Al-Aḥzâb (Surah 33)
Al-Aḥzâb (The Enemy Alliance)
Madni SurahIntroduction
This Medinian sûrah takes its name from the enemy alliance (mentioned in verses 9–27) which laid a siege around Medina during the Battle of the Trench in 5 A.H./627 C.E. While the believers are reminded of Allah’s aid against the enemy alliance, the hypocrites are condemned repeatedly. The sûrah provides social guidelines regarding adoption, divorce, modesty, and the etiquette of dealing with the Prophet (ﷺ) and his wives. In view of Allah’s favours to the believers (including His forgiveness and generous reward at the end of the sûrah), the next sûrah starts off with praises to Allah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Orders to the Prophet
1. O Prophet! (Always) be mindful of Allah, and do not yield to the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 2. Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you (all) do. 3. And put your trust in Allah, for Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs.
Surah 33 - Al-Aḥzâb (The Enemy Alliance) - Verses 1-3
Rules on Divorce and Adoption
4. Allah does not place two hearts in any person’s chest. Nor does He regard your wives as (unlawful for you like) your real mothers, (even) if you say they are. Nor does He regard your adopted children as your real children. These are only your baseless assertions. But Allah declares the truth, and He (alone) guides to the (Right) Way. 5. Let your adopted children keep their family names. That is more just in the sight of Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are (simply) your fellow believers and close associates. There is no blame on you for what you do by mistake, but (only) for what you do intentionally. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Surah 33 - Al-Aḥzâb (The Enemy Alliance) - Verses 4-5
Guidelines for the Believers
6. The Prophet has a stronger affinity to the believers than they do themselves. And his wives are their mothers. As ordained by Allah, blood relatives are more entitled (to inheritance) than (other) believers and immigrants, unless you (want to) show kindness to your (close) associates (through bequest). This is decreed in the Record.
Surah 33 - Al-Aḥzâb (The Enemy Alliance) - Verses 6-6
Covenant to Deliver the Truth
7. And (remember) when We took a covenant from the prophets, as well as from you (O Prophet), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary. We did take a solemn covenant from (all of) them 8. so that He may question these men of truth about their (delivery of the) truth. And He has prepared a painful punishment for the disbelievers.