Sūrat al-Taḥrīm consists of twelve relatively long verses. According to Ibn Abbas, al-Ḍaḥḥāk, and other early commentators, it is a Medinan surah,^{‎[1]Tibyan, 10/43.} as the context of the verses seem to suggest.

The broad and overarching theme of the surah is about family relations. Within this it talks about several issues, such as how these relations define us, what responsibilities we have towards our family members, the significance of being a wife of Prophet Muhammad (s) and the responsibility that comes with it, and that this relationship on its own is not sufficient for salvation and nor does it guarantee one’s piety.

A major subtheme related to that is the responsibility one has with regards to their actions. The consequence of these actions will manifest themselves in the hereafter and define the realities one is faced with there.

These themes also continue from what was addressed in the previous surah, with regards to family relations and, specifically, problems that may lead to divorce. On the subject of continuity, the previous surah ends with the exhortation that God, as the creator of the heavens and earth, has power and knowledge over all things. This Creator also knows best what is in our interests and what is harmful for us, and He guides us to those things. Thus, if He has permitted something, there is no need for us to prohibit ourselves from it.^{‎[2]Razi, 30/568.}

Because of his status as the Messenger of God, many aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s (s) life were not confined to only him, but were matters of religious and social importance. Therefore, when schemes were laid against him in his own house – whether to undermine him, to reduce his social standing, trouble him, or restrict him – it was not a matter to be taken lightly or ignored.^{‎[3]Nemuneh, 24/272-273.} Disrespect towards him was not just disrespect towards the character of Muhammad (s), but disrespect to the status of the Messenger of God. Many verses of the Quran were revealed regarding this matter. For example, when people would shout in his presence, God revealed O you who have faith! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak aloud to him as you shout to one another (49:2); or when a group of the Jews used to secretly mock the Prophet by greeting him with an ambiguous greeting, God revealed O you who have faith! Do not say rāʿinā, but say unẓurnā, and listen! (2:104).

[1] Tibyan, 10/43.
[2] Razi, 30/568.
[3] Nemuneh, 24/272-273.