Intermediate
Madani Events
Surah: Al-Hujurat (2)
Do Not Raise Your Voices — Thabit ibn Qays and His Fear
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَرۡفَعُوٓاْ أَصۡوَٰتَكُمۡ فَوۡقَ صَوۡتِ ٱلنَّبِيِّ
— الحجرات الآية 2
Occasion of Revelation (Sahih — Bukhari):
When "O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the Prophet's voice" was revealed, Thabit ibn Qays — who had a naturally loud voice — went home weeping. The Prophet ﷺ asked about him, learned he was crying, and sent word: "You are not one of them; you will live praiseworthy and die a martyr." Thabit rejoiced — and was indeed martyred at the Battle of Al-Yamamah.
Background of the Surah: The delegation of Banu Tamim came and shouted from outside: "O Muhammad, come out!" — prompting the first verses of Al-Hujurat on etiquette with the Prophet.
Significance:
When "O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the Prophet's voice" was revealed, Thabit ibn Qays — who had a naturally loud voice — went home weeping. The Prophet ﷺ asked about him, learned he was crying, and sent word: "You are not one of them; you will live praiseworthy and die a martyr." Thabit rejoiced — and was indeed martyred at the Battle of Al-Yamamah.
Background of the Surah: The delegation of Banu Tamim came and shouted from outside: "O Muhammad, come out!" — prompting the first verses of Al-Hujurat on etiquette with the Prophet.
Significance:
- Respecting the Prophet ﷺ is a religious duty before a social courtesy
- Raising one's voice above his could nullify deeds without the person realizing
- The glad tidings to Thabit: past slips do not close the door to virtue
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (4846) — Anas — Bukhari
Test Yourself
Why did Thabit ibn Qays weep when "do not raise your voices" was revealed?
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