What are the reasons for the revelation of Surat At-Tahrim?
Interpreters have differed on the reason for the revelation of the first part of Surat At-Tahrim. The correct view is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, drank honey at Zaynab's house. 'Aisha and Hafsa then conspired to tell him that they detected the smell of maghafir (a sweet-smelling gum) from him. So the verses from "O Prophet, why do you prohibit what Allah has made lawful for you" down to "If you both repent to Allah" were revealed. Al-Shawkani mentioned that the reason for the revelation was Hafsa seeing Mariya in her house with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet then promised her not to approach Mariya again and asked her not to tell 'Aisha, but the first opinion is the more correct one.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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