Surah Al-Ahzaab (33) — Ayah 52
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
➋ Ibn Jarir Tabari has adopted another interpretation of this verse: that in the previous verse (50): « اِنَّاۤ اَحْلَلْنَا لَكَ اَزْوَاجَكَ …», the four types of women who were made lawful for you, after them, that is, apart from them, it is not permissible to marry any other woman. Nor is it permissible to divorce the existing wives and bring other wives in their place. This verse expresses the high status of the Mothers of the Believers with Allah Almighty.
➌ {’’ وَّ لَوْ اَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ ‘‘} From this, it is understood that a man may look at the woman he intends to marry.
➍ { وَ كَانَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رَّقِيْبًا :} That is, Allah Almighty has always been fully watchful over everything, so keep in mind while doing any deed that He is watching you. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: [ أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللّٰهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ فَإِنْ لَّمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاكَ ] [ بخاري، الإیمان، باب سؤال جبریل النبي صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم … : ۵۰ ] "Worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He surely sees you."
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
52. 2. That is, there is no restriction on keeping slave women. Some have argued from the generality of this that the Prophet ﷺ was permitted to keep even non-believing slave women, while others, in view of (وَلَا تُمْسِكُوْا بِعِصَمِ الْكَوَافِرِ) 60. Al-Mumtahanah:10), did not consider it lawful for him (Fath al-Qadeer).
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[84] This verse has two meanings: one is that you have already been permitted to marry those four types of wives, and apart from them, other women are not lawful for you; this is sufficient. The second meaning is that your wives have agreed to remain patient and grateful with whatever you provide them, whether little or much, and they will not trouble you by demanding their turn, nor will they make it a cause of dispute. Therefore, it is not permissible for you to divorce any of these patient and grateful wives and replace her with someone else, even if she is very beautiful. You should also remain patient and grateful with these wives. Incidentally, this verse also shows that it is permissible for a man to look at the woman he wishes to marry, and this is explicitly mentioned in authentic hadiths.
[85]
The Misuse of the Permission Regarding Slave Women:
That is, the Shariah has not imposed any restriction on the number of slave women, because their number depends on women taken captive in war, and these are future circumstances that are never the same. But this permission does not mean that nobles and wealthy people, for the sake of luxury and pleasure, keep buying as many slave women as they wish and keep bringing them into their homes and palaces; this is a misuse of the permission. The Prophet’s ﷺ slave women were only two: one was Maria al-Qibtiyya, from whom Sayyiduna Ibrahimؑ was born, and the other was Rayhana (may Allah be pleased with them both).
