Al-Mumtaḥanah (Surah 60)

Introduction

This Medinian sûrah was revealed prior to the Prophet’s conquest of Mecca following the pagans’ violation of the peace treaty they had signed with the Muslims at Ḥudaibiyah. Despite the Prophet’s orders to keep this plan secret, a companion by the name of Ḥâṭib ibn Abi Balta’ah sent a warning letter to the Meccans, hoping that in turn they would protect his family—who were still in Mecca—in case the Muslims failed to enter the city. Soon the Prophet (ﷺ) received a revelation about what Ḥâṭib did. The letter was intercepted, and Ḥâṭib was later forgiven. Mecca surrendered peacefully to the Muslims, and its residents were pardoned by the Prophet (ﷺ). Muslims are instructed to be loyal to Allah and fellow believers, following the example of Prophet Abraham (ﷺ) (verses 4-6). The believers are not forbidden from courtesy to non-Muslims as long as they are not persecuting Muslims (verses 8-9). This sûrah takes its name from testing the faith of women fleeing Mecca by asking them, for example, if they have emigrated for Islam or only to be separated from their pagan husbands (verse 10). Other instructions to the believers are given at the end of this sûrah and the beginning of the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful