This is the third of the series of ten short Medina Suras, each dealing with a special point in the life of the Ummat: See the Introduction to Sura 57. The special theme here is how treachery to the Ummat on the part of its enemies recoils on the enemies themselves, while it strengthens the bond between the different sections of the Ummat itself, and this is illustrated by the story of the expulsion of the Jewish tribe of the Banu Nadhir in Rabi 1, A.H. 4. This fixes the date of the Sura.
Summary. -- The expulsion of the treacherous Jews from the neighborhood of Medina was smoothly accomplished: Their reliance on their fortified positions and on the faith of their allies in treachery proved futile. But the internal bonds in the Ummat were strengthened. Such is the wisdom of Allah, Lord of the Most Beautiful Names. (Verses 1 to 24 and commentary C.238).
C.238-(Verses 1 to 24)-Allah's wisdom foils the treachery of men, and makes the path smoother for Believers who strive even against odds. Against Allah's decrees all resistance is vain. In property taken from the enemy, let those in need have a share, and those who sacrifice their all for the Cause. But those who lend a helping hand in the hour of need do it for love and crave no reward, nor feel the least envy or jealousy. They all rejoice that the Brotherhood should thrive. Not so the Hypocrites: They are false even among themselves. Perdition is the end of all evil. But the Good and Faithful will achieve felicity. Such is the power of Truth and Allah's Revelation. Allah! There is no god but He! -- The Good, the Glorious, the Irresistible! All Creation sings His praise, -- the Exalted in Might, the Wise!
59:1 SURA 59. Hashr, or The Gathering (or Banishment). In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: For He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
59:2 It 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)!
59:3 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 (certainly) have the Punishment of the Fire.
59:4 That is because they resisted Allah and His Apostle: And if anyone resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in Punishment.
59:5 Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslims!) 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 transgressors.
59:6 What Allah has bestowed on His Apostle (and taken away) from them -- for this ye made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry: But Allah gives power to His apostles over any He pleases: And Allah has power over all things.
59:7 What Allah has bestowed on His Apostle (and taken away) from the people of the townships, -- belongs to Allah, -- to His Apostle 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 Apostle assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah; for Allah is strict in Punishment.
59:8 (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 Apostle: Such are indeed the sincere ones: --
59:9 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.
59:10 And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, rancor (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."
59:11 Section 2. 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 anyone in your affair; and if ye are attacked (in fight) we will help you". But Allah is witness that they are indeed liars.
59:12 If they are expelled, never will they go out with them; and if they are attacked (in fight), they will never help them; and if they do help them, they will turn their backs; so they will receive no help.
59:13 Of a truth ye are stronger (than they) because of the terror in their hearts, (sent) by Allah. This is because they are men devoid of understanding.
59:14 They will not fight you (even) together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Strong is their fighting (spirit) amongst themselves: Thou wouldst think they were united, but their hearts are divided: That is because they are a people devoid of wisdom.
59:15 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; --
59:16 (Their allies deceived them), like the Evil One, when he says to man, "Deny Allah": But when (man) denies Allah, (the Evil One) says, "I am free of thee: I do fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!"
59:17 The end of both will be that they will go into the Fire, dwelling therein forever. Such is the reward of the wrongdoers.
59:18 Section 3. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) he has set forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: For Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.
59:19 And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget their own souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors!
59:20 Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: It is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity.
59:21 Had we sent down this Koran 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.
59:22 Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; -- Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
59:23 Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; -- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him.
59:24 He is Allah, the creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
