يَـٰنِسَآءَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ مَن يَأْتِ مِنكُنَّ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ يُضَـٰعَفْ لَهَا ٱلْعَذَابُ ضِعْفَيْنِ ۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًا 30
Translations
O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality - for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for Allāh, easy.
Transliteration
Ya nisa an-nabi man ya'ti minkunna bi-fahishah mubayyinah yudaa'af laha al-'adhab du'ifayn wa kana dhalika 'ala-llahi yasir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), warning them that if any of them commits an open indecency or grave sin, her punishment will be doubled compared to other women. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this doubled punishment as reflecting their elevated status and proximity to the Prophet, which increases their responsibility and accountability before Allah. The ayah emphasizes that such accountability is easy for Allah to execute, as He is All-Knowing and All-Powerful.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Ahzab (revealed in Medina), which contains comprehensive guidance on the Prophet's household and the Muslim community. It follows verses establishing the honor and virtue expected of the Prophet's wives, contextualizing this warning within the broader framework of their distinguished position and the etiquette befitting their status as mothers of the believers.
Related Hadiths
The wives of the Prophet are narrated to have observed exceptional piety and modesty. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) is recorded in Sahih Bukhari as exemplifying virtue and knowledge. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi emphasizes that those given greater blessings bear greater responsibility before Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Greater status and proximity to righteousness bring greater moral responsibility and accountability; our position in society, whether elevated or ordinary, requires us to uphold higher standards of conduct, knowing that Allah's justice accounts for all circumstances and capacities.