Surah al-Hujurat is the 49th Surah of The Quran. It consists of 18 verses. The main focus of Surah al-Hujurat is to enlighten the believers about manners that should be observed as well as etiquettes and proper conduct. Among other things, it also teaches us not to act on a news without verification.

The Message of Surah al-Hujurat

Etiquettes and Manners

This Surah outlines what a Muslim’s character should be. It forbids acting on news without verification and promotes calls for peace and reconciliation. We are also warned against defamation by means of mockery and taunts. Furthermore, in Surah al-Hujurat, Allah tells us not to ridicule others using ugly nicknames, indulge in suspicion, or pry into other people’s affairs and backbiting. Allah has mentioned all such corruptions and evils separately and announced them as unlawful.

Next, what if two groups of believers end up fighting each other? As Muslims, it is our duty to make peace between them, or to decide as to who is the aggressor and then compel the aggressor to refrain from their actions.

Equality and Brotherhood

Humans are spread around the world in the form of different nations and tribes. No one is superior or inferior on the basis of color, race, ethnicity, language or origin. As per Surah al-Hujurat, only piety and righteous deeds can decide one’s superiority in front of Allah.

Therefore, this surah condems certain wrong notions that are prevalent in our society like racism, tribalism, caste and class system, xenophobia, etc. In fact, Surah al-Hujurat establishes equality with regards to race and origin — one’s nobility can only be determined on the basis of his or her pious actions.

Surah al-Hujurat in Pictures

Now, let us look at some major verses of Surah al-Hujurat in the form of images to better understand the message of this beautiful Surah.

Ayah 06

Ayah 09

Ayah 10

Ayah 11

Ayah 12

Ayah 13

Conclusion

As can be seen, in Surah al-Hujurat, Allah tells us not to indulge in bias on the basis of race, caste, color, etc. Furthermore, we are also informed about the manners, etiquettes and norms which are expected of a true believer. Being a Muslim is not an outward task — it should reflect in our behavior, nature and gestures.