“Women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity” — Ayah 26 of Surah an-Nur mentions this wonderful line. This article provides English translation and Tafsir of the verse 26 of Surah an-Nur along with full Arabic text.
Surah an-Nur Ayah 26: Translation and Tafsir
First up, full Arabic text of the verse:
Translation
Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure, and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness, and a provision honorable.
Context of the Verse
In earlier verses of Surah an-Nur, Allah revealed when the incident of false accusations against Hz Aisha (RA) happened. Such slander was made by the hypocrites on the honor of Hz Aisha (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in connection with an incident which occurred while he was returning from a campaign.
Allah Himself revealed her innocence and forbade Muslims against accusing innocent and chaste women without proof.
Now on to the Tafsir of the verse.
Tafsir
“Pure” and “impure” in this verse do not mean pure and impure in their general meaning. Even more so, “purity” does not imply virginity. Looking at the subject and context, the “impurity” spoken of here refers to adultery in this verse, because it was revealed in connection with the accusation of adultery.
Furthermore, “pure” in this verse refers to purity and goodwill of one’s character. Allah would not have made Hz Aisha (RA) the wife of His Messenger (PBUH) unless she had been good, because he (PBUH) is the best of mankind. Had she been evil, she would not have been a suitable partner either according to His Laws or His Decree.
The first part of the verse does not state an actual fact; rather it states and reminds a moral and a social principle. Impure men are a fit match for impure women and pious men are a fit match for pious women.
The verse is simply saying that good and righteous men and women only deserve each other just as immoral men and women deserve each other.
The final part of the verse that says “These are not affected by what people say” connects the verse to the incident of the false accusation against Hz Aisha (RA). When Hz Aisha (RA) was accused, Allah Himself proclaimed her innocence and declared her free from the charge that ignorant people, falling prey to rumours, had levied against her.
Conclusion
Therefore, as per Islamic principles, chaste people who are wrongfully accused of adultery out of enmity are innocent in the Sight of Allah. As a result, as Muslims, we must strive to refrain from following rumours and false information.
Verse 26 of Surah an-Nur enjoins us to be very cautious when dealing with matters pertaining charges of adultery against anyone. We should never indulge in gossip or question the character of anyone without good reason.
