Muslim women are generally portrayed as the most repressive being and Islam is "condemned" for placing more restrictions on women for many rulings are visibly associated with them (e.g., hijab, public modesty, gender interaction). But Islam’s guidance is complementary, not one-sided: Men also have restrictions (lowering the gaze, avoiding free mixing for desire, providing financially, leading families responsibly, etc.), though these may be less visible.
However, the guidelines for women are more noticeable because they involve outward practices like dress and roles in family/public life. It is because Qur’an and Sunnah set rules to preserve human dignity, protect society from corruption, and balance roles.
Restrictions on both genders serve these aims:
- For men: Stronger emphasis on lowering the gaze, avoiding exploitation, being financially responsible, not abusing power.
- For women: Stronger emphasis on modest presentation and safety in social interactions.
So restrictions are not about limiting freedom, but about protecting individuals from harm and preserving justice, for Islam does not impose “more restrictions” on women out of inequality, but because of the different roles, risks, and responsibilities between genders. Men and women are spiritually equal, but their guidance is shaped according to their nature and context. What looks like restriction is, in essence, a framework of protection and dignity—and men’s responsibilities, though less visible, are equally heavy.
Let’s unpack the 32nd verses from Surah al-Ahzāb in which wives of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم have been Divinely cautioned to refrain from talking softly to men for such whispering may transmit unwanted signals for men to come closer. Although the subject in the following verse are wives of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, yet these are applicable to all Muslim women, as we will discuss later.
The Verse
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ ۚ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women, if you fear Allah. So do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should desire, but speak in an appropriate manner.” (33:32)
Note: Herein under, we will only mention the context and its relevance to our present times while unpacking the above quoted verse. Those wanting to know detailed explanation, my refer to Exegesis of Surah Al Ahzab, already published.
1. Context (Asbāb al-Nuzūl)
The command was given during the Madinan period when the Muslim community was growing and women often interacted with men for social and religious purposes. Thus, this verse was revealed specifically addressing the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, who had a unique and elevated status as Mothers of the Believers. Since they were role models, their conduct had to set a high standard for Muslim women.
2. Core Instructions
The verse is divided into three parts:
- Not like other women: Their position demanded higher responsibility, not privilege.
- Guard speech: Avoiding excessive softness, flirtation, or suggestive tones in speech that might stir unhealthy desires in weak-hearted men.
- Speak appropriately: Communication should remain dignified, respectful, and purposeful.
3. Broader Meaning Beyond Wives of the Prophet ﷺ
Although revealed for the Prophet’s wives, scholars explain that the principle extends to all Muslim women:
- The Qur’an often begins with a particular case (Prophet’s family) and then gives a principle for all believers.
- This verse teaches women to balance modesty with dignity in speech, avoiding both harshness and flirtatious softness.
4. Relevance in Today’s World
This verse is highly applicable today, especially in an age of constant communication, workplace interactions, and digital conversations:
- Professional Speech: Women (and men too) should communicate clearly, firmly and respectfully, without suggestive tones or intentions.
- Digital Age: On social media, texting, or calls, modesty in words matters just as much as in physical interaction.
- Preventing Exploitation: Sadly, harassment and objectification are common today. This verse shows Islam’s proactive approach to protecting women’s dignity by setting guidelines for interaction.
- Role Models: Just like the Prophet’s wives were examples, believing women today serve as examples in workplaces, schools, and communities.
5. Supporting References
- Qur’an 24:30–31: Both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze and guard modesty.
- Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said:
- “Modesty brings nothing but good.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 37:9)
- “Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (Ibn Mājah 4181)
6. Key Lessons for Muslim of the day, specially women
- Islam doesn’t forbid communication between genders but sets boundaries for protection and dignity.
- Both speech and tone can influence hearts; hence, mindfulness in communication is part of taqwā (God-consciousness).
- This guidance fosters safe, respectful, and healthy social environments.
Summary:
33:32 teaches that speech should be dignified and free of suggestiveness. While addressed to the Prophet’s wives, it applies broadly today, guiding Muslims—especially in mixed settings, workplaces, and digital communication—to interact respectfully and modestly, ensuring protection of hearts and preservation of dignity.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 33. Al-Ahzāb already published.
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.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
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.
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 exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān 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, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. 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.
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
