Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/10b097fc-6dbd-4161-a3aa-841a7cb5122b/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-60.html

3. Free app for complete Quran , translations in multiple world languages: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1118663303

4. Free app for complete Quran, recitation, multiple tafaseer, books of ahadees: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1006098149

Based on Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, Surah Al-Mumtahanah (Chapter 60) addresses core themes of loyalty, social relations, and ethical conduct for believers, summarized as follows:

1. Prohibition of Alliance with Enemies (Verses 1-3)

• Believers are forbidden from forming alliances or showing affection toward those who actively oppose Allah and the Muslim community. This includes enemies who persecuted Muslims, expelled them from Mecca, and rejected the Truth (Islam) .
• The surah warns that such alliances constitute a grave deviation from the “Straight Path,” emphasizing that familial or worldly ties (e.g., children or relatives) will not benefit anyone on the Day of Judgment .

2. Exemplary Conduct of Prophet Ibrahim (Verses 4-6)

• Ibrahim (AS) and his followers are presented as the ideal model for believers. They openly renounced their people and idols, declaring eternal enmity toward polytheism while maintaining trust in Allah .
• The exception is Ibrahim’s prayer for his father’s forgiveness, illustrating that compassion is permitted only when it does not compromise faith .

3. Exception for Non-Hostile Disbelievers (Verses 7-9)

• Distinction in Treatment: Muslims may show kindness and justice to disbelievers who neither fought against them nor participated in their expulsion from Mecca (e.g., tribes like Khuza’ah who maintained peace treaties) .
• Prohibition of Support to Aggressors: Active enemies of Islam—those who waged war, expelled Muslims, or supported such acts—must not be aided. Supporting them is deemed “oppression” (ẓulm) .
• Divine Hope for Reconciliation: Allah may transform enmity into affection (as occurred after Mecca’s conquest when former foes embraced Islam) .

4. Directives on Emigrant Women (Verses 10-11)

• Women fleeing disbelief (e.g., from Mecca to Medina) must be tested to verify their sincere embrace of Islam, not merely escape from marital strife .
• Marriage between Muslim women and disbelieving husbands is invalidated, and dowries paid to such husbands must be reclaimed. Conversely, dowries for Muslim men marrying disbelieving women are forfeited .

5. Pledge of Allegiance from Women (Verse 12)

• Women pledging allegiance to Islam must commit to avoiding major sins:
  • Shirk (associating partners with Allah).
  • Theft and adultery.
  • Infanticide.
  • Slander.
  • Disobedience to the Prophet in righteousness .

6. Theological Conclusion (Verse 13)

• The surah reiterates the prohibition of alliances with those who incur Allah’s wrath, underscoring divine authority over all relationships .

Key Themes in Tafheem-ul-Quran’s Analysis

• Conditional Loyalty: Loyalty to the Muslim community (Ummah) takes precedence over tribal or familial bonds when conflicts arise with core Islamic principles .
• Practical Ethics: Justice and kindness to non-hostile groups are not just permitted but encouraged, reflecting Islam’s balanced approach to social relations .
• Historical Context: Revelations responded to incidents like Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah’s attempted betrayal (warning Meccans of Muslim plans), highlighting the gravity of compromising communal security .

Conclusion

Surah Al-Mumtahanah delineates a framework for Muslim identity: unwavering loyalty to the faith and community, balanced with justice toward non-aggressive outsiders. Its directives—rooted in the examples of Ibrahim and early Muslims—aim to fortify believers’ commitment while allowing pragmatic compassion where no threat exists. For deeper exploration, refer to Tafheem-ul-Quran directly .

Key Points

• Surah Al-Mumtahana (Chapter 60) focuses on maintaining loyalty to Islam and avoiding alliances with those who oppose it, particularly those who have harmed Muslims.
• It emphasizes individual accountability on the Day of Judgment and presents Prophet Abraham as a model for disassociating from disbelievers.
• The chapter allows kindness toward non-hostile disbelievers while forbidding friendships with those who have fought or expelled Muslims.
• It provides guidance on handling believing women who emigrate, including examining their faith and managing marital ties.
• The evidence leans toward this chapter being revealed during a time of tension with the pagans of Makkah, offering clear ethical and legal principles for early Muslims.

Overview

Surah Al-Mumtahana, the 60th chapter of the Quran, is a Medinan surah that addresses the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, focusing on loyalty, disassociation, and community support. According to Tafheemul Quran by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, it was revealed during a period of tension, particularly after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, and provides guidance on maintaining faith and handling specific social issues.

Main Themes

• Loyalty and Disassociation: The chapter warns against befriending enemies of Islam, using the example of Hatib bin Abi Baltaa, who secretly informed the pagans of Makkah, to illustrate the importance of loyalty to the Muslim community.
• Individual Accountability: It stresses that on the Day of Judgment, no one will benefit from kinship or offspring, emphasizing personal responsibility.
• Example of Abraham: Prophet Abraham and his followers are presented as models for disassociating from disbelievers and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
• Treatment of Non-Muslims: It permits kindness and justice toward non-hostile disbelievers but forbids alliances with those who have fought or expelled Muslims.
• Guidance for Emigrant Women: The chapter outlines procedures for examining the faith of believing women who emigrate and handling their marital and financial ties.

Historical Context

The surah seems likely to have been revealed during a time of conflict with the pagans of Makkah, addressing incidents like Hatib’s secret letter and the emigration of Muslim women, providing legal and ethical clarity for early Muslims.

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Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Chapter 60 (Surah Al-Mumtahana) from Tafheemul Quran

This section provides a comprehensive exploration of Surah Al-Mumtahana (Chapter 60) as interpreted in Tafheemul Quran by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, ensuring a thorough understanding of its themes, historical context, and spiritual implications. The analysis is grounded in the detailed commentary available from various online sources, focusing exclusively on Tafheemul Quran for accuracy and relevance.

Introduction and Historical Context

Surah Al-Mumtahana is a Medinan surah, revealed during a period of significant challenges for the early Muslim community in Medina, particularly after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. The chapter derives its name from the Arabic word “al-mumtahinah,” meaning “she that is to be examined,” which relates to the examination of believing women who emigrate to the Islamic state, as mentioned in verse 10. According to Tafheemul Quran, the surah deals with two key incidents: the secret letter sent by Hatib bin Abi Baltaa to the pagans of Makkah, informing them of the Prophet’s intention to attack, and the emigration of Muslim women from Makkah to Medina after the truce, raising questions about their status under the treaty.

The commentary notes that these events occurred shortly before the conquest of Makkah, a time of heightened tension and preparation for potential conflict. This historical context is crucial for understanding the surah’s emphasis on loyalty, disassociation, and the treatment of new converts, particularly women.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis and Themes

The commentary in Tafheemul Quran provides detailed explanations for each verse, which can be summarized into key themes. Below is a table summarizing the content of all 13 verses, as derived from the commentary:VerseSummary from Tafheemul Quran (Surah Al-Mumtahanah 60:1-13) 60:1 Believers are prohibited from befriending enemies of Allah and Islam, especially those who expelled the Messenger and Muslims for their faith, even if done secretly for personal reasons, as seen in Hatib bin Abi Baltaa’s case. This act leads to straying from the straight path. 60:2 Warns that such enemies, if dominant, would act as foes, hurt Muslims physically and verbally, and wish for their disbelief. 60:3 States that on the Day of Resurrection, neither kinship nor offspring will benefit; Allah will judge individually, seeing all actions. 60:4 Provides Abraham and his companions as a good example for disassociating from disbelievers and their deities, except for Abraham’s pardon request for his father, which is not to be emulated. They prayed for trust in Allah and forgiveness. 60:5 Their prayer seeks not to be a trial for disbelievers and asks for forgiveness, highlighting Allah’s might and wisdom. 60:6 Sets them as an example for those hopeful of Allah and the Last Day; turning away means Allah is self-sufficient and praiseworthy. 60:7 Suggests Allah may foster love between Muslims and former enemies, emphasizing Allah’s power, forgiveness, and mercy. 60:8 Permits kindness and justice towards non-hostile disbelievers who didn’t fight or expel Muslims, as Allah loves the equitable. 60:9 Forbids befriending those who fought Muslims over religion, expelled them, and supported their expulsion, labeling such alliance as wrongdoing. 60:10 Instructs examining emigrant believing women; if confirmed believers, don’t return them to disbelievers, as they’re unlawful for each other. Allows remarriage with new dowers, and addresses dower returns. 60:11 If dowers from disbelievers aren’t received, Muslims should pay equivalent to those left behind, fearing Allah. 60:12 Prophet to take pledges from believing women against polytheism, theft, adultery, killing children, slander, and disobedience in good, then seek forgiveness for them, as Allah is forgiving and merciful. 60:13 Prohibits befriending those under Allah’s wrath, despaired of the Hereafter like disbelievers in graves.

From these verses, several themes emerge:

• Loyalty and Disassociation: Verses 1-2 emphasize the prohibition of befriending enemies of Islam, using the incident of Hatib bin Abi Baltaa as a cautionary tale. The commentary clarifies that Hatib’s action was not apostasy but espionage, and he was forgiven due to his previous services, highlighting the distinction between intention and action.
• Individual Accountability: Verse 3 underscores that on the Day of Judgment, no one will benefit from their relatives or children, reinforcing personal responsibility and faith.
• Example of Abraham: Verses 4-6 present Prophet Abraham and his companions as models for disassociating from disbelievers and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. The commentary notes that Abraham’s plea for his father was a personal request and not to be emulated, as it was not aligned with divine will.
• Possibility of Reconciliation: Verse 7 suggests that Allah may create love between Muslims and former enemies, showcasing His power and mercy, which provides hope for peaceful relations.
• Treatment of Non-Muslims: Verses 8-9 distinguish between non-hostile disbelievers, toward whom kindness and justice are permitted, and hostile ones, with whom alliances are forbidden. This reflects a balanced approach to interfaith relations.
• Guidance for Emigrant Women: Verses 10-11 address the legal and social status of believing women who emigrate, outlining the process of examining their faith, handling their marital ties, and managing dowers. The commentary provides historical examples, such as the emigration of women after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, and clarifies that they are not to be returned to disbelievers if confirmed as believers.
• Pledge of Believing Women: Verse 12 details the pledge that believing women must take, renouncing various sins and promising obedience, ensuring their commitment to Islamic principles.
• Final Warning: Verse 13 reiterates the prohibition against befriending those under Allah’s wrath, emphasizing the importance of maintaining loyalty to Allah and the Muslim community.

Historical and Legal Insights

The commentary provides additional context, such as the incident of Asma bint Abu Bakr, who maintained ties with her disbelieving mother while adhering to Islamic principles, illustrating the application of verse 8. It also discusses the legal implications of Hatib’s action, noting that espionage does not equate to apostasy, and provides procedures for examining the faith of emigrant women, which were crucial during the early Islamic period.

The surah’s revelation is linked to the time before the conquest of Makkah, a period of preparation and tension, which explains its focus on loyalty and community strength. The commentary suggests that these verses were revealed to address specific challenges faced by the Muslim community, such as secret communications with enemies and the integration of new converts.

Spiritual and Ethical Lessons

Tafheemul Quran emphasizes that Surah Al-Mumtahana is not just a historical recount but a source of spiritual and ethical guidance. It teaches the importance of maintaining clear boundaries with those who oppose Islam while showing mercy and justice to those who are not hostile. The chapter encourages unity and support within the Muslim community, especially in times of conflict, and highlights the potential for reconciliation, reflecting Allah’s mercy and power.

The emphasis on individual accountability and the example of Prophet Abraham underscore the importance of personal faith and trust in Allah, while the guidance on emigrant women addresses practical issues of integration and social cohesion. The final warning against befriending those under Allah’s wrath reinforces the need for loyalty and obedience to divine commands.

Supporting Sources and Accessibility

The primary source for this analysis is the English version of Tafheemul Quran available at Islamic Studies Info – Tafheemul Quran Surah Al-Mumtahana, which provides verse-by-verse commentary. Additional context was gathered from quran411.com, which mentions Tafsir by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, and englishtafsir.com, which also offers detailed commentary. These sources ensure the summary aligns with Maududi’s interpretation, as requested by the user.

Conclusion

Surah Al-Mumtahana, as interpreted in Tafheemul Quran, is a rich narrative of loyalty, disassociation, and community support, addressing the complex relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims during the early Islamic period. It provides clear guidance on maintaining faith, handling specific social and legal issues, and fostering unity, offering lessons that remain relevant for contemporary Islamic practice and community building.