Interpretation of Sura an-Nisa - Verse 22

22. " And do not marry women whom your father married, except what has already passed; verily it is indecent and hateful and it is an evil way."

Commentary

One of the customs in the pre-Islamic era of Ignorance was that whenever a person passed away, his offsprings would marry their step mother (their fathers' wife) .

It happened that one of the Helpers, called Abu-Qays, passed away and his son suggested to marry his step mother. The woman said that she should ask the matter from the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) . When she went to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and told him the matter, this verse was revealed and prohibited the marriage with step mother.

" And do not marry women whom your father married, except what has already passed; verily it is indecent and hateful and it is an evil way."

Adopted from the book : "The Light of the Holy Qur'an; Interpretation of Surah an-Nisa" by : "Sayyid Kamal Faghih Imani and a Group of Muslim Scholars"