Surah Al-Ahzab — Verse 55

Meanings of Key Words:

• Junaah (جُنَاح): Sin, burden, or blame.
• Ābā’ihinna (آبَائِهِنَّ): Their fathers.
• Abnā’ihinna (أَبْنَائِهِنَّ): Their sons.
• Ikhwānihinna (إِخْوَانِهِنَّ): Their brothers.
• Abnā’u ikhwānihinna (أَبْنَاءُ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ): Sons of their brothers (nephews).
• Abnā’u akhawātihinna (أَبْنَاءُ أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ): Sons of their sisters (nephews).
• Nisā’ihinna (نِسَائِهِنَّ): Their fellow women (believing women).
• Mā malakat aymānuhunna (مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ): Those whom their right hands possess (female slaves/servants).
• Ittaqīna Allāh (وَاتَّقِينَ اللَّهَ): Fear Allah, be conscious of Him, and obey His commands.
• Shahīd (شَهِيدًا): Witness over everything, fully aware and observing.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse came as a divine mercy and a practical facilitation after the command of hijab (modest covering) was revealed. When the believing women were instructed to observe hijab, some of their male relatives—like fathers, sons, and brothers—wondered, "Must we also speak to them only from behind a screen?" So Allah, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, clarified that there is no sin or blame upon the believing women if they do not observe hijab in the presence of their close male relatives (mahrams) and certain other individuals listed in this verse.

These include: their fathers, their sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters—whether related by blood or through breastfeeding (radā‘ah)—as well as their fellow believing women, and the female slaves or servants whom they rightfully own. The reason is that these individuals are part of a woman's daily life and close circle; they are people with whom she naturally interacts, and there is no fear of fitnah (temptation) from them in the same way as from strangers. This is a beautiful demonstration of Allah’s care for His servants—He does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear, and He makes matters easy for them.

However, the verse concludes with a powerful and profound reminder: "And fear Allah, O women—indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, a Witness." This means that even though hijab is relaxed before these listed individuals, a woman must still remain mindful of Allah’s boundaries. She should not use this permission as an excuse to display her adornment in ways that are not permitted, nor should she be careless in her conduct before those who are not her mahrams. Allah is watching over every action, every glance, and every intention—nothing is hidden from Him, and He will hold every soul accountable for what it does, whether open or secret.

This verse teaches us a profound lesson: Islam is a religion of balance and practicality. It does not impose hardship, but it also does not leave the believer without guidance. The permission given here is a trust, and the command to fear Allah is a safeguard that ensures this permission is used with wisdom, modesty, and sincerity. As a believer, let this verse remind you that Allah’s mercy encompasses every aspect of your life, and His awareness of your deeds is a call to live with taqwa (God-consciousness) in all circumstances.