This is the third of the group of three Medina Suras, which began with Sura 47. See the Introduction to that Sura.
Its subject matter is the manners to be observed by the members of the rapidly growing Muslim community, among themselves and towards its Leader. The key word "Hujurat" (Inner Apartments) occurs in verse 4.
Its date is referred to the Year of Deputations, A.H. 9, when a large number of deputations of all kinds visited Medina to offer their allegiance to Islam.
Summary.-A community must show its respect to its Leader in all forms of behaviour; quarrels are unseemly and should be composed; manners spring from morals; and mutual respect and confidence are a duty and a privilege in Islam. (Verses 1 to 18 and commentary C.223).
C.223-(Verses 1 to 18)-Respectful behaviour to the Leader, in manner, voice, and demeanour, are the bonds and cement of an organized community. The whispers of rumor should be tested, and selfish impatience should be curbed to discipline. All quarrels should be composed, if necessary by the force of the community, but with perfect fairness and justice. Ridicule, taunts, and biting words, should be avoided, in presence or in absence. Suspicion and spying are unworthy of men who believe. All men are descended from one pair: Their honor depends, not on race, but on righteousness. Faith is not a matter of words, but of accepting Allah's Will and striving in His Cause. The coming into Islam confers no favor on others, but is itself a favor and a privilege, a guidance for those who are true and sincere.
49:1 SURA 49. Hujurat, or the Inner Apartments. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. O ye who believe! Put not yourself forward before Allah and His Apostle; but fear Allah: For Allah is He Who hears and knows all things.
49:2 O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not.
49:3 Those that lower their voice in the presence of Allah's Apostle, -- their hearts has Allah tested for piety: For them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.
49:4 Those who shout out to thee from without the Inner Apartments -- most of them lack understanding.
49:5 If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them: But Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
49:6 O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.
49:7 And know that among you is Allah's Apostle: Were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly fall into misfortune: But Allah endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness, and rebellion: Such indeed are those who walk in righteousness; --
49:8 A grace and favor from Allah; and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
49:9 If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: For Allah loves those who are fair (and just).
49:10 The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.
49:11 Section 2. O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.
49:12 O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): For suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it. . . But fear Allah: For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
49:13 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
49:14 The desert Arabs say, "We believe. " Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye (only) say, `We have submitted our wills to Allah,' for not yet has Faith entered your hearts. But if ye obey Allah and His Apostle, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "
49:15 Only those are Believers who have believed in Allah and His Apostle, and have never since doubted, but have striven with their belongings and their persons in the Cause of Allah: Such are the sincere ones.
49:16 Say: "What! Will ye instruct Allah about your Religion? But Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on earth: He has full knowledge of all things.
49:17 They impress on thee as a favor that they have embraced Islam. Say, "Count not your Islam as a favor upon
me: Nay, Allah has conferred a favor upon you that He has guided you to the Faith, if ye be true and sincere.
49:18 "Verily Allah knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth: And Allah sees well all that ye do. "
