Surah Al-Mumtahinah, the 60th chapter of the Holy Quran, is a Medinan Surah with 13 verses, named “She That Is to Be Examined” or “The Woman Under Questioning” from verse 10, which discusses the examination of emigrant women’s faith. Revealed between the Treaty of Hudaibiyah (6 AH) and the Conquest of Makkah (8 AH), it addresses challenges faced by early Muslims during a time of transition and tension. The Surah offers enduring guidance on loyalty, faith, interpersonal relationships, and community cohesion, providing moral and spiritual directives for Muslims. For those learning Arabic online, studying this Surah can deepen understanding of its linguistic nuances, historical context, and practical implications for believers.
Historical Context and Background
Surah Al-Mumtahinah was revealed during a pivotal time in Islamic history, specifically between 627–629 CE, following the Treaty of Hudaibiyah and before the Conquest of Makkah. The Treaty of Hudaibiyah, signed in 6 AH, established a ten-year truce between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah, allowing for a temporary cessation of hostilities. However, the treaty included a clause stipulating that anyone from Makkah who migrated to Madinah to join the Muslims must be returned to the Quraysh, regardless of their faith. This clause created challenges, particularly for Muslim women who sought to escape persecution in Makkah and join the Muslim community in Madinah. The Surah addresses this issue, clarifying the treatment of emigrant women and establishing guidelines for their integration.
Additionally, the Surah responds to an incident involving Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who sent a secret letter to the Quraysh informing them of the Prophet’s plan to conquer Makkah. This act, motivated by a desire to protect his family in Makkah, raised questions about loyalty and allegiance within the Muslim community. The revelation of Surah Al-Mumtahinah addressed this incident, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing faith and loyalty to Allah and His Messenger over personal or familial ties to disbelievers hostile to Islam.
The Surah’s historical context underscores its focus on navigating complex social and political dynamics, particularly in a community transitioning from persecution to empowerment. Its objectives reflect the need to establish clear boundaries for relationships, ensure the integrity of the Muslim community, and provide guidance for maintaining faith under challenging circumstances.
Objectives of Surah Al-Mumtahinah
The objectives of Surah Al-Mumtahinah can be categorized into several key themes, each addressing specific aspects of faith, community, and interpersonal relations. These objectives are rooted in the Surah’s verses and supported by tafsir (exegesis) and historical accounts. Below, we explore these objectives in detail.
1. Prohibiting Alliances with Enemies of Islam
One of the primary objectives of Surah Al-Mumtahinah is to prohibit Muslims from forming alliances or showing affection toward those who are actively hostile to Islam. The Surah opens with a stern warning:
“O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, offering them affection, even though they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth and have driven out the Messenger and yourselves [from Makkah] because you believe in Allah, your Lord.” (Quran 60:1)
This verse was revealed in response to Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah’s attempt to inform the Quraysh of the Prophet’s military plans. Despite his good intentions—to protect his family—his actions risked compromising the Muslim community’s safety and strategy. The Surah emphasizes that loyalty to Allah and His Messenger must supersede personal or familial ties to those who oppose Islam. This objective is critical in maintaining the integrity and security of the Muslim community, especially during times of conflict.
The prohibition of alliances with enemies is not absolute, however. The Surah clarifies that Muslims may maintain kind and just relations with non-Muslims who are not hostile:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes—from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Quran 60:8)
This distinction highlights the balance between loyalty to faith and compassionate treatment of others, ensuring that Muslims uphold justice and kindness in their interactions with peaceful non-Muslims.
2. Establishing the Example of Prophet Ibrahim
Another key objective of Surah Al-Mumtahinah is to present Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) and his followers as a model for believers. The Surah recounts how Ibrahim dissociated himself from his people and their idolatrous practices, declaring:
“We are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.” (Quran 60:4)
Ibrahim’s stance exemplifies unwavering loyalty to Allah and the rejection of falsehood, even when it involves familial ties. However, the Surah notes an exception: Ibrahim’s promise to seek forgiveness for his father, which he later fulfilled, though he ceased praying for him once it became clear his father was an enemy of Allah (Quran 9:113-114). This example underscores the importance of prioritizing faith over personal relationships while acknowledging the human inclination to care for loved ones.
The Surah uses Ibrahim’s example to inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of social or familial pressures. It encourages Muslims to emulate his devotion, trust in Allah, and commitment to monotheism, as reflected in the dua (supplication) of Ibrahim and his followers:
“Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination. Our Lord, do not make us [objects of] torment for the disbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Quran 60:4-5)
3. Guiding the Treatment of Emigrant Women
A significant objective of Surah Al-Mumtahinah is to provide guidance on the treatment of women who migrated from Makkah to Madinah, particularly after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. The treaty’s terms required the return of male emigrants to the Quraysh, but the status of female emigrants was unclear. The Surah addresses this issue in verse 10:
“O you who have believed, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them. Allah is most knowing of their faith. And if you know them to be believers, then do not return them to the disbelievers; they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them.” (Quran 60:10)
This verse establishes a process for verifying the sincerity of emigrant women’s faith, ensuring they were not returned to the disbelievers if they were true believers. The examination, or imtihan, involved assessing their commitment to Islam, often through an oath of allegiance (bay’ah). The Surah specifies that these women should pledge to avoid major sins, such as associating partners with Allah, stealing, adultery, killing their children, fabricating falsehoods, and disobeying the Prophet (peace be upon him).
This objective not only resolved a legal ambiguity but also promoted the inclusion and protection of vulnerable women in the Muslim community. It emphasized the importance of gender-specific considerations in Islamic law and underscored the community’s responsibility to support those fleeing persecution.
4. Promoting Community Cohesion and Unity
Surah Al-Mumtahinah seeks to strengthen the Muslim community by fostering unity and loyalty among its members. The Surah’s emphasis on dissociating from enemies of Islam and protecting emigrant women reflects a broader goal of building a cohesive and resilient community. By addressing the incident of Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah, the Surah warns against actions that could undermine communal trust and security. Similarly, by providing guidelines for integrating emigrant women, it reinforces the importance of inclusivity and support within the community.
The Surah’s narratives, including the stories of Hatib, Umm Kulthum bint Uqbah, and other emigrant women, highlight the challenges of maintaining unity in a diverse and growing community. These stories serve as lessons in commitment, encouraging believers to prioritize the collective good over individual interests.
5. Encouraging Righteous Conduct and Ethical Interactions
Another objective of Surah Al-Mumtahinah is to guide Muslims in maintaining righteous conduct, even in challenging circumstances. The Surah emphasizes the importance of justice, kindness, and fairness in dealings with others, regardless of their faith. Verse 8, as mentioned earlier, permits kind and just treatment of non-Muslims who are not hostile, promoting harmonious interfaith relations.
The Surah also encourages self-reflection and personal growth, urging believers to examine their actions and intentions. By highlighting the tests faced by early Muslims, such as the emigrant women and Hatib, it underscores the importance of steadfastness, repentance, and seeking divine guidance in navigating life’s challenges.
6. Reinforcing Spiritual and Moral Resilience
Surah Al-Mumtahinah aims to strengthen believers’ spiritual and moral resilience by reminding them of Allah’s mercy, guidance, and ultimate authority. The dua of Prophet Ibrahim and his followers (Quran 60:4-5) serves as a source of comfort and inspiration, encouraging believers to rely on Allah and seek His forgiveness. The Surah’s emphasis on testing faith—whether through the examination of emigrant women or the trials faced by the broader community—reinforces the idea that faith is dynamic and requires constant effort and devotion.
Regular recitation of the Surah is believed to enhance spiritual connection, provide protection from negative influences, and promote tranquility in times of stress. Its teachings inspire believers to remain steadfast, patient, and compassionate, fostering a balanced approach to life’s challenges.
Practical Implications and Lessons
The objectives of Surah Al-Mumtahinah have practical implications for Muslims today, offering timeless guidance for navigating personal, social, and spiritual challenges. Some key lessons include:
- Loyalty to Faith: The Surah emphasizes the importance of prioritizing loyalty to Allah and His Messenger over worldly ties, encouraging Muslims to align their actions with their faith.
- Balanced Relationships: By distinguishing between hostile and peaceful non-Muslims, the Surah promotes a balanced approach to interfaith relations, advocating for justice and kindness where possible.
- Community Support: The guidance on emigrant women highlights the importance of supporting vulnerable members of the community, ensuring inclusivity and protection.
- Moral Integrity: The Surah’s emphasis on righteous conduct and self-reflection encourages Muslims to uphold ethical standards in all interactions.
- Spiritual Resilience: The stories and supplications within the Surah inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, seek divine guidance, and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Mumtahinah, a profound chapter of the Quran, addresses critical themes of loyalty, faith, and community dynamics, offering enduring guidance for believers. Its key objectives include prohibiting alliances with enemies, presenting Prophet Ibrahim as an exemplary model of faith, guiding the treatment of emigrant women, promoting community cohesion, encouraging righteous conduct, and reinforcing spiritual resilience. These teachings directly addressed the challenges faced by the early Muslim community, equipping them with moral and spiritual tools to navigate complex relationships while maintaining unwavering devotion to Allah.
The Surah’s lessons remain highly relevant today, fostering unity, compassion, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of these timeless principles, learning the Quran online in the USA provides an accessible and flexible way to study Surah Al-Mumtahinah and its profound insights. Online platforms offer expert guidance, enabling believers to connect with the Quran’s teachings and apply them to modern challenges, strengthening their faith and community bonds.