An Noor

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Whatever program we initiate in our life, will be as per the Pre-directed Guidelines of Allah, the Most Benevolent and the Most Merciful. (6:162)

Marital relationships, culture, morals, and ethics will be the basis to value how good a country is. The Quran, therefore, imposes restrictions on physical relations between men and women. It explicitly condemns sexual relations between male and female with marital bondage as immoral acts. (See 17:32) It says that only countries that have control over physical relations can succeed in their ideal path permanently (see 23:5-6, 70:29-30). So, the commands given in this chapter are obligatory upon you just as the commands in the Quran are obligatory upon you (see 28:85).

And the Islamic regime will shoulder the responsibility for meeting the basic needs of all sections of the population such as food, clothing, and shelter. (See 11: 6) Therefore, it is wise to keep a simple marriage arrangement. And it forbids all means of sexual arousal. (See 4:15-16) So it is essential for the safe life of women. This chapter speaks to this.

سُورَةٌ أَنزَلۡنَٰهَا وَفَرَضۡنَٰهَا وَأَنزَلۡنَا فِيهَآ ءَايَٰتِۢ بَيِّنَٰتٖ لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ١

24:1. Just as the Quran was revealed (see 15: 9), this chapter is blessed by Allah. It is incumbent upon you to follow the instructions contained therein. The instructions in it are to be carefully read and given in a very clear manner to implement them.

Restrictions on physical relationship are essential for the full development of human potential. The Qur'an, which allows men to marry whomever he chooses (see 4:3), vehemently condemns treating a woman as a commercial object. So, it obligates the marriage contract system. (See 4:19-25) Therefore

ٱلزَّانِيَةُ وَٱلزَّانِي فَٱجۡلِدُواْ كُلَّ وَٰحِدٖ مِّنۡهُمَا مِاْئَةَ جَلۡدَةٖۖ وَلَا تَأۡخُذۡكُم بِهِمَا رَأۡفَةٞ فِي دِينِ ٱللَّهِ

24:2. It prohibits illicit physical relationship between a man and a woman. Beyond that, if someone has such a relationship without marriage, both of them are punishable. If such a relationship is proven, (see 4:15 & 24: 4) the Islamic court will issue an order giving one hundred lashes to each.

إِن كُنتُمۡ تُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۖ وَلۡيَشۡهَدۡ عَذَابَهُمَا طَآئِفَةٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ٢

If you truly accept the guidance of Allah and the law of “the ultimate result of human deeds,” do not discriminate against anyone in the carrying out of this order. Moreover, fulfill this order in the presence of the public so that it may be a lesson to others as well.

The reason why this punishment should be given to both is that such an understating between a man and a woman can only occur with the consent of each other. Neither woman nor man alone can be blamed for this. If one of the two is chaste, this is unlikely to happen.

ٱلزَّانِي لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوۡ مُشۡرِكَةٗ

24:3. Such an illicit relationship is possible only if the man is inclined to it or has no great ambition in his life.

وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوۡ مُشۡرِكٞۚ

In the same way, such an inappropriate relationship can occur, only if the woman is also inclined to have a relationship or she has no great ambition in her life. That is why both deserve punishment.

وَحُرِّمَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ٣

And Followers of the guidance of Allah will refrain from engaging in such inappropriate activity.

We have given the meaning of the word ‘nikah’ in this passage to mean understanding between a man and a woman (Source: Lisanul Arab)

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَرۡمُونَ ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتِ

24:4. This does not mean that the punishment can be given to anyone. No one can slander chaste women. So if someone complains against a chaste woman of having an abusive relationship, he must produce at least four witnesses (Circumstantial Evidence or Material Evidence) to prove that guilt. (Details of witnesses? Ref: 24:24)

ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَأۡتُواْ بِأَرۡبَعَةِ شُهَدَآءَ فَٱجۡلِدُوهُمۡ ثَمَٰنِينَ جَلۡدَةٗ وَلَا تَقۡبَلُواْ لَهُمۡ شَهَٰدَةً أَبَدٗاۚ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَٰسِقُونَ٤

If he does not produce the witnesses and prove her guilt in court, the complainant will be given eighty lashes. And the Court will no longer accept the complaints and testimonies of such persons. Because they will be considered as deliberate sinners to cause chaos in society.

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ٥

24:5. However, there is a provision in the law to excuse, if such person apologizes in court promising to correct themselves. Let there be no doubt that the rule of Allah will consider the protection of the people on all sides and will approach with mercy according to the situation.

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَرۡمُونَ أَزۡوَٰجَهُمۡ وَلَمۡ يَكُن لَّهُمۡ شُهَدَآءُ إِلَّآ أَنفُسُهُمۡ فَشَهَٰدَةُ أَحَدِهِمۡ أَرۡبَعُ شَهَٰدَٰتِۢ بِٱللَّهِ إِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ٦

24:6. And, if a husband rebukes his wife or his wife against him (see 2:228), then he must swear by Allah four times in court that he is speaking the truth, if he has no other witnesses to prove it.

وَٱلۡخَٰمِسَةُ أَنَّ لَعۡنَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡهِ إِن كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰذِبِينَ٧

24:7. He must then swear in court for the fifth time that he has lodged this complaint knowing that the privileges available under the rule of Allah will not be available if it is proved false.

وَيَدۡرَؤُاْ عَنۡهَا ٱلۡعَذَابَ أَن تَشۡهَدَ أَرۡبَعَ شَهَٰدَٰتِۢ بِٱللَّهِ إِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلۡكَٰذِبِينَ٨

24:8. Then the accused will be punished. If the accused finds herself to have been falsely accused, she must swear before the court four times witnessing Allah* that she has been falsely accused.

Witnessing Allah means producing material evidence available in her favor to prove her innocence before the judiciaries.

وَٱلۡخَٰمِسَةَ أَنَّ غَضَبَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡهَآ إِن كَانَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ٩

24:9. She must also swear for the fifth time in court that what she is saying is true and that she is well aware that if this confession proves to be false, she will not get the constitutional privileges of Allah.

Thus, the lawyers in the court will scrutinize the charge sheet and conduct a cross-examination. In this, the truth of who the liars are will be revealed. The judges will further inquire into the status of the case and give a verdict accordingly. If the blame is based on some old enmity on the emotional pace, judgment will be given accordingly. If the plaintiff or defendant is found guilty even after the verdict has been handed down, he will lose the privileges available through the Constitution.

وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ حَكِيمٌ١٠

24:10. Thus, clear guidelines are given by Allah for social harmony. This is the greatest mercy of Allah. Without such merciful guidance from Allah, everyone would have acted emotionally and the society itself would have been in disarray. So, the rule of Allah is to forgive mistakes made in ignorance and to act prudently according to the situation.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو بِٱلۡإِفۡكِ عُصۡبَةٞ مِّنكُمۡۚ لَا تَحۡسَبُوهُ شَرّٗا لَّكُمۖ بَلۡ هُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡۚ لِكُلِّ ٱمۡرِيٕٖ مِّنۡهُم مَّا ٱكۡتَسَبَ مِنَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِۚ وَٱلَّذِي تَوَلَّىٰ كِبۡرَهُۥ مِنۡهُمۡ لَهُۥ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٞ١١

24:11. O, Followers of the Guidance of Allah! Examine yourself the court matters. If anyone among you has falsely accused you, do not assume that such accusation has caused you great harm. If you are acquitted by the court, it will be an advantage to you. Those who make false accusations will receive severe punishment.

لَّوۡلَآ إِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوهُ ظَنَّ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتُ بِأَنفُسِهِمۡ خَيۡرٗا وَقَالُواْ هَٰذَآ إِفۡكٞ مُّبِينٞ١٢

24:12. Men and women who accept Allah's guidance wholeheartedly and act accordingly, should not be propagating about those who have been slandered. Rather, if asked about it, the best course of action would be to say that it is vain to talk about it here and that the court will take care of it. Followers of guidance are the ones who act with such goodwill.

لَّوۡلَا جَآءُو عَلَيۡهِ بِأَرۡبَعَةِ شُهَدَآءَۚ فَإِذۡ لَمۡ يَأۡتُواْ بِٱلشُّهَدَآءِ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡكَٰذِبُونَ١٣

24:13. And tell them, “Four witnesses are to be brought before the court, and shall testify against them. If witnesses are not brought in to prove the crime, the accused will be considered a liar. If he is convicted of lying in court, he will be punished!”

وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ لَمَسَّكُمۡ فِي مَآ أَفَضۡتُمۡ فِيهِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ١٤

24:14. And if you had not the blessings of “Allah’s guidance”, you would not be able to solve the problems that arise in the present and future stable life. So, if you had acted according to your mindset, you would have been subjected to many torments.

That is to say, accusing and spreading rumors about it are evil deeds. Because it only breeds animosity between people without reconciliation. It is important to keep this in mind and express a good opinion as stated at 24:12.

إِذۡ تَلَقَّوۡنَهُۥ بِأَلۡسِنَتِكُمۡ وَتَقُولُونَ بِأَفۡوَاهِكُم مَّا لَيۡسَ لَكُم بِهِۦ عِلۡمٞ وَتَحۡسَبُونَهُۥ هَيِّنٗا وَهُوَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ عَظِيمٞ١٥

24:15. Instead, if you deliberately tell everyone without knowing any truth about the crime, it would amount to spreading rumors. And do you think that it won’t have any impact if you spread such rumors? No. It would cause great harm to social harmony. So, this is the greatest crime according to the law of Allah.

وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوهُ قُلۡتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَكَلَّمَ بِهَٰذَا سُبۡحَٰنَكَ هَٰذَا بُهۡتَٰنٌ عَظِيمٞ١٦

24:16. And if anyone asks about it, “We have nothing to say about this. It is a matter for the court which acts according to the pure guidance of Allah to decide. So, if we say anything about it, it will be in vain.” That is how you should have replied.

يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن تَعُودُواْ لِمِثۡلِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ١٧

24:17. So, if you are true followers of the guidance of Allah, then never pay attention to such irresponsible talk. This is the advice of Allah.

وَيُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأٓيَٰتِۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ١٨

24:18. In order to build social harmony, all things are clearly explained to you by Allah. It is the advice from Allah Almighty, who clearly knows what your every word and deed are and what their consequences will be.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلۡفَٰحِشَةُ فِي ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٞ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ١٩

24:19. Remember. Those who deliberately spread hoaxes against social activists who work as per His guidance and strive to create a better society accordingly will be punished according to the Law Not only that, but such a person will receive severe punishment in life after death. This is the law that Allah has ordained for human life. You don’t know anything about this. But Allah knows best.

وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَءُوفٞ رَّحِيمٞ٢٠

24:20. If you had not received the blessings of His guidance in this way, you would have been afflicted due to many misdeeds. Certainly, such guidelines are given so that you may live better. These reflect the infinite grace and love of Allah.

۞يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۚ وَمَن يَتَّبِعۡ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ فَإِنَّهُۥ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِۚ

24:21. O followers Allah's guidance! Do not follow your mental inclination and never act selfishly. Do not listen to those who are engaged in anti-social activity. They will always invite you to do immoral acts and evil deeds that will ruin social harmony. (See 2: 268)

وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنۡ أَحَدٍ أَبَدٗا وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَآءُۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٞ٢١

In absence of the blessings of His guidance, you would have missed the opportunity to develop human abilities and moral values. Only those who seek to act according to the instructions of Allah will develop human abilities and thinking capability. Remember that the power of hearing and the power of knowledge of Allah is infinite.

And remember one more thing. During cross-examination in court, several witnesses will be called for in connection with the case. Then some witnesses may be the ones who get help from you. It is not proper to hate them for what they have testified against you. Therefore

وَلَا يَأۡتَلِ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡفَضۡلِ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤۡتُوٓاْ أُوْلِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينَ وَٱلۡمُهَٰجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۖ

24:22. Your relatives, the poor and the common people, and those who emigrated from their homes to fulfill the plans of Allah may be receiving help from you, the rich. Some of them may have been under pressure to testify against you in court.

وَلۡيَعۡفُواْ وَلۡيَصۡفَحُوٓاْۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغۡفِرَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٌ٢٢

Do not decide to stop helping them. * Because it is a thing of the past. Do not exaggerate all this and act with hostility. If you want to have a safe life from Allah, keep this in mind and have a smooth relationship. The guidance of Allah leads to the safe life of people from all walks of life. Is this not the great mercy of Allah?

That is, all are equal before the law of Allah in court. So, bearing witness to the truth is the main duty of every follower. (See 5:8 &5:106) It is important that injustice is not done in society. So, you need to know that the witness did his duty. Therefore

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَرۡمُونَ ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتِ ٱلۡغَٰفِلَٰتِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ لُعِنُواْ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٞ٢٣

24:23. No one can file charge sheets against immaculate women who follow the rules prescribed by Allah and live morally. So let him know that if anyone does so, (see 24: 4,9) he will be severely punished. Let him also know that this punishment will continue after his death.

That is, he must produce at least four witnesses to the court to prove the charges against her. Those witnesses need not be eyewitnesses to prove guilt

يَوۡمَ تَشۡهَدُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَلۡسِنَتُهُمۡ وَأَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَأَرۡجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ٢٤

24:24. During the court hearing, it may also be the oral statement of the witnesses involved. Or it could be the fingerprints and footprints. They will also be accepted as evidence. All such things related to the incident will also be taken as witnesses. (Ref. 41:20)

Wouldn't that witness be enough, if a woman is complained of having an illegal affair if she is pregnant?

يَوۡمَئِذٖ يُوَفِّيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ دِينَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقَّ وَيَعۡلَمُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلۡحَقُّ ٱلۡمُبِينُ٢٥

24:25. Therefore, justice will never be wrong during the period of Islamic rule based on His guidance. They will be rewarded according to what they have done. And they will know that such a rule of Allah is the best true rule of the world.

And remember one more thing. It is not just women who have to behave morally if society's moral values are to flourish. A society will be considered to be moral, only if both men and women behave morally. Therefore

ٱلۡخَبِيثَٰتُ لِلۡخَبِيثِينَ وَٱلۡخَبِيثُونَ لِلۡخَبِيثَٰتِۖ وَٱلطَّيِّبَٰتُ لِلطَّيِّبِينَ وَٱلطَّيِّبُونَ لِلطَّيِّبَٰتِۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَۖ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٞ وَرِزۡقٞ كَرِيمٞ٢٦

24:26. Wicked people with evil intentions in general and those who commit immoral acts can escape by lying in court. They can also walk around in society like good people. Likewise, virtuous men and women can be unjustly judged by false witnesses. But this is not possible in the Quranic regime. No one can deliberately reproach righteous people. And those who act in good faith will receive all the protection and privileges of the regime in a dignified manner.

Learn a few more things to build moral values.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَدۡخُلُواْ بُيُوتًا غَيۡرَ بُيُوتِكُمۡ حَتَّىٰ تَسۡتَأۡنِسُواْ وَتُسَلِّمُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهَاۚ ذَٰلِكُمۡ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ٢٧

24:27. O followers Allah's guidance! If you are going to visit someone’s house, you must get prior permission from him. And you have to say to the householder that you have come to protect their welfare. You must not enter any home without complying with this rule. Such things are revealed by Allah so that you may gain enlightenment.

This is an important one. Going home or going to the office without prior notice can cause a lot of impediments to those who are there. They will be having different plans. Your sudden visit may cause hardship to them. Keep this in mind for you.

فَإِن لَّمۡ تَجِدُواْ فِيهَآ أَحَدٗا فَلَا تَدۡخُلُوهَا حَتَّىٰ يُؤۡذَنَ لَكُمۡۖ وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱرۡجِعُواْ فَٱرۡجِعُواْۖ هُوَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٞ٢٨

24:28. And if you find the man whom you want meet is not in the house, do not enter it until he returns. And if you are asked to leave, you should return. This will show your good behavior. So, do not forget that Allah knows everything you do.

It means that the women there may find it difficult to keep you in the house when the person whom you want to meet is not there and they may send you back. Similarly, the women in your home may have gone out. At that time, if any woman wants to come into your house, you can politely explain to her and send her back.

لَّيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَدۡخُلُواْ بُيُوتًا غَيۡرَ مَسۡكُونَةٖ فِيهَا مَتَٰعٞ لَّكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تُبۡدُونَ وَمَا تَكۡتُمُونَ٢٩

24:29. At the same time, you can keep your belongings in uninhabited houses like warehouses or godown. Then you need not seek any permission to go into such a place. It does not go unnoticed by Allah that you act openly and indirectly.

Also, know these norms that outsiders have to follow. All of these may seem to be very ordinary. But they are also the ones that will pay off in the long run.

قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِمۡ وَيَحۡفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُمۡۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا يَصۡنَعُونَ٣٠

24:30. Advice the Male Activist, “When you go outside, you should go neatly dressed as otherwise, that can cause discomfort to others. And do not keep gazing at women with obscene thoughts. All of these are evil feelings that lurk in the mind. Control them and sanctify yourself. Remember that Allah knows best what you think and do.”

وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَاۖ

24:31. When women want to go outside, there are certain norms to follow. There is nothing forbidden for men or women to adorn themselves* (see 7:32). But their vision should not be to seduce other men. So do not wander outside with tight fittings or wear sexy clothes. Thus, causing distraction in the minds of young men. So there is nothing wrong with showing off things that are normally visible on the outside, such as hands, feet, and face.

وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّۖ

But cover your breasts, hips, etc., which can attract young men when you go outside

وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآئِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِيٓ إِخۡوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِيٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّٰبِعِينَ غَيۡرِ أُوْلِي ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُواْ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۖ

. While you are at home, there is nothing wrong with walking around in casual clothes in the presence of parents, boys, and girls who are unaware of the hidden organs of women. Other than these, in the presence of strangers, one should never wear tight clothes or closet clothes to express her physical beauty.

وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّۚ وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ٣١

Also, do not walk around shaking hands and feet so that the jewelry you are wearing is exposed. If anything has gone wrong in such matters before, please correct it. Don't do that again. These may seem to be very simple things to you. But over time, that is likely to make a big change. And these can stand in the way of your peaceful life. So, it is very important to take these into consideration and act accordingly.

Those who do not wear a saree can wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the neck to the ankles.

وَأَنكِحُواْ ٱلۡأَيَٰمَىٰ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ مِنۡ عِبَادِكُمۡ وَإِمَآئِكُمۡۚ إِن يَكُونُواْ فُقَرَآءَ يُغۡنِهِمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٞ٣٢

24:32. And when arranging a wedding, there are certain norms to be considered. Marry only those of you who are qualified to lead a family. It does not matter if some of them are poor, widow or widower. The blessings of Allah will be available to the energetic over time. And the plans of Allah are very broad and based on wisdom.

Even if a man or a woman has reached the age of marriage, it is essential to check if he/she is mentally matured and well qualified. Because this is an issue of their life. One may be less comfortable. In time, they will receive the blessings of Allah. But if they are mentally immature and not capable of maintaining family, their lives will be problematic.

وَلۡيَسۡتَعۡفِفِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ نِكَاحًا حَتَّىٰ يُغۡنِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۗ

24:33. So what should those who do not have the facility to get married do? Such people need to control themselves until they are fully qualified. And they must behave in a disciplined manner.

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَبۡتَغُونَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِمَّا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡ فَكَاتِبُوهُمۡ إِنۡ عَلِمۡتُمۡ فِيهِمۡ خَيۡرٗاۖ وَءَاتُوهُم مِّن مَّالِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِيٓ ءَاتَىٰكُمۡۚ

Also, if the women bondage or prostitutes who are trapped in society, apply to the rehabilitation centers seeking release from bondage, the authorities have to arrange compensation to the owners concerned and arrange for their release. Also, check whether those so released are qualified to fulfill their needs on their own. The main duty of the social organization is to provide adequate facilities to those who do not have such facilities.

وَلَا تُكۡرِهُواْ فَتَيَٰتِكُمۡ عَلَى ٱلۡبِغَآءِ إِنۡ أَرَدۡنَ تَحَصُّنٗا لِّتَبۡتَغُواْ عَرَضَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَاۚ وَمَن يُكۡرِههُّنَّ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ إِكۡرَٰهِهِنَّ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ٣٣

And if such people intend to get married, do not stop them. If they are not rehabilitated, they may be forced to go in the wrong way again. If anyone acts against them and forces them to do so, this government will act in favor of the victims. The perpetrators will be given due punishment.

These are the welfare schemes that rehabilitate underprivileged women in society.

وَلَقَدۡ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَٰتٖ مُّبَيِّنَٰتٖ وَمَثَلٗا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوۡاْ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ وَمَوۡعِظَةٗ لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ٣٤

24:34. Thus, everything is clearly explained so that you may understand it properly and act better. These are illustrated based on the history that preceded you and by various examples and parables. These are the advices for those who fear the consequences of acting against the guidance of Allah.

۞ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ

24:35. As the Supreme power and might of Allah pervades all the universes and the earth, so is this Scripture that shines as a beacon of light for the better life of the Man. (Ref 5:15 & 42:52)

مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشۡكَوٰةٖ فِيهَا مِصۡبَاحٌۖ ٱلۡمِصۡبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍۖ

Just as a lamp is securely preserved in a glass canopy and is a shining star, so is this Scripture, which contains His guidelines. It is also a beacon of light, guiding the people who are under the darkness of ignorance and is protected from the influences of rituals, formalities, and ancestral worship. (14:1)

ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوۡكَبٞ دُرِّيّٞ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٖ مُّبَٰرَكَةٖ زَيۡتُونَةٖ

Just as the Zaithoon oil helps to give the constant light of that lamp, so are the precepts, lessons, morals and activities of the creation of the universe that stand as a crutch to Man's enlightened life and His guidance continues to help throughout his life.

لَّا شَرۡقِيَّةٖ وَلَا غَرۡبِيَّةٖ يَكَادُ زَيۡتُهَا يُضِيٓءُ وَلَوۡ لَمۡ تَمۡسَسۡهُ نَارٞۚ

These guidelines can shine on either side, east or west. Whether an individual or a community follows this guideline or not, it does not change its position*. When a society follows this guidance, it will continue to be enlightened. These guidelines are not pro-poor or anti-rich or pro-rich and anti-poor.

نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٖۚ يَهۡدِي ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُۚ

And not just a guide to a particular community. It is a Scripture that contains the right advice for all the people of the world. And it will lead to a life of enlightenment for those who seek to act according to Allah's guidance.

وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَٰلَ لِلنَّاسِۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٞ٣٥

So, all these parables are given for the people of the world to gain benefits and live better. So, Allah is the One who has the power to know everything.

These guidelines are not pro-poor or anti-rich or pro-rich and anti-poor. And not just a guide for a particular community. It is a Scripture containing correct instructions for all the people of the world.

فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ ٱللَّهُ أَن تُرۡفَعَ وَيُذۡكَرَ فِيهَا ٱسۡمُهُۥ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ فِيهَا بِٱلۡغُدُوِّ وَٱلۡأٓصَالِ٣٦

24:36. Therefore this glorious counsel which is the guide to the enlightened life of man should be constantly preached in every home. The command is to let everyone in the house know about the high status they will get by following them. So, the perfect times for that are morning and evening.

رِجَالٞ لَّا تُلۡهِيهِمۡ تِجَٰرَةٞ وَلَا بَيۡعٌ عَن ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَإِيتَآءِ ٱلزَّكَوٰةِ يَخَافُونَ يَوۡمٗا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ وَٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرُ٣٧

24:37. At other times, there will be professionals engaged in day-to-day affairs such as business and trade among the people. But these should not be an obstacle to the advice of Allah. Because they will do their job according to His advice. Thus, they will work for the betterment of society by maintaining law and order in the way shown by Allah. They will work with the fear of the adverse impacts that will result from acting against the guidance of Allah.

لِيَجۡزِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَحۡسَنَ مَا عَمِلُواْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَرۡزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٖ٣٨

24:38. And working for the unity and development of society according to the guidance of Allah will never go in vain. Such people will get even more benefits from Allah. Thus, those who work under the guidance of Allah get unlimited livelihood facilities.

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَعۡمَٰلُهُمۡ كَسَرَابِۢ بِقِيعَةٖ يَحۡسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمۡ‍َٔانُ مَآءً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَهُۥ لَمۡ يَجِدۡهُ شَيۡ‍ٔٗا وَوَجَدَ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ فَوَفَّىٰهُ حِسَابَهُۥۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ٣٩

24:39. On the contrary, any society that refuses to accept the guidance of Allah, and acts against it, the result of their actions will be like a mirage in a desert. The man parched with thirst mistakes it for water and on reaching there, he finds nothing but a visual delusion. That is, he will never achieve anticipated results. He will see the results of his actions are only according to the rules prescribed by Allah. And the result framed by Allah will never be proved to be wrong in the matter of causing the consequences of every action.

أَوۡ كَظُلُمَٰتٖ فِي بَحۡرٖ لُّجِّيّٖ يَغۡشَىٰهُ مَوۡجٞ مِّن فَوۡقِهِۦ مَوۡجٞ مِّن فَوۡقِهِۦ سَحَابٞۚ ظُلُمَٰتُۢ بَعۡضُهَا فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ

24:40. So, the life of such a community will be plunged into darkness and sorcery. Just as a person stagger in the darkness of the deep sea, so will raise many social problems and stagger without finding a solution. Not only that, just as a person is dragged and drowned by the waves of the sea and the clouds over it make him wander in darkness, so will be the unsolvable problems in society and if he tries to solve them, the solution will cause many other problems. (See 2: 17-20)

إِذَآ أَخۡرَجَ يَدَهُۥ لَمۡ يَكَدۡ يَرَىٰهَاۗ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَجۡعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُۥ نُورٗا فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن نُّورٍ٤٠

Just as a person trapped in such darkness cannot stretch out his or her hand or see it with his or her outstretched hand, so there can never be a lasting solution to social problems. This is the disgrace of societies that ignore the guidance of Allah which is the light of Allah.

But there are no such problems in other creations that live according to the laws of Allah. Because all other creatures live according to the rules laid down by Allah, in their nature. i.e.

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلطَّيۡرُ صَٰٓفَّٰتٖۖ

24:41. Notice how the other creations in the skies and the earth live best. Don’t you see the birds flying in the sky with their wings outstretched? All those creatures are fulfilling the duties assigned to them.

كُلّٞ قَدۡ عَلِمَ صَلَاتَهُۥ وَتَسۡبِيحَهُۥۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمُۢ بِمَا يَفۡعَلُونَ٤١

Because they know what their duties (salath) are and how to fulfill them (thasbeeh). Moreover, Allah is not unaware of the activities of all creations in the world.

That is, other living things in the world live according to their framed law of nature. What their livelihoods are? How to reach them? How to reproduce? Who puts them at risk? How to protect themselves from that danger? Guidelines like these are fitted to their respective physical systems. As far as breeding is concerned, birds and fish migrate from continent to continent to hatch their chicks. The chicks grow and return to their native place. No one teaches these creations about it.

But the condition of man is not like that. Man must be taught about everything. The reason is that man's guidance is available only from the outside. Not placed within him. That is why he is given guidance from Allah through the reformist so that his life may be better. They are in their original form in this Qur’an. (Read the book ‘Allah and the Man’ to get more explanation)

وَلِلَّهِ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ٤٢

24:42. Everything in the galaxies and the earth operates under the authority of Allah. That is, they act according to the means prescribed by Allah. So, every action of man will yield the results determined by Allah. And one Day or the other, he must come towards Allah's guidance to solve human problems.

Human Actions - Creative Actions or Evil Actions Their effects do not appear immediately. It grows slowly in such a way that it cannot be realized in the early stage and one can only know when they come to the fore. Take rain for example.

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزۡجِي سَحَابٗا ثُمَّ يُؤَلِّفُ بَيۡنَهُۥ ثُمَّ يَجۡعَلُهُۥ رُكَامٗا فَتَرَى ٱلۡوَدۡقَ يَخۡرُجُ مِنۡ خِلَٰلِهِۦ وَيُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن جِبَالٖ فِيهَا مِنۢ بَرَدٖ فَيُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَصۡرِفُهُۥ عَن مَّن يَشَآءُۖ يَكَادُ سَنَا بَرۡقِهِۦ يَذۡهَبُ بِٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرِ٤٣

24:43. Do you not notice how it rains? By the established Law of Allah, clouds slowly form in the atmosphere and they merge and thicken one on top of the other. You see the rainwater forming in the middle of it. In addition, sometimes clouds form like mountains in the sky, causing hail storms. You see the clouds moving in the direction of the wind according to the prescribed laws of Allah, and it rains intermittently, and then the clouds disperse. Not only that but you also see the formation of lightning that catches your eye between those clouds.

This means that the moisture in the air is not visible to your eyes. Only when it takes a shape of a cloud, it is visible to your eyes. They then condense to form rainwater, thunder, and lightning. Likewise, your good deeds or evil deeds, the consequences of which do not appear in the beginning. They grow gradually and yield the results of good deeds like rainwater and the result of evil deeds like thunder and lightning.

يُقَلِّبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبۡرَةٗ لِّأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرِ٤٤

24:44. And the night and the day alternate according to the rules prescribed by Allah. Of course, there are many lessons for thinking people in this.

That is, as it happens day and night, pleasure and grief alternate in societies in absence of His guidance. And their lives will be surrounded by darkness and light over a period. When they live according to His guidance, they do not experience darkness in their lives. So, man must live in obedience to His guidance.

As for the livelihood of the living creatures, it is available only by changes of days and night. If either of them remains static, no life is possible on this earth.(ref 3:189-190)

وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَ كُلَّ دَآبَّةٖ مِّن مَّآءٖۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَمۡشِي عَلَىٰ بَطۡنِهِۦ وَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَمۡشِي عَلَىٰ رِجۡلَيۡنِ وَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَمۡشِي عَلَىٰٓ أَرۡبَعٖۚ يَخۡلُقُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يَشَآءُۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ قَدِيرٞ٤٥

24:45. And all living things are created and survive out of water according to the law of creation. They include a variety of reptiles, some that walk on two legs and some on four legs. These too were created according to the plan of Allah. It is Allah Who created them, decides how each of them should live, and keeps all of them to function intact.

لَّقَدۡ أَنزَلۡنَآ ءَايَٰتٖ مُّبَيِّنَٰتٖۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَهۡدِي مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٖ٤٦

24:46. Thus, His guidance is revealed clearly so that you may have a clear understanding of the world in which you live, the action plans in it, and live better. Those who come forward to accept these will find the right guidance of Allah.

وَيَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَبِٱلرَّسُولِ وَأَطَعۡنَا ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّىٰ فَرِيقٞ مِّنۡهُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ ذَٰلِكَۚ وَمَآ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ بِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ٤٧

24:47. Even after giving such clear evidence, there are still some people. They verbally say that they abide by the guidance of Allah and the constitutional laws brought by the Reformists to enforce them but, follow other means equating with them. None of them will ever be on the list of Followers of guidance.

وَإِذَا دُعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ إِذَا فَرِيقٞ مِّنۡهُم مُّعۡرِضُونَ٤٨

24:48. Therefore, if there comes any message inviting them to attend for a systematic solution to their social problems according to the guidance of Allah, a section of people will not participate in it.

وَإِن يَكُن لَّهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ يَأۡتُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ مُذۡعِنِينَ٤٩

24:49. But if they find something to be in their favor, they rush to its side.

Many questions may arise in the minds of followers of guidance looking at their actions. i.e.

أَفِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ أَمِ ٱرۡتَابُوٓاْ أَمۡ يَخَافُونَ أَن يَحِيفَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَرَسُولُهُۥۚ بَلۡ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ٥٠

24:50. Are they mentally sick? Or do they suspect that the practical laws of Allah are against them? Do they fear injustice? Why do they want to act against this? The truth is that the sovereign government forbids their unjust acts. That is why they are working against this.

إِنَّمَا كَانَ قَوۡلَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ إِذَا دُعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ أَن يَقُولُواْ سَمِعۡنَا وَأَطَعۡنَاۚ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ٥١

24:51. But such a state of mind and activity will never exist among the followers of guidance. If Allah's regime invites them to solve social problems, they will immediately accept the call and obey it. Such are the followers of guidance who easily reach the goal of success.

وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَيَخۡشَ ٱللَّهَ وَيَتَّقۡهِ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَآئِزُونَ٥٢

24:52. Any society which acts in accordance with the guidance of Allah and the constitutional laws enacted on that basis will easily achieve the goal of success in its program. This is because they act in fear about the evil consequences of acting against the guidance of Allah.

۞وَأَقۡسَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ جَهۡدَ أَيۡمَٰنِهِمۡ لَئِنۡ أَمَرۡتَهُمۡ لَيَخۡرُجُنَّۖ قُل لَّا تُقۡسِمُواْۖ طَاعَةٞ مَّعۡرُوفَةٌۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ٥٣

24:53. And there are some who promise to abide by the command of Allah. But when the regime of Allah commands to be prepared to participate in social welfare schemes, they will swear allegiance to mere words. The extent to which their words are true will be known only by taking part under that command. Does Allah not know everything you do?

قُلۡ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيۡهِ مَا حُمِّلَ وَعَلَيۡكُم مَّا حُمِّلۡتُمۡۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوهُ تَهۡتَدُواْۚ وَمَا عَلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ إِلَّا ٱلۡبَلَٰغُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ٥٤

24:54. Advise the people to obey the guidance of Allah and the constitutional laws enacted on that basis. It is the duty of those in charge of the government to enact constitutional laws according to His guidance. It is the responsibility of the people to follow them. If they follow these two, then they would find ways for a smooth and happy life. Those who act against this will have to experience suffering. Therefore, it is the duty of the Messenger of Allah to receive His guidance and make them known to the people.

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ كَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَهُمُ ٱلَّذِي ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ

24:55. It has been the permanent rules of Allah that the responsibility of governance be handed over to those who accept to follow the guidance of Allah and who were qualified for the best performers. (See 33:27 & 39:74) Similarly, the responsibility of governance will be handed over only to those who deserve it, just as was given to the community before. (see 21:105 & 28:6). Those who are so responsible will rule according to the guidance of Allah. That is Islam, the system for peace proposed by Allah, to protect the welfare of all people. (See 3:19 &3: 85)

وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنٗاۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِي شَيۡ‍ٔٗاۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعۡدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَٰسِقُونَ٥٥

As a result, the fear of uncertainty among the people will vanish and they will have peace of mind. This is also a promise from Allah. And those rulers will not follow any other means equating with His laws. They will have to obey only the command of Allah. And whoever disobeys the guidance of Allah, will be on the list of sinners.

وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُرۡحَمُونَ٥٦

24:56. And they will establish the social welfare Forums, “Salath Systems” (see 29:45) and work to preserve social moral virtues by avoiding evil (see 23:1). And they will spend the surplus wealth they have for the betterment of society. They will also obey the laws governing the state. Such ones will receive the full support of Allah's rule.

لَا تَحۡسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مُعۡجِزِينَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَمَأۡوَىٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُۖ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ٥٧

24:57. Do not think that those who reject Allah could cause obstacles to the fulfillment of Allah's constitutional plans which are brought about to protect the welfare of all people. That means they can do nothing like that. Eventually, they will fail and end up in hell. Thus, the place where they reach will be very bad.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِيَسۡتَ‍ٔۡذِنكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَبۡلُغُواْ ٱلۡحُلُمَ مِنكُمۡ ثَلَٰثَ مَرَّٰتٖۚ مِّن قَبۡلِ صَلَوٰةِ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ وَحِينَ تَضَعُونَ ثِيَابَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظَّهِيرَةِ وَمِنۢ بَعۡدِ صَلَوٰةِ ٱلۡعِشَآءِۚ ثَلَٰثُ عَوۡرَٰتٖ لَّكُمۡۚ

24:58. O Followers of guidance of Allah! Your co-workers and children will usually be around in your home. There is nothing wrong with that. But the outsiders who come to meet you officially must come with prior permission in three durations. That is the period before the morning Salath, at noon after lunch, and after the Esha Salath*. The reason is that these are the timings of privacy with normal dresses.

لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَلَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ جُنَاحُۢ بَعۡدَهُنَّۚ طَوَّٰفُونَ عَلَيۡكُم بَعۡضُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأٓيَٰتِۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٞ٥٨

Other than these times, they may come without prior permission to meet you for official works and discuss essential matters. These explanations are given because they may be under pressure to come to you frequently. In this way, even simple things are explained in detail so that you can clearly understand and act properly. Don’t you understand from this that all the plans of Allah are based on clear wisdom?

It is clear from this verse that the congregation salath was conducted twice a day during the revelation of the Qur’an - in the early hours of the morning and a little later than dusk. The purpose of salath is to convey the messages of guidance to the people.

وَإِذَا بَلَغَ ٱلۡأَطۡفَٰلُ مِنكُمُ ٱلۡحُلُمَ فَلۡيَسۡتَ‍ٔۡذِنُواْ كَمَا ٱسۡتَ‍ٔۡذَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٞ٥٩

24:59. But children get exempted from the above rules. When they grow and reach the adult stage, they should observe the above timings i.e. after getting prior permission. In this way, We are clearly articulating everything in order to make you understand clearly and follow accordingly. Know that all the plans of Allah are based on clear wisdom.

وَٱلۡقَوَٰعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّٰتِي لَا يَرۡجُونَ نِكَاحٗا فَلَيۡسَ عَلَيۡهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعۡنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيۡرَ مُتَبَرِّجَٰتِۢ بِزِينَةٖۖ وَأَن يَسۡتَعۡفِفۡنَ خَيۡرٞ لَّهُنَّۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٞ٦٠

24:60. The old-aged women among you are not compelled to wear tops in their old age, just as young women are to wear tops. However, it is very good that they also wear their tops and maintain discipline. And know that the power of hearing and the knowledge of Allah is infinite.

All of these advices apply to those who live in warmer regions. The reason is that it will be uncomfortable for them to be fully dressed in the summer. Otherwise, those who live in colder regions will naturally have to wear clothes. Also, when going to a stranger's house, it was told to enter the house only with the permission of the householders. (See 24:27). This raises the question of whether relatives too are strangers. The relationship is a different matter and the culture is different. The advice is given to maintain discipline. Because you will not be embarrassed when your close ones and relatives live at home. But you don’t do that when you go to a stranger’s home.

لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ حَرَجٞ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡرَجِ حَرَجٞ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرِيضِ حَرَجٞ وَلَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَن تَأۡكُلُواْ مِنۢ بُيُوتِكُمۡ

24:61. In the dining table, there is nothing wrong to dine along with the blind, the lame and the sick when everyone is seated on an equal footing.

أَوۡ بُيُوتِ ءَابَآئِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أُمَّهَٰتِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ إِخۡوَٰنِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَخَوَٰتِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَعۡمَٰمِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ عَمَّٰتِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَخۡوَٰلِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ خَٰلَٰتِكُمۡ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكۡتُم مَّفَاتِحَهُۥٓ أَوۡ صَدِيقِكُمۡۚ لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَأۡكُلُواْ جَمِيعًا أَوۡ أَشۡتَاتٗاۚ

Similarly, if you happen to visit the house of your brother, sister, aunt, uncle, sister of your father and mother, close friends or relative from your parents' side and dine with them, there is nothing wrong in dining alone or all along with them.

فَإِذَا دَخَلۡتُم بُيُوتٗا فَسَلِّمُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ تَحِيَّةٗ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ مُبَٰرَكَةٗ طَيِّبَةٗۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأٓيَٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ٦١

But no matter whichever house you go to, do not do anything that could cause trouble or harm to the people there. Instead, seek good relations with them assuring that you are in the best interests of the people. And if there are any shortcomings in the people there, you should extend your help to remove them. These advices are given by Allah so that you may know and act well on every matter.

Learn more about public life after learning about the way you should walk with relatives and friends like this.

إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَإِذَا كَانُواْ مَعَهُۥ عَلَىٰٓ أَمۡرٖ جَامِعٖ لَّمۡ يَذۡهَبُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَسۡتَ‍ٔۡذِنُوهُۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَ‍ٔۡذِنُونَكَ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦۚ

24:62. The social activists who follow the guidance of Allah and the laws governing the State which are based on it should know a certain thing well. When the Privy Council meets to discuss public welfare matters, you should remain there until the consultative meeting ends. Only then will it mean that you have graciously accepted the guidance of Allah and its constitutional laws.

فَإِذَا ٱسۡتَ‍ٔۡذَنُوكَ لِبَعۡضِ شَأۡنِهِمۡ فَأۡذَن لِّمَن شِئۡتَ مِنۡهُمۡ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمُ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ٦٢

Beyond that, if anyone seeks permission from the presiding Nabi for some urgent needs, he may grant permission according to their situation. Thus, make sure that his safety is not compromised as he leaves the consultative meeting. Surely the rule of Allah is mercifully embraced for the protection of the people on all sides.

لَّا تَجۡعَلُواْ دُعَآءَ ٱلرَّسُولِ بَيۡنَكُمۡ كَدُعَآءِ بَعۡضِكُم بَعۡضٗاۚ قَدۡ يَعۡلَمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَسَلَّلُونَ مِنكُمۡ لِوَاذٗاۚ

24:63. And one more thing to keep in mind. Do not think that this meeting is like an ordinary meeting where you talk casually with each other for time to pass. This is an invitation to attend and discuss important matters related to future plans of the country and to bring important ordinances. (See also 42:38 & 62:9).

فَلۡيَحۡذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنۡ أَمۡرِهِۦٓ أَن تُصِيبَهُمۡ فِتۡنَةٌ أَوۡ يُصِيبَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ٦٣

So, whoever indirectly slips away from that meeting, will not go unnoticed by the organizer. He will try to know what his course of action is. If he proves to be a hypocrite, he will be punished. He will suffer many hardships. Let them behave with this fear.

If he leaves the meeting abruptly in such a way, will the plans of Allah's regime not be fulfilled? Or could he harm Allah?

أَلَآ إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ قَدۡ يَعۡلَمُ مَآ أَنتُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ وَيَوۡمَ يُرۡجَعُونَ إِلَيۡهِ فَيُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُواْۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمُۢ٦٤

24:64. Let them know that everything in the galaxies and the earth works to fulfill the plans of Allah. Allah is fully aware of the intention of every one of you. Also, keep in mind that every action you take leads towards the goal set by Allah. When the consequences of their actions come to the fore, they will understand what is true. Then they will know that Allah has power over all things.