Surah Hujurat i.e. the 49th chapter of the Qur'an deals with moral ethics and social conduct. The 1400 years old teachings of this chapter hold great significance in contemporary society. The surah is concise, simple and clear and would very comfortably appeal to every human being, irrespective of their faith. Therefore it is important that we must familiarise ourselves with this comprehensive chapter and its principle guidance.
Background of revelation
The surah begins with a context and goes ahead with other similar and generalized guidelines. The verses of this surah were revealed around the 9th year of Hijrah when a deputation from the tribe of Bani Tamim came to meet the Prophet.
The Prophet lived in Medina and was extremely respected by all. No one ever raised their voices in front of the Prophet. He was always addressed in any conversation as "Ya Rasulullah" (O' messenger of Allah) not only by his companions but even his own family members, including his uncle.
However, when the people of Bani Tamim visited Medina, they stood before the house of the Prophet and began calling out his name asking him to come out. This behaviour was extremely displeasing to all and even in the sight of Allah s.w.t. The Qur'an addresses the same issue in the following verses
"Indeed, those who call you, [O Muhammad], from behind the chambers - most of them do not use reason. And if they had been patient until you [could] come out to them, it would have been better for them. But Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [Qur'an 49:4-5]
The verses at the beginning of the chapter also laid down some related etiquettes of speaking before the Prophet of Allah.
"O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not." [Qur'an 49:2]
The chapter began by adhering to this context and directly addressed the primary audience of the Qur'an who were the companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them all.
Avoid rumours
The chapter then moves ahead to address another issue. However, without going deep into the context of this verse, we can draw a piece of very important advice for all. The Qur'an commands all believers that they should always ensure to look into any news or information that they hear and verify it before conveying it to others. Carelessness in this could result in harm and eventually regret.
"O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful." [Qur'an 49:6]
In the era of globalisation through the internet, where news travels faster than a wildfire, one can never overlook the importance of this centuries-old advice.
Settle the disputes
The death of the Prophet was the greatest calamity that struck the ummah. Right from that time up until now, the ummah has witnessed countless turmoils from within as well as from the outside forces. Nevertheless, the Qur'an orders to stay united by holding firmly to the rope of Allah altogether. On the other hand, in cases of disputes between two, a third party should always step up to settle the matter with justice. The Qur'an says,
"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." [Qur'an 49:10]
The Qur'an however lays extensive significance upon justice. Therefore it also says that if one group oppresses the other, then fight against the oppressor even if it means fighting against the Muslims. Because Allah loves those who work towards the establishment of justice.
"And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." [Qur'an 49:9]
Insults and mockery
One may be surprised to find that when it comes to social conduct and manners, the Qur'an does not leave unattended, even what apparently seems an insignificant matter. The Qur'an clearly prohibits making fun of other people or calling them with any nickname that could be offensive in any way.
The Qur'an beautifully reminds us that the person we desire to mock and laugh at could be better than us in one way or the other. Therefore one must always lower their wings of pride and never look down at anyone and make fun of them.
"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them, nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers." [Qur'an 49:11]
Assumptions & backbiting
Overthinking is of one the common problems faced by a huge population across all countries. Overthinking leads to suspicion as well as depression. This chapter of the Qur'an also ensures to counsel the believers to avoid negative thoughts and presumptions.
The verse further says, in extreme words to stay away from backbiting. The extent of dislike towards backbiting in the sight of Allah is as hateful as eating the flesh of one's dead brother is to the humans!
"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." [Qur'an 49:12]
These were a handful of teachings from a small chapter of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam. The fruits of these teachings were that they transformed one of the most barbaric societies into a flourishing civilization. Tribes that fought one another and even passed on their enmity to the next generation now fought against injustices and thrived as the fastest-growing civilisation. They upheld the morals and principles that were taught to them by the Prophet. All of this was achieved through the message contained in the Qur'an that needs to be revisited, understood and spread with the same zeal.
"And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." -Qur'an 3:104
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