إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَٰتَهُمْ عِندَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱمْتَحَنَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ 3
Translations
Indeed, those who lower their voices before the Messenger of Allāh - they are the ones whose hearts Allāh has tested for righteousness. For them is forgiveness and great reward.
Transliteration
Inna alladhina yaghdiduna aswatahum 'inda rasuli allaahi ula'ika alladhina imtahana allaahu qulubahum lil-taqwa. Lahum maghfiratun wa ajrun 'adhim.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah praises those who lower their voices in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), indicating that Allah has tested and purified their hearts for piety (taqwa). According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, lowering one's voice is a manifestation of respect, humility, and reverence—qualities that reflect a God-conscious heart. Such individuals are promised forgiveness and a great reward, emphasizing that outward conduct and inward spiritual state are interconnected.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Hujurat, a Medinan surah that addresses proper etiquette and conduct within the Muslim community. The broader context concerns respectful behavior toward the Prophet and adherence to Islamic manners (adab), particularly following incidents where some Bedouins would speak loudly and carelessly in the Prophet's presence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'A believer is modest and mild, but a dissolute person is shameless and rude' relates to the virtue of controlling one's speech and demeanor.
Themes
Key Lesson
Controlling our speech and maintaining respectful conduct—especially in the presence of learned or honored individuals—reflects the state of our hearts and demonstrates true piety. This teaches us that spiritual excellence is demonstrated through disciplined behavior and conscious awareness of Allah's presence in all our interactions.