Today we share the lessons we learn from Surah 45 AL Hujarat (The Private Chambers). This Surah contains instructions, manners and etiquettes to live a complete, clean and humble life in utter humility. That is why this Surah is also known as the Surah of Manners for it provides profound guidance on ethical behavior, social conduct, and interpersonal relations, particularly among Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining social harmony, treating others with respect, and fostering unity within the Muslim community.
Before we list down the lessons, let us understand what does the word Hujarat mean:
The word "Hujurat" (الحجرات) in Surah Al-Hujurat literally means "the rooms" or "chambers." It refers to the private rooms or apartments of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his wives. These chambers were part of the Prophet's mosque in Madinah, where his family lived.
The title of the surah, Al-Hujurat, is derived from verse 4, where the term "hujurat" is mentioned: "Indeed, those who call you, [O Muhammad], from behind the chambers (hujurat) - most of them do not use reason." (Qur'an 49:4)
This surah thus beside giving out some extremely useful lessons for our social life, it also mentions why this surah was revealed. In the pre-Islamic period, the coarse and rugged Bedouins of Arabia followed no etiquettes, specially when visiting someone's home. They would even barge into someone's house without seeking permission or would keep calling the name of the master of the house till he came out. The same happened to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as well. Therefore through this surah etiquettes of visiting the house of the Prophet ﷺ have been given out in the initial verses.
Hereinunder are key lessons we can learn from Surah Al-Hujurat:
* Note: We have given these lessons in jist form. For detailed exegesis of the surah, please read our earlier post: Surah Al Hujuraat الۡحُجُرٰتِ (The Private Apartments): Exegesis of 49th chapter of Qur'an
Respect for Authority and the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
Verses 1-5 teach Muslims to approach matters involving Allah and His Messenger with utmost respect and care. They should not act impulsively or raise their voices above the Prophet’s voice, demonstrating reverence for the Prophet's authority.
Lesson: Respect for leadership and religious authority is crucial. Today, we can apply this to respecting scholars and leaders who guide us in religious matters.
"O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (49:1)
Respecting Privacy
As mentioned in the premise above, etiquettes are taught how to visit the house of a Prophet of Allah or anyone, as mentioned in the following two verses:
(49:4) Surely most of those who call out to you, (O Prophet), from behind the apartments, are devoid of understanding.
(49:5) If they were patient until you went out to them, that would have been better for them. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Verify Information Before Acting
Verse 6 warns against blindly accepting information from unreliable sources. It stresses the importance of verifying news to prevent harm and misjudgment.
Lesson: In today’s world of fast communication and social media, this verse reminds us to avoid spreading rumors or misinformation. Always verify facts before reacting or passing judgment.
"O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful." (49:6)
Promoting Reconciliation and Peace
Verses 9-10 emphasize the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts within the Muslim community. Believers should act as mediators and strive for peace and reconciliation.
Lesson: Muslims are encouraged to act as peacemakers, ensuring that disputes among fellow Muslims are resolved in a just and peaceful manner, and not to allow divisions to fester.
"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (49:10)
Avoid Mockery, Defamation, and Slander
Verse 11 prohibits mocking or ridiculing others, as well as using offensive names or labels. It also cautions against defaming others, which destroys trust and respect within the community.
Lesson: We should treat others with dignity and refrain from insulting, mocking, or making fun of anyone, regardless of their social or ethnic background.
"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them..." (49:11)
Avoid Suspicion, Spying, and Backbiting
Verse 12 strongly discourages believers from being suspicious of others, engaging in spying, or gossiping and backbiting, which are all destructive behaviors in relationships.
Lesson: These actions harm the social fabric and lead to mistrust and hatred. In daily life, we should avoid these negative habits and instead focus on building trust and respect.
"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other..." (49:12)
Human Equality and the Dangers of Racism
Verse 13 is one of the most powerful statements on human equality in the Qur'an. It asserts that all people are equal regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. The only measure of superiority is one's righteousness and piety (taqwa).
Lesson: This verse speaks against racism and tribalism. In the eyes of Allah, everyone is equal, and the only criterion that distinguishes people is their consciousness of Allah and good deeds.
"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." (49:13)
True Faith Requires Obedience to Allah
Verses 14-18 clarify that faith (iman) is more than just words; it requires sincere belief and action. True believers follow Allah’s commands and live according to His guidance, not merely claim to have faith.
Lesson: Claiming to be a believer is not enough; actions and sincerity matter. True faith manifests in behavior, such as fulfilling religious obligations and adhering to Islamic morals.
"The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts." (49:14)
Surah Al-Hujurat provides timeless guidance on how to cultivate an ethical and harmonious society based on mutual respect, equality, and social justice. Its teachings are applicable in everyday life, urging believers to be conscious of their behavior toward others, foster unity, and maintain the integrity of their faith through sincere actions.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our reference pages: Understanding Al Qur'an and Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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