24:1  This is a (great) Sura (chapter) which We have revealed and We have made its (commandments) obligatory. And We have sent down in it clear Revelations so that you may take direction and guidance

24:2  Whip a hundred lashes each, the (unmarried) adulteress and the adulterer (on validation of adultery in accordance with the conditions of the statutory [hadd] punishment. If married, then both are to be stoned to death). And you should not feel even the slightest pity in Allah’s Din (Religion) for either of them (in executing the command), if you have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And a (sizeable) party of Muslims should be present on (the occasion of) award of punishment to both of them

24:3  An adulterer does not (like to) marry (a chaste and virtuous woman) but only an adulteress or a polytheist, and no (pious man likes to) marry an adulteress (too) but only an adulterer or a polytheist. And this act (i.e., adultery) has been forbidden to the Muslims

24:4  And those who accuse chaste women (of adultery), then fail to produce four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes (as qadhaf—the punishment for false accusation of adultery) and never accept their evidence. And it is they who are the evildoers

24:5  Except for those who repent after this (false blaming) and mend their ways. Then Allah is verily Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful. (They will not be counted amongst the disobedient, but this will not exempt them from hadd al-qadhaf [the penalty for false accusation of adultery].

24:6  And those who accuse their wives (of adultery) and have no witnesses except themselves, the testimony of such a person is to swear (himself) four times by Allah that he is truthful (in his accusation)

24:7  And the fifth time (to say) that Allah’s curse be upon him if he is a liar

24:8  And (similarly) this can avert punishment from that (woman too) if she (herself) gives evidence, swearing four times by Allah that he (the husband) is a liar (in accusing her)

24:9  And the fifth time (to say) that Allah’s wrath be upon her if he (the husband) is truthful

24:10  And had there not been Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, (then you would have been more perturbed under such circumstances) and Allah is surely Most Relenting, All-Wise

24:11  Surely those who fabricated the accusation (against ‘A’isha the truthful, the pure, the chaste—may Allah be well pleased with her) were (also) a party from amongst you. Do not consider this (slander account) as a bad thing for you. It has rather (turned out to be) good for you.* Every one of them has a share in the sin as much as he has earned it, but whoever has had a major share in this (false accusation), for him is a terrible torment

24:12  Why did it not happen that when you heard of it (the slander), the believers, both men and women, would think good of their own people and say: ‘This is obviously a fabricated accusation (based on falsehood)’

24:13  Why did these (slanderers) not produce four witnesses to this (turmoil)? Since they could not bring forth witnesses, it is certainly they who are liars in the sight of Allah

24:14  And had there not been Allah’s grace upon you and His mercy in this world and in the Hereafter, severe torment would have afflicted you for promoting that (slander) into which you rushed headlong

24:15  When (hearing this matter from one another) you brought it on your tongues, and uttered with your mouths something about which you (yourselves) had no knowledge, and you took (the propagation of) this matter as inconsiderable, whereas in the presence of Allah it was a grave (offence underway)

24:16  And when you heard of this (heinous charge), why did you not declare (at the same moment): ‘It is not (at all justified) for us to talk about it’? (Rather you should have said: ‘O Allah,) Holy are You (High above making such a woman the beloved wife of Your Beloved and Esteemed Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him]). This is a grave charge.

24:17  Allah admonishes you to never repeat such a thing (in your lifetime) if you are believers

24:18  And Allah explains to you the Revelations with utmost clarity. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise

24:19  Indeed, those who like that lewdness should spread amongst the Muslims, for them is an agonizing punishment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows (the intentions of such people) and you do not know

24:20  And had there not been Allah’s grace and His mercy upon you (for the sake of the Holy Prophet [blessings and peace be upon him], you too would have been destroyed like the former communities). But Allah is Most Clement, Ever-Merciful

24:21  O believers! Do not follow the footsteps of Satan, and whoever follows the footsteps of Satan, then he (Satan) certainly commands to practise (and promotes) immorality and sinful deeds. And if there had not been Allah’s grace and His mercy upon you, then none of you would ever have been pure (of the stain of the sin of slander). But Allah purifies whom He wills and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing

24:22  And (now) those of you who are exalted (by way of the Din [Religion]) and are affluent (worldwise) must not swear that they will not provide (financial help) to the relatives, the needy and the Emigrants (who were involved in this offence of false accusation). They should forgive (their misconduct) and overlook (their mistake). Do you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful

24:23  Verily, those who falsely accuse chaste, believing women who are unaware of, and unacquainted (with, even the very idea of indecency and evil) are cursed in this world and in the Hereafter. And for them is woeful punishment

24:24  On the Day when their (own) tongues and their hands and their feet will bear witness against them for whatever they used to do

24:25  On that Day, Allah will pay them full recompense that they truly deserve (for their deeds). And they will come to know that Allah is (Himself) the truth (and also) the Revealer (of the truth)

24:26  Unclean women are (particular) for unclean men, while unclean men are meant for unclean women. And, (likewise,) clean and chaste women are (specific) to clean and pious men, whilst clean and pious men are exclusively for clean and chaste women. (So keeping in view the holiness, sanctity and purity of the Holy Prophet, you yourselves could imagine how pure, wholesome and chaste a wife Allah would have raised for him.) These (pure, innocent and pious people) are totally free from these (slanders), which these (foul-mouthed) people are levelling. Forgiveness and bestowal of honour and dignity have been (destined) for them. (Why do you ruin your life after death and earn disgrace and humiliation by denigrating his glory?

24:27  O believers! Do not enter houses other than your own until you obtain their permission. And greet their residents (immediately after you enter). This (advice) is better for you so that you may contemplate (its rationale)

24:28  Then, if you do not find anyone in these (houses), do not enter them until you are granted permission (for that). And if it is said to you: ‘Go back,’ then do go back. That is purer for you, and Allah is Well Aware of what you do

24:29  There is no sin on you if you enter (without permission) those houses (or buildings) which are not permanent residences (such as hotels, road-houses and inns). You have the right to get benefit therein. And Allah knows (all) that you disclose and that you conceal

24:30  Direct the believing men to keep their eyes always lowered and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is Well Aware of the (works) which they are busy doing

24:31  And direct the believing women that they (too) must keep their eyes lowered and guard their chastity, and must not show off their adornments and beautification except that (part of it) which becomes visible itself. And they must keep their veils (and head-coverings) drawn over their chests (too), and must not display their adornments (to anyone) except their husbands, or their fathers or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers or the sons of their brothers or the sons of their sisters, or (the women of) their (own faith, the Muslim) women or their female slaves or such male servants as are free from any lust and sexual urge, or the children who (being minor) have (yet) no sense of women’s private parts. (They too are exceptions.) Nor must they (whilst walking) strike their feet (on the ground in such a manner that ornaments jingle and) thus get revealed and known what they are keeping hidden (under the command of Shariah). And turn to Allah, all of you, in repentance, O believers, so that you may prosper (by implementing these commandments)

24:32  And marry those of your men and women who are leading an unmarried life (despite reaching the age of marriage), and also (marry) those of your male and female slaves who are capable. If they are poor, Allah will make them rich out of His bounty and Allah is Most Infinite, All-Knowing

24:33  And those who cannot afford marriage (for lack of financial means) should adopt chastity until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And from amongst (the male and female slaves) under your control, those who seek to write out a deed (of manumission—freedom through earning and paying,) write it for them, and free them (under the given condition) if you see any good in them. Pay them (also yourselves) out of that wealth which Allah has given you (to help them get freedom). And do not force your maids into prostitution to obtain benefit of the worldly life if they desire to keep themselves chaste (or wish to safeguard their chastity through marriage). And whoever will compel them, then (even) after they are compelled, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful

24:34  And surely, We have sent down to you evident and enlightening Revelations and some examples of those who have passed away before you (i.e., like ‘A’isha’s story, the story of Maryam [Mary] and the story of Yusuf [Joseph]). And (this) is for the direction and guidance of the Godfearing

24:35  Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The likeness of His Light (which is glowing in the world in the form of Muhammad’s Light [blessings and peace be upon him]) is as a niche-like (sacred breast) wherein is glowing the lamp (of Prophethood), the lamp contained in a crystal globe (the radiant heart of the Prophet Muhammad [blessings and peace be upon him]). This globe is (as dazzlingly bright owing to reflection of Allah’s Light) as a glittering star. (This lamp of Prophethood) is lit with the sacred olive tree (i.e., either due to the blissful communication of divine Revelation from the Realm of divinity, or owing to the blissful genealogical tree of the Prophets and the Messengers). It is neither (merely) eastern nor western (rather universal and cosmic in its generously infinite luminosity. The likeness of this lamp of Prophethood is as if) its oil (i.e., Light, due to its genuine and inherent potential capability) is glowing, though no fire (or the radiation of celestial miracles and divine Revelation) has even touched it yet. (So it) is Light upon Light (i.e., the Light of Prophethood upon the Light of the Holy Essence, denoting a Self-Embodying double Light). Allah takes to (the gnosis of) His Light whom He wills. And Allah explains similitudes for (the guidance of) people and Allah is Well Aware of everything

24:36  (This Light of Allah illumines) such houses (mosques and centres) as Allah has ordained to exalt (i.e., enhance their esteem and honour) and remember His Name therein. (These are the houses) in which (Allah’s servants) glorify Him morning and evening

24:37  (Blessed with this Light) are those servants of (Allah) whom neither trade nor sale diverts from the remembrance of Allah and from establishing Prayer and paying Zakat (the Alms-due. Even whilst performing their worldly duties) they keep fearing the Day when hearts and eyes will (all) overturn (with terror)

24:38  So that Allah gives them the best reward for the (good) deeds they have done, and bestows upon them (still) more out of His bounty. And Allah blesses with sustenance (and provisions) without measure whom He wills

24:39  And the deeds of the disbelievers are like a mirage in a vast barren field which the thirsty one deems to be water, until when he gets near it he finds it to be nothing. (Likewise, in the Hereafter) he will find Allah near him, but Allah fully paid him back (in the world). And Allah is Swift in taking account

24:40  Or (the disbelievers’ deeds are like) the darkness in a deep sea covered by a wave, rolled upon (yet) by another wave and above that are clouds. (This) darkness is (in layers) one over another. When (a person drowning into such a sea) stretches his hand out, no one can see it. And he for whom Allah has not formed any light (of guidance), for him there is no light (anywhere)

24:41  Have you not seen that (all) who are in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah alone, and the birds (too in the air around) with wings outspread (do celebrate His praise)? Each one knows his own mode of prayer and praise (before the presence of Allah). And Allah is Well Aware of the deeds they accomplish

24:42  And to Allah alone belongs the sovereignty of all the heavens and the earth and to Him will all return

24:43  Have you not seen that Allah is the One Who drives the cloud (first) gently, then joins its (various pieces) together, and then forms them into layers upon layers? Then you see that from spaces between them rain issues forth and falls down. And He sends down hail from the clouds (looking) like snow-covered mountains in the same sky (i.e., atmosphere). And then He throws it down upon whom He wills and turns it away from whom He likes. (Moreover, He creates lightning from the same clouds.) It seems as if the flash of the lightning (of clouds) would (dazzle their eyes and) snatch their sight away

24:44  (And) Allah turns about the night and the day (over each other). Surely, there is (great) guidance in it for those who have reason and insight

24:45  And Allah has originated (the chemical genesis of) every moving creature from water. So, some of them creep on their bellies, some walk on two feet and some others on four. Allah creates what He wills. Surely, Allah has absolute power over everything

24:46  We have indeed sent down clear and enlightening Revelations (through which) Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path

24:47  And they say: ‘We have believed in Allah and the Messenger and we obey.’ Then, after (saying) this, a group of them turn away (from their affirmation). And (in fact) these people are not (at all) believers

24:48  And when they are called to Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) that he may judge between them, a party of them turn away (from appearing before the Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him])

24:49  And had they been in the right, they would have come fast to him (the Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him]) most submissively

24:50  Is there a disease (of hypocrisy) in their hearts? Or do they doubt (the majesty and glory of the Messenger)? Or do they fear that Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) will do them wrong? (Nay,) they themselves are the wrongdoers

24:51  The only saying of the believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) in order that he may judge between them, is that they say: ‘We have heard and we (totally) submit to obey.’ It is they who will prosper

24:52  And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and fears Allah and adopts Godwariness for Him, it is they who will achieve their goal

24:53  And they swear most strongly (and solemnly) by Allah that if you order them, they will certainly set out (for jihad [the sacred struggle for the establishment of peace and human rights]). Say: ‘Do not swear. It is obedience that is (required) as per law. Allah is certainly Well Aware of the deeds you do.

24:54  Say: ‘Obey Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), but if you turn away (from obedience), then (beware that) the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) is simply responsible for the duty he is charged with, and you are responsible for what you are charged with. And if you obey him, you will be guided. And nothing is (obligatory) for the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) but to convey (the commands) clearly.

24:55  To those of you who believe and keep doing pious deeds Allah has given the promise (whose fulfilment and implementation is obligatory for the Umma [Community]): He will surely bestow upon them khilafa (the trust of right to rule) as He granted (the right to) rule to those who were before them. And (through dominance and rule) He will strengthen and stabilize their Din (Religion) for them which He has liked for them, and (by this strength and rule) He will for sure change their former state of fear (which was due to their political, economic and social handicap) to that of peace and security. They will worship Me (fearlessly and) will not associate any partner with Me (i.e., will follow and obey only My command and system). And after this, whoever adopts ingratitude (i.e., aversion to, and denial of, My commands) it is they who will be defiant (and disobedient)

24:56  And establish (the system of) prayers and (ensure) the payment of Zakat (the Alms-due) and accomplish (absolute) obedience to the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) so that you may be granted mercy (i.e., the blessings of sovereign rule, stability, peace and security may endure and continue)

24:57  And let it not occur to you at all that those who disbelieve and are ungrateful will make (Allah) powerless (to destroy them) in the earth. And Hell is their abode and the worst is that abode

24:58  O believers! Your (male and female) slaves and your children who have not yet attained puberty must seek your permission (to come to you) on three occasions: (first) before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, (second) when you put off your clothes at noon (for rest), and (third) after the ‘Isha’ (Night) Prayer (when you go to bed for sleep. These are) the three (times) of privacy for you. Other than these (times), there is no sin on you or them (because during remaining hours they) keep coming and going frequently where you are from one to the other. That is how Allah makes the Revelations clear for you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise

24:59  And when the children from amongst you reach puberty, they must also seek your permission (to come to you) as (other elders) have been doing before them. That is how Allah makes His commands clear for you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise

24:60  And there is no sin on those elderly house-confined women who have no desire (now) for marriage if they lay aside their garments (i.e., additional outer coverings), provided they (too) do not show their adornment. And if they are (more) committed to self-restraint (i.e., do not remove additional outer coverings as well), that is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing

24:61  There is no restriction on the blind, nor any blame on the lame, nor is there any sin on the sick, nor (any harm) for you if you eat (food) from your own houses or from the houses of your fathers, or the houses of your mothers, or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters, or the houses of your fathers’ brothers, or the houses of your fathers’ sisters, or the houses of your mothers’ brothers, or the houses of your mothers’ sisters, or the houses whose keys are in your charge (i.e., whose owners have permitted you for any use. Nor is there any harm to eat food) from your friends’ houses. There is no sin on you whether you all eat together or separately. Then, when you enter the houses, greet (the members of) your (family) with the greeting of peace and security. (This) is a blissful and pure greeting from Allah. Thus Allah makes clear His Verses for you so that you may understand (the commands of the Shariah and the manners of life)

24:62  The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), and when they are with you for some (collective) issue which brings (the people) together, then they should not go away from there (i.e., they should participate whole-heartedly to work for collective coherence and unity amongst the Umma [Community]) until they have obtained permission from you (owing to some special excuse. O Esteemed Prophet,) surely those who seek permission from you (believing your Majesty the Supreme and Ultimate Authority), it is they who are the believers in Allah and His Prophet. So when they seek from you permission (to go) for some affair of theirs, then (you are the Supreme Sovereign Authority). Grant leave whom you please, and ask forgiveness for them from Allah (even on going away from your company by obtaining your permission, lest they should be seized even on that). Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful

24:63  (O Muslims!) Do not regard the calling of the Prophet amongst you like your calling of one another. (When calling the Holy Prophet is not like your mutual calling amongst you, then how can the Holy Personality of the Prophet be like yours?) Surely, Allah knows those from amongst you (well) who slip away quietly (from the presence of the Holy Prophet [blessings and peace be upon him]) under the shelter of one another. So let those who go against the Messenger’s command (of veneration and devotion) feel afraid lest some trial should overtake them (here in the world) or a painful torment seize them in the Hereafter

24:64  Beware! To Allah belongs (all) that is in the heavens and in the earth. He certainly knows your state of mind (i.e., state of belief or that of hypocrisy). And on the Day when they will be returned to Him, He will disclose to them what they used to do and Allah knows everything full well