When the prophet married Zainab, the divorced wife of his adopted son, he wished to declare popularly that the Pagan Era's TABOO, by which it was unlawful to marry the widow of his adopted son, was no more valid. He therefore provided for a wedding banquet, and invited the Emigrants and Helpers to a formal meal.

      When the meal was served and the table-cloth was cleared, all the guests went out and dispersed except three of them who stayed there after all and continued their idle talks with one another.

      Now the prophet had some urgent works to do and he was shy to tell them to leave the house. To make them know it, he went out for a while and then returned, and still found them busy in their chatting.

      The above verse was revealed to this effect to teach the Arabs some refined ethical rules.

      On the other hand some of the neighbours as it is still customary, when they are in need will borrow an object, such as a pot or a chattel of some kind. In the case of the prophet they would enter his house intrudingly because they considered themselves familiars and friends. Such was not a good custom to thrust oneself in, without any leave or welcome.