Surah 66: At-Tahrim (The Prohibition)

Lore & Background

The sura opens with a divine rebuke to the Prophet for prohibiting what Allah had made lawful, seeking his wives' approval (Surah 66:1). It then narrates an incident where the Prophet confided in one wife, who informed another, and Allah revealed the breach to him (Surah 66:3). Two wives are warned that if they cooperate against the Prophet, Allah, Gabriel, and the righteous believers are his protectors (Surah 66:4), and if divorced, Allah might replace them with better wives (Surah 66:5).

Reader's Guide

The sura portrays the Prophet as subject to divine instruction and correction, emphasizing his humanity and accountability (Surah 66:1-3). It presents marital loyalty as a test of faith, with warnings against conspiracy (Surah 66:4) and the possibility of replacement (Surah 66:5). Believers are called to protect themselves and families from Hellfire (Surah 66:6), repent sincerely (Surah 66:8), and strive against disbelievers and hypocrites (Surah 66:9). Examples of disbelieving wives (Noah's and Lot's) and believing women (Pharaoh's wife and Mary) illustrate that individual faith, not association, determines salvation (Surah 66:10-12).

Did You Know?

• The sura's title 'The Prohibition' comes from the opening verse where the Prophet prohibits something Allah made lawful (Surah 66:1).
• The sura mentions the dissolution of oaths as a divine ordinance (Surah 66:2).
• It includes examples of both disbelieving wives of prophets and a believing wife of a disbeliever (Surah 66:10-11).
• Mary, daughter of Imran, is cited as a model of chastity and obedience (Surah 66:12).