The high moral standards expected of the wives of the Prophet - in the Quran

The Quran sets a high standard for Muslim women, and encourages them to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. By following these guidelines, Muslim women can attain a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, and also serve as positive role models for others in their community.

In general, the Quran expects the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and all Muslim women, to be modest in their behavior, dress, and speech. They are expected to be chaste and avoid any immoral behavior or actions that could lead to temptation or corruption. They are also encouraged to be knowledgeable about their religion and to actively participate in prayer, fasting, and other religious practices.

In addition, the Quran emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and kindness in marriage. Husbands and wives are expected to treat each other with love and compassion, and to work together to create a peaceful and harmonious home environment.

Quran 33:28-34:

Verse 33:28-34 of the Quran is from Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederates). Here's a translation of the verses in English:

"O Prophet, say to your wives, 'If you desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter, then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.'

O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality - for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for Allah, easy.

And whoever of you devoutly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness - We will give her her reward twice; and We have prepared for her a noble provision.

O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.

And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification."

These verses were revealed in the context of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and address them directly. The first part of the passage is a reminder that if the wives of the Prophet desire worldly life and its adornment, they are free to leave the Prophet and he will provide for them and give them a gracious release. However, if they desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter, then they should know that Allah has prepared a great reward for the doers of good among them.

The second part of the passage emphasizes the responsibility of the wives of the Prophet to uphold a high moral standard. It warns that whoever among them commits a clear immorality will be punished doubly, and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness will be rewarded twice.

The passage then specifically instructs the wives of the Prophet to be mindful of their speech and conduct in public, reminding them that they are not like any other women and that they should avoid speaking softly to men lest it be misinterpreted by someone with a diseased heart. They are also instructed to stay in their homes and not display themselves as women did in the times of ignorance before Islam. Instead, they are to establish prayer, give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger.

Overall, these verses remind us of the high moral standards expected of the wives of the Prophet and their unique position as the people of the Prophet's household. They serve as a reminder that righteousness is rewarded, and immorality is punished.