The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 281
General Remarks CHAPTER 66 AT-TAHRIM (Revealed after Hijrah) With this chapter ends the series of Medinite Surahs which began with Surah Al-Hadid. Its revelation may be assigned to the 7th or 8th year of Hijrah and of a part of it to a later period, as the incident mentioned therein shows. The preceding Surah had dealt with some aspects of Ṭalāq-permanent separation between husband and wife. The present Surah, however, deals with the subject of temporary separation, that is to say, with cases wherein a man, due to disagreement or conflict in domestic affairs temporarily gives up conjugal relations with his wife- -or swears not to benefit from a lawful practice. The Surah takes its title from the opening verse. Summary of Subject Matter The Surah opens with an injunction addressed personally to the Holy Prophet not to forbid himself the use of things which God has made lawful for him. The specific incident referred to in the opening verse indicates that due to misunderstanding, disagreement that may disturb, though temporarily, domestic harmony and peace, might sometimes arise in the otherwise most peaceful atmosphere of even a Prophet's household. The injunction, which applies to the Holy Prophet as much as to his followers, signifies that in such a case of temporary disharmony extreme measures should not be resorted to. The Holy Prophet's wives are further warned that they should never lose sight of the Prophet's very exalted status as God's Messenger and should not make demands from him which are inconsistent with his high station. The Surah proceeds to tell believers to take care that members of their household do not deviate from the path of rectitude lest they might land themselves in trouble, and that if they happen to err or falter they should make proper amends and repent truly and sincerely, so that they might deserve Divine grace and mercy. As the Surah opens with the mention of an incident concerning relationship of the Holy Prophet with his wives, it ends fittingly with a simile, comparing disbelievers to the wives of Prophets Noah and Lot, and believers to the wife of Pharaoh and to the pious and righteous Mary, mother of Jesus. 3177