إِلَّا عَلَىٰٓ أَزْوَٰجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ 6
Translations
Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed -
Transliteration
Illa ala azwajihim aw ma malakat aymaanuhum fa-innahum ghayru maloomin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, part of the description of the believers' virtuous qualities, permits lawful sexual relations within marriage and with one's right hand possessions (concubines in the historical Islamic context), while condemning those who seek relations beyond these bounds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah establishes the legal boundaries of permissible intimate relations, contrasting the chaste believers with those who transgress Islamic law. The phrase 'they are not blameworthy' (ghayru maloomin) indicates that fulfilling these natural desires within lawful limits is neither sinful nor shameful, but rather part of human nature acknowledged by Islamic law.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Mu'minun (revealed in Mecca), which outlines the characteristics of successful believers. It appears in a passage (23:1-11) listing the qualities that lead to Paradise, establishing sexual purity and respect for marital boundaries as fundamental Islamic values during a time when Meccan society practiced widespread illicit relationships.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: '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 that the Prophet emphasized the sanctity and importance of the marital bond as a means of protecting oneself from unlawful desires (related in various collections).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islam acknowledges human desires while channeling them into lawful frameworks—marriage—and encourages believers to seek fulfillment within these boundaries rather than through transgression. For modern readers, it emphasizes that Islamic ethics are not ascetic denials of human nature but rather wise regulations that balance natural needs with moral integrity.