Sura al-Ahzab
What themes and topics are discussed in Surah "Al-Ahzab"?
Surah Al-Ahzab was revealed in Medina and is the 33rd surah of the Quran, consisting of 73 verses. A significant portion of this surah deals with the events of the Battle of Al-Ahzab (the Trench), where the Jews allied with the Meccan polytheists and other tribes against the Muslims. The surah also addresses jurisprudential rulings such as the waiting period after divorce, the hijab for women, and marriage to the former wife of an adopted son. Additionally, topics such as the finality of the Prophet's (PBUH) prophethood, the bearing of the divine trust by humans, the verse of purification (Ayat al-Tathir), and more are discussed in this surah.
Introduction
Al-Ahzab is the name of the 33rd surah of the Quran, consisting of 73 verses. This surah has no other names or titles. The reason for its naming, in accordance with the general rule for naming Quranic surahs, is that the Battle of Al-Ahzab is only mentioned in this surah (verses 9–22), and the word "Al-Ahzab" (the Confederates) is repeated three times in this surah.[1] The title "Al-Ahzab," which in other Quranic verses refers to ancient nations afflicted by divine punishment, is used in this surah to describe the instigators of the battle, with an implicit reference to the disunity among the participating groups, which ultimately led to their defeat.[2]
Surah Al-Ahzab is one of three surahs that begin with the address "O Prophet" (Ya Ayyuha al-Nabi). The main theme of the surah, as inferred from its opening and contents, as well as the repetition of the word "al-Nabi" (the Prophet), is "the process of social and cultural transformation in Islam." It particularly emphasizes the establishment of the Prophet's (PBUH) elevated status in Islamic society, the explanation of methods to deal with innovations, and the description of the various duties and responsibilities of Muslims during the transition from pre-Islamic (Jahiliyyah) culture to Islamic culture.[3]
Virtues of Recitation and Reflection
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "Whoever recites Surah Al-Ahzab and teaches it to his family and those under his care will be granted safety from the punishment of the grave."[4] Imam Sadiq (AS) said: "Whoever frequently recites Surah Al-Ahzab will be in the company of Muhammad (PBUH) and his family on the Day of Resurrection."[5] Commentators have stated that such virtues and honors are not attained merely through lifeless recitation devoid of reflection and action. Recitation must lead to reflection, and reflection must illuminate one's intellectual horizons to such an extent that its light manifests in one's actions.[6]
Content
Surah Al-Ahzab encompasses the following themes:[7]
- A reference to prophethood (verses 7–8); - Emphasis and direct address to the Prophet regarding piety, steadfastness, adherence to revelation, and reliance on Allah (verses 1–3); - Affirmation of the Prophet's authority over his followers (verse 6); - An example of pre-Islamic customs and traditions (regarding Zihar and adoption) and how to deal with them (verses 4–5); - A description of the Battle of Al-Ahzab (verses 9–20); - The obligation to follow the example of the Prophet (PBUH) (verse 21); - The sincere struggle of the Prophet's companions (verses 22–23); - The account of the Muslims' victory over the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza and the establishment of the Muhajirun in Medina (verses 26–27); - Instructions to the Prophet's wives to obey Allah's commands and maintain their status as wives of the Prophet (PBUH) (verses 28–34); - A description of the qualities of true believing men and women (verse 35); - Emphasis on the Prophet's (PBUH) decisiveness in delivering his message (verses 38–40); - The story of Zayd and Zaynab, and the Prophet's marriage to Zaynab after her separation from Zayd (verses 37–40); - The ranks and status of the Prophet (PBUH) (verses 46–47); - Some rulings on marriage and the Prophet's (PBUH) polygamy (verses 50–54); - The obligation to maintain modesty between men and women (verses 53, 59); - The unique status of humans among creation and their acceptance of the "trust" (verse 72).
The Battle of Al-Ahzab
The most significant portion of Surah Al-Ahzab pertains to the Battle of Al-Ahzab and its dramatic events, the miraculous victory of the Muslims over the disbelievers, the hypocrites' sabotage and excuses, and their betrayal of covenants.[8] Verses 9–25 of Surah Al-Ahzab describe the events of the Battle of Al-Ahzab, while verses 25–27 relate to the expedition against Banu Qurayza.[9]
The Prophet's Marriage to Zaynab
The story of the Prophet's (PBUH) marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, the former wife of Zayd (his adopted son), by Allah's command, is recounted in Surah Al-Ahzab as an example of the Prophet's decisive and wise approach to abolishing baseless pre-Islamic customs (verses 37–40). This incident has been the subject of extensive discussion and debate among both opponents and supporters of Islam. Despite being recorded in reliable historical sources such as Ibn Hisham's *Sirah*, Ibn Sa'd's *Tabaqat*, and Tabari's *History*, free from later embellishments, enemies of Islam have used these verses, combined with fabricated narrations unfortunately included in some Quranic commentaries, to cast doubt on the Prophet's (PBUH) character.[10]
It is said that the Prophet (PBUH) intended to marry Zaynab, his cousin, if reconciliation between her and Zayd failed and they divorced, to compensate for her misfortune. However, he feared public criticism on two grounds: first, Zayd was his adopted son, and according to pre-Islamic custom, an adopted son had the same legal status as a biological son, making marriage to his former wife taboo; second, how could the Prophet (PBUH) marry the former wife of a freed slave, which was seen as beneath his status.[11]
Finality of Prophethood
Verse 40 of Surah Al-Ahzab explicitly states the finality of the Prophet's (PBUH) prophethood: "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets." Commentators have explained that being the "seal of the prophets" also means being the "last of the messengers." The finality of prophethood signifies that Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet, concluding the line of prophethood and messengers, and that his religion and law will remain until the Day of Judgment.[12][13]
The Verse of Purification (Ayat al-Tathir)
Verse 33 of Surah Al-Ahzab, known as the Verse of Purification, is famous among Shia Muslims as evidence for the infallibility of the Imams (AS): "Indeed, Allah intends to keep away impurity from you, O Ahl al-Bayt, and purify you with a thorough purification." The term "Ahl al-Bayt" (People of the Household) is unanimously agreed by Islamic scholars and commentators to refer to the Prophet's (PBUH) household. However, there is disagreement between Shia and Sunni commentators regarding who exactly is included in the Ahl al-Bayt. Shia Muslims believe that in this verse, the Ahl al-Bayt is limited to five individuals: the Prophet (PBUH), Ali (AS), Fatimah (AS), Hasan (AS), and Husayn (AS).[14]
The Bearing of the Divine Trust
In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah describes humans as bearers of a trust that they voluntarily accepted: "Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and feared it. But man undertook it; indeed, he was unjust and ignorant." (Verse 72). There are various interpretations of what this trust refers to. Allamah Tabatabai explains that the trust refers to the perfection achieved through holding true beliefs and performing righteous deeds, elevating humans from material lowliness to the heights of sincerity, making them purely devoted to Allah. This perfection is unique to humans, as no other creation, including the heavens and the earth, shares in it.[15]
Key Verses of Surah Al-Ahzab
- **The Verse of Salawat (Blessings):** According to verse 56, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH), and believers are instructed to send blessings upon him and submit to him. - **The Prophet as a Perfect Example:** Verse 21 describes the Prophet (PBUH) as an excellent example (Uswah Hasanah). Commentators note that his character, steadfastness, patience, wisdom, sincerity, reliance on Allah, and resilience in the face of hardships serve as a model for all Muslims.[16] - **Rulings on Divorce and Waiting Period:** Regarding the waiting period after divorce before consummation, it is stated: "O you who have believed, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, there is no waiting period for you to count concerning them. So provide for them and release them in a handsome manner." (Verse 49) - **The Wives of the Prophet (PBUH):** Allah distinguishes the Prophet's wives from other women, emphasizing that those close to religious leaders and Islamic rulers must be more cautious in their behavior and material desires: "O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality, the punishment would be doubled for her, and that is easy for Allah. And whoever of you is devoutly obedient to Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness, We will give her double her reward, and We have prepared for her a noble provision. O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech." (Verses 30–32) - **The Verse of Hijab:** Regarding women's modesty and hijab, the surah states: "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Verse 59)[17]
References
1. Surah Al-Ahzab, verses 20 and 22. 2. Lasani Fasharki, Muhammad Ali, "Al-Ahzab," *The Great Islamic Encyclopedia*, Tehran, Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, vol. 6, under the entry. 3. Ibid. 4. Tha'labi, Ahmad ibn Muhammad, *Al-Kashf wa al-Bayan*, Beirut, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1st edition, 1422 AH, vol. 8, p. 5. 5. Ibn Babawayh, Muhammad ibn Ali, *Thawab al-A'mal wa 'Iqab al-A'mal*, Qom, Dar al-Sharif al-Radi, 2nd edition, 1406 AH, p. 110. 6. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, *Tafsir Nemooneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1371 AH, vol. 17, p. 183. 7. Lasani Fasharki, Muhammad Ali, "Al-Ahzab," *The Great Islamic Encyclopedia*, Tehran, Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, vol. 6, under the entry. 8. Tabarsi, Fadl ibn al-Hasan, *Majma' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran*, Qom, Maktabat al-Mar'ashi, 1403 AH, vol. 4, p. 334. 9. Tabatabai, Muhammad Husayn, *Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran*, Beirut, Al-A'lami Publications, 1393 AH, vol. 16, p. 291. 10. Lasani Fasharki, Muhammad Ali, "Al-Ahzab," *The Great Islamic Encyclopedia*, Tehran, Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, vol. 6, under the entry. 11. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, *Tafsir Nemooneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1371 AH, vol. 17, p. 183. 12. Ibid., pp. 336–338. 13. Tabarsi, Fadl ibn Hasan, *Majma' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran*, Tehran, Nasir Khosrow, 1372 AH, vol. 8, p. 567. 14. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, *Tafsir Nemooneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1371 AH, vol. 17, pp. 293–294. 15. Tabatabai, Muhammad Husayn, *Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran*, translated by Muhammad Baqir Musavi Hamadani, Qom, Islamic Publications Office, 5th edition, 1374 AH, vol. 16, p. 525. 16. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, *Tafsir Nemooneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1371 AH, vol. 17, p. 242. 17. Lasani Fasharki, Muhammad Ali, "Al-Ahzab," *The Great Islamic Encyclopedia*, Tehran, Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, vol. 6, under the entry.