Surah At-Tahrim 66:10
سُورَةُ التَّحۡرِيمِ · Medinan · Verse 10 of 12
ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍۢ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍۢ ۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَٰلِحَيْنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًۭٔا وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ
Translation
God has given examples of disbelievers: the wives of Noah and Lot who married two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them. Their husbands could not help them against God: it was said, ‘Both of you enter the Fire with the others.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse opens with Allah presenting a vivid example, signaling a clear and impactful lesson for all of us.
The Purpose of the Example
The verse begins, "ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟" (Allah presented an example for those who disbelieved). The phrase "ضرب الله مثلا" is not just about telling a story; it means Allah is "casting forth and clarifying" a truth, as Ibn Ashur notes. This powerful imagery underscores that the message is meant to be understood clearly. The preposition "لِّلَّذِينَ" (for those) explicitly identifies the primary audience: those who disbelieve. This example is meant for their consideration, for them to reflect on their own state and realize that no connection can protect them from Allah's justice if they persist in disbelief. It also serves as a subtle yet powerful warning to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned earlier in the Surah, reminding them that their esteemed position does not guarantee salvation without sincere faith and obedience.
Beneath Righteousness
The verse then speaks of "ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍۢ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍۢ ۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَٰلِحَيْنِ" (the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two servants from Our righteous servants). The word "تَحْتَ" (under) here is a metaphor, as explained by Ibn Ashur, signifying that these women were in the "protection and custody" of their prophet-husbands. This emphasizes their close, intimate bond.
Crucially, the Quran describes Noah and Lot not primarily as "prophets" but as "عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَٰلِحَيْنِ" (two servants from Our righteous servants). Both al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi highlight the significance of choosing "righteous servants" over "prophets" in this context. It underscores that what truly elevates a person in Allah's sight is not their status or lineage, but their "صلاح" (righteousness). This word choice universalizes the lesson, making it clear that righteousness alone is the path to success, and mere proximity to a great person, even a prophet, will not suffice.
The Nature of Betrayal
The verse continues, "فَخَانَتَاهُمَا" (so they betrayed them). The Arabic particle "فَ" (so/then) here signifies a direct consequence: despite their esteemed connection to prophets, their actions led to betrayal. Scholars like al-Zamakhshari, al-Razi, and al-Jalalayn clarify that this "betrayal" was not sexual immorality. Rather, it was a "خِيانَةٌ فِي الدِّينِ" (betrayal in faith). Noah's wife would call him insane, and Lot's wife would alert her people to his guests. This distinction is vital, upholding the sacred honor of the prophets while emphasizing that disbelief itself is the ultimate treachery against one's Lord and His messengers.
No Protection, No Privilege
The consequence of this betrayal is starkly articulated: "فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًۭٔا" (so they [Noah and Lot] availed them nothing from Allah). The word "شَيْـًۭٔا" (anything at all), in this context, conveys utter insignificance, meaning not even "the least amount of benefit," as Ibn Ashur explains. No matter how righteous their husbands were, they could not shield their wives from divine punishment due to their own disbelief.
The verse concludes with a powerful decree: "وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ" (And it was said, "Enter the Fire with those who enter"). The passive voice "قِيلَ" (it was said) emphasizes the divine authority of the judgment. The phrase "مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ" (with those who enter) further reinforces the message. Ibn Ashur notes this signifies their absolute equality in punishment with all other disbelievers and traitors, stripping away any last shred of perceived privilege. It underlines that ultimate accountability lies with each individual for their own faith and actions, not their connections.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah At-Tahrim 66:10 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah At-Tahrim 66:10 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.