O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity. 53 If you do a thing openly or do it in secret, then surely Allah is Cognizant of all things. 54 [However,] it is no sin for them [to appear freely] before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or such [male slaves] as their right hands may possess. But [always, O wives of the Prophet,] remain conscious of God - for, behold, God is witness unto everything. 55 Allah and His angels praise and venerate the Prophet. Believers, praise and venerate him and pronounce peace upon him in abundance. 56 Those who offend God and His Prophet will be damned in this world and the next. There is a shameful punishment ready for them. 57 And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin. 58