Clarification of the Principle of Khabeeth (Impure) and Tayyib (Pure) and Its ExceptionsQuestion:
In Sūrah al-Nūr, Allah ﷻ says:
"ٱلْخَبِيثَٰتُ لِلْخَبِيثِينَ وَٱلْخَبِيثُونَ لِلْخَبِيثَٰتِ ۖ وَٱلطَّيِّبَٰتُ لِلطَّيِّبِينَ وَٱلطَّيِّبُونَ لِلطَّيِّبَٰتِ ۚ"
[Sūrah al-Nūr: 26]
Translation:
"Impure women are for impure men, and impure men are for impure women; and pure women are for pure men, and pure men are for pure women."
However, historical and contemporary realities, such as the example of Sayyidah Āsiyah (RA) being the wife of Pharaoh, and in today’s society righteous individuals having immoral spouses or vice versa, seem to question the absolute nature of this verse.
How should this be understood in light of Qur'an and Sunnah?
Answer by: Shaykh Wājid Iqbāl (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Two Interpretations of the Verse by Scholars
① Linguistic Interpretation: In Terms of Words and Speech
Some scholars explain that:
“Impure women for impure men” refers not to marital relationships but to impure speech and slander.
That is:
◈ Impure (khabeeth) words are attributed to impure people, and
◈ Pure (ṭayyib) words belong to pure people.
This interpretation was especially relevant in the context of the false accusations against Sayyidah ʿĀʾishah (RA).
She was a pure and righteous woman, while the slander came from vile individuals. The verse, in this context, affirms the purity of ʿĀʾishah (RA) and the innocence of the Prophet ﷺ.
② General Principle in Human Nature and Marital Preference
Another interpretation views the verse as describing a general rule in human relationships:
◈ Generally, righteous men desire righteous women.
◈ Immoral men tend to seek women of similar conduct.
◈ The same applies in reverse.
✔ This is a normative observation, not an absolute rule.
❖ Exceptional Examples and Exemptions
There are notable exceptions to this general principle, both historically and in current times.
Sayyidah Āsiyah (RA) and Pharaoh
◈ Sayyidah Āsiyah (RA) was a woman of deep faith and righteousness,
◈ Yet she was married to Pharaoh, a tyrant, disbeliever, and oppressor.
This example proves that divine wisdom may result in a righteous person being paired with an impure spouse — not by personal choice, but due to circumstantial or divine decree.
Modern-Day Realities
◈ It is observed today that righteous women may sometimes be married to immoral men, or vice versa.
◈ These are not contradictions of the verse but rather exceptions within a general rule.
❖ Conclusion
◈ The verse in Sūrah al-Nūr expresses a general principle about compatibility and purity in relationships — not an absolute or binding law.
◈ Righteousness and sinfulness do not always determine marital pairings due to various social, political, or divine reasons.
◈ The case of Sayyidah Āsiyah (RA) and Pharaoh, and similar occurrences in today's world, are exceptions that validate the rule, not contradictions.
Therefore, the verse upholds a moral and spiritual standard, while acknowledging that exceptions exist in life by Allah’s wisdom.
