نِسَآؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا۟ حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ ۖ وَقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّكُم مُّلَـٰقُوهُ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 223
Translations
Your wives are a place of cultivation [i.e., sowing of seed] for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allāh and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.
Transliteration
Nisāʾukum ḥarthun lakum faʾtū ḥarthakum annā shiʾtum wa-qaddimū li-anfusikum wa-ttaqū l-Lāha waʿlamū anakum mulāqūhu wa-bashshir al-muʾminīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the permissibility of marital relations, using the metaphor of 'cultivation' (ḥarth) to describe the role of women in procreation and family building. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain that while husbands have the right to approach their wives, they must do so with consideration and preparation, avoiding harm. The ayah then shifts to the broader spiritual imperative: to send forward righteous deeds for oneself and maintain taqwa (God-consciousness), as all will meet Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina in response to questions about the permissibility of different positions during marital relations. It falls within the broader Medinan context of establishing Islamic family law and social ethics. The ayah transitions from a practical matter to a fundamental spiritual reminder about accountability before Allah.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said regarding wives: 'The best of you are those who are best to their wives' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895). Additionally, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported guidance on marital conduct emphasizing kindness and consideration (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
While Islam permits marital intimacy, it must be approached with mutual respect, kindness, and consideration for one's spouse—not merely as a right but as a responsibility. The ultimate lesson is that all human actions, including private matters, occur within the presence of divine awareness, calling believers to maintain taqwa in all aspects of life.