Read Surah 49: Al-Hujurat (The Chambers) with clear English translation and insightful comments. Discover its teachings on manners, social harmony, respect, unity, and the ethics of Muslim community life. Perfect for readers seeking Surah 49 translation, Al-Hujurat meaning, and Quranic guidance on character and conduct.
Surah 49: Al-Hujurat (The Chambers)
Al-Hujurat: Introduction
Surah Al-Hujurat, meaning The Chambers, was revealed in Madinah and contains 18 verses. The name comes from the private rooms or chambers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), mentioned in verse 4. This Surah focuses on building a respectful, moral, and united Muslim society. It teaches believers how to behave with the Prophet, how to avoid disputes, and how to settle conflicts fairly. It warns against bad habits like mocking, suspicion, spying, and backbiting. The Surah also stresses that true honour comes only through piety, not through race, tribe, or wealth. It corrects the attitude of some Bedouins who thought accepting Islam was a favour to the Prophet, and reminds them that guidance is a gift from Allah.
Al-Hujurat (The Chambers): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
1. O you who believe! Do not put yourselves ahead of Allah and His Messenger. Fear Allah. Surely Allah hears and knows everything.
2. O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you speak loudly to one another, so that your deeds are not wasted without you realizing it.
3. Indeed, those who lower their voices before the Messenger of Allah are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward.
4. Surely, those who call you from behind the private chambers (of your house) — most of them do not understand proper manners.
5. If they had been patient until you came out to them, it would have been better for them. But Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful.
6. O you who believe! If a sinful person brings you any news, then verify it, so that you do not harm people out of ignorance and later regret what you have done.
7. And know that the Messenger of Allah is among you. If he were to obey you in many matters, you would surely be in difficulty. But Allah has made faith dear to you and beautified it in your hearts, and He has made disbelief, sin, and disobedience hateful to you. Such are the rightly guided.
8. This is a bounty and blessing from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
9. If two groups of believers fight each other, make peace between them. But if one group transgresses against the other, then fight against the one that transgresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Once it does, then make peace between them with fairness and be just. Surely Allah loves those who act justly.
10. The believers are but brothers. So make peace between your brothers, and fear Allah so that you may receive mercy.
11. O you who believe! Let no group of people mock another group — they may be better than them. And let no women mock other women — they may be better than them. Do not find fault with one another, and do not call each other by offensive nicknames. How evil is the name of wickedness after having faith! And whoever does not repent — such people are wrongdoers.
12. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is a sin. Do not spy on one another, and do not backbite each other. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it! So fear Allah. Surely Allah is Most Accepting of repentance, Most Merciful.
13. O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the one most mindful of Him. Indeed Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
14. The Bedouins say, “We believe.” Say, “You have not yet believed, but rather say, ‘We have submitted (to Islam),’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not decrease anything from your deeds. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
15. The true believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, and then have no doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah. They are the truthful ones.
16. Say, “Do you inform Allah about your religion, while Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah knows everything?”
17. They consider it a favour to you that they have accepted Islam. Say, “Do not consider your Islam a favour to me. Rather, Allah has favoured you by guiding you to faith, if you are truly sincere.”
18. Surely Allah knows the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And Allah sees all that you do. 0 0 0
Al-Hujurat: Comment
This Surah is like a social code for Muslims. It combines respect for leadership, good manners, and justice with the spirit of brotherhood and equality. Its guidance is timeless — avoiding gossip, prejudice, and arrogance is as important today as it was in the time of the Prophet. It teaches that our relationships, whether with leaders, friends, or strangers, should be built on respect, patience, and truthfulness. Most importantly, it reminds us that Allah values people not for their status or background, but for their faith and good deeds. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 49: Al-Hujurat
1. What is Surah 49: Al-Hujurat (The Chambers) about?
Surah 49: Al-Hujurat focuses on social ethics, manners, and the importance of respect within the Muslim community. It teaches believers how to behave with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), how to avoid conflicts, and how to maintain unity, peace, and justice among people.
2. Why is Surah 49 called Al-Hujurat (The Chambers)?
It is named Al-Hujurat, meaning “The Chambers,” because it refers to the private chambers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Surah begins with guidance on how believers should address the Prophet respectfully, without raising their voices or intruding into his private space.
3. What is the main theme of Surah 49: Al-Hujurat?
The main theme of Surah Al-Hujurat is building a moral, respectful, and united society. It stresses humility, avoiding mockery, rejecting gossip and suspicion, and treating all believers as brothers and sisters in faith.
4. Where was Surah 49: Al-Hujurat revealed?
Surah Al-Hujurat was revealed in Medina, making it a Madinan Surah. Its teachings were meant to strengthen the social order of the Muslim community and ensure harmony after the early struggles of Islam.
5. How many verses are in Surah 49: Al-Hujurat?
Surah 49 consists of 18 verses. Despite being short, these verses carry powerful instructions on good manners, social harmony, and moral discipline in everyday life.
6. What lessons can Muslims learn from Surah 49: Al-Hujurat?
Muslims learn key lessons from Surah Al-Hujurat, such as respecting leadership, avoiding fights, speaking with dignity, rejecting slander, and treating everyone with fairness. It teaches that true faith shows itself through character and conduct.
7. How does Surah 49: Al-Hujurat promote unity?
Surah Al-Hujurat promotes unity by declaring that all believers are brothers and sisters in faith. It instructs Muslims to reconcile disputes, avoid dividing themselves by race or tribe, and to remember that all humans are equal before Allah.
8. Why is Surah 49: Al-Hujurat important for community life?
This Surah is important because it sets the foundation for a peaceful and respectful community. It discourages gossip, mockery, and suspicion, which often break social bonds, and instead encourages justice, forgiveness, and mutual respect.
9. What does Surah 49: Al-Hujurat say about equality?
In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah declares that He created people from a single male and female and made them into nations and tribes to know one another, not to boast or fight. It teaches that the most honored person in the sight of Allah is the most righteous, not the richest or strongest.
10. How can reading Surah 49: Al-Hujurat benefit a believer?
Reading Surah Al-Hujurat reminds believers of the importance of good manners, humility, and justice in daily life. It strengthens faith by encouraging respect for others, improves relationships, and helps create a society based on compassion and unity.
