Topic: Adornment (Zinah)
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يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَٰتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
阿丹在 “园地” 中遮盖他 “隐私的地方” 的, 正是那敬畏的衣服。
اَنْزَلْنَا قرآن مجید میں پیدا کرنے کے معنے میں بھی استعمال ہوتا ہے۔ اس بات پر دلالت کرنے کے لئے کہ وہ چیز خداتعالیٰ کے حکم سے ظاہر ہوئی ہے جیسا کہ اس آیت میں فرماتا ہے۔ اَنْزَلْنَا الْحَدِیْدَ (سورۃ الحدید: ۲۹) اسی طرح فرماتا ہے قَدْ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰہُ اِلَیْکُمْ ذِکْرًا رَّسُوْلًا (طلاق: ۱۱‘۱۲) کہ اللہ نے تم پر رسول اتارا ہے۔ حالانکہ مراد یہ ہے کہ رسول پیدا کیا ہے۔
It was with the apparel of piety that Adam covered his "nakedness" in the "Garden".
Important Words:
ریش (elegant dress) is the substantive from راش. They say راشه i.e. he feathered it, namely an arrow; he fed him and gave him drink and clad him; he strengthened and aided him; he helped him to obtain his subsistence; He (God) restored him from a state of poverty to a state of wealth or competence; he did good to him. ریش means, feathers; plumage of birds; clothing; or superb or fine clothing; wealth; the means of subsistence; household goods or furniture (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse mentions two objects which our dress is meant to serve, viz. (1) to cover our nakedness and (2) to serve as a decoration and embellishment and make us look elegant. With these two objects of clothing before us it is indeed regrettable that clothing has continued to be progressively discarded by women in the west and this moral disease is now fast spreading in the east as well.
The words, the raiment of righteousness, explain the real significance of the words ریش (elegant dress). We are told that the apparel of piety is, in fact, the really fine raiment for man. Ordinary dress covers our physical nakedness, while the apparel of piety covers our spiritual and moral nakedness, and it was with this very apparel of piety that Adam covered his "nakedness" in the garden. He prayed to God Who heard his supplication and turned to him with mercy and forgiveness (7:24).
The verse beautifully reminds us that when we consider it to be so necessary to have good clothing to cover our physical nakedness and use elegant dress to look graceful, we should all the more be anxious to cover our moral and spiritual nakedness, which can only be done by prayer and by asking God’s forgiveness and mercy as Adam did.
486
阿丹在 “园地” 中遮盖他 “隐私的地方” 的, 正是那敬畏的衣服。
2
اَنْزَلْنَا قرآن مجید میں پیدا کرنے کے معنے میں بھی استعمال ہوتا ہے۔ اس بات پر دلالت کرنے کے لئے کہ وہ چیز خداتعالیٰ کے حکم سے ظاہر ہوئی ہے جیسا کہ اس آیت میں فرماتا ہے۔ اَنْزَلْنَا الْحَدِیْدَ (سورۃ الحدید: ۲۹) اسی طرح فرماتا ہے قَدْ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰہُ اِلَیْکُمْ ذِکْرًا رَّسُوْلًا (طلاق: ۱۱‘۱۲) کہ اللہ نے تم پر رسول اتارا ہے۔ حالانکہ مراد یہ ہے کہ رسول پیدا کیا ہے۔
928
Important Words:
ریش (elegant dress) is the substantive from راش. They say راشه i.e. he feathered it, namely an arrow; he fed him and gave him drink and clad him; he strengthened and aided him; he helped him to obtain his subsistence; He (God) restored him from a state of poverty to a state of wealth or competence; he did good to him. ریش means, feathers; plumage of birds; clothing; or superb or fine clothing; wealth; the means of subsistence; household goods or furniture (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse mentions two objects which our dress is meant to serve, viz. (1) to cover our nakedness and (2) to serve as a decoration and embellishment and make us look elegant. With these two objects of clothing before us it is indeed regrettable that clothing has continued to be progressively discarded by women in the west and this moral disease is now fast spreading in the east as well.
The words, the raiment of righteousness, explain the real significance of the words ریش (elegant dress). We are told that the apparel of piety is, in fact, the really fine raiment for man. Ordinary dress covers our physical nakedness, while the apparel of piety covers our spiritual and moral nakedness, and it was with this very apparel of piety that Adam covered his "nakedness" in the garden. He prayed to God Who heard his supplication and turned to him with mercy and forgiveness (7:24).
The verse beautifully reminds us that when we consider it to be so necessary to have good clothing to cover our physical nakedness and use elegant dress to look graceful, we should all the more be anxious to cover our moral and spiritual nakedness, which can only be done by prayer and by asking God’s forgiveness and mercy as Adam did.
963
It was with the apparel of piety that Adam covered his "nakedness" in the "Garden".
۞ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ
یعنی مسجد جانے سے پہلے ہی اپنے دلوں کو پاک کر لیا کرو۔ اور ظاہری صفائی کپڑوں اور بدن کی بھی کر لیا کرو۔
مسجد کے ساتھ بظاہر کھانے پینے اور اسراف کا جوڑ نہیں پھر مسجد کے ذکر کے ساتھ یہ ذکر کیوں کیا۔ اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ عبادات صحیح عمل کی توفیق دیتی ہیں۔ پس بتایا کہ عبادت کو ٹھیک کرو۔ تا صحیح عمل کی توفیق ملے جس میں سے ایک بڑی تعلیم یہ ہے کہ کھانے پینے میں اسراف سے کام نہ لو۔
17:28; 25:68.
The adornment should either be physical or spiritual. In the physical sense believers are enjoined to go to a place of worship, as far as possible in a clean and decent dress.
17:28; 25:68.
Commentary:
The adornment mentioned in the verse may either be physical or spiritual. Taking it in the physical sense, the verse enjoins believers to go to a place of worship, as far as possible, in a clean and decent dress, free from physical impurities and evil smell. The Holy Prophet is reported to have forbidden Muslims to go to a mosque after having eaten onions, garlic, etc., as the bad smell of these things causes discomfort to others. He is also reported to have enjoined the Faithful to take frequent baths, especially before the great congregational Prayer on Friday. Taken in the spiritual sense, the verse would mean that Prayers should be offered with a pure and sincere heart free from distracting thoughts.
The latter part of the verse embodies a basic commandment about eating and drinking. It has been joined to the commandment relating to "adornment at a place of worship", firstly because clothing and eating are allied subjects, and secondly to indicate that while issuing a commandment about Prayers, which is a spiritual matter, Islam does not overlook man’s physical requirements.
The words, exceed not the bounds, signify: (1) that one should not over-eat oneself and (2) that one should not always use the same kind of food, but should vary it from time to time. Animal foods, vegetables, fruits, etc. should all be eaten in proper quantity and proper proportion. In this connection see The Teachings of Islam by Ahmad, the Promised Messiah.
d
17:28; 25:68.
488
装饰可以是物质或精神的。以物质的装饰而言, 告诫信者去礼拜寺时尽可能穿着干净而大方的衣服。
2
یعنی مسجد جانے سے پہلے ہی اپنے دلوں کو پاک کر لیا کرو۔ اور ظاہری صفائی کپڑوں اور بدن کی بھی کر لیا کرو۔
3
مسجد کے ساتھ بظاہر کھانے پینے اور اسراف کا جوڑ نہیں پھر مسجد کے ذکر کے ساتھ یہ ذکر کیوں کیا۔ اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ عبادات صحیح عمل کی توفیق دیتی ہیں۔ پس بتایا کہ عبادت کو ٹھیک کرو۔ تا صحیح عمل کی توفیق ملے جس میں سے ایک بڑی تعلیم یہ ہے کہ کھانے پینے میں اسراف سے کام نہ لو۔
a
17:28; 25:68.
932
Commentary:
The adornment mentioned in the verse may either be physical or spiritual. Taking it in the physical sense, the verse enjoins believers to go to a place of worship, as far as possible, in a clean and decent dress, free from physical impurities and evil smell. The Holy Prophet is reported to have forbidden Muslims to go to a mosque after having eaten onions, garlic, etc., as the bad smell of these things causes discomfort to others. He is also reported to have enjoined the Faithful to take frequent baths, especially before the great congregational Prayer on Friday. Taken in the spiritual sense, the verse would mean that Prayers should be offered with a pure and sincere heart free from distracting thoughts.
The latter part of the verse embodies a basic commandment about eating and drinking. It has been joined to the commandment relating to "adornment at a place of worship", firstly because clothing and eating are allied subjects, and secondly to indicate that while issuing a commandment about Prayers, which is a spiritual matter, Islam does not overlook man’s physical requirements.
The words, exceed not the bounds, signify: (1) that one should not over-eat oneself and (2) that one should not always use the same kind of food, but should vary it from time to time. Animal foods, vegetables, fruits, etc. should all be eaten in proper quantity and proper proportion. In this connection see The Teachings of Islam by Ahmad, the Promised Messiah.
d
17:28; 25:68.
967
The adornment should either be physical or spiritual. In the physical sense believers are enjoined to go to a place of worship, as far as possible in a clean and decent dress.
قُلْ مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلرِّزْقِ ۚ قُلْ هِىَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا خَالِصَةً يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْءَايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
2:169, 173; 23:52.
مراد یہ ہے کہ کھانے پینے اور پہننے میں غلاظت استعمال کرنا اسلام کے حکم کے خلاف ہے یہ مسیحیوں اور مشرکوں کی تعلیم تھی۔ قرآن مجید فرماتا ہے خداتعالیٰ گندہ رہنے کا حکم نہیں دے سکتا۔ اس کا حکم تو صفائی کے حق میں ہوتا ہے۔
ہندوؤں اور عیسائیوں کا عقیدہ ہے کہ ولی اللہ لوگ عمدہ غذا کبھی نہیں کھاتے۔ حالانکہ اسلام کہتا ہے کہ پاکیزہ غذائیں سب مومنوں کے لئے جائز ہیں۔ کیونکہ خداتعالیٰ نے اسی لئے ان کو پیدا کیا ہے۔
2:169, 173; 23:52.
The good and pure things provided by God are really meant for believers though they are also shared by disbelievers in this life; but in the life to come they will be enjoyed by believers to the exclusion of disbelievers.
2:169,173; 23:52.
Commentary:
Islam being not a religion of monasticism, the verse implies a rebuke for those who forbid the use of pure and good things.
The good and pure things of God’s provision, which are really meant for, and deserved by, believers only are also shared by disbelievers in this life; but in the life to come they will be enjoyed by believers only, to the exclusion of disbelievers.
e
2:169, 173; 23:52.
4
مراد یہ ہے کہ کھانے پینے اور پہننے میں غلاظت استعمال کرنا اسلام کے حکم کے خلاف ہے یہ مسیحیوں اور مشرکوں کی تعلیم تھی۔ قرآن مجید فرماتا ہے خداتعالیٰ گندہ رہنے کا حکم نہیں دے سکتا۔ اس کا حکم تو صفائی کے حق میں ہوتا ہے۔
5
ہندوؤں اور عیسائیوں کا عقیدہ ہے کہ ولی اللہ لوگ عمدہ غذا کبھی نہیں کھاتے۔ حالانکہ اسلام کہتا ہے کہ پاکیزہ غذائیں سب مومنوں کے لئے جائز ہیں۔ کیونکہ خداتعالیٰ نے اسی لئے ان کو پیدا کیا ہے۔
a
2:169,173; 23:52.
933
Commentary:
Islam being not a religion of monasticism, the verse implies a rebuke for those who forbid the use of pure and good things.
The good and pure things of God’s provision, which are really meant for, and deserved by, believers only are also shared by disbelievers in this life; but in the life to come they will be enjoyed by believers only, to the exclusion of disbelievers.
a
2:169, 173; 23:52.
968
The good and pure things provided by God are really meant for believers though they are also shared by disbelievers in this life; but in the life to come they will be enjoyed by believers to the exclusion of disbelievers.
مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ
2:201; 17:19.
2:201; 17:19.
2:201; 17:19.
Commentary:
It is clear from this verse that those who desire the present life and its riches and strive after it get their full share of it. No one is deprived of what he strives after. The worldly prosperity and material advancement of Christian nations is sometimes adduced as an evidence of the truth of Christianity. This verse exposes the falsity of this inference. The attainment of worldly prosperity is no proof of the fact that one is following the right religion, for God has appointed laws for every kind of progress and anyone who observes the laws appointed for the material progress of man can attain worldly felicity. The mere attainment of worldly prosperity, unless it is attended by other clear signs, is therefore no proof of godliness. It must, however, be remembered that in this life one gets the reward of only those deeds which one does purely for this world. It is to this important point that the words, their works in this life, refer.
The expression, they shall not be wronged therein, means that disbelievers will not be deprived of the rewards of their work in this life, simply for refusing to believe in God’s Messengers. Disbelievers are not punished in this life for mere disbelief or mere denial of truth for which punishment is reserved in the next life. In this world they are only punished when they make mischief and create disorder and persecute believers.
b
2:201; 17:19.
a
2:201; 17:19.
1397
Commentary:
It is clear from this verse that those who desire the present life and its riches and strive after it get their full share of it. No one is deprived of what he strives after. The worldly prosperity and material advancement of Christian nations is sometimes adduced as an evidence of the truth of Christianity. This verse exposes the falsity of this inference. The attainment of worldly prosperity is no proof of the fact that one is following the right religion, for God has appointed laws for every kind of progress and anyone who observes the laws appointed for the material progress of man can attain worldly felicity. The mere attainment of worldly prosperity, unless it is attended by other clear signs, is therefore no proof of godliness. It must, however, be remembered that in this life one gets the reward of only those deeds which one does purely for this world. It is to this important point that the words, their works in this life, refer.
The expression, they shall not be wronged therein, means that disbelievers will not be deprived of the rewards of their work in this life, simply for refusing to believe in God’s Messengers. Disbelievers are not punished in this life for mere disbelief or mere denial of truth for which punishment is reserved in the next life. In this world they are only punished when they make mischief and create disorder and persecute believers.
a
2:201; 17:19.
وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here. The great purpose which their creation serves is mentioned in the following verses as well as in 16:17 and 67:6, and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies.
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
Important Words:
بروجا (mansions of stars) is the plural of برج (burj) which is from the verb برج (baraja) which means, it was or became apparent, manifest or conspicuous; or it was or became high or elevated. ابرج means, he built a tower. برج (burj) means a tower; a chamber built upon the sides of a fortress or palace; a sign of the Zodiac. بروج means, mansions (i.e. the courses or stages) of the moon or the stars; or asterisms or constellations (Lane).
Commentary:
The word بروج may be taken here either in the sense of "mansions" of planets and stars i.e. the spaces or courses wherein the planets perform their circuits, or it may signify the stars themselves.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here, because they are not meant to serve only as an ornament for the heavens or to provide a beautiful sight. In reality their creation serves a great purpose which is mentioned in the succeeding verses as well as in 16:17 & 67:6 and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies. See the following verses.
b
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
a
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
1723
Important Words:
بروجا (mansions of stars) is the plural of برج (burj) which is from the verb برج (baraja) which means, it was or became apparent, manifest or conspicuous; or it was or became high or elevated. ابرج means, he built a tower. برج (burj) means a tower; a chamber built upon the sides of a fortress or palace; a sign of the Zodiac. بروج means, mansions (i.e. the courses or stages) of the moon or the stars; or asterisms or constellations (Lane).
Commentary:
The word بروج may be taken here either in the sense of "mansions" of planets and stars i.e. the spaces or courses wherein the planets perform their circuits, or it may signify the stars themselves.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here, because they are not meant to serve only as an ornament for the heavens or to provide a beautiful sight. In reality their creation serves a great purpose which is mentioned in the succeeding verses as well as in 16:17 & 67:6 and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies. See the following verses.
b
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
1486
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here. The great purpose which their creation serves is mentioned in the following verses as well as in 16:17 and 67:6, and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies.
وَٱلْخَيْلَ وَٱلْبِغَالَ وَٱلْحَمِيرَ لِتَرْكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةً ۚ وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
اس میں صاف طور پر ریل‘ دخانی جہاز‘ ہوائی جہاز اور موٹر وغیرہ کی پیشگوئی ہے۔
36:73; 40:81; 43:13.
When God has taken so much care to provide for the physical and material needs of man, the idea cannot be entertained for a single moment that He should have neglected to make a similar provision for his spiritual needs.
The words may mean that God will bring into existence new means of transport which were yet unknown to man. The prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled in the form of railway trains, steamships, motor cars, aeroplanes, etc. God alone knows what new means of transport are yet to be invented.
36:73; 40:81; 43:13.
Commentary:
The word زینة (as a source of beauty) literally meaning ornament, is here used in the sense of splendour and pomp. This meaning is in keeping with the significance of the words, that you ride them, thus hinting that their beauty lies in their being used as a means of conveyance. The animals mentioned in this verse are those that are used in warfare and serve to show the power and might of a people in opposition to the enemy.
In this and the preceding three verses, the Quran speaks of two kinds of things created for the good of man: (1) those that are of use to him in his private life; (2) those that serve his political ends. These things have been created to serve the following six purposes; (a) to protect man from the inclemency of weather; (b) to provide him with food; (c) to bring him honour and glory; (d) to carry his burdens; (e) to be used as a means of personal conveyance; and (f) to serve as a source of strength and power for him.
The verse purports to say that when God has taken so much care to provide for the above six physical and material needs of man, the idea cannot be entertained for a single moment that He should have neglected to make a similar provision for his spiritual needs. The verse also hints that although man exacts work from other creatures in spite of the fact that he is not their creator, he denies God (Who does not derive any benefit from him) the right to reform and guide him to a stage where he should constitute an evidence of His Holiness and Sanctity and a means of His glorification.
The expression, And He will create what you do not yet know, embodies a prophecy that God will bring into existence new means of conveyance which were yet unknown to man. This prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled by the discovery of comfortable and ever-increasing means of conveyance such as railway trains, steamships, motor cars, aeroplanes, etc. God only knows what new means of conveyance are yet to be discovered by man.
As against the six physical objects enumerated above, the six spiritual characteristics that the word of God must possess are the following:
(1) It should protect man from the evil effects of heat and cold, i.e. it should guard him against extremes in everything. Absence of the love of God may be called cold in religious terminology and abusing or persecuting in the name of religion those who differ from us in their views and compelling them to subscribe to our views against their will may represent heat. The word of God inspires man with His love on the one hand and on the other enjoins its followers to be tolerant towards those who hold views different from theirs.
(2) It should serve the purpose of spiritual food, i.e. it should contain all those elements which develop and strengthen the spiritual faculties of man. It should inculcate teachings which tend to suppress and subdue his evil inclinations and propensities and inspire him with spiritual strength and vigour.
(3) It should be a source of beauty and glory i.e. those who act upon it should appear beautiful and dignified in the eyes of others. Their compatriots should feel and admit that the word of God has worked a great revolution in their lives.
(4) It should bear man’s burdens, i.e. it should make him realize his duties and responsibilities and, by freeing him from the shackles of superstitious customs and usages, should enable him to achieve true liberty.
(5) It should serve as a means of conveyance, i.e. it should help man speedily to attain nearness to his Creator by understanding and realizing His attributes, and should save him from a long and fatiguing spiritual journey.
(6) It should impart vigour and strength to man, i.e. by acting upon it, its followers should lead a respectable and honourable life in both worlds, their organization should become strong, and they should win the esteem and regard of nations by living up to their ideals and teachings.
These are the six essential qualities which the word of God must possess and without which it forfeits the title of being called Divine.
b
36:73; 40:81; 43:13.
672
这几个单词可能意指: 安拉将创造人类还不知道的交通工具。火车、轮船、汽车、飞机等的出现, 令人惊奇地应验了这个预言。只有安拉知道什么新的交通工具还没有发明。
1
اس میں صاف طور پر ریل‘ دخانی جہاز‘ ہوائی جہاز اور موٹر وغیرہ کی پیشگوئی ہے۔
b
36:73; 40:81; 43:13.
1810
Commentary:
The word زینة (as a source of beauty) literally meaning ornament, is here used in the sense of splendour and pomp. This meaning is in keeping with the significance of the words, that you ride them, thus hinting that their beauty lies in their being used as a means of conveyance. The animals mentioned in this verse are those that are used in warfare and serve to show the power and might of a people in opposition to the enemy.
In this and the preceding three verses, the Quran speaks of two kinds of things created for the good of man: (1) those that are of use to him in his private life; (2) those that serve his political ends. These things have been created to serve the following six purposes; (a) to protect man from the inclemency of weather; (b) to provide him with food; (c) to bring him honour and glory; (d) to carry his burdens; (e) to be used as a means of personal conveyance; and (f) to serve as a source of strength and power for him.
The verse purports to say that when God has taken so much care to provide for the above six physical and material needs of man, the idea cannot be entertained for a single moment that He should have neglected to make a similar provision for his spiritual needs. The verse also hints that although man exacts work from other creatures in spite of the fact that he is not their creator, he denies God (Who does not derive any benefit from him) the right to reform and guide him to a stage where he should constitute an evidence of His Holiness and Sanctity and a means of His glorification.
The expression, And He will create what you do not yet know, embodies a prophecy that God will bring into existence new means of conveyance which were yet unknown to man. This prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled by the discovery of comfortable and ever-increasing means of conveyance such as railway trains, steamships, motor cars, aeroplanes, etc. God only knows what new means of conveyance are yet to be discovered by man.
As against the six physical objects enumerated above, the six spiritual characteristics that the word of God must possess are the following:
(1) It should protect man from the evil effects of heat and cold, i.e. it should guard him against extremes in everything. Absence of the love of God may be called cold in religious terminology and abusing or persecuting in the name of religion those who differ from us in their views and compelling them to subscribe to our views against their will may represent heat. The word of God inspires man with His love on the one hand and on the other enjoins its followers to be tolerant towards those who hold views different from theirs.
(2) It should serve the purpose of spiritual food, i.e. it should contain all those elements which develop and strengthen the spiritual faculties of man. It should inculcate teachings which tend to suppress and subdue his evil inclinations and propensities and inspire him with spiritual strength and vigour.
(3) It should be a source of beauty and glory i.e. those who act upon it should appear beautiful and dignified in the eyes of others. Their compatriots should feel and admit that the word of God has worked a great revolution in their lives.
(4) It should bear man’s burdens, i.e. it should make him realize his duties and responsibilities and, by freeing him from the shackles of superstitious customs and usages, should enable him to achieve true liberty.
(5) It should serve as a means of conveyance, i.e. it should help man speedily to attain nearness to his Creator by understanding and realizing His attributes, and should save him from a long and fatiguing spiritual journey.
(6) It should impart vigour and strength to man, i.e. by acting upon it, its followers should lead a respectable and honourable life in both worlds, their organization should become strong, and they should win the esteem and regard of nations by living up to their ideals and teachings.
These are the six essential qualities which the word of God must possess and without which it forfeits the title of being called Divine.
d
36:73; 40:81; 43:13.
1532
When God has taken so much care to provide for the physical and material needs of man, the idea cannot be entertained for a single moment that He should have neglected to make a similar provision for his spiritual needs.
1532A
The words may mean that God will bring into existence new means of transport which were yet unknown to man. The prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled in the form of railway trains, steamships, motor cars, aeroplanes, etc. God alone knows what new means of transport are yet to be invented.
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
یعنی زمین کے باشندوں کا۔
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
Of all the innumerable things that God has created there is not one which has not its particular use or which is devoid of all good. All of them add to the beauty of human life. Muslims were enjoined always to keep in view the great truth underlying these simple words and to devote their time and energy to delving into the great secrets of nature and to exploring the unlimited properties of elements.
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
Commentary:
The words, We have made all that is on the earth as an ornament for it, point to the great moral lesson that nothing in this world has been created in vain. Of all the innumerable things that God has created there is not one which has not its particular use or is devoid of all good. All of them add to the beauty of human life. Muslims were expected always to keep in view the great truth underlined in these simple words and to devote their time and energy to delving into the great secrets of nature and to exploring the unlimited properties of its elements. But they ignored this supreme lesson while the Christian peoples of the West remembered it well with the result that they became the most advanced and powerful nations in the world.
It is to be regretted, however, that while Western nations greatly benefited by the lesson taught in the words, We have made all that is on the earth as an ornament for it, they neglected the one embodied in the words, that We may try them as to which of them is best in conduct. No doubt they sought after knowledge and made great advances in science. But the object of the advance and expansion of knowledge is that man’s conduct may become pure and human life more peaceful. But these nations, instead of employing their knowledge and resources to the service of man, have ended by making human life miserable and unbelievable. They have failed to set an example of good conduct and have put their scientific researches to evil use and have thereby laid the foundations of injustice, tyranny and corruption in the world. It is probably to this fact that the present verse refers.
a
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
1
یعنی زمین کے باشندوں کا۔
b
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
2048
Commentary:
The words, We have made all that is on the earth as an ornament for it, point to the great moral lesson that nothing in this world has been created in vain. Of all the innumerable things that God has created there is not one which has not its particular use or is devoid of all good. All of them add to the beauty of human life. Muslims were expected always to keep in view the great truth underlined in these simple words and to devote their time and energy to delving into the great secrets of nature and to exploring the unlimited properties of its elements. But they ignored this supreme lesson while the Christian peoples of the West remembered it well with the result that they became the most advanced and powerful nations in the world.
It is to be regretted, however, that while Western nations greatly benefited by the lesson taught in the words, We have made all that is on the earth as an ornament for it, they neglected the one embodied in the words, that We may try them as to which of them is best in conduct. No doubt they sought after knowledge and made great advances in science. But the object of the advance and expansion of knowledge is that man’s conduct may become pure and human life more peaceful. But these nations, instead of employing their knowledge and resources to the service of man, have ended by making human life miserable and unbelievable. They have failed to set an example of good conduct and have put their scientific researches to evil use and have thereby laid the foundations of injustice, tyranny and corruption in the world. It is probably to this fact that the present verse refers.
c
5:49; 6:166; 11:8; 67:3.
1665
Of all the innumerable things that God has created there is not one which has not its particular use or which is devoid of all good. All of them add to the beauty of human life. Muslims were enjoined always to keep in view the great truth underlying these simple words and to devote their time and energy to delving into the great secrets of nature and to exploring the unlimited properties of elements.
وَٱصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ ۖ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُۥ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُۥ فُرُطًا
6:53; 7:206.
یعنی صحابہ ؓ کی قربانیوں کو بھولیو نہیں۔
6:53; 7:206.
6:53; 7:206.
Commentary:
This verse lends further support to the fact that the preceding verses embody some very important prophecies. In fact, we are here told that at the time of the predominance and ascendancy of Christian nations there will be living in the world a people who, as true representatives of Islam, will be engaged night and day in prayer and Divine worship. The so-called Muslims will, at that time—the time of Imam Mahdi—pin all their hopes about the future political glory and greatness of Islam on the employment of material means and will look down upon the poor and politically unimportant followers of the Imam Mahdi for concentrating on prayer and worship. The verse warns Muslims that on prayer and Divine worship alone will depend the eventual salvation and success of Islam.
The verse further mentions the following three main causes of the misfortunes and miseries of Muslims at that time: (a) they will be neglectful of prayer and Divine worship; (b) love of the world will be their overpowering passion; and (c) they will be wholly lost in the pursuit of material comforts and a life of luxury. But their deliverance will lie in a complete change of their outlook and the programme of their life.
b
6:53; 7:206.
1
یعنی صحابہ ؓ کی قربانیوں کو بھولیو نہیں۔
c
6:53; 7:206.
2069
Commentary:
This verse lends further support to the fact that the preceding verses embody some very important prophecies. In fact, we are here told that at the time of the predominance and ascendancy of Christian nations there will be living in the world a people who, as true representatives of Islam, will be engaged night and day in prayer and Divine worship. The so-called Muslims will, at that time—the time of Imam Mahdi—pin all their hopes about the future political glory and greatness of Islam on the employment of material means and will look down upon the poor and politically unimportant followers of the Imam Mahdi for concentrating on prayer and worship. The verse warns Muslims that on prayer and Divine worship alone will depend the eventual salvation and success of Islam.
The verse further mentions the following three main causes of the misfortunes and miseries of Muslims at that time: (a) they will be neglectful of prayer and Divine worship; (b) love of the world will be their overpowering passion; and (c) they will be wholly lost in the pursuit of material comforts and a life of luxury. But their deliverance will lie in a complete change of their outlook and the programme of their life.
a
6:53; 7:206.
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
3:15; 57:21.
3:15; 57:21.
3:15; 57:21.
Commentary:
Riches and children are the ornament of this life and add to its beauty and splendour and generally make men forget God but they can also be employed to serve a very noble cause. Money spent in a righteous cause leaves behind permanent good results. Young men who dedicate their lives to the service of their community, country or humanity at large are not only themselves remembered with honour long after they are dead but also perpetuate the memories of their ancestors. This is the substance and significance of this verse.
The words, are better in the sight of thy Lord in respect of immediate reward and better in respect of future hope, may have two meanings: (a) That good works produce good results in this life and also form the basis of hope for rich reward in the hereafter. (b) That good works not only benefit the doer himself but also his posterity. It is a divine law that the posterity of a righteous man partakes of the divineblessings conferred upon him.
b
3:15; 57:21.
a
3:15; 57:21.
2087
Commentary:
Riches and children are the ornament of this life and add to its beauty and splendour and generally make men forget God but they can also be employed to serve a very noble cause. Money spent in a righteous cause leaves behind permanent good results. Young men who dedicate their lives to the service of their community, country or humanity at large are not only themselves remembered with honour long after they are dead but also perpetuate the memories of their ancestors. This is the substance and significance of this verse.
The words, are better in the sight of thy Lord in respect of immediate reward and better in respect of future hope, may have two meanings: (a) That good works produce good results in this life and also form the basis of hope for rich reward in the hereafter. (b) That good works not only benefit the doer himself but also his posterity. It is a divine law that the posterity of a righteous man partakes of the divineblessings conferred upon him.
e
3:15; 57:21.
قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ ٱلزِّينَةِ وَأَن يُحْشَرَ ٱلنَّاسُ ضُحًى
26:39.
26:39.
There seems a curious analogy here between Moses and the Holy Prophet, viz. that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of Duha, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as conqueror at the time of Duha which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
26:39.
Commentary:
It seems a curious analogy that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of ضحی, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as a conqueror at the time of ضحی which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
The day of festival seemed to be the holy day of the people of Pharaoh when they were expected to assemble in large numbers and to behave with unusual dignity and decorum.
e
26:39.
a
26:39.
2279
Commentary:
It seems a curious analogy that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of ضحی, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as a conqueror at the time of ضحی which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
The day of festival seemed to be the holy day of the people of Pharaoh when they were expected to assemble in large numbers and to behave with unusual dignity and decorum.
d
26:39.
1829
There seems a curious analogy here between Moses and the Holy Prophet, viz. that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of Duha, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as conqueror at the time of Duha which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَخْلَفْنَا مَوْعِدَكَ بِمَلْكِنَا وَلَٰكِنَّا حُمِّلْنَآ أَوْزَارًا مِّن زِينَةِ ٱلْقَوْمِ فَقَذَفْنَٰهَا فَكَذَٰلِكَ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّامِرِىُّ
Whereas the Qur’an in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12: 36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also, the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12: 33) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic statement.
Important Words:
موعدک (thy promise) means, the promise which we made to thee.
Commentary:
Whereas the Quran in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12:36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12:35) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic and the latter statement of the Bible.
2301
Important Words:
موعدک (thy promise) means, the promise which we made to thee.
Commentary:
Whereas the Quran in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12:36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12:35) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic and the latter statement of the Bible.
1842
Whereas the Qur’an in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12: 36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also, the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12: 33) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic statement.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدْخِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ جَنَّٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ يُحَلَّوْنَ فِيهَا مِنْ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ وَلُؤْلُؤًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُهُمْ فِيهَا حَرِيرٌ
18:32; 35:34; 76:22.
76:13.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'The Nile and the Euphrates are two of the streams of Paradise' (Muslim, ch. al-Jannah). The Holy Prophet and his Companions knew that they were promised "gardens" not only in the next life but in this world also and they also knew that by "gardens" in this world were meant rich and fertile lands once ruled by the Kings of Persia and the Emperors of the Eastern Roman Empire. During the Caliphate of ‘Umar, Muslim armies fought on two fronts, in Mesopotamia and Syria, and when some Arab chiefs presented themselves before him and offered their services, he asked them to which of "the two promised lands" (Mesopotamia or Syria) they would like to go. The prophecy was literally fulfilled when ‘Umar asked Suraqah bin Malik to wear the bracelets of gold which the Kings of Iran used to wear on special State ceremonies.
18:32; 35:34; 76:22.
76:13.
Commentary:
This verse refers to the believers, the second of the two classes of men referred to in v. 20 above. The first class of men—the disbelievers, have been referred to in vv. 20-23 above.
The verse embodies a prophecy which met with remarkable fulfilment. It was made at a time when the very fate of Islam hung in the balance and there was no safety or security for Muslims anywhere. But afterwards in fulfilment of this prophecy they were given most fertile and beautiful countries to rule. They had the choicest of fruits to eat and they lived in gardens beneath which streams flowed. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, "The Nile and the Euphrates are two of the streams of Paradise" (Muslim, ch. Al-Jannah). So it is clear that the Holy Prophet and his Companions knew that they were promised 'gardens' not only in the next life but in this world also and that they also knew that by 'gardens' in this life were meant rich and fertile lands once ruled by the Kings of Persia and the Emperors of the eastern Roman Empire. During the Caliphate of ‘Umar, Muslim armies fought on two fronts, in Mesopotamia and Syria, and when Arab chiefs with their respective claims presented themselves before him and offered their services, he asked them to which of "the two promised lands," Mesopotamia or Syria, they would like to go. This shows that the Companions of the Holy Prophet knew and understood that the 'gardens' promised them in the Quran were the rich provinces of the Persian Empire and of Syria and Egypt. The prophecy was literally fulfilled. When Persia was conquered, bracelets of gold and pearl and silken garments formed part of the booty. These things were distributed among the Muslims and Suraqah, a companion of the Holy Prophet, was made by ‘Umar to wear the bracelets of gold which the kings of Persia used to wear on special State occasions. Thus was fulfilled another prophecy of the Holy Prophet according to which he is reported to have once said to Suraqah, "How would you feel when you will be made to wear the golden bracelets of Chosroes (Al-Khasa’isul-Kubra, vol. II, p. 113).
a
18:32; 35:34; 76:22.
b
76:13.
a
18:32; 35:34; 76:22.
b
76:13.
2456
Commentary:
This verse refers to the believers, the second of the two classes of men referred to in v. 20 above. The first class of men—the disbelievers, have been referred to in vv. 20-23 above.
The verse embodies a prophecy which met with remarkable fulfilment. It was made at a time when the very fate of Islam hung in the balance and there was no safety or security for Muslims anywhere. But afterwards in fulfilment of this prophecy they were given most fertile and beautiful countries to rule. They had the choicest of fruits to eat and they lived in gardens beneath which streams flowed. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, "The Nile and the Euphrates are two of the streams of Paradise" (Muslim, ch. Al-Jannah). So it is clear that the Holy Prophet and his Companions knew that they were promised 'gardens' not only in the next life but in this world also and that they also knew that by 'gardens' in this life were meant rich and fertile lands once ruled by the Kings of Persia and the Emperors of the eastern Roman Empire. During the Caliphate of ‘Umar, Muslim armies fought on two fronts, in Mesopotamia and Syria, and when Arab chiefs with their respective claims presented themselves before him and offered their services, he asked them to which of "the two promised lands," Mesopotamia or Syria, they would like to go. This shows that the Companions of the Holy Prophet knew and understood that the 'gardens' promised them in the Quran were the rich provinces of the Persian Empire and of Syria and Egypt. The prophecy was literally fulfilled. When Persia was conquered, bracelets of gold and pearl and silken garments formed part of the booty. These things were distributed among the Muslims and Suraqah, a companion of the Holy Prophet, was made by ‘Umar to wear the bracelets of gold which the kings of Persia used to wear on special State occasions. Thus was fulfilled another prophecy of the Holy Prophet according to which he is reported to have once said to Suraqah, "How would you feel when you will be made to wear the golden bracelets of Chosroes (Al-Khasa’isul-Kubra, vol. II, p. 113).
c
18:32; 35:34; 76:22.
d
76:13.
1942
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'The Nile and the Euphrates are two of the streams of Paradise' (Muslim, ch. al-Jannah). The Holy Prophet and his Companions knew that they were promised "gardens" not only in the next life but in this world also and they also knew that by "gardens" in this world were meant rich and fertile lands once ruled by the Kings of Persia and the Emperors of the Eastern Roman Empire. During the Caliphate of ‘Umar, Muslim armies fought on two fronts, in Mesopotamia and Syria, and when some Arab chiefs presented themselves before him and offered their services, he asked them to which of "the two promised lands" (Mesopotamia or Syria) they would like to go. The prophecy was literally fulfilled when ‘Umar asked Suraqah bin Malik to wear the bracelets of gold which the Kings of Iran used to wear on special State ceremonies.
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
正派的妇女。
即使在穆斯林中间也普遍存在着对伊斯兰教的 “妇女隔幔制度” 的许多误解和缺乏正确的知识。因此有必要对这一使人引起许多烦恼的问题作些详细的注解。以下经文述及 “妇女隔幔制度” 的各个方面:
(1) 对信仰的女子说, 她们要克制自己的视线, 保护自己的羞体, 不要显露自己的美色或自己的装饰, 除非是自然显露的。她们要把头盖拉过胸部, 不要显露自己的美色……(24:32, 即现在注释的这一节)。
(2) 先知啊! 对你的妻子、女儿和信仰的妇女说, (当她们到外面去时, )她们应当从头到脸拉下自己的外衣。这使她们更可能被辩认而不受戏弄 (33:60)。
这节经文 (33:60) 中用的这一阿拉伯单词是 جَلَابِيْب (Jalabib), 它的单数是 جِلْبَاب (Jilbab), 意思是外面用的或覆盖用的长衣。
(3) 先知的妻子们啊! 如果你们敬畏安拉, 那你们与一般妇女是不同的。你们讲话不要过于温柔, 免得心中有病的人产生恶的意念。要对人们说合乎礼仪的言语。要庄严地留在自己家中, 不要做过去愚昧时代妇女模样的打扮……(33:33-34)。
(4) 信仰的人啊! 教你们手下的人和尚未成年的人向你们在三个时辰请示 (进入室内的) 许可:晨礼之前、夏季正午脱下衣服、宵礼之后……(24:59)。
以下的推断出自后面四节经文:
(a) 穆斯林妇女外出时, 必须穿上 جِلْبَاب (Jilbab), 就是一种覆盖的外套在外面的长衣。穿着时该衣从头部向下覆盖到腹部而遮住全身。这就是 يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ (Yudnina ‘Alaihinna min Jalabibihinna) (33:60)。这一句 «古兰经» 中的话的意思: 穿上一件外罩长衣的目的, 是保护穆斯林妇女在出外做事时, 免于被盯注或受戏弄, 或任何在性格上有问题的人们做出各种使她感到不方便等精神上的极度痛苦。
(b) 穆斯林男女在偶然迎面相见时, 要克制各自的视线。
(c) 第三种律令虽然表面上是对先知的妻子说的, 实际上是 «古兰经» 的习常做法, 包括其他穆斯林妇女在内。“要庄严地留在自己家中” (33:34) 这句话意示, 妇女在必要时可以外出, 但是她们主要的活动范围是在家里。
(d) 在上述的三种时间内, 即使孩子们也不容许进入双亲的私室, 家里的仆人或女奴也不容许进入主人的卧室。
第一个律令用于妇女出外时。那时她们要穿上外衣并应遮住全身。第二个律令主要与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关, 那里经常有男性近亲来往。在这种情况下, 要求男女只要克制自己的视线, 并且作为一种外加的预防措施, 妇女们要留意不要显露她们的 زِيْنَة (Zinah), 即人的美色、服装和装饰。那时她们不须要穿外用的长罩衣 (جِلْبَاب, Jilbab), 因为在非常近的、有血缘关系的亲戚的随便而经常的访问中, 这样做会令人厌烦而不切合实际情况。经文的上下文表明了这一律令是与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关, 因为现在注释中的这节经文所谈到的所有的人都是一般来访问他们的近亲。除了近亲以外, 这节经文还特别谈了四种人, 即正派的妇女、老仆人, 女奴和小男孩, 由此更加可得出这样一个推断:这节经文中的律令与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关的。实则, 第一个律令涉及家室以外的 “面纱” 以及第二个律令基本上涉及家室以内的 “面纱”。这一事实, 还可以从有关经文即33:60和现在注释的这节经文中所用来表达两种不同形式的 “面纱” 的不同用词方面清楚地看出。在33:60节经文中, 女人外出时要穿的那件衣服是 Jilbab (一件外面覆盖的长衣), 而当亲戚来访时她在家室以内必须穿的那件衣服是头盖 (خِمَارْ, Khimar)。而且, 在33:60节经文中所用的那些字是 يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ (Yudnina ‘Alaihinna min Jalabibihinna), (也就是说, 她们应该将头盖遮到腹部。很清楚的是,) 前一种情况下, 外用长衣将遮住头部、脸部和胸腹部, 而后一种情况下, 将遮住的是头部和腹部, 但脸就是露出的。
可以顺便说一下, 妇女外出时必须穿着遮盖她全身的上述外用长衣样式的服装, 按照穆斯林社会的风俗、习惯、社会地位、家庭传统和不同阶层的用法而有所不同。有关家室以内的 “头盖” 的那一律令, 也将适用于店铺、田野等处, 那里穆斯林社会某些部门的妇女必须工作来嫌钱维持生计。那里, 妇女不必用面纱遮住脸部。她只要克制自己的视线并且不显露她的 زِيْنَة (Zinah), 即她的首饰和其他装饰品, 犹如妇女在家室内当男性近亲访问她们时所做的那样。
第三个律令要求妇女在同陌生男子谈话时态度要端庄, 要近似严肃的程度;而且也要求她们充分注意善尽有关她们自己的性幸福、管理家务、照顾和抚养子女以及亲属事务的严肃而重要的职责。第四个律令责成夫妻尽可能同其他家庭成员的卧室分开, 即使小男孩也不容许在59节经文所述的时间内进入自己的卧室。
在这节经文中用的 زِيْنَة (Zinah) 这个单词包括天然和人工的两种美色--------身体、服装和饰物的美色。“除非自然显露的” 这句话包含妇女所不能遮掩的所有那些事物, 诸如声音、身材、体态, 也包含了按照她的社会地位、家庭传统、职业以及社会的风俗所容许的可以露出的身体的某些部份。允许身体某些部份可以不必遮掩的情况可有某些变动。因此, “不要显露自己的美色” 这句话, 对属于社会不同部门和等级的妇女将有不同的涵义, 而且这种涵义将随着一个民族的风俗和生活方式以及各种职业的变化而变化。“不要为使人知道所隐藏的装饰而跺脚” (24:32) 这句话, 表明有某些国家普遍风行的当众跳舞, 伊斯兰教是绝对不容许的。
这就是伊斯兰教 “妇女隔幔制度” 的概念。按照穆斯林的看法, 妇女可经常出外, 只要合法合理地, 需要她们这样做; 但是她们本来和主要的职能是限在家中, 如果不是更重要的话, 那么, 也是同男子的各种本职同样的重要和严肃, 必须认真对待的。如果妇女担任了男子的本职的话, 她们是想违反自然, 而 (自然法则是不容许违反而不受惩罚的) 违反自然法则必将遭到惩罚。
جیسے قد اور موٹاپا یا دُبلا پن۔
یعنی جو شرافت میں مشہور ہوں۔ یہ نہیں کہ مسلمانوں کے عام رواج کے مطابق ڈومنیاں ہر وقت گھر میں گھسی رہیں۔
Decent women.
As a good deal of misunderstanding and lack of proper knowledge as to what constitutes the Islamic notion of "Pardah" prevails even among Muslims, a somewhat detailed note on this much-vexed question is called for. The following verses deal with every aspect of "Pardah":—
(i) And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they display not their beauty………(24:32, i.e. the verse under comment).
(ii) O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should let down over them their loose outer garments. That is more likely that they will thus be recognised and not molested (33:60).
The Arabic word used in this verse (33:60) is, Jalabib of which the singular is Jilbab which means an outer or wrapping garment (Lane).
(iii)
Important Words:
خمرھن (their head-coverings). خمر is the plural of خمار which is derived from خمر which means, he veiled, covered or concealed a thing. خمار means, a woman’s muffler or veil with which she covers her head and the lower part of the face leaving exposed only the eyes and part of the nose; a woman’s head-covering; a piece of cloth with which a woman covers her head; also a man’s turban (Lane & Aqrab).
جیوبھن (their bosoms). جیوب is the plural of جیب which is derived from جاب. They say جابه i.e. he made a hole in it; he rent it or tore it; he pierced or bored it; he cut it. جاب القمیص means, he hollowed out the جیب of the shirt, he cut the جیب of the shirt or he made a جیب in the shirt. جیب means, the opening at the neck and bosom of a shirt and the like; a pocket; the heart; the bosom (Lane & Aqrab).
إربة (sexual appetite) is derived from أرب (aruba), or أرب (ariba). The former means he was or became cunning, intelligent, sagacious or excellent in judgement and the latter, i.e. ariba, means, he wanted it, he was or became in want of it and sought it or desired it. إربة and إرب (irbun) and أرب (arabun) mean the same thing, viz. cunning, intelligence, excellence of judgement, sagacity; want of need. About the Holy Prophet it is said in a hadith کان أملککم لاربه i.e. he had the greatest control over his want, desire or sexual desire (Bukhari). The Quranic words غیر اولی الاربه mean, idiots, or persons deficient in intellect or such men as have no need of women; or have no sexual desire (Lane & Mufradat).
عورات (private parts or nakedness) is the plural of عورة which is derived from عور which means, he was or became blind in one eye. عورة means, the pendulum or pudenda of a man and of a woman; the part or parts of a person which are indecent to expose; parts between the navel and the knee; anything that a man veils or conceals by reason of disdainful pride or of shame or prudency; anything of which one is ashamed when it appears; a woman; any place of concealment; a gap, an opening or a breach in the frontier of hostile country, or in war from which one fears slaughter; cleft or fissure; disgrace or disfigurement; blindness of one eye (Lane & Aqrab).
نسائھن (their women) signifies known or familiar decent women.
Commentary:
As a good deal of misunderstanding and lack of proper knowledge as to what constitutes Islamic "purdah" prevails even among Muslims, a somewhat detailed note on this much-vexed question is called for. Here are the relevant Quranic verses that embody necessary commandments about "purdah":
(i) O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should let down over them their loose outer garments. It is more likely that they will thus be distinguished and not molested (33:60).
The Arabic word used in this verse is جلابیب of which the singular is جلباب meaning, an outer or wrapping garment; a head-covering; the garment with which a woman covers her head and bosom.
(ii) And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they cast their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty…(24:32 i.e. the verse under comment.)
(iii) O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women if you are righteous. So be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should feel tempted; and speak a decent speech. And stay in your houses with dignity and do not show off yourselves like the showing off of the former days of ignorance (33:33-34).
(iv) O ye who believe, let those whom your right hands possess, and those of you who have not attained to puberty, ask permission of you three times before coming into your presence: before the morning Prayer, and when you take off clothes at noon in summer and after the night Prayer (24:59).
The following inferences are clearly deducible from the verses quoted above:
(i) When they go out, Muslim women are to wear an outer and wrapping garment which should cover their heads and bosoms in such a manner that the garment should come down from the head to the bosom covering the whole body including the face. This is the significance of the Quranic words یدنین علیھن من جلابیبھن (33:60). The outer garment is intended to make known the fact that while a Muslim woman goes about her business she may be spared the mental anguish of being stared at by persons of questionable character.
(ii) Muslim men and women are to restrain their eyes when they happen to face each other.
(iii) The third commandment though apparently applying to the wives of the Prophet, includes, as is the practice of the Quran, other Muslim women also. The words "And stay in your houses" imply that whereas women may go out when necessary, the principal and primary sphere of their activities is inside the house.
(iv) At three stated hours, even children are not allowed to enter the private apartments of their parents nor are domestic servants or female slaves allowed to enter the sleeping room of their masters.
The first commandment applies to women when they go out. Then they are to use an outer garment which should cover their whole body including the face. The second commandment relates to "purdah" primarily inside the four walls of the house when near male relatives frequently come and go. In that case men and women are only to restrain their looks and as an additional precaution women are to take care that their زینة i.e. beauty of person, dress and ornaments, is not displayed. They are not required to use جلباب (outer garment) because that would be very irksome and even impracticable in view of the free and frequent visits of near blood relations such as cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, etc. The context shows that this commandment relates to "purdah" inside the four walls of the house, because all the persons mentioned in the verse are very near relations who generally visit the houses of their relatives. The special mention in it of four categories of persons besides near relatives, viz. decent women, old servants, female slaves and minor boys, lends additional weight to the inference that the commandment in this verse relates to "purdah" within the four walls of the house.
The fact that the first commandment refers to "purdah" outside the house and the second commandment basically refers to "purdah" within the four walls of the house is also apparent from the different words that have been used to express the two forms of "purdah" in the relevant verses i.e. 33:60, and the verse under comment. Whereas in 33:60 the garment which a woman is to use when she goes out is جلباب the garment which she has to use inside the house when relatives visit is خمار. Moreover, whereas in 33:60 the words used are یدنین علیھن من جلابیبھن i.e. they should let down over them their outer garments (for a detailed discussion of جلباب and یدنین see 33:60); in the verse under comment the words used are یضربن بخمرھن علی جیوبھن i.e. they should cast their head-coverings over their bosoms. It is clear that in the former case the garment will cover the head, the face and the bosom while in the latter case only the head and the bosom will become covered and the face may remain uncovered.
It may also be noted in passing that the shape and form of the outer-garment which, as mentioned above, a woman must wear when she goes out and which covers her whole body including the face will vary according to the customs, habits, social status, family traditions and usages of various classes of the Muslim community. The commandment with regard to "purdah" within the four walls of the house will also apply to shops, fields, etc. where women of certain sections of Muslim society have to work to earn their living. There a woman will not be required to veil her face. She will have only to restrain her eyes and to cover her زینة i.e. her ornaments and other embellishments, as women within the house have to do when their relatives visit them.
The third commandment requires women to behave with dignity bordering on austerity when talking to stranger men; and they are also required to give their full attention to the discharge of their serious and important duties in regard to the affairs connected with the well-being of their own sex and the management of the household affairs and to looking after and bringing up of children and kindred matters. The fourth commandment enjoins husband and wife to have, as far as possible, sleeping apartments separate from those of other members of the family which even minor boys are not allowed to enter at stated hours.
In the expression لا یبدین زینتھن i.e. they display not their زینة (beauty), the word زینة includes both natural and artificial beauty. It signifies the beauty of person, and includes the beauty of dress and ornaments which women wear on their hands, feet, ears, arms, necks, bosoms, etc. The expression, "except that which is apparent thereof," contains all those things which it is not possible for a woman to cover such as her voice, gait or stature and also certain parts of her body which remain uncovered according to her social status, her family traditions, her avocation and the customs of the society. The permission to keep certain parts of the body uncovered will be subject to certain variations. Thus the words, "they display not their beauty" will have different connotations with regard to women belonging to different sections and grades of society and the connotation will change with the change in the customs and modes of living and professions of the people.
The words "and let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known," show that public dancing which is so much in vogue in certain countries is definitely not allowed by Islam.
This is the Islamic conception of "purdah." According to it Muslim women may go out as often as it is legitimately necessary for them to do so, but their primary and principal functions are confined to their homes which are as important and serious, if not more, as the avocations of men are. If women take to men’s avocations they seek to defy nature and nature does not allow its laws to be defied with impunity.
If would be noticed that the incident about ‘A’ishah which forms one of the principal subjects of this Surah sheds a flood of light on the form of "purdah" which Islam enjoins its followers to observe. According to tradition when Safwan came to the place where ‘A’ishah was lying asleep with her face uncovered, he recognized her because he had seen her, as he himself afterwards said, before the verse about "purdah" was revealed (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir).
907
正派的妇女。
908
即使在穆斯林中间也普遍存在着对伊斯兰教的 “妇女隔幔制度” 的许多误解和缺乏正确的知识。因此有必要对这一使人引起许多烦恼的问题作些详细的注解。以下经文述及 “妇女隔幔制度” 的各个方面:
(1) 对信仰的女子说, 她们要克制自己的视线, 保护自己的羞体, 不要显露自己的美色或自己的装饰, 除非是自然显露的。她们要把头盖拉过胸部, 不要显露自己的美色……(24:32, 即现在注释的这一节)。
(2) 先知啊! 对你的妻子、女儿和信仰的妇女说, (当她们到外面去时, )她们应当从头到脸拉下自己的外衣。这使她们更可能被辩认而不受戏弄 (33:60)。
这节经文 (33:60) 中用的这一阿拉伯单词是 جَلَابِيْب (Jalabib), 它的单数是 جِلْبَاب (Jilbab), 意思是外面用的或覆盖用的长衣。
(3) 先知的妻子们啊! 如果你们敬畏安拉, 那你们与一般妇女是不同的。你们讲话不要过于温柔, 免得心中有病的人产生恶的意念。要对人们说合乎礼仪的言语。要庄严地留在自己家中, 不要做过去愚昧时代妇女模样的打扮……(33:33-34)。
(4) 信仰的人啊! 教你们手下的人和尚未成年的人向你们在三个时辰请示 (进入室内的) 许可:晨礼之前、夏季正午脱下衣服、宵礼之后……(24:59)。
以下的推断出自后面四节经文:
(a) 穆斯林妇女外出时, 必须穿上 جِلْبَاب (Jilbab), 就是一种覆盖的外套在外面的长衣。穿着时该衣从头部向下覆盖到腹部而遮住全身。这就是 يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ (Yudnina ‘Alaihinna min Jalabibihinna) (33:60)。这一句 «古兰经» 中的话的意思: 穿上一件外罩长衣的目的, 是保护穆斯林妇女在出外做事时, 免于被盯注或受戏弄, 或任何在性格上有问题的人们做出各种使她感到不方便等精神上的极度痛苦。
(b) 穆斯林男女在偶然迎面相见时, 要克制各自的视线。
(c) 第三种律令虽然表面上是对先知的妻子说的, 实际上是 «古兰经» 的习常做法, 包括其他穆斯林妇女在内。“要庄严地留在自己家中” (33:34) 这句话意示, 妇女在必要时可以外出, 但是她们主要的活动范围是在家里。
(d) 在上述的三种时间内, 即使孩子们也不容许进入双亲的私室, 家里的仆人或女奴也不容许进入主人的卧室。
第一个律令用于妇女出外时。那时她们要穿上外衣并应遮住全身。第二个律令主要与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关, 那里经常有男性近亲来往。在这种情况下, 要求男女只要克制自己的视线, 并且作为一种外加的预防措施, 妇女们要留意不要显露她们的 زِيْنَة (Zinah), 即人的美色、服装和装饰。那时她们不须要穿外用的长罩衣 (جِلْبَاب, Jilbab), 因为在非常近的、有血缘关系的亲戚的随便而经常的访问中, 这样做会令人厌烦而不切合实际情况。经文的上下文表明了这一律令是与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关, 因为现在注释中的这节经文所谈到的所有的人都是一般来访问他们的近亲。除了近亲以外, 这节经文还特别谈了四种人, 即正派的妇女、老仆人, 女奴和小男孩, 由此更加可得出这样一个推断:这节经文中的律令与家室以内的 “面纱” 有关的。实则, 第一个律令涉及家室以外的 “面纱” 以及第二个律令基本上涉及家室以内的 “面纱”。这一事实, 还可以从有关经文即33:60和现在注释的这节经文中所用来表达两种不同形式的 “面纱” 的不同用词方面清楚地看出。在33:60节经文中, 女人外出时要穿的那件衣服是 Jilbab (一件外面覆盖的长衣), 而当亲戚来访时她在家室以内必须穿的那件衣服是头盖 (خِمَارْ, Khimar)。而且, 在33:60节经文中所用的那些字是 يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ (Yudnina ‘Alaihinna min Jalabibihinna), (也就是说, 她们应该将头盖遮到腹部。很清楚的是,) 前一种情况下, 外用长衣将遮住头部、脸部和胸腹部, 而后一种情况下, 将遮住的是头部和腹部, 但脸就是露出的。
可以顺便说一下, 妇女外出时必须穿着遮盖她全身的上述外用长衣样式的服装, 按照穆斯林社会的风俗、习惯、社会地位、家庭传统和不同阶层的用法而有所不同。有关家室以内的 “头盖” 的那一律令, 也将适用于店铺、田野等处, 那里穆斯林社会某些部门的妇女必须工作来嫌钱维持生计。那里, 妇女不必用面纱遮住脸部。她只要克制自己的视线并且不显露她的 زِيْنَة (Zinah), 即她的首饰和其他装饰品, 犹如妇女在家室内当男性近亲访问她们时所做的那样。
第三个律令要求妇女在同陌生男子谈话时态度要端庄, 要近似严肃的程度;而且也要求她们充分注意善尽有关她们自己的性幸福、管理家务、照顾和抚养子女以及亲属事务的严肃而重要的职责。第四个律令责成夫妻尽可能同其他家庭成员的卧室分开, 即使小男孩也不容许在59节经文所述的时间内进入自己的卧室。
在这节经文中用的 زِيْنَة (Zinah) 这个单词包括天然和人工的两种美色--------身体、服装和饰物的美色。“除非自然显露的” 这句话包含妇女所不能遮掩的所有那些事物, 诸如声音、身材、体态, 也包含了按照她的社会地位、家庭传统、职业以及社会的风俗所容许的可以露出的身体的某些部份。允许身体某些部份可以不必遮掩的情况可有某些变动。因此, “不要显露自己的美色” 这句话, 对属于社会不同部门和等级的妇女将有不同的涵义, 而且这种涵义将随着一个民族的风俗和生活方式以及各种职业的变化而变化。“不要为使人知道所隐藏的装饰而跺脚” (24:32) 这句话, 表明有某些国家普遍风行的当众跳舞, 伊斯兰教是绝对不容许的。
这就是伊斯兰教 “妇女隔幔制度” 的概念。按照穆斯林的看法, 妇女可经常出外, 只要合法合理地, 需要她们这样做; 但是她们本来和主要的职能是限在家中, 如果不是更重要的话, 那么, 也是同男子的各种本职同样的重要和严肃, 必须认真对待的。如果妇女担任了男子的本职的话, 她们是想违反自然, 而 (自然法则是不容许违反而不受惩罚的) 违反自然法则必将遭到惩罚。
1
جیسے قد اور موٹاپا یا دُبلا پن۔
2
یعنی جو شرافت میں مشہور ہوں۔ یہ نہیں کہ مسلمانوں کے عام رواج کے مطابق ڈومنیاں ہر وقت گھر میں گھسی رہیں۔
2614
Important Words:
خمرھن (their head-coverings). خمر is the plural of خمار which is derived from خمر which means, he veiled, covered or concealed a thing. خمار means, a woman’s muffler or veil with which she covers her head and the lower part of the face leaving exposed only the eyes and part of the nose; a woman’s head-covering; a piece of cloth with which a woman covers her head; also a man’s turban (Lane & Aqrab).
جیوبھن (their bosoms). جیوب is the plural of جیب which is derived from جاب. They say جابه i.e. he made a hole in it; he rent it or tore it; he pierced or bored it; he cut it. جاب القمیص means, he hollowed out the جیب of the shirt, he cut the جیب of the shirt or he made a جیب in the shirt. جیب means, the opening at the neck and bosom of a shirt and the like; a pocket; the heart; the bosom (Lane & Aqrab).
إربة (sexual appetite) is derived from أرب (aruba), or أرب (ariba). The former means he was or became cunning, intelligent, sagacious or excellent in judgement and the latter, i.e. ariba, means, he wanted it, he was or became in want of it and sought it or desired it. إربة and إرب (irbun) and أرب (arabun) mean the same thing, viz. cunning, intelligence, excellence of judgement, sagacity; want of need. About the Holy Prophet it is said in a hadith کان أملککم لاربه i.e. he had the greatest control over his want, desire or sexual desire (Bukhari). The Quranic words غیر اولی الاربه mean, idiots, or persons deficient in intellect or such men as have no need of women; or have no sexual desire (Lane & Mufradat).
عورات (private parts or nakedness) is the plural of عورة which is derived from عور which means, he was or became blind in one eye. عورة means, the pendulum or pudenda of a man and of a woman; the part or parts of a person which are indecent to expose; parts between the navel and the knee; anything that a man veils or conceals by reason of disdainful pride or of shame or prudency; anything of which one is ashamed when it appears; a woman; any place of concealment; a gap, an opening or a breach in the frontier of hostile country, or in war from which one fears slaughter; cleft or fissure; disgrace or disfigurement; blindness of one eye (Lane & Aqrab).
نسائھن (their women) signifies known or familiar decent women.
Commentary:
As a good deal of misunderstanding and lack of proper knowledge as to what constitutes Islamic "purdah" prevails even among Muslims, a somewhat detailed note on this much-vexed question is called for. Here are the relevant Quranic verses that embody necessary commandments about "purdah":
(i) O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should let down over them their loose outer garments. It is more likely that they will thus be distinguished and not molested (33:60).
The Arabic word used in this verse is جلابیب of which the singular is جلباب meaning, an outer or wrapping garment; a head-covering; the garment with which a woman covers her head and bosom.
(ii) And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they cast their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty…(24:32 i.e. the verse under comment.)
(iii) O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women if you are righteous. So be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should feel tempted; and speak a decent speech. And stay in your houses with dignity and do not show off yourselves like the showing off of the former days of ignorance (33:33-34).
(iv) O ye who believe, let those whom your right hands possess, and those of you who have not attained to puberty, ask permission of you three times before coming into your presence: before the morning Prayer, and when you take off clothes at noon in summer and after the night Prayer (24:59).
The following inferences are clearly deducible from the verses quoted above:
(i) When they go out, Muslim women are to wear an outer and wrapping garment which should cover their heads and bosoms in such a manner that the garment should come down from the head to the bosom covering the whole body including the face. This is the significance of the Quranic words یدنین علیھن من جلابیبھن (33:60). The outer garment is intended to make known the fact that while a Muslim woman goes about her business she may be spared the mental anguish of being stared at by persons of questionable character.
(ii) Muslim men and women are to restrain their eyes when they happen to face each other.
(iii) The third commandment though apparently applying to the wives of the Prophet, includes, as is the practice of the Quran, other Muslim women also. The words "And stay in your houses" imply that whereas women may go out when necessary, the principal and primary sphere of their activities is inside the house.
(iv) At three stated hours, even children are not allowed to enter the private apartments of their parents nor are domestic servants or female slaves allowed to enter the sleeping room of their masters.
The first commandment applies to women when they go out. Then they are to use an outer garment which should cover their whole body including the face. The second commandment relates to "purdah" primarily inside the four walls of the house when near male relatives frequently come and go. In that case men and women are only to restrain their looks and as an additional precaution women are to take care that their زینة i.e. beauty of person, dress and ornaments, is not displayed. They are not required to use جلباب (outer garment) because that would be very irksome and even impracticable in view of the free and frequent visits of near blood relations such as cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, etc. The context shows that this commandment relates to "purdah" inside the four walls of the house, because all the persons mentioned in the verse are very near relations who generally visit the houses of their relatives. The special mention in it of four categories of persons besides near relatives, viz. decent women, old servants, female slaves and minor boys, lends additional weight to the inference that the commandment in this verse relates to "purdah" within the four walls of the house.
The fact that the first commandment refers to "purdah" outside the house and the second commandment basically refers to "purdah" within the four walls of the house is also apparent from the different words that have been used to express the two forms of "purdah" in the relevant verses i.e. 33:60, and the verse under comment. Whereas in 33:60 the garment which a woman is to use when she goes out is جلباب the garment which she has to use inside the house when relatives visit is خمار. Moreover, whereas in 33:60 the words used are یدنین علیھن من جلابیبھن i.e. they should let down over them their outer garments (for a detailed discussion of جلباب and یدنین see 33:60); in the verse under comment the words used are یضربن بخمرھن علی جیوبھن i.e. they should cast their head-coverings over their bosoms. It is clear that in the former case the garment will cover the head, the face and the bosom while in the latter case only the head and the bosom will become covered and the face may remain uncovered.
It may also be noted in passing that the shape and form of the outer-garment which, as mentioned above, a woman must wear when she goes out and which covers her whole body including the face will vary according to the customs, habits, social status, family traditions and usages of various classes of the Muslim community. The commandment with regard to "purdah" within the four walls of the house will also apply to shops, fields, etc. where women of certain sections of Muslim society have to work to earn their living. There a woman will not be required to veil her face. She will have only to restrain her eyes and to cover her زینة i.e. her ornaments and other embellishments, as women within the house have to do when their relatives visit them.
The third commandment requires women to behave with dignity bordering on austerity when talking to stranger men; and they are also required to give their full attention to the discharge of their serious and important duties in regard to the affairs connected with the well-being of their own sex and the management of the household affairs and to looking after and bringing up of children and kindred matters. The fourth commandment enjoins husband and wife to have, as far as possible, sleeping apartments separate from those of other members of the family which even minor boys are not allowed to enter at stated hours.
In the expression لا یبدین زینتھن i.e. they display not their زینة (beauty), the word زینة includes both natural and artificial beauty. It signifies the beauty of person, and includes the beauty of dress and ornaments which women wear on their hands, feet, ears, arms, necks, bosoms, etc. The expression, "except that which is apparent thereof," contains all those things which it is not possible for a woman to cover such as her voice, gait or stature and also certain parts of her body which remain uncovered according to her social status, her family traditions, her avocation and the customs of the society. The permission to keep certain parts of the body uncovered will be subject to certain variations. Thus the words, "they display not their beauty" will have different connotations with regard to women belonging to different sections and grades of society and the connotation will change with the change in the customs and modes of living and professions of the people.
The words "and let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known," show that public dancing which is so much in vogue in certain countries is definitely not allowed by Islam.
This is the Islamic conception of "purdah." According to it Muslim women may go out as often as it is legitimately necessary for them to do so, but their primary and principal functions are confined to their homes which are as important and serious, if not more, as the avocations of men are. If women take to men’s avocations they seek to defy nature and nature does not allow its laws to be defied with impunity.
If would be noticed that the incident about ‘A’ishah which forms one of the principal subjects of this Surah sheds a flood of light on the form of "purdah" which Islam enjoins its followers to observe. According to tradition when Safwan came to the place where ‘A’ishah was lying asleep with her face uncovered, he recognized her because he had seen her, as he himself afterwards said, before the verse about "purdah" was revealed (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir).
2043B
Decent women.
2044
As a good deal of misunderstanding and lack of proper knowledge as to what constitutes the Islamic notion of "Pardah" prevails even among Muslims, a somewhat detailed note on this much-vexed question is called for. The following verses deal with every aspect of "Pardah":—
(i) And say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they display not their beauty………(24:32, i.e. the verse under comment).
(ii) O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should let down over them their loose outer garments. That is more likely that they will thus be recognised and not molested (33:60).
The Arabic word used in this verse (33:60) is, Jalabib of which the singular is Jilbab which means an outer or wrapping garment (Lane).
(iii)
وَٱلْقَوَٰعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّٰتِى لَا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَٰتٍۭ بِزِينَةٍ ۖ وَأَن يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
قَوَاعِد (Qawa‘id) 是 قَاعِد (Qa‘id) 的复数, 意思是已经停止生育和绝经的, 或没有丈夫, 或一个年事很高的女人 (Lane)。
یعنی بڑھیا عورتوں پر پردہ لازمی نہیں لیکن اگر باہر پھرنے کی مجبوری نہ ہو اور وہ اپنی مرضی سے گھر بیٹھی رہیں تو خداتعالیٰ کی نظر میں یہ پسندیدہ ہوگا۔
آیت کے لفظی معنے یہ ہیں کہ ’’نکاح کی امیدنہیں رکھتیں‘‘ لیکن ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ ’’جو نکاح کے قابل نہیں‘‘ کیونکہ اردو میں یہ محاورہ درست نہیں کہ وہ نکاح کی امیدنہیں رکھتیں۔ اس سے مراد یہی ہے کہ وہ ایسی عمر کو پہنچ گئی ہیں کہ وہ خیال بھی نہیں کر سکتیں کہ ان کا دوبارہ نکاح ہوگا۔
Qawa‘id is the plural of Qa‘id which signifies a woman who has ceased to bear children and to have the menstrual discharge or who has no husband, or an old woman, much advanced in years (Lane).
Important Words:
قواعد (elderly women) is the plural of قاعد and قاعدة, and قاعد is active participle from قعد which means, he sat. They say قعدت عن الولد او الحیض i.e. she ceased to bear children or to have the menstrual discharge. قعدت الامرأة means, the woman lost her husband. قاعد means, a woman who has ceased to bear children or to have the menstrual discharge or to have a husband; an old woman, advanced in years. امرأة قاعد is like امرأة حامل i.e. a pregnant woman (Mufradat, Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
The verse shows that even old women are not allowed to display their finery or ornaments and the beauty of their person and form or countenance to strangers. In the expression ان یضعن ثیابھن the particle ان is مصدریة and the meaning, is their laying aside their clothing.
914
قَوَاعِد (Qawa‘id) 是 قَاعِد (Qa‘id) 的复数, 意思是已经停止生育和绝经的, 或没有丈夫, 或一个年事很高的女人 (Lane)。
1
یعنی بڑھیا عورتوں پر پردہ لازمی نہیں لیکن اگر باہر پھرنے کی مجبوری نہ ہو اور وہ اپنی مرضی سے گھر بیٹھی رہیں تو خداتعالیٰ کی نظر میں یہ پسندیدہ ہوگا۔
2
آیت کے لفظی معنے یہ ہیں کہ ’’نکاح کی امیدنہیں رکھتیں‘‘ لیکن ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ ’’جو نکاح کے قابل نہیں‘‘ کیونکہ اردو میں یہ محاورہ درست نہیں کہ وہ نکاح کی امیدنہیں رکھتیں۔ اس سے مراد یہی ہے کہ وہ ایسی عمر کو پہنچ گئی ہیں کہ وہ خیال بھی نہیں کر سکتیں کہ ان کا دوبارہ نکاح ہوگا۔
2635
Important Words:
قواعد (elderly women) is the plural of قاعد and قاعدة, and قاعد is active participle from قعد which means, he sat. They say قعدت عن الولد او الحیض i.e. she ceased to bear children or to have the menstrual discharge. قعدت الامرأة means, the woman lost her husband. قاعد means, a woman who has ceased to bear children or to have the menstrual discharge or to have a husband; an old woman, advanced in years. امرأة قاعد is like امرأة حامل i.e. a pregnant woman (Mufradat, Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
The verse shows that even old women are not allowed to display their finery or ornaments and the beauty of their person and form or countenance to strangers. In the expression ان یضعن ثیابھن the particle ان is مصدریة and the meaning, is their laying aside their clothing.
2058A
Qawa‘id is the plural of Qa‘id which signifies a woman who has ceased to bear children and to have the menstrual discharge or who has no husband, or an old woman, much advanced in years (Lane).
وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَمَتَٰعُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتُهَا ۚ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
b
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
a
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
b
3:15; 9:38; 10:71; 16:118; 40:40.
فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فِى زِينَتِهِۦ ۖ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا يَٰلَيْتَ لَنَا مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ قَٰرُونُ إِنَّهُۥ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ
اس سے بھی ثابت ہوتا ہے کہ وہ سرکاری افسر تھا۔
4
اس سے بھی ثابت ہوتا ہے کہ وہ سرکاری افسر تھا۔
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَٰجِكَ إِن كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيلًا
As the Holy Prophet’s wives were to serve as a model in social behaviour, it was in the fitness of things that they should have been required to set an example in self-denial. Not that the use of money and the amenities of life were completely forbidden to them, but they were certainly expected to set a very high standard of self-abnegation. It is to this high standard of the sacrifice of material benefits and of an affluent and easy living to which the present and the following few verses refer. The companionship of the Holy Prophet demanded this sacrifice, and his wives were told to make a choice between comfortable life and his companionship.
Commentary:
As a result of the Battle of the Ditch and of the subsequent banishment of the Banu Quraizah, large booty fell into the hands of Muslims. They were also promised more conquests and wealth (see v. 28 above). From a persecuted and economically very poor minority they had grown into a rich, powerful and prosperous community. Material wealth, however, brings in its train worldly-mindedness, and a desire for ease and comfort and a disinclination to render acts of service and sacrifice. This is a state of affairs which a Reformer has especially to guard against. As love of ease and comfort, generally makes its appearance first in the domestic circle, and as the members of the Holy Prophet’s household were to serve as a model in social behaviour, it was in the fitness of things that they should have been required to set an example in self-denial. Not that the use of money was altogether taboo or that amenities of life were completely forbidden to them, but they were, no doubt, expected to set a very high standard of self-abnegation. It is to this high standard of the sacrifice of material benefits and of an affluent and easy living, to which the present and the following few verses refer. The companionship of the Holy Prophet demanded this sacrifice, and his wives were told to make a choice between comfortable life and his companionship, and it should be said to their credit that they chose the latter alternative and that even when, afterwards, in the time of the Caliphate of ‘Umar and ‘Uthman, very high stipends were paid to them, they lived extremely simple lives and spent most of the money in charity.
The words, "I will provide for you and send you away in a handsome manner" imply that the Holy Prophet’s wives were allowed a free choice and if anyone of them had elected to part company with him, it would have entailed no displeasure of God, on the contrary she would have been handsomely provided.
It may also be noted that just as the Holy Prophet was a perfect exemplar for all sections of humanity, his wives were expected to serve as model for women in their special sphere. This is why they have been called "the Mothers of the Faithful." Naturally, a very strict and high standard of self-discipline and self-denial is demanded of them in this and the next few verses.
3096
Commentary:
As a result of the Battle of the Ditch and of the subsequent banishment of the Banu Quraizah, large booty fell into the hands of Muslims. They were also promised more conquests and wealth (see v. 28 above). From a persecuted and economically very poor minority they had grown into a rich, powerful and prosperous community. Material wealth, however, brings in its train worldly-mindedness, and a desire for ease and comfort and a disinclination to render acts of service and sacrifice. This is a state of affairs which a Reformer has especially to guard against. As love of ease and comfort, generally makes its appearance first in the domestic circle, and as the members of the Holy Prophet’s household were to serve as a model in social behaviour, it was in the fitness of things that they should have been required to set an example in self-denial. Not that the use of money was altogether taboo or that amenities of life were completely forbidden to them, but they were, no doubt, expected to set a very high standard of self-abnegation. It is to this high standard of the sacrifice of material benefits and of an affluent and easy living, to which the present and the following few verses refer. The companionship of the Holy Prophet demanded this sacrifice, and his wives were told to make a choice between comfortable life and his companionship, and it should be said to their credit that they chose the latter alternative and that even when, afterwards, in the time of the Caliphate of ‘Umar and ‘Uthman, very high stipends were paid to them, they lived extremely simple lives and spent most of the money in charity.
The words, "I will provide for you and send you away in a handsome manner" imply that the Holy Prophet’s wives were allowed a free choice and if anyone of them had elected to part company with him, it would have entailed no displeasure of God, on the contrary she would have been handsomely provided.
It may also be noted that just as the Holy Prophet was a perfect exemplar for all sections of humanity, his wives were expected to serve as model for women in their special sphere. This is why they have been called "the Mothers of the Faithful." Naturally, a very strict and high standard of self-discipline and self-denial is demanded of them in this and the next few verses.
2349
As the Holy Prophet’s wives were to serve as a model in social behaviour, it was in the fitness of things that they should have been required to set an example in self-denial. Not that the use of money and the amenities of life were completely forbidden to them, but they were certainly expected to set a very high standard of self-abnegation. It is to this high standard of the sacrifice of material benefits and of an affluent and easy living to which the present and the following few verses refer. The companionship of the Holy Prophet demanded this sacrifice, and his wives were told to make a choice between comfortable life and his companionship.
وَقَرْنَ فِى بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِيَّةِ ٱلْأُولَىٰ ۖ وَأَقِمْنَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتِينَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَطِعْنَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمُ ٱلرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا
19:56; 20:133.
这些话表示一个妇女的主要活动领域是他的家庭--------并不是说, 不允许她离开她的家室。她尽可以出去做她需要做的合理的事情或者满足她合理的需要。可是, 出入男女的社交场所并与男人肩并肩参加各类职业, 以及由此而忽视和不利于她作为家庭主妇特别应负的家务, 则不是伊斯兰教对理想的女子的观念。穆圣的妻子们被特别要求 “留在她们的家中”, 因为她们作为 “信者之母” 的高贵地位的尊严对此有这要求, 而且也因为穆斯林为了表示敬意并对重要的宗教事务请求她们必要的指引而经常前去看望她们。此项命令同样适用于所有穆斯林妇女。«古兰经» 的启示方式就是这样, 虽然看来特指穆圣说的, 但这启示也一样对所有穆斯林有效的。同样, 下降给穆圣妻子们的命令也适用于所有穆斯林妇女。
19:56; 20:133.
The words show that the principal sphere of the activities of a woman is her house––not that she is not allowed to leave its four walls. She may go out as many times as she may require for the performance of a legitimate errand or the satisfaction of a legitimate need. But to move about in mixed society and take part in all sorts of avocations and professions, shoulder to shoulder with man, and to do so to the neglect and detriment of her special domestic duties as the mistress of the house is not the Islamic conception of ideal womanhood. The Holy Prophet’s wives were particularly required to 'stay in their houses' because the dignity of their exalted position as 'Mothers of the Faithful' demanded this and also because Muslims often visited them to pay their respects and sought necessary guidance from them on important religious matters. The commandment equally applies to all Muslim women. It is the Quranic way of address that while it appears to be particularly addressing the Holy Prophet, the addr
19:56; 20:133.
Important Words:
رجس (uncleanness) is derived from رجس (rajasa) which means, it was or became dirty or filthy or unclean or hated; he did a bad or evil action. رجس (rijsun) means, dirt or filth; a dirty or filthy thing; a thing or action disliked for its filthiness; a sin; an action that leads to punishment; doubt; infidelity; suggestion of the devil (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:91.
Commentary:
The words "stay in your houses" show that the principal sphere of the activities of a woman is her house—not that she is not allowed to leave its four walls. She may go out as many times as she may require for the performance of a legitimate errand or the satisfaction of a legitimate need. But to move about in a mixed society and take part in all sorts of avocations and professions, shoulder to shoulder with man, and to do so to the neglect and detriment of her special domestic duties as the mistress of the house is not the Islamic conception of ideal womanhood. The Holy Prophet’s wives were particularly required to "stay in their houses" because the dignity of their exalted position as "Mothers of the Faithful" demanded this and also because Muslims often visited them to pay their respects and sought necessary information and guidance from them on all important religious matters.
The commandment seems to apply only to the wives of the Holy Prophet but it equally applies to all Muslim women. It is the Quranic way of address that while it appears to be particularly addressing the Holy Prophet, the address is meant equally for all Muslims. Similarly, a commandment addressed to the wives of the Holy Prophet applies also to all Muslim women.
The expression اھل البیت applies principally and primarily to the Holy Prophet’s wives. This is quite clear from the context and also from vv. 11:74 and 28:13. In its wider sense, however, it includes all members of a family who form one’s household, even one’s children and children’s children. The expression had also been used by the Holy Prophet for some of his select Companions. سلمان منا اھل البیت i.e. "Salman is member of our household" (Saghir), is a well-known saying of the Holy Prophet.
a
19:56; 20:133.
1032
这些话表示一个妇女的主要活动领域是他的家庭--------并不是说, 不允许她离开她的家室。她尽可以出去做她需要做的合理的事情或者满足她合理的需要。可是, 出入男女的社交场所并与男人肩并肩参加各类职业, 以及由此而忽视和不利于她作为家庭主妇特别应负的家务, 则不是伊斯兰教对理想的女子的观念。穆圣的妻子们被特别要求 “留在她们的家中”, 因为她们作为 “信者之母” 的高贵地位的尊严对此有这要求, 而且也因为穆斯林为了表示敬意并对重要的宗教事务请求她们必要的指引而经常前去看望她们。此项命令同样适用于所有穆斯林妇女。«古兰经» 的启示方式就是这样, 虽然看来特指穆圣说的, 但这启示也一样对所有穆斯林有效的。同样, 下降给穆圣妻子们的命令也适用于所有穆斯林妇女。
a
19:56; 20:133.
3100
Important Words:
رجس (uncleanness) is derived from رجس (rajasa) which means, it was or became dirty or filthy or unclean or hated; he did a bad or evil action. رجس (rijsun) means, dirt or filth; a dirty or filthy thing; a thing or action disliked for its filthiness; a sin; an action that leads to punishment; doubt; infidelity; suggestion of the devil (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:91.
Commentary:
The words "stay in your houses" show that the principal sphere of the activities of a woman is her house—not that she is not allowed to leave its four walls. She may go out as many times as she may require for the performance of a legitimate errand or the satisfaction of a legitimate need. But to move about in a mixed society and take part in all sorts of avocations and professions, shoulder to shoulder with man, and to do so to the neglect and detriment of her special domestic duties as the mistress of the house is not the Islamic conception of ideal womanhood. The Holy Prophet’s wives were particularly required to "stay in their houses" because the dignity of their exalted position as "Mothers of the Faithful" demanded this and also because Muslims often visited them to pay their respects and sought necessary information and guidance from them on all important religious matters.
The commandment seems to apply only to the wives of the Holy Prophet but it equally applies to all Muslim women. It is the Quranic way of address that while it appears to be particularly addressing the Holy Prophet, the address is meant equally for all Muslims. Similarly, a commandment addressed to the wives of the Holy Prophet applies also to all Muslim women.
The expression اھل البیت applies principally and primarily to the Holy Prophet’s wives. This is quite clear from the context and also from vv. 11:74 and 28:13. In its wider sense, however, it includes all members of a family who form one’s household, even one’s children and children’s children. The expression had also been used by the Holy Prophet for some of his select Companions. سلمان منا اھل البیت i.e. "Salman is member of our household" (Saghir), is a well-known saying of the Holy Prophet.
a
19:56; 20:133.
2353
The words show that the principal sphere of the activities of a woman is her house––not that she is not allowed to leave its four walls. She may go out as many times as she may require for the performance of a legitimate errand or the satisfaction of a legitimate need. But to move about in mixed society and take part in all sorts of avocations and professions, shoulder to shoulder with man, and to do so to the neglect and detriment of her special domestic duties as the mistress of the house is not the Islamic conception of ideal womanhood. The Holy Prophet’s wives were particularly required to 'stay in their houses' because the dignity of their exalted position as 'Mothers of the Faithful' demanded this and also because Muslims often visited them to pay their respects and sought necessary guidance from them on important religious matters. The commandment equally applies to all Muslim women. It is the Quranic way of address that while it appears to be particularly addressing the Holy Prophet, the addr