Edition 24 | The Daily Hoopoe

The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity

Legal punishment for adultery; no compassion; witnesses required

Front Page

highest

The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity

Legal punishment for adultery; no compassion; witnesses required

The adulteress and the adulterer—whip each one of them a hundred lashes, and let no pity towards them overcome you regarding God’s Law, if you believe in God and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment.

Surah 24, Ayah 2

Multi-Source Confirmation

sahih

The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you...

arberry

The fornicatress and the fornicator -- scourge each one of them a hundred stripes, and in the matter of God's religion let no tenderness for them seize you if you believe in God and the Last Day;...

maududi

The woman and the man guilty of fornication, flog each one of them with a hundred stripes - and let not any pity for them restrain you in regard to a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in...

yusufali

The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in...

pickthall

The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge ye each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last...

highest

Guarding the Covenant: The Boundaries of Marriage

The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress shall marry none but an...

Surah 24, Ayah 3

highest

Guardians of Chaste Women: Upholding Truth and Justice

Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not ever accept...

Surah 24, Ayah 4

highest

The Four Witnesses: Safeguarding Truth in Accusations

As for those who accuse their own spouses, but have no witnesses except themselves, the testimony of one of them is...

Surah 24, Ayah 6

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian

Breaking News

Character Dossier

7 characters in this edition

Allah

spiritual entity

62 mentions this sura

4187 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

1.2

safety

3.2

transcendence

belonging love

1.0

self actualization

0.9

Allah Hypocrites curse

Believers

group

31 mentions this sura

878 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

0.5

safety

5.9

transcendence

belonging love

5.5

self actualization

5.3

Why, when you heard about it, the believing men and women did not think well of one another, and say, “This is an obvious lie”?

Surah 24, Ayah 12

Believers Hypocrites threat_of_expulsion

Believers Iblis antagonism

Muhammad

prophet · named

16 mentions this sura

1049 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

3.6

safety

4.9

transcendence

belonging love

3.1

self actualization

4.0

Muhammad Hypocrites striving_against

Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent

Faction Map

7 characters · 4 relationships

Allah (62)

Believers (31)

Muhammad (16)

Hypocrites (9)

Disbelievers (4)

Mankind (2)

Iblis (1)

Believers Hypocrites threat_of_expulsion

Believers Iblis antagonism

Allah Hypocrites curse

Hypocrites Muhammad striving_against

Ibn Taymiyyah Ibn Taymiyyah | Opposition Desk Editor

Audio Edition

Full Chapter Audio

64 verse segments

Speaker Distribution

Allah 1 Narrator 61 Believers 2

Verse Segments

Surah 24, Ayah 1 Narrator

A chapter that We have revealed, and made obligatory, and revealed in it clear Verses, that you may

Surah 24, Ayah 2 Narrator

The adulteress and the adulterer—whip each one of them a hundred lashes, and let no pity towards the

Surah 24, Ayah 3 Narrator

The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress shall marry no

Surah 24, Ayah 4 Narrator

Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not

Surah 24, Ayah 5 Narrator

Except for those who repent afterwards, and reform; for God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Surah 24, Ayah 6 Narrator

As for those who accuse their own spouses, but have no witnesses except themselves, the testimony of

Surah 24, Ayah 7 Narrator

And the fifth time, that God’s curse be upon him, if he is a liar.

Surah 24, Ayah 8 Narrator

But punishment shall be averted from her, if she swears four times by God, that he is a liar.

Surah 24, Ayah 9 Narrator

And the fifth time, that God’s wrath be upon her, if he is truthful.

Surah 24, Ayah 10 Narrator

Were it not for God’s grace upon you, and His mercy, and that God is Conciliatory and Wise.

Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent

Editorial

Word of the Edition

Faith

Appears 52 times · 15.9% of themes

Faith

Guidance

Prophets

Creation

Worship

Mercy

Accountability

Justice

Surah 24, Ayah 1 The Mandate of Memory: Obligatory Guidance Surah 24, Ayah 2 The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call... Surah 24, Ayah 3 Guarding the Covenant: The...

Fakhr al-Din al-Razi Fakhr al-Din al-Razi | Science & Cosmos Correspondent

Cross-Edition References

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 1 -- The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity 16x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 2 -- The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity 16x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 3 -- The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity 16x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 4 -- The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity 16x cited

1, Ayah 6 -- The Graceful Balance: Mercy, Repentance, and Divine Wisdom 10x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 6 -- The Graceful Balance: Mercy, Repentance, and Divine Wisdom 10x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 7 -- The Graceful Balance: Mercy, Repentance, and Divine Wisdom 10x cited

2, Ayah 8 -- The Graceful Balance: Mercy, Repentance, and Divine Wisdom 10x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 65 -- The Blessing Behind the Veil of Falsehood 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 76 -- The Blessing Behind the Veil of Falsehood 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 87 -- The Blessing Behind the Veil of Falsehood 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 104 -- The Blessing Behind the Veil of Falsehood 6x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 38 -- Guarding Truth: The Weight of Witnessing 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 84 -- Guarding Truth: The Weight of Witnessing 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 126 -- Guarding Truth: The Weight of Witnessing 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 190 -- Guarding Truth: The Weight of Witnessing 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 220 -- The Echo of Genuine Praise 3x cited

Edition 3 Surah 3, Ayah 52 -- The Echo of Genuine Praise 3x cited

Edition 3 Surah 3, Ayah 99 -- The Echo of Genuine Praise 3x cited

Edition 3 Surah 3, Ayah 103 -- The Echo of Genuine Praise 3x cited

Imam al-Qurtubi Imam al-Qurtubi | Senior Legal Analyst

Reader Action

Supplications

The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity

O Allah, keep my heart steadfast in chastity, shield me from the trials of temptation, and grant me the courage to uphold the boundaries You have set for me and for my companions.

Surah 24, Ayah 2

Guarding the Covenant: The Boundaries of Marriage

O Allah, make my heart steadfast in the lawful path, guard my intentions, and guide me to a spouse who embodies purity, faith, and righteousness. Protect me from the temptations that lead to unlawful unions.

Surah 24, Ayah 3

Guardians of Chaste Women: Upholding Truth and Justice

O Allah, protect the chastity of Your servants, guard them from false accusations, and grant me the wisdom to discern truth from rumor. Strengthen my resolve to stand against injustice, and let my actions reflect Your mercy.

Surah 24, Ayah 4

Daily Actions

The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity
Today, before any intimate or social interaction, pause and consciously affirm your commitment to chastity and respect for others by reciting a short personal vow of purity.

Surah 24, Ayah 2

Guarding the Covenant: The Boundaries of Marriage
Before any romantic or intimate interaction today, pause, affirm the sanctity of marriage as defined by the Qur’an, and consciously choose only a lawful, pure partner.

Surah 24, Ayah 3

Guardians of Chaste Women: Upholding Truth and Justice
Today, pledge to be an advocate for truth—whenever you encounter rumors or gossip about a woman’s character, act with compassion, seek evidence, and refrain from spreading unverified claims.

Surah 24, Ayah 4

Reflect

The Sanctity of Boundaries: A Call to Personal Integrity -- When have I allowed convenience or curiosity to blur the boundaries I set for myself and others, and how does that affect my accountability to Allah and the community?

Guarding the Covenant: The Boundaries of Marriage -- Have I ever examined how my personal relationships align with the boundaries set in this verse? How can I ensure that my future partnership reflects the Qur’anic definition of a lawful spouse?

Guardians of Chaste Women: Upholding Truth and Justice -- When have I unintentionally participated in gossip that could harm a woman’s reputation? How can I transform my silence into active protection of her dignity?

Weekly Challenge

**Week of Personal Integrity** 1. **Day 1 – Code Creation**: Write a concise personal code of conduct on chastity and respectful interactions. 2. **Day 2 – Accountability Partner**: Share the code with a trusted friend or family member and ask them to remind you of it when you feel tempted. 3. **Day 3 – Boundary Mapping**: Identify three situations where your boundaries are often tested (e.g., social media, gatherings, work). Note concrete actions to maintain them. 4. **Day 4 – Reflection Journaling**: Record any moments of temptation and how you responded, evaluating whether you adhered to your code. 5. **Day 5 – Public Commitment**: If comfortable, make a short public statement (e.g., on social media or in a local community group) affirming your commitment to uphold chastity. 6. **Day 6 – Witness Practice**: Invite a small group of believers to observe a setting (e.g., a study session) where you practice respectful communication, reinforcing the idea of witnesses. 7. **Day 7 – Evaluation & Adjustment**: Review the week’s experiences, rate your adherence on a scale of 1–10, and adjust your code or strategies accordingly. **Outcome Measurement**: Keep a daily log; at week’s end, assess progress by noting any reductions in temptation or increased confidence in maintaining boundaries.

Surah 24, Ayah 2

Sit quietly for a minute, close your eyes, and silently say: "I honor my body, my partner, and my community; I will not compromise my chastity or others." Hold this affirmation for 30 seconds, breathe deeply, and then open your eyes. Surah 24, Ayah 2

Find a quiet space, close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and recite: ‘O Allah, keep my heart and actions within the lawful bounds of marriage, protect me from illicit relations.’ Then write a brief note: ‘I will only pursue a spouse who is pure, lawful, and trustworthy.’ Surah 24, Ayah 3

Imam al-Ghazali Imam al-Ghazali | Editor-in-Chief

The Revelation Transcript

64 verses

A chapter that We have revealed, and made obligatory, and revealed in it clear Verses, that you may take heed.

The adulteress and the adulterer—whip each one of them a hundred lashes, and let no pity towards them overcome you regarding God’s Law, if you believe in God and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment.

The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress shall marry none but an adulterer or an idolater. That has been prohibited for the believers.

Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not ever accept their testimony. For these are the immoral.

Except for those who repent afterwards, and reform; for God is Forgiving and Merciful.

As for those who accuse their own spouses, but have no witnesses except themselves, the testimony of one of them is equivalent to four testimonies, if he swears by God that he is truthful.

And the fifth time, that God’s curse be upon him, if he is a liar.

But punishment shall be averted from her, if she swears four times by God, that he is a liar.

And the fifth time, that God’s wrath be upon her, if he is truthful.

Were it not for God’s grace upon you, and His mercy, and that God is Conciliatory and Wise.

Those who perpetrated the slander are a band of you. Do not consider it bad for you, but it is good for you. Each person among them bears his share in the sin. As for him who played the major role—for him is a terrible punishment.

Believers

Why, when you heard about it, the believing men and women did not think well of one another, and say, “This is an obvious lie”?

Why did they not bring four witnesses to testify to it? If they fail to bring the witnesses, then in God’s sight, they are liars.

Were it not for God’s favor upon you, and His mercy, in this world and the Hereafter, you would have suffered a great punishment for what you have ventured into.

When you rumored it with your tongues, and spoke with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, and you considered it trivial; but according to God, it is serious.

Narrator

When you heard it, you should have said, “It is not for us to repeat this. By Your glory, this is a serious slander.”

God cautions you never to return to the like of it, if you are believers.

God explains the Verses to you. God is Knowing and Wise.

Those who love to see immorality spread among the believers—for them is a painful punishment, in this life and in the Hereafter. God knows, and you do not know.

Were it not for God’s grace upon you, and His mercy, and that God is Clement and Merciful.

O you who believe! Do not follow Satan’s footsteps. Whoever follows Satan’s footsteps—he advocates obscenity and immorality. Were it not for God’s grace towards you, and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever. But God purifies whomever He wills. God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Those of you who have affluence and means should not refuse to give to the relatives, and the needy, and the emigrants for the sake of God. And let them pardon, and let them overlook. Do you not love for God to pardon you? God is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Those who slander honorable, innocent, believing women are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter. They will have a terrible punishment.

On the Day when their tongues, and their hands, and their feet will testify against them regarding what they used to do.

On that Day, God will pay them their account in full, and they will know that God is the Evident Reality.

Bad women are for bad men, and bad men are for bad women, and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women. Those are acquitted of what they say. There is forgiveness for them, and a generous provision.

O you who believe! Do not enter homes other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted their occupants. That is better for you, that you may be aware.

And if you find no one in them, do not enter them until you are given permission. And if it is said to you, “Turn back,” then turn back. That is more proper for you. God is aware of what you do.

There is no blame on you for entering uninhabited houses, in which are belongings of yours. God knows what you reveal and what you conceal.

Tell the believing men to restrain their looks, and to guard their privates. That is purer for them. God is cognizant of what they do.

And tell the believing women to restrain their looks, and to guard their privates, and not display their beauty except what is apparent thereof, and to draw their coverings over their breasts, and not expose their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, what their right hands possess, their male attendants who have no sexual desires, or children who are not yet aware of the nakedness of women. And they should not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden beauty. And repent to God, all of you believers, so that you may succeed.

And wed the singles among you, and those who are fit among your servants and maids. If they are poor, God will enrich them from His bounty. God is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.

And let those who do not find the means to marry abstain, until God enriches them from His bounty. If any of your servants wish to be freed, grant them their wish, if you recognize some good in them. And give them of God’s wealth which he has given you. And do not compel your girls to prostitution, seeking the materials of this life, if they desire to remain chaste. Should anyone compel them—after their compulsion, God is Forgiving and Merciful.

We have sent down to you clarifying revelations, and examples of those who passed on before you, and advice for the righteous.

God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a pillar on which is a lamp. The lamp is within a glass. The glass is like a brilliant planet, fueled by a blessed tree, an olive tree, neither eastern nor western. Its oil would almost illuminate, even if no fire has touched it. Light upon Light. God guides to His light whomever He wills. God thus cites the parables for the people. God is cognizant of everything.

In houses which God has permitted to be raised, and His name is celebrated therein. He is glorified therein, morning and evening.

By men who neither trading nor commerce distracts them from God’s remembrance, and from performing the prayers, and from giving alms. They fear a Day when hearts and sights are overturned.

God will reward them according to the best of what they did, and He will increase them from His bounty. God provides for whomever He wills without reckoning.

As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty assumes it is to be water. Until, when he has reached it, he finds it to be nothing, but there he finds God, Who settles his account in full. God is swift in reckoning.

Or like utter darkness in a vast ocean, covered by waves, above which are waves, above which is fog. Darkness upon darkness. If he brings out his hand, he will hardly see it. He to whom God has not granted a light has no light.

Do you not realize that God is glorified by whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and even by the birds in formation? Each knows its prayer and its manner of praise. God knows well what they do.

To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to God is the ultimate return.

Have you not seen how God propels the clouds, then brings them together, then piles them into a heap, and you see rain drops emerging from its midst? How He brings down loads of hail from the sky, striking with it whomever He wills, and diverting it from whomever He wills? The flash of its lightening almost snatches the sight away.

God alternates the night and the day. In that is a lesson for those who have insight.

God created every living creature from water. Some of them crawl on their bellies, and some walk on two feet, and others walk on four. God creates whatever He wills. God is Capable of everything.

We sent down enlightening revelations, and God guides whomever He wills to a straight path.

Narrator

And they say, “We have believed in God and the Messenger, and we obey,” but some of them turn away afterwards. These are not believers.

And when they are called to God and His Messenger, in order to judge between them, some of them refuse.

But if justice is on their side, they accept it willingly.

Is there sickness in their hearts? Or are they suspicious? Or do they fear that God may do them injustice? Or His Messenger? In fact, they themselves are the unjust.

Believers

The response of the believers, when they are called to God and His Messenger in order to judge between them, is to say, “We hear and we obey.” These are the successful.

Whoever obeys God and His Messenger, and fears God, and is conscious of Him—these are the winners.

Allah

And they swear by God with their solemn oaths, that if you commanded them, they would mobilize. Say, “Do not swear. Obedience will be recognized. God is experienced with what you do.”

Say, “Obey God and obey the Messenger.” But if they turn away, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. And if you obey him, you will be guided. It is only incumbent on the Messenger to deliver the Clarifying Message.

God has promised those of you who believe and do righteous deeds, that He will make them successors on earth, as He made those before them successors, and He will establish for them their religion—which He has approved for them—and He will substitute security in place of their fear. They worship Me, never associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that—these are the sinners.

Pray regularly, and give regular charity, and obey the Messenger, so that you may receive mercy.

Never think that those who disbelieve can escape on earth. Their place is the Fire; a miserable destination.

O you who believe! Permission must be requested by your servants and those of you who have not reached puberty. On three occasions: before the Dawn Prayer, and at noon when you change your clothes, and after the Evening Prayer. These are three occasions of privacy for you. At other times, it is not wrong for you or them to intermingle with one another. God thus clarifies the revelations for you. God is Knowledgeable and Wise.

When the children among you reach puberty, they must ask permission, as those before them asked permission. God thus clarifies His revelations for you. God is Knowledgeable and Wise.

Women past the age of childbearing, who have no desire for marriage, commit no wrong by taking off their outer clothing, provided they do not flaunt their finery. But to maintain modesty is better for them. God is Hearing and Knowing.

There is no blame on the blind, nor any blame on the lame, nor any blame on the sick, nor on yourselves for eating at your homes, or your fathers’ homes, or your mothers’ homes, or your brothers’ homes, or your sisters’ homes, or the homes of your paternal uncles, or the homes of your paternal aunts, or the homes of your maternal uncles, or the homes of your maternal aunts, or those whose keys you own, or the homes of your friends. You commit no wrong by eating together or separately. But when you enter any home, greet one another with a greeting from God, blessed and good. God thus explains the revelations for you, so that you may understand.

The believers are those who believe in God and His Messenger, and when they are with him for a matter of common interest, they do not leave until they have asked him for permission. Those who ask your permission are those who believe in God and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission to attend to some affair of theirs, give permission to any of them you wish, and ask God’s forgiveness for them. God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Do not address the Messenger in the same manner you address one another. God knows those of you who slip away using flimsy excuses. So let those who oppose his orders beware, lest an ordeal strikes them, or a painful punishment befalls them.

Surely, to God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. He knows what you are about. And on the Day they are returned to Him, He will inform them of what they did. God has full knowledge of all things.

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian