English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 49: Al-Hujurat — The Apartments (Revealed at Madinah: 2 sections, 18 verses)
Introduction:
This chapter takes its title from v. 4 which tells Muslims not to call out to the Holy Prophet from behind the private apartments. It opens by teaching good manners and good morals when large masses of people began to enter Islam. The new converts should appreciate the value of the Holy Prophet’s time and have respect for not only his privacy but for each other’s privacy. It goes on to teach some social virtues and the avoidance of certain vices which are the curse of a society living in ease and comfort. It also removes all ideas of superiority based on race, tribe or family and declares that with Allah what distinguishes a person is righteousness. This chapter was revealed at Madinah in 9 A.H.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Respect for the Prophet (Verses 49:1–49:10)
- Respect for Muslim Brotherhood (Verses 49:11–49:18)