Lessons from Surah 49 Al Hujaraat (The Private Apartments) - The Surah of Manners

Every Surah / Chapter of Qur'an is based on a particular theme for the guidance of believers or even anyone including non Muslims reading Qur'an. These themes provide an insight to Divine Guidance and how to live in a society as per dictates of our Creator, Allah All Mighty.

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.

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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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Short Stories from the Holy Quran: Prophet Moses and Khidr

A lot many stories appear in the Holy Qur'an which teach us many lessons for living our lives as per the dictates of Allah to be blessed. In the on going series of Short Stories from the Holy Qur'an, today we are sharing the story about the interaction of Prophets Muse (Moses) and Khidr (may Allah's blessings be on both).

Before relating the story, let us quote averse from Holy Qur'an which gives an insight for all of us to understand the wisdom of very word that is contained therein for us:

"It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah . But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding." [Surah Aale'Imran 3:7]

While many of us know Prophet Musa very well, some may not have listened about Khidr, a mention of whom is made not only in the Holy Qur'an but in other scriptures and history books as well. The majority of Islamic scholars are of the opinion that Khidr was a Prophet.  The Quran refers to him as one of Allah’s servants who was granted knowledge, comprehension and mercy.

“Then they found one from among Our servants to whom We had granted mercy from Us and whom We had taught knowledge from Ourselves.” (Quran 18: 65)

Many scholars believe that since Khiḍr was Moses’s guide and teacher so he must be superior to Moses; only a prophet can be superior to another prophet; therefore Khiḍr was a prophet.  The name Khidr is taken to mean “the green one” colloquially associated with the Arabic word for green, al-akhdar.  Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has been quoted as saying: “He was named Khidr because he sat on a dry, barren piece of land and it suddenly became green under him.”

Now coming to the stories of meeting of Moses and Khidr in the Holy Qur'an. However, as a prelude, it would be pertinent to quote a passage from Hadith in which Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described the circumstances which led Moses to embark upon the journey to meet Khidr.:

‘Moses got up to deliver a sermon before Bani Israel and he was asked, 'Who is the most learned person among the people?' Moses replied, 'I (am the most learned).' Allah then admonished Moses for he did not ascribe all knowledge to Allah only (Then) came the Divine Inspiration:-- 'Yes, one of Our slaves at the junction of the two seas is more learned than you.'

Thus Moses embarked upon the journey along with his companion. Moses was asked to carry a fish in a container and where the fish leaves the container would be the place where he would meet a man wiser than him. The details appear as below in the Holy Qur'an [Surah Al Kahf 18:60-82]:

(v. 60) And when Moses said unto his servant, “I shall continue on till I reach the junction of the two seas, even if I journey for a long time. (v. 61) Then when they reached the junction of the two, they forgot their fish, and it made its way to the sea, burrowing away. (v. 62) Then when they had passed beyond, he said to his servant, “Bring us our meal. We have certainly met with weariness on this journey of ours.” (v. 63) He said, “Didst thou see? When we took refuge at the rock, indeed I forgot the fish—and naught made me neglect to mention it, save Satan—and it made its way to the sea in a wondrous manner!” (v. 64) He said, “That is what we were seeking.” So they turned back, retracing their steps. (v. 

Tired of the long journey, Prophet  Moses decided to stop and take rest. However while Moses was taking a nap, his companion saw the fish wriggle out of the container and slipped into the water. But the companion did not make a mention of this to Moses when the commenced their journey. It was only after when they had already traveled quite far ahead that Prophet Moses realized he had moved much past the destined point. So retraced his steps to the place where the fish had entered the water. 

Now here is a lesson for us to learn: Prophet Moses did not scold his companion nor lament about having gone off course, or wasting time and effort.  What had happened had happened; it was the will of God.  Prophet Moses’ behaviour is that of a person satisfied with God’s decree.  Once he learned that he had stepped away from the correct path he took the necessary action to return to the right way.  This is a lesson for all of us.  In this life, so many of us choose the wrong path but are afraid or too embarrassed to rectify their mistakes!  Once a person realizes that he has committed a mistake, they should immediately set about to head in the right direction. This should never be considered a defeat; rather, it is a victory.

Once back to the point where the fish had slipped into the water, Prophet Moses found the man he was looking for: Read as described in the Qur'an:

65) There they found a servant from among Our servants whom We [End Page 209] had granted a mercy from Us and whom We had taught knowledge from Our Presence. (v. 66) Moses said unto him, “Shall I follow thee, that thou mightest teach me some of that what thou hast been taught of sound judgment?” (v. 67) He said, “Truly thou wilt not be able to bear patiently with me. (v. 68) And how canst thou bear patiently that which thou dost not encompass in awareness?” (v. 68) He said, “Thou wilt find me patient, if God wills, and I shall not disobey thee in any matter.” (v. 70) He said, “If thou wouldst follow me, then question me not about anything, till I make mention of it to thee.” (v. 71) So they went on till, when they had embarked upon a ship, he made a hole therein. He said, “Didst thou make a hole in it in order to drown its people? Thou hast done a monstrous thing!” (v. 72) He said, “Did I not say unto thee that thou wouldst not be able to bear patiently with me?” (v. 73) He said, “Take me not to task for having forgotten, not make me suffer much hardship on account of what I have done.” (v. 74) So they went on till they met a young boy, and he slew him. He said, “Didst thou slay a pure soul who had slain no other soul? Thou hast certainly done a terrible thing!” (v. 75) He said, “Did I not say unto thee that thou wouldst not be able to bear patiently with me?” (v. 76) [Moses] said, "If I should ask you about anything after this, then do not keep me as a companion. You have obtained from me an excuse." (v. 77) So they set out, until when they came to the people of a town, they asked its people for food, but they refused to offer them hospitality. And they found therein a wall about to collapse, so Khidr restored it. [Moses] said, "If you wished, you could have taken for it a payment." (v. 78) [Khidr] said, "This is parting between me and you. I will inform you of the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience. (v 79) As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working at sea. So I intended to cause defect in it as there was after them a king who seized every [good] ship by force. (v. 80) And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared that he would overburden them by transgression and disbelief. (v. 81) So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy. (v. 82) And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure for them, and their father had been righteous. So your Lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience."

This story has been mentioned in Qur'an not only to please us who are more interested in listening to stories at bed time or otherwise to amuse ourselves and our children. After telling a story, we never try to invoke questions in our minds as to the why to such events and how we should relate our lives to the lessons contained in a story or an incident that happens in our lives.

Concluding the Prophet Moses and Khidr story, we would see that:

• Whatever Khidr did was in accordance with the instructions from Allah. He was to show three lesson-able incidents to Prophet Moses and he did not go beyond. This shows complete obedience to Allah, for Khidr acted exactly he was told to. 
• Khidr was given knowledge of the incidents to show Moses how to have firm and unquestionable belief in Allah. The prophets do not question Allah when they are given a commandment, for it is Allah alone who knows the outcome and the philosophy behind. It is thus incumbent upon us all to have a firm belief in Allah, His book and the Messengers including the last of the Messengers Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). And we should never be found questioning our beliefs.
•  The story of Moses and Khidr tells us to be patient and trust in the mercy and wisdom of Allah, for Allah’s decree stems from His supreme and absolute wisdom. It tells us that Allah does not treat anyone unfairly and that His decree for us is most just and inherently generous. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer.  If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him.  If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” 
• While following the commandments of Allah, our personal judgment should never ever overtake the commandment of Allah and the way how a particular commandment is to implemented as explained and even practically manifested by the the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
• It is important to understand that Allah does not create evil for its own sake, but rather it is often the forerunner of good.  These three events illustrate this point.  When we understand this we will never feel victimized or treated unfairly.  Sometimes the good in a difficult situation does not become clear until a long time afterwards, at other times it is apparent immediately.  

Always remember that The life of a human being is sometimes beset by trials, tragedies or calamities that appear to make no sense but in retrospect we see them for what they really are, lessons from the Most Wise designed to take us closer to the supreme reward, Al-Jannah, or Paradise. 

May Allah grant us wisdom to obey His commandments without hesitation and grant us patience to await the outcome from a situation which may seemingly be to our loss. For Ever loss, there awaits a big reward, if not in this world but surely in the hereafter when we would most hard pressed for Allah's blessing. Aameen.

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