English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 66: At-Tahrim — The Prohibition (Revealed at Madinah: 2 sections, 12 verses)
Introduction:
This chapter is called The Prohibition from the statement in v. 1 that the Prophet, as well as those who follow him, should not forbid themselves what Allah has made lawful. It refers to an incident of the Prophet’s temporary separation from his wives. The first half speaks of the relations of the Holy Prophet with his wives, while the second refers to the spiritual progress to be made by his faithful followers. The connection between the two is that the spiritual relation between the Prophet and a true follower of his is metaphorically that between husband and wife. In the last two verses both disbelievers and believers are compared to certain women in religious history. The date of revelation may be placed about 7 A.H.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Holy Prophet’s Domestic Relations (Verses 66:1–66:7)
- Progress of the Faithful (Verses 66:8–66:12)