Sura 59 Al-Hashr (The Emigration) Medina
The title is taken from the second verse which refers to the expulsion of the Jewish tribe Bani Nadhir from their fortress and lands three miles from Medina: “It is He Who got out the unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering. “Following the details of the besieging, banishment and distribution of the spoils of the Bani Nadhir the chapter ends with an exaltation of the power of the Quran and the attributes of Allah.
The Banishment of Jewish tribe Bani Nadhir
“I t is He who got out the unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering (of the forces). Little did ye think that they would get out: And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But the (wrath of) Allah came to them from quarters from which they little expected (it), and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the believers, take warning, then, O ye with eyes (to see)! And had it not been that Allah had decreed banishment for them, He would certainly have punished them in this world: And in the Hereafter they shall (certainly) have the punishment of the fire. That is because they resisted Allah and His Messenger: and if any one resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in punishment.” (v. 2-4)
The Bani Nadhir were a wealthy tribe and one of their leaders, Ka’b ibn Ashraf, had been on friendly terms with Muhammad until the change of the Qibla. He was assassinated with the connivance of Muhammad. The Jews of Nadhir had promised to be neutral in the conflict between Muhammad and Mecca. but he claimed that not only had they gone over to supporting the Meccans after Muhammad’s defeat at the battle of Uhud but were also plotting to kill him.
Cutting down of the date-palms belonging to Bani Nadhir
Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!)The tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots,it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgresses. (5)
For fifteen days the quarters of the Bani Nadhir was besieged and then Muhammad gave the order to cut down their date palms. The Jews in their quarter cried out: “Muhammad, you have prohibited wanton destruction and blamed those guilty of it. Why then are you cutting down and burning our palm-trees?” (Ibn Ishaq, Sira Rasulullah) This action was not only contrary to Arab warfare practice but it was prohibited in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 20:19). The Bani Nadhir were exiled and settled at the Jewish stronghold of Khaibar to the north of Medina. They were the second Jewish tribe to be exiled the first being the Banu Qaynuqa.
Distribution of Bani Nadhir’s wealth
“What Allah has bestowed on His messenger (and taken away) from them for this ye made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry: but Allah gives power to His messengers over any He pleases: and Allah has power over all things. What Allah has bestowed on His messenger (and taken away) from the people of the townships, belongs to Allah, to His messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah; for Allah is strict in punishment.” (Some part is due) to the indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from their homes and their property, while seeking grace from Allah and (His) good pleasure, and aiding Allah and His Messenger: such are indeed the sincere ones: But those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the faith, show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity” (v 6 – 9).
Because the spoils of war were gained without the intervention of horses or camels Muhammad said that God had given them entirely to him for disposing of, and that they should not to be divided in the usual manner of the law found in sura 8:41. The following verses go on to explain how the spoils were distributed.
The exiled Jews were lairs and failed to support one another
“Hast thou not observed the hypocrites say to their misbelieving brethren among the People of the Book? “If ye are expelled, we too will go out with you, and we will never hearken to any one in your affair; and if ye are attacked (in fight) we will help you” But Allah is witness that they are indeed liars…………….. They (The Jews) will not fight you together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Strong is their fighting amongst themselves: thou wouldst think they were united, but their hearts are divided: that is because they are a people devoid of wisdom. Like those who lately preceded them, they have tasted the evil result of their conduct; and (in the Hereafter there is) for them a grievous penalty” (v11, 14, 15)
Now both Banu Qaynuqa and Bani Nadhir were exiled for they had failed to keep their promise of supporting one another.
The power of the Quran
“Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain,
verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah.
Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect” (v 21).
Such is the power of the Quran viewed by Muhammad, that if the Quran had been sent down on a mountain, it would have split!
Attributes of God
“Allah is He, than whom there is no other god; Who knows (all things) both secret and open;
He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, than whom there is no other god;
the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might,
the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him (v 22, 23).
This is one of the few passages in which God is called holy however, the meaning is not associated with morality but rather that there is ‘none beside Him’.
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60 Sura Al-Mumtahinah (She who is examined) Medina
The chapter title refers to the examination of the women (verses 10-12) who came over from the idolaters to see whether they were sincere. Muslims are here exhorted not to show friendship to their friends and relatives who are still in Mecca because they had rejected Muhammad, yet he hoped the time would come when they would be reconciled when they accepted his claims. They are expected however, to comply with the Treaty that was drawn up at Hudaibiya.
Exhortation not to meet secretly 
with the Qurraish
““O ye who believe! Take not my enemies and yours as friends (or protectors), offering them (your) love, even though they have rejected the truth that has come to you, and have driven out the Prophet and yourselves (from your homes), because ye believe in Allah your Lord! (v 1)
A Muslim hearing that Muhammad was going to make a surprise attack on Mecca sent a letter to warn the Qurraish. It was not because he wanted to return to idolatry but rather that he was concerned for his relatives who still lived in Mecca. In the future all such activity was forbidden.
Example of Abraham who was disowned from his friends
“There is for you an excellent example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: “We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever, unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone” (v 4)
Muhammad looks to support this separation by stating that Abraham completely disowned his former friends and idolaters and that only enmity remained between them.
Muhammad hopeful of reconciliation with Meccans
“It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies.
For Allah has power (over all things); And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (v 7).
Idolaters who have not borne arms against them can be considered friends
“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just” (v 8).
The testing of former female idolaters
“O ye who believe! When there come to you believing women refugees, examine (and test) them: Allah knows best as to their faith: if ye ascertain that they are believers, then send them not back to the unbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the unbelievers, nor are the (unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them. But pay the unbelievers what they have spent (on their dower), and there will be no blame on you if ye marry them on payment of their dower to them” (v 10, 11).
According to the Treaty of Hudaibiya each side was expected to send back anything that came into their possession. Muhammad in not sending back the believing women therefore felt obliged to send some sort of compensation in order to not break the treaty (v 10).
The believing womens’ oath of allegiance
““O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter, then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (v 12)
The oath of allegiance and the admittance into Islam for these women involved:Acknowledge God is one and that idols are nothing; Promise that they shall not steal; Promise that they shall not commit adultery; Promise that they shall not kill their children; Promise that they shall not make any false accusations; Promise that they shall not disobey God.
Final reminder not to make friends with unbelievers
“O ye who believe!
Turn not (for friendship) to people on whom is the wrath of Allah,
of the hereafter they are already in despair, just as the unbelievers are in despair about those (buried) in graves” (v 13).
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61 Sura As-Saff (The Battle Array) Mecca
T
he title is taken from the fourth verse “Truly Allah loves those who fight in His cause in battle array.” The chapter contains exhortations to Muslims to spend their money and their lives in defence of Islam. The verse in which Jesus is said to predict the coming of Muhammad (Ahmed) is found in this chapter.
“Truly Allah loves those who fight in His cause in battle array,
as if they were a solid cemented structure” (v 4).
Muhammad had no doubt heard that Jesus had promised a parakletos. Probably because of the similarity of sound, he applied periklytos to himself. The name Muhammad means praised and is from the same root and of the same meaning as Ahmed which was also one of the Prophet’s names. Therefore, Muslims hold that in John 16:7 where it is said, ’the Paraclete shall come’, that the reference is to Muhammad they do so by changing the Greek word parakletos into periklytos. This perversion of the scripture cannot be allowed. Manuscripts written centuries before Muhammad and all ancient translations of the scriptures contain ‘paracletos.’ The context from the Bible shows that it cannot apply to Muhammad. The disciples of Jesus Christ were to remain in Jerusalem until the Comforter came, which the Injil says took place forty days after Jesus Christ went up to heaven; whereas Muhammad did not come until several centuries later.
Other passages of scripture which are understood by Muslims to refer to their prophet are:
- Deuteronomy 33:2 where Paran is said to mean Islam
- Isaiah 21:6, where the ‘rider on the ass’ is Jesus and the ‘rider on the camel’ Muhammad
- Matthew 20:1-16 , where the morning, noon and evening are Judaism, Christianity and Islam respectively
- I John 4:2,3, where Muhammad is said to be the ’spirit that is of God’, because he proclaimed that Jesus was a true man and not God.
“O ye who believe! Be ye helpers of Allah:
As said Jesus the son of Mary to the disciples, “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?”
Said the disciples, “We are Allah’s helpers!”
then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved:
But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.”(v 14)
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T
his chapter is concerned with the enmity of the Jews against Muhammad and Friday is proclaimed to be the Day of Assembly (v 9)
Muhammad the Apostle to the Arabs
“It is He Who has sent amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in scripture and wisdom,although they had been, before, in manifest error “ (v 2)
The Jews rebuked for unbelief
“The similitude of those who were charged with the Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understands them not).” (v 5 and on to v 8).
The Jews are rebuked because just like an ass has no understanding of the books it carries that neither do the Jews have any understanding of the prophecies of Muhammad which are found in their own law.
The observance of worship on Friday
“O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business: That is best for you if ye but knew! And when the prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the bounty of Allah: and celebrate the praises of Allah often that ye may prosper”(v 9, 10).
According to Muslims, Friday is the day on which Muhammad made his first entry into Medina, and the day on which creation was finished.
The misuse of Friday by some early Muslims
“But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: “The (blessing) from the presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! and Allah is the best to provide (for all needs).” (v 11)
The tradition relating to this verse is as follows: Jabir b. Abdullah reported that the Apostle (may peace be upon him) was delivering the sermon on Friday in a standing posture when a caravan from Syria arrived. The people flocked towards it till no one was left (with the Holy Prophet) but twelve persons, and it was on this occasion that this verse in regard to Jumu’a was revealed.” And when they see merchandise or sport. they break away to it and leave thee standing.”(Muslim Book 4 number 1877)
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Who were the hypocrites?
The term ‘hypocrites’ is used in the Quran for those who lived in Medina but on whom Muhammad could not rely. The word ‘waverer’ more accurately describes them, particularly when they are contrasted with the believers. The Quran uses the expression ’those who in whose heart there is a sickness’ as an apt description.
They were hoping that they could exploit the situation in Medina being representatives of the true aristocracy and secretly hoped that Muhammad’s power would dwindle so that they could replace him. Some had joined Muhammad under compulsion others reluctantly while still others had joined Muhammad enthusiastically but could not retain their belief or enthusiasm.
The Quran condemns them for being lazy in their prayers; refusing to take part in fighting and not contributing to the cause of Allah by using their own means. Privately they spoke maliciously about Muhammad and his revelations but were superstitious fearing he would become aware of their private discussions.
The hypocrites are liars
“When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, “We bear witness that thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah.”
Yea, Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His messenger,
and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars” (v 1).
The hypocrites changed their minds
“That is because they believed, then they rejected faith: So a seal was set on their hearts: therefore they understand not. When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their words. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of Allah be on them! How are they deluded (away from the truth)! “(v 3, 4)
They were impressive in appearance and speech and their leaders often used to spend time with Muhammad and initially he was favourably impressed.
The hypocrites did not want to help the true believers in Medina
“They are the ones who say, “Spend nothing on those who are with Allah’s Messenger, to the end that they may disperse (and quit Medina).”
But to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth;
but the Hypocrites understand not.” (v 7).
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