The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 655
PT. 22 AL-AḤZĀB CH. 33 الزَّكُوةَ وَاَطِعْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُولَهُ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ off of the former days of ignorance, and observe Prayer, اللهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ and pay the Zakah, and obey وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًان Allah and His Messenger. Surely, Allah desires to remove from you all uncleanness, O Members of the Household, and purify you completely. 3100 3100. Important Words: a19:56; 20:133. رجس (uncleanness) is derived from (rajasa) which means, it was or became dirty or filthy or unclean or hated; he did a bad or evil action. (rijsun) means, dirt or filth; a dirty or filthy thing; a thing or action disliked for its filthiness; a sin; an action that leads to punishment; doubt; infidelity; suggestion of the devil (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:91. Commentary: The words "stay in your houses" show that the principal sphere of the activities of a woman is her house- not that she is not allowed to leave its four walls. She may go out as many times as she may require for the performance of a legitimate errand or the satisfaction of a legitimate need. But to move about in a mixed society and take part in all sorts of avocations and professions, shoulder to shoulder with man, and to do so to the neglect and detriment of her special domestic duties as the mistress of the house is not the Islamic conception of ideal womanhood. The Holy Prophet's wives were particularly required to "stay in their houses" because the dignity of their exalted position as 2569 "Mothers of the Faithful" demanded this and also because Muslims often visited them to pay their respects and sought necessary information and guidance from them on all important religious matters. The commandment seems to apply only to the wives of the Holy Prophet but it equally applies to all Muslim women. It is the Quranic way of address that while it appears to be particularly addressing the Holy Prophet, the address is meant equally for all Muslims. Similarly, a commandment addressed to the wives of the Holy Prophet applies also to all Muslim women. The expression applies principally and primarily to the Holy Prophet's wives. This is quite clear from the context and also from vv. 11:74 and 28:13. In its wider sense, however, it includes all members of a family who form one's household, even one's children and children's children. The expression had also been used by the Holy Prophet for some of his select Companions. i. e. "Salmān is member of our household" (Ṣaghīr), is a well-known saying of the Holy Prophet. سلمان منا اهل البيت