The series of mystic Suras beginning with Sura 26 having been closed with the last Sura, we now come back to the hard facts of this life. Two questions are mainly considered here, viz., (1) the attempt by violence and brute force to crush the truth, and (2) the attempt, by slander or unseemly conduct, to poison the relations of women with men.
As regards the first, the story of the Ahzab or Confederates, who tried to surround and annihilate the Muslim community in Medina, is full of underhanded intrigues on the part of such diverse enemies as the Pagan Quraish, the Jews (Banu Nadhir) who had been already expelled from Medina for their treachery, the Gatafan tribe of Bedouin Arabs from the interior, and the Jewish tribe of Banu Quraiza in Medina. This was the unholy Confederacy against Islam. But though they caused a great deal of anxiety and suffering to the beleaguered Muslims, Islam came triumphantly out of the trial and got more firmly established than ever.
The Quraish in Mecca had tried all sorts of persecution, boycott, insult, and bodily injuries to the Muslims, leading to their partial hijrat to Abyssinia and their Hijrat as a body to Medina. The first armed conflict between them and the Muslims took place at Badr in Ramadhan A.H.2, when the Quraish were signally defeated. Next year (Shauwal A.H.3) they came to take revenge on Medina. The battle was fought at Uhud, and though the Muslims suffered, Medina was saved and the Meccans had to return to Mecca with their object frustrated. Then they began to make a network of intrigues and alliances, and besieged Medina with a force of 10,000 men in Shauwal and Zulqad A.H.5. This is the siege of the Confederates referred to in Sura 33 verses 9-27, which lasted over two weeks: Some accounts give 27 days. It caused much suffering, from hunger, cold, an unceasing shower of arrows, and constant general or concentrated assaults. But it ended in the discomfiture of the Confederates, and established Islam firmer than ever. It was a well-organized and formidable attack, but the Muslims had made preparations to meet it. One of the preparations, which took the enemy by surprise, was the Trench (Khandaq) dug round Medina by the Prophet's order and under the supervision of Salman the Persian. The siege and battle are therefore known as the Battle of the Trench or the Battle of the Confederates.
As regards the position and dignity of the ladies of the Prophet's Household and the Muslim women generally, salutary principles are laid down to safeguard their honor and protect them from slander and insult. The ladies of the Household interested themselves in social work and work of instruction for the Muslim women, and Muslim women were being trained more and more in community service. Two of them (the two Zainabs) devoted themselves to the poor. The nursing of the wounded on or by the battlefield was specially necessary in those days of warfare. The Prophet's daughter Fatima, then aged about 19 to 20, lovingly nursed her father's wounds at Uhud (A.H.3); Rufaida nursed Sad ibn Muaz's wounds at the siege of Medina by the Confederates (A.H.5); and in the Khaibar expedition (A.H.7) Muslim women went out from Medina for nursing service.
A portion of this Sura sums up the lessons of the Battle of the Trench and must have been revealed some time after that Battle (Shauwal A.H.5). The marriage with Zainab referred to in verse 37 also took place in the same year. Some portions (e.g., verse 27) were probably revealed in A.H.7 after the Khaibar settlement.
Summary.-The pagan customs in human relationships should be abandoned, and men and women should be held in honor according to natural relationships and spiritual position. Verses 1 to 8 and commentary C.186).
The Battle of the Trench and its lessons: Hypocrites and their fears: Truth and noble examples to be followed. (Verses 9 to 27 and commentary C.187).
High position and seemly conduct for the Apostle's wives: Unhappy marriages (like Zainab's) not to be perpetuated on false scruples: Prophet's wives to be treated kindly and gently. (Verses 28 to 52 and commentary C.188).
Respect due to Apostle and his family: Slander to be avoided and punished, guard your words and your responsibilities. (Verses 53 to 73 and commentary C.189).
C.186-(Verses 1 to 8)-The issue of all things depends on Allah alone: We must put our trust on Him as the Guardian of all affairs. He loves truth in all things, both great and small: Call things by their right names. If false relationships by custom or superstition do harm to men or women, shun them. The spiritual Guide is more than Father: The ladies of his household are Mothers to the Believers -- in rank, dignity, and duty. The Guide will have to give an account, in the Hereafter, of how the Truth was received which he was charged to proclaim to men.
33:1 SURA 33. Ahzab, or The Confederates. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: Verily Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
33:2 But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: For Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.
33:3 And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
33:4 Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body: Nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: Nor has He made you adopted sons your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way.
33:5 Call them by (the names of) their fathers: That is juster in the sight of Allah. But if ye know not their father's (names, call them) your Brothers in faith, or your Maulas. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: (What counts is) the intention of your hearts: And Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
33:6 The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah, than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: Nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: Such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah).
33:7 And remember We took from the Prophets their Covenant: As (We did) from thee: From Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn Covenant:
33:8 That (Allah) may question the (Custodians) of Truth concerning the Truth they (were charged with): And He has prepared for the Unbelievers a grievous Penalty.
C.187-(Verses 9 to 27)-When the formidable forces of a whole Confederacy bent on destroying Islam burst upon Medina, it was Allah's grace that saved the Muslims. The enemies and the Hypocrites did their best to defeat the purpose of Allah, but they were foiled. In the Apostle was found the ideal Leader for the men of Allah, who became heirs to the heritage misused by enemies to Faith and the Laws of Allah.
33:9 Section 2. O ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah, (bestowed) on you, when there came down on you host (to overwhelm you): But We sent against them a hurricane and forces that ye saw not: But Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do.
33:10 Behold! They came on you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gasped up to the throats, and ye imagined various (vain) thoughts about Allah!
33:11 In that situation were the Believers tried: They were shaken as by a tremendous shaking.
33:12 And behold! The Hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (even) say: "Allah and His Apostle promised us nothing but delusions!"
33:13 Behold! A party among them said: "Ye men of Yathrib! Ye cannot stand (the attack)! Therefore go back!" And a band of them ask for leave of the Prophet saying, "Truly our houses are bare and exposed," though they were not exposed: They intended nothing but to run away.
33:14 And if an entry had been effected to them from the sides of the (City), and they had been incited to sedition, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with none but a brief delay!
33:15 And yet they had already covenanted with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must (surely) be answered for.
33:16 Say: "Running away will not profit you if ye are running away from death or slaughter; and even if (ye do escape), no more than a brief (respite) will ye be allowed to enjoy!"
33:17 Say: "Who is it that can screen you from Allah if it be His wish to give you Punishment or to give you Mercy?" Nor will they find for themselves, besides Allah, any protector or helper.
33:18 Verily Allah knows those among you who keep back (men) and those who say to their brethren, "Come along to us", But come not to the fight except for just a little while,
33:19 Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, thou wilt see them looking to thee, their eyes revolving, like (those of) one over whom hovers death: But when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, and so Allah has made their deeds of none effect: And that is easy for Allah.
33:20 They think that the Confederates have not withdrawn; and if the Confederates should come (again). They would wish they were in the deserts (wandering) among the Bedouins, and seeking news about you (from a safe distance); and if they were in your midst, they would fight but a little.
33:21 Section 3. Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah.
33:22 When the Believers saw the Confederate forces, they said: "This is what Allah and His Apostle had promised us, and Allah and His Apostle told us what was true." And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.
33:23 Among the Believers are men who have been true to their Covenant with Allah: Of them some have completed their vow (to the extreme), and some (still) wait: But they have never changed (their determination) in the least:
33:24 That Allah may reward the men of Truth for their Truth, and punish the Hypocrites if that be His Will, or turn to them in Mercy: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
33:25 And Allah turned back the Unbelievers for (all) their fury: No advantage did they gain; and enough is Allah for the Believers in their fight. And Allah is full of Strength, Able to enforce His Will.
33:26 And those of the people of the Book who aided them -- Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. (So that) some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners.
33:27 And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses. and their goods, and of a land which ye had not frequented (before). And Allah has power over all things.
C.188-(Verses 28 to 52)-The Prophet's household is not for worldly ends: His consorts have a place and dignity beyond ordinary women. They must recite and proclaim the Signs of Allah. For women have spiritual virtues and duties like unto men. Allah decrees no unhappy wedlock: Fear not to dissolve such and provide what is right and fitting for the service of Allah. High is the Prophet's position, and he must order his household as best befits his work and duties. Allah doth watch all things.
33:28 Section 4. O Prophet! Say to thy Consorts: "If it be that ye desire the life of this world, and its glitter, -- then come! I will provide for your enjoyment and set you free in a handsome manner."
33:29 But if ye seek Allah and His Apostle, and the Home of the Hereafter, verily Allah has prepared for the well-doers amongst you a great reward.
33:30 O Consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the Punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allah.
33:31 But any of you that is devout in the service of Allah and His Apostle, and works righteousness, -- to her shall We grant her reward twice: And We have prepared for her a generous Sustenance.
33:32 O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any of the (other) women: If ye do fear (Allah), be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: But speak ye a speech (that is) just.
33:33 And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Apostle and Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye Members of the Family, and make you pure and spotless.
33:34 And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes, of the Signs of Allah and His Wisdom: For Allah understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted (with them).
33:35 Section 5. For Muslim men and women, -- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, -- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.
33:36 It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision: If anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.
33:37 Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favor: "Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: Thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: In order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah's command must be fulfilled.
33:38 There can be no difficulty to the Prophet in what Allah has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice (approved) of Allah amongst those of old that have passed away. And the command of Allah is a decree determined.
33:39 (It is the practice of those) who preach the Messages of Allah, and fear Him, and fear none but Allah. And enough is Allah to call (men) to account.
33:40 Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Apostle of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: And Allah has full knowledge of all things.
33:41 Section 6. O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this often;
33:42 And glorify Him morning and evening.
33:43 He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out of the depths of Darkness into Light: And He is Full of Mercy to the Believers.
33:44 Their salutation on the Day they Meet Him will be "Peace!"; and He has prepared for them a generous Reward.
33:45 O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner, --
33:46 And as one who invites to Allah's (Grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading Light.
33:47 Then give the glad tidings to the Believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great Bounty.
33:48 And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and heed not their annoyances, but put thy trust in Allah. For enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
33:49 O ye who believe! When ye marry believing women, and then divorce them before ye have touched them, no period of Iddat have ye to count in respect of them: So give them a present, and set them free in a handsome manner.
33:50 O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Mecca) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her; -- this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess; -- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
33:51 Thou mayest defer (the turn of) any of them that thou pleasest, and thou mayest receive any thou pleasest: And there is no blame on thee if thou invite one whose (turn) thou hadst set aside. This were nigher to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief, and their satisfaction -- that of all of them -- with that which thou hast to give them: And Allah knows (all) that is in your hearts: And Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
33:52 It is not lawful for thee (to marry more) women after this, nor to change them for (other) wives, even though their beauty attract thee, except any thy right hand should possess (as handmaidens): And Allah doth watch over all things.
C.189-(Verses 53 to 73)-Believers should cultivate refined respect in social and spiritual life. As the Mothers of the Faithful have to uphold their dignity, so should all women protect their honor and uphold their dignity. The Hour will come when all Evil will be punished. Fear Allah, and always speak the word that leads to Right. Arduous is the Quest of Mankind's high and noble Destiny, -- beyond the reach of other creatures: Let man but strive in Faith, and fulfill Allah's Trust, -- by the grace and mercy of Allah.
33:53 Section 7. O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses, -- until leave is given you, -- for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: But when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behavior) annoys the Prophet: He is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah's Apostle, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah's sight an enormity.
33:54 Whether ye reveal anything or conceal it, verily Allah has full knowledge of all things.
33:55 There is no blame (on these ladies if they appear) before their fathers or their sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the (slaves) whom their right hands possess. And, (ladies), fear Allah; for Allah is Witness to all things.
33:56 Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.
33:57 Those who annoy Allah and His Apostle -- Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment.
33:58 And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.
33:59 Section 8. O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): That is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
33:60 Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbors for any length of time:
33:61 They shall have a curse on them: Wherever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy).
33:62 (Such was) the practice (approved) of Allah among those who lived aforetime: No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah.
33:63 Men ask thee concerning the Hour: Say, "The knowledge thereof is with Allah (alone)": And what will make thee understand? -- Perchance the Hour is nigh!
33:64 Verily Allah has cursed the Unbelievers and prepared for them a Blazing Fire, --
33:65 To dwell therein forever: No protector will they find, nor helper.
33:66 The Day that their faces will be turned upside down in the Fire, they will say: "Woe to us! Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Apostle!"
33:67 And they would say: "Our Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great ones, and they misled us as to the (right) path.
33:68 "Our Lord! Give them Double Penalty and curse them with a very great Curse!"
33:69 Section 9. O ye who believe! Be ye not like those who vexed and insulted Moses, but Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered: And he was honorable in Allah's sight.
33:70 O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right:
33:71 That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He that obeys Allah and His Apostle, has already attained the highest achievement.
33:72 We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: But man undertook it; -- he was indeed unjust and foolish; --
33:73 (With the result) that Allah has to punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Unbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in Mercy to the Believers, men and women: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
