يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَٰجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَآءِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَـٰبِيبِهِنَّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا 59
Translations
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha al-nabiyyu qul li-azwajika wa-banатika wa-nisa'i al-mu'minina yudnina alayhinna min jalabiбihinna. Dhalika adna an yu'rafna fa-la yu'dhayna. Wa-kana Allahu ghafuran rahiman.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to instruct his wives, daughters, and the believing women to draw their outer garments (jilbab) close around themselves when going out, so they may be recognized as respectable free women and thus not be harassed or molested. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the purpose is protective—to distinguish believing women from enslaved women and those of ill repute, thereby safeguarding them from harm. The ayah concludes with Allah's attribute of forgiveness and mercy, emphasizing the compassionate nature of Islamic guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during a period when the Muslim community faced social challenges, including harassment of women in public spaces. The broader context of Surah Al-Ahzab deals with family matters, the Battle of the Trench, and codes of conduct for the believers. This specific verse addresses the practical need to protect women's dignity and safety in the diverse society of Medina.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when this ayah was revealed, the women of Medina began to wrap themselves in their outer garments (Sunan Abu Dawud). Additionally, the Prophet's guidance on modest dress is referenced in multiple hadith collections emphasizing the importance of women's dignity and protection from harm.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islamic guidance on modesty serves the practical purpose of protecting women's safety and dignity, not as restriction but as safeguard. Believers are reminded that Islamic rulings combine wisdom, compassion, and consideration for societal welfare, grounded in Allah's infinite mercy.