يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ 11
Translations
O you who have believed, when you are told, "Space yourselves" in assemblies, then make space; Allāh will make space for you. And when you are told, "Arise," then arise; Allāh will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allāh is Aware of what you do.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu idha qila lakum tafarraahu fi al-majalis fa-ifsahu yafsah allahu lakum wa-idha qila inshizu fa-inshizu yarfa'i allahu alladhina amanu minkum wa-alladhina utul-ilma darajat wa-allahu bima ta'malun khabir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers to make space for others in gatherings (majalis) when asked, as a sign of humility and consideration, and promises that Allah will expand their provision and status in return. When asked to rise and disperse, they should do so promptly, and Allah will elevate both the faithful and those granted knowledge in degrees and ranks. Ibn Kathir notes this teaches mutual respect and consideration in social gatherings, while Al-Qurtubi emphasizes the reciprocal nature of Allah's reward for those who display such courtesy and obedience.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina and addresses the case of Khawlah bint Tha'labah, who came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) complaining about her husband's unjust behavior. The broader context discusses proper etiquette in gatherings and obedience to the Prophet's guidance, establishing principles of community conduct and respect in Islamic social life.
Related Hadiths
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari reported: 'The Prophet said, 'The best gathering is the one most spacious' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized making room for others in gatherings as an act of respect and following divine command.
Themes
Key Lesson
Making space for others and showing consideration in social gatherings is not merely a matter of courtesy but an act of obedience that attracts Allah's blessings and expansion of provision. Believers should recognize that knowledge and faith are elevated by Allah, and true nobility lies in humble responsiveness to His commands and to one another's needs.