Discover Surah 66: At-Tahrim (The Prohibition) with English translation and commentary. Learn its lessons on self-restraint, family guidance, sincere repentance, and the importance of prioritizing Allah’s command above all else.
Surah 66: At-Tahrim (The Prohibition)
At-Tahrim: Introduction
Surah At-Tahrim is the 66th chapter of the Holy Qur’an and contains 12 verses. It was revealed in Madinah and addresses matters relating to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) personal life, lessons for his wives, and important moral guidance for believers. The name At-Tahrim means “The Prohibition,” referring to the Prophet’s decision to forbid himself from something lawful in order to please his wives.
The Surah teaches that only Allah determines what is lawful or unlawful, and no one—even the Prophet—should alter that. It also calls for sincere repentance, warns believers to protect their families from Hellfire, and gives examples of both righteous and unrighteous women from history.
This chapter ends with three historical examples: the wives of Prophets Noah and Lot, who failed in faith despite their husbands’ righteousness; the wife of Pharaoh, who stood firm in faith despite her husband’s tyranny; and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is honored for her purity and devotion.
Surah 66: At-Tahrim (The Prohibition): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. O Prophet, why do you prohibit yourself from what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
2. Allah has already ordained for you the dissolution of your oaths. And Allah is your Protector, the All-Knowing, the Most Wise.
3. And remember when the Prophet confided a matter to one of his wives, then when she divulged it, and Allah made it known to him, he disclosed part of it and ignored part. And when he informed her about it, she said, “Who told you this?” He replied, “The All-Knowing, the All-Aware informed me.”
4. If you two repent to Allah, then it is best for you, for your hearts have inclined; but if you support one another against him, then indeed Allah is his Protector, and Gabriel, and the righteous among the believers, and the angels are his helpers.
5. Perhaps if he divorces you, his Lord will give him in your place wives better than you—submissive, believing, obedient, repentant, worshipping sincerely, fasting, previously married and virgins.
6. O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are appointed angels, stern and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.
7. O you who disbelieve! Make no excuses today; you are only being repaid for what you used to do.
8. O you who believe! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance. It may be that your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, on the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their light will run before them and to their right; they will say, “Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us; indeed, You are capable of all things.”
9. O Prophet, strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. Their refuge is Hell—and wretched is the destination.
10. Allah has set forth an example for those who disbelieve: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were married to two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them, so their husbands could not protect them from Allah at all, and it was said, “Enter the Fire with those who enter.”
11. And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, “My Lord, build for me a house in Paradise near You, and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds, and save me from the wrongdoing people.”
12. And Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity; We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His Scriptures, and she was among the devoutly obedient. 0 0 0
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At-Tahrim: Comment
Surah At-Tahrim is both a personal message to the Prophet and a universal message to all believers. It shows that even the most beloved servant of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was corrected by divine guidance, emphasizing that human emotions and relationships should not override divine law. It also reminds us that faith is a personal responsibility—being close to a righteous person cannot save someone who chooses disbelief, and being in the midst of wrongdoing cannot harm one who remains steadfast in faith. The call to “protect yourselves and your families from the Fire” highlights the duty of every believer to guide and safeguard their household through teaching, example, and care.
The examples of righteous women at the end of the Surah show that honor with Allah is not based on gender, social status, or worldly position, but on faith, obedience, and steadfastness in the face of trials. Overall, the Surah blends personal correction, family responsibility, and moral lessons into one powerful chapter. 0 0 0
Frequently Asked on Surah 66: At-Tahrim
Q: What is Surah 66 called?
A: Surah 66 is called At-Tahrim, which means The Prohibition.
Q: How many verses are there in Surah At-Tahrim?
A: Surah At-Tahrim contains 12 verses.
Q: Why is it named At-Tahrim?
A: It is named At-Tahrim because it discusses a situation where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited something for himself to please his wives, and Allah guided him regarding this.
Q: What is the main theme of Surah At-Tahrim?
A: The main theme is prioritizing Allah’s command over personal desires, family discipline, repentance, and the responsibility of believers to protect themselves and their families from sin.
Q: What guidance does Surah At-Tahrim give about family life?
A: It advises believers to guide their families with faith, discipline, and righteousness, ensuring protection from the Fire.
Q: What does Surah At-Tahrim say about repentance?
A: It emphasizes sincere repentance (tawbah nasooh) as a means of forgiveness and purification.
Q: What examples are given in Surah At-Tahrim?
A: It gives the examples of disobedient wives of Prophets Noah and Lot, and the righteous women Asiya (wife of Pharaoh) and Maryam (Mary), mother of Jesus.
Q: What lesson does Surah At-Tahrim give about relationships?
A: It teaches that family ties cannot save a person from Allah’s judgment; faith and righteousness alone bring salvation.
Q: What promise is given to believers in Surah At-Tahrim?
A: Those who repent and remain steadfast are promised Paradise and Allah’s mercy.
Q: What lesson does Surah At-Tahrim give to Muslims today?
A: It reminds Muslims to obey Allah above all else, seek forgiveness often, and nurture faith within their families. 0 0 0
