Tafsir of Al-Ahzab 33:57-58

{Those who offend Allah and His Messenger}

There are two interpretations:

First: It is a metaphorical expression for committing acts that they dislike and do not approve of—such as disbelief, disobedience, denying prophethood, violating the Sharia, and the various forms of harm they inflicted upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). I have classified it as metaphorical for both [Allah and the Messenger]—even though "offense" is literally possible regarding the Messenger—so that a single expression does not simultaneously convey both a metaphorical and a literal meaning.

Second: It specifically means offending the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).

Regarding the "offense to Allah," it is said to be the claims of the Jews, Christians, and polytheists: "Allah’s hand is chained," "He is the third of three," "The Messiah is the son of Allah," "The angels are the daughters of Allah," and "The idols are His partners." Others say it refers to those who deviate regarding His names and attributes.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) narrated from his Lord: "The son of Adam insulted Me, though it was not for him to insult Me; and he offended Me, though it was not for him to offend Me. As for his insulting Me, it is his saying that I have taken a son. As for his offending Me, it is his saying that Allah will not restore me as He began me."

'Ikrimah said: It refers to the makers of images who attempt to imitate the creation of Allah.

Regarding the "offense to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)," it is said to be their calling him a sorcerer, a poet, a soothsayer, or a madman. Others say it refers to the breaking of his tooth and the wounding of his face on the day of Uhud. Others say it refers to their slandering him regarding his marriage to Safiyyah bint Huyayy.

The offense to Allah and His Messenger is mentioned generally, while the offense to the believing men and women is qualified [by "without them having earned it"]. This is because offending Allah and His Messenger is never justified, whereas offending the believers can be of different types.

{...without them having earned it} means without them having committed a crime or deserving the offense.

It is said this was revealed regarding hypocrites who offended Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and spoke ill of him. Others say it concerns those who slandered Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Others say it concerns adulterers who would follow women against their will.

Al-Fudayl said: "It is not lawful for you to offend even a dog or a pig without a just cause." Ibn 'Awn would only rent his shops to the People of the Covenant (Dhimmi), to avoid the distress [of collecting rent] when the year turned.

{O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.}