage and character: Islam, iman, repentance, worship, and devotion to Allah.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Righteous Character | You value faith, repentance, and worship above status. |
| Humility | You do not feel secure because of position or relationship. |
| Self-Improvement | You ask Allah to beautify your inner qualities. |
| Devotion | You make worship and repentance part of identity. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, make me among those who submit, believe, repent, and worship You sincerely.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًۭا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌۭ شِدَادٌۭ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
Yaaa ayyuhallazeena aamanoo qooo anfusakum wa ahleekum naaranw-waqooduhan-naasu wal-hijaarah; ‘alaihaa malaaa’ikatun ghilaazun shidaadul-laa ya‘soonallaaha maaa amarahum wa yaf‘aloona maa yu’maroon
O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over it are angels harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and they do what they are commanded.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| قُوٓا۟ | Qoo | protect / save |
| أَنفُسَكُمْ | Anfusakum | yourselves |
| وَأَهْلِيكُمْ | Wa ahleekum | and your families |
| نَارًا | Naaraa | a Fire |
| وَقُودُهَا | Waqooduhaa | its fuel |
| ٱلنَّاسُ | An-naas | people |
| وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ | Wal-hijaarah | and stones |
| مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ | Malaaa’ikah | angels |
| غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ | Ghilaazun shidaad | harsh and severe |
| لَا يَعْصُونَ | Laa ya‘soon | they do not disobey |
| يُؤْمَرُونَ | Yu’maroon | they are commanded |
Simple Explanation
Allah commands believers to protect themselves and their families from the Fire. This protection is through faith, teaching, prayer, good example, correction, and helping one another obey Allah.
The Fire is described with terrifying seriousness. Its fuel is people and stones, and the angels over it obey Allah completely without disobedience.
This ayah teaches that family responsibility is spiritual, not only financial or emotional. A believer must care about the akhirah of the home.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Family Responsibility | You help your family move toward Allah. |
| Self-Protection | You begin by correcting yourself. |
| Akhirah Awareness | You remember the Fire is real. |
| Seriousness | You do not treat faith in the home casually. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, protect me and my family from the Fire.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا۟ ٱلْيَوْمَۖ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
Yaaa ayyuhallazeena kafaroo laa ta‘tazirul-yawm; innamaa tujzawna maa kuntum ta‘maloon
O you who disbelieved, do not make excuses today. You are only being recompensed for what you used to do.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| كَفَرُوا۟ | Kafaroo | disbelieved |
| لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا۟ | Laa ta‘taziroo | do not make excuses |
| ٱلْيَوْمَ | Al-yawm | today |
| إِنَّمَا | Innamaa | only |
| تُجْزَوْنَ | Tujzawn | you are recompensed |
| مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ | Maa kuntum ta‘maloon | what you used to do |
Simple Explanation
On the Day of Judgment, excuses will no longer help those who rejected Allah. The time for excuses is over when the time for recompense begins.
They will be repaid according to what they used to do. Allah does not wrong them; their own deeds return to them.
This ayah teaches urgency. The time to repent, correct, and obey is now, before a day comes when excuses are not accepted.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Urgency | You repent before excuses become useless. |
| Accountability | You remember deeds return to their doer. |
| Truthfulness | You stop hiding behind excuses. |
| Fear of Judgment | You prepare before the Day arrives. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, help me correct myself before the Day when excuses will not help.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوْبَةًۭ نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥۖ نُورُهُمْ يَسْعَىٰ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَآۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
Yaaa ayyuhallazeena aamanoo toobooo ilallaahi tawbatan nasoohaa ‘asaa Rabbukum ay-yukaffira ‘ankum sayyi’aatikum wa yudkhilakum jannaatin tajree min tahtihaal-anhaar; yawma laa yukhzillaahun-nabiyya wallazeena aamanoo ma‘ah; nooruhum yas‘aa baina aideehim wa bi aimaanihim yaqooloona Rabbanaaa atmim lanaa nooranaa waghfir lanaaa innaka ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer
O you who believe, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your bad deeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, on the Day Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will run before them and on their right; they will say, Our Lord, complete for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things powerful.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| تُوبُوٓا۟ | Tooboo | repent |
| تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا | Tawbatan nasoohaa | sincere repentance |
| يُكَفِّرَ | Yukaffir | He removes / covers |
| سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ | Sayyi’aatikum | your bad deeds |
| جَنَّـٰتٍ | Jannaat | gardens |
| لَا يُخْزِى | Laa yukhzee | will not disgrace |
| نُورُهُمْ | Nooruhum | their light |
| يَسْعَىٰ | Yas‘aa | will run |
| أَتْمِمْ | Atmim | complete |
| نُورَنَا | Nooranaa | our light |
| وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا | Waghfir lanaa | and forgive us |
| قَدِيرٌ | Qadeer | powerful |
Simple Explanation
Allah calls believers to sincere repentance, not shallow regret. Sincere repentance means leaving the sin, feeling remorse, returning to Allah, and intending not to go back.
Allah promises hope: He may remove sins and admit believers into gardens beneath which rivers flow. Repentance is not despair; it is a door to mercy.
On that Day, believers will have light before them and on their right, and they will ask Allah to complete their light and forgive them. This teaches us to seek light now before the darkness of the Hereafter.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Sincere Repentance | You return to Allah honestly and deeply. |
| Hope in Mercy | You believe Allah can remove sins. |
| Akhirah Light | You seek light for the Day of Judgment. |
| Dua | You ask Allah to complete your light and forgive you. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Rabbanaa atmim lanaa nooranaa waghfir lanaa innaka ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ جَـٰهِدِ ٱلْكُفَّارَ وَٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْۚ وَمَأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
Yaaa ayyuhan-nabiyyu jaahidil-kuffaara wal-munaafiqeena waghluz ‘alaihim; wa ma’waahum jahannam; wa bi’sal-maseer
O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be firm with them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| جَـٰهِدِ | Jaahid | strive against |
| ٱلْكُفَّارَ | Al-kuffaar | the disbelievers |
| وَٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ | Wal-munaafiqeen | and the hypocrites |
| وَٱغْلُظْ | Waghluz | and be firm |
| عَلَيْهِمْ | ‘Alaihim | with them |
| مَأْوَىٰهُمْ | Ma’waahum | their refuge / abode |
| جَهَنَّمُ | Jahannam | Hell |
| بِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ | Bi’sal-maseer | wretched is the destination |
Simple Explanation
Allah commands the Prophet ﷺ to strive against open disbelief and hidden hypocrisy with firmness. Different kinds of opposition require wisdom, clarity, and strength.
The ayah does not teach uncontrolled harshness. It teaches that when truth is attacked and hypocrisy harms the community, firmness is necessary.
The ending reminds us of the seriousness of disbelief and hypocrisy. Hell is a terrible destination, so the believer asks Allah for protection from both open rejection and hidden corruption.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Firmness for Truth | You do not become soft toward harmful falsehood. |
| Wisdom | You understand that different dangers need different responses. |
| Fear of Hypocrisy | You seek protection from hidden corruption. |
| Akhirah Awareness | You remember the terrible end of disbelief and hypocrisy. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, protect me from disbelief, hypocrisy, and the path to Hell.
ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍۢ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍۢۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَـٰلِحَيْنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًۭٔا وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ
Daraballaahu mathalal-lillazeena kafarumra’ata Noohinw-wamra’ata Loot; kaanataa tahta ‘abdaini min ‘ibaadinaa saalihaini fakhaanataahumaa falam yughniyaa ‘anhumaa minallaahi shai’anw-wa qeeladkhulan-naara ma‘ad-daakhileen
Allah presents an example for those who disbelieved: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They were under two righteous servants from Our servants, but they betrayed them, so they did not benefit them against Allah at all, and it was said, Enter the Fire with those who enter.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ | Daraballaah | Allah presents |
| مَثَلًا | Mathalaa | an example |
| ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍ | Imra’ata Nooh | the wife of Nuh |
| وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍ | Wamra’ata Loot | and the wife of Lut |
| عَبْدَيْنِ | ‘Abdain | two servants |
| صَـٰلِحَيْنِ | Saalihain | righteous |
| فَخَانَتَاهُمَا | Fakhaanataahumaa | but they betrayed both of them |
| لَمْ يُغْنِيَا | Lam yughniyaa | they did not benefit |
| ٱلنَّارَ | An-naar | the Fire |
Simple Explanation
Allah gives the example of the wives of Nuh and Lut عليهما السلام. They were married to righteous prophets, but their family connection did not save them because they betrayed faith.
This betrayal was not marital immorality; it was betrayal in religion and loyalty to truth. Being close to righteous people does not replace personal belief and obedience.
The ayah teaches that salvation is not inherited through family. A person cannot rely on a righteous spouse, parent, teacher, or community while their own heart rejects Allah.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Personal Responsibility | You do not rely on someone else’s righteousness to save you. |
| Faith Loyalty | You keep loyalty with Allah and His truth. |
| Fear of Betrayal | You avoid betraying faith while living near righteousness. |
| Akhirah Awareness | You know family ties cannot protect against Allah without faith. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, make my own faith sincere and do not let me rely on anyone else’s righteousness.
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ٱبْنِ لِى عِندَكَ بَيْتًۭا فِى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِى مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِۦ وَنَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
Wa daraballaahu mathalal-lillazeena aamanumra’ata Fir‘awna iz qaalat Rabbibni lee ‘indaka baitan fil-jannati wa najjinee min Fir‘awna wa ‘amalihee wa najjinee minal-qawmiz-zaalimeen
And Allah presents an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his work, and save me from the wrongdoing people.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ | Daraballaah | Allah presents |
| مَثَلًا | Mathalaa | an example |
| لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ | Lillazeena aamanoo | for those who believe |
| ٱمْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ | Imra’ata Fir‘awn | the wife of Pharaoh |
| رَبِّ | Rabbi | my Lord |
| ٱبْنِ لِى | Ibni lee | build for me |
| عِندَكَ | ‘Indaka | near You |
| بَيْتًا | Baitaa | a house |
| ٱلْجَنَّةِ | Al-jannah | Paradise |
| نَجِّنِى | Najjinee | save me |
| ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ | Az-zaalimeen | the wrongdoing people |
Simple Explanation
Allah gives the opposite example: the wife of Pharaoh. She lived in the house of one of the worst tyrants, yet her heart chose Allah.
She asked not first for a palace in the world, but for a house near Allah in Paradise. Her dua shows her priority: nearness to Allah before comfort.
This ayah teaches that a corrupt environment does not force a person to lose faith. Allah can raise a believer even from inside the house of a tyrant.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Faith Under Pressure | You can remain faithful even in a difficult environment. |
| Love of Nearness to Allah | You seek Allah before worldly comfort. |
| Courage | You reject wrongdoing even when surrounded by it. |
| Dua | You ask Allah for Jannah and rescue from oppression. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Rabbi ibni lee ‘indaka baitan fil-jannah wa najjinee minaz-zaalimeen.
وَمَرْيَمَ ٱبْنَتَ عِمْرَٰنَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتْ بِكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَكَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْقَـٰنِتِينَ
Wa Maryamabnata ‘Imraanallateee ahsanat farjahaa fanafakhnaa feehi mir-roohinaa wa saddaqat bikalimaati Rabbihaa wa kutubihee wa kaanat minal-qaaniteen
And Maryam, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into it from Our spirit. And she believed in the words of her Lord and His books, and she was among the devoutly obedient.
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Arabic | Transliteration | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مَرْيَمَ | Maryam | Maryam |
| ٱبْنَتَ عِمْرَٰنَ | Ibnata ‘Imraan | daughter of Imran |
| أَحْصَنَتْ | Ahsanat | guarded / protected |
| فَرْجَهَا | Farjahaa | her chastity |
| فَنَفَخْنَا | Fanafakhnaa | so We breathed |
| رُّوحِنَا | Roohinaa | Our spirit |
| وَصَدَّقَتْ | Wa saddaqat | and she believed / confirmed |
| بِكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّهَا | Bikalimaati Rabbihaa | in the words of her Lord |
| وَكُتُبِهِۦ | Wa kutubih | and His books |
| ٱلْقَـٰنِتِينَ | Al-qaaniteen | the devoutly obedient |
Simple Explanation
Allah ends the surah with the example of Maryam عليها السلام. She guarded her chastity, believed in the words of her Lord and His books, and was among the devoutly obedient.
Her honor came from purity, faith, truthfulness, and obedience. Allah raised her status because of her relationship with Him, not because of worldly power.
The surah began with household correction and ends with examples showing that every soul stands by its own faith. Righteousness is built through belief, purity, repentance, and obedience to Allah.
What This Ayah Builds Inside You
| Inner Quality | How This Ayah Builds It |
|---|---|
| Purity | You guard your body, heart, and dignity for Allah. |
| Faith in Revelation | You believe in Allah’s words and books. |
| Devotion | You seek to be among the obedient. |
| Personal Righteousness | You know honor comes through faith and obedience. |
Pause and Speak to Allah
The ayah is not only information; it is a mirror for the heart.
Say in your heart: Ya Allah, grant me purity, firm faith, and devout obedience like Your righteous servants.
