Surah 58: The Woman Who Pleads - Overview

Introduction

This is the second of the ten Madinah Surahs referred to in the Introduction to the last Surah. Its subject matter is the acceptance of a woman's Plea on behalf of herself and her children, and a condemnation of all secret counsels and intrigues in the Muslim Brotherhood.

The date is somewhat close to that of S.33, say between A.H. 5 and A.H. 7.

Summary

1- All false pretences, especially those that degrade a woman's position, are condemned--as well as secret consultations between men and intrigues with falsehood, mischief, and sedition. (58:1-22)

Admonitions [58:1-22] Let not false pretences or superstitions degrade the position of women. Eschew secret plottings and secret counsels. Observe order and decorum in public assemblies, and seek not in selfish pride to engage your Leader's private attention. It is wrong to turn to the enemies of God for friendship; they make their oaths a cloak for wrongdoing, and keep back men from the Right. But none can resist the Power or the Judgment of God. The righteous seek only His Good Pleasure, and rejoice therein as their highest Achievement.