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Chapter 58/ Al Mujadilah

Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/2a90d6df-018a-4990-b51e-0944a0876010/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-58.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

Here is a concise summary of Surah Al-Mujadilah (Chapter 58) based exclusively on the Tafheemul Quran commentary by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, derived from the relevant search results:

1. Introduction and Context

The chapter opens with the incident of Khaulah bint Tha’labah, who petitioned Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) against her husband’s unjust declaration of Zihar (a pre-Islamic practice where a man equated his wife to his mother, forbidding conjugal relations). Allah directly heard her plea, affirming His omnipresence and justice .

2. Condemnation and Ruling on Zihar

  • Verses 2–4: Zihar is denounced as a “hateful falsehood” since mothers are only those who give birth.
  • Expiation for Zihar:
    • Free a slave, or
    • Fast for two consecutive months, or
    • Feed sixty needy people.
      This expiation must precede marital reconciliation, emphasizing repentance and social justice.

3. Rebuke of Hypocritical Secret Counsels

  • Verses 7–10: Allah exposes hypocrites who held secret meetings for “sin, aggression, and disobedience” to the Prophet (ﷺ). Their insincere greetings (e.g., saying “As-sām ‘alaykum” instead of “As-salām ‘alaykum”) reflected malice.
  • Guidance for Believers: Secret counsels should focus on “righteousness and piety,” not conspiracy. Satan exploits such meetings to grieve believers, but true harm occurs only by Allah’s permission.

4. Etiquette in Assemblies

  • Verse 11: Believers are commanded to make space for others in gatherings; Allah promises spiritual elevation for those who obey.
  • Rising when asked symbolizes respect and collective discipline.

5. Charity Before Private Consultations

  • Verses 12–13: Before private talks with the Prophet (ﷺ), charity was initially mandated to purify intentions. Later relaxed due to practical difficulties, it was replaced with steadfastness in prayer, zakah, and obedience. This highlighted sincerity over ritual rigidity.

6. Final Warnings and Divine Assurance

  • Verses 14–22: Hypocrites who ally with “those incurring Allah’s wrath” (e.g., exiled Jews) face Hellfire. Their oaths are deceitful screens for opposing Islam.
  • Triumph for the Faithful: Allah decrees ultimate victory for Himself and His messengers. True believers sever ties with enemies of faith, earning paradise and Allah’s pleasure as “Allah’s Party” (حِزْبُ اللهِ).

Key Themes in Tafheemul Quran:

  • Social Justice: The chapter addresses gender equity (Zihar), wealth redistribution (charity), and communal ethics .
  • Allah’s Omniscience: His presence in all secret counsels underscores divine accountability .
  • Hypocrisy vs. Sincerity: Contrasts the fate of hypocrites with believers who embody piety and trust in Allah .

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Key Points

  • Surah Al-Mujadila (Chapter 58) from Tafheem-ul-Quran, as explained by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, addresses key Islamic teachings on marriage, hypocrisy, and divine sovereignty, revealed during the Medinan period.
  • It seems likely that the chapter condemns the pre-Islamic practice of zihar (a form of divorce) and provides clear expiation methods, emphasizing respect for marital rights.
  • Research suggests the surah warns against sinful secret counsels, encourages virtuous discussions, and outlines etiquette for assemblies, reflecting community values.
  • The evidence leans toward the surah distinguishing between hypocrites, who face severe punishment, and true believers, promised eternal rewards for loyalty to Allah.

Overview

Surah Al-Mujadila, the 58th chapter of the Quran, is a Medinan revelation discussed in Tafheem-ul-Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi. It focuses on social, legal, and spiritual issues, particularly addressing the practice of zihar, hypocrisy, and the importance of community ethics. Below, we explore its key themes in simple terms for easy understanding.

Condemnation of Zihar

The surah begins with the story of Khaulah bint-Thalabah, whose husband used zihar, a pre-Islamic practice where he declared her like his mother, making her unlawful to him. Tafheem-ul-Quran explains that Allah condemned this as absurd and false, clarifying it does not make the wife unlawful like a mother. If the husband wishes to resume relations, he must perform expiation, which includes freeing a slave, fasting for two consecutive months, or feeding sixty needy people. This reflects Islam’s emphasis on protecting marital rights and providing clear paths for reconciliation.

Allah’s Omniscience and Community Ethics

The surah highlights Allah’s omniscience, knowing all in the heavens and earth, and being present in every gathering, whether small or large. It warns against sinful secret counsels, which are linked to hypocrisy and lead to Hell, while encouraging believers to engage in discussions promoting virtue and piety. It also outlines etiquette for assemblies, such as making room for others and rising when asked, fostering respect and community harmony.

Hypocrites vs. Believers

Tafheem-ul-Quran notes the surah addresses hypocrites who ally with disbelievers and swear falsely, warning them of severe punishment and stating their wealth and offspring will not save them from the Fire. In contrast, true believers are described as those who do not befriend Allah’s opponents, even if relatives, and are promised eternal life in Gardens for their steadfast faith.

Divine Sovereignty

The surah concludes by affirming that Allah and His Messengers will ultimately prevail, emphasizing divine strength and the triumph of truth over falsehood, reinforcing trust in divine justice.

For further reading, refer to Islamicstudies.info – Tafheem-ul-Quran, Surah Al-Mujadila and Al-Islam.org – Enlightening Commentary on Surah Al-Mujadila.

Detailed Analysis from Tafheem-ul-Quran

This section provides a comprehensive exploration of Surah Al-Mujadila (Chapter 58) as interpreted in Tafheem-ul-Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, offering a detailed examination of its themes, legal injunctions, and spiritual insights. The analysis is grounded in the commentary’s focus on the Medinan context, social practices, and theological principles, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers seeking depth.

Background and Context

Surah Al-Mujadila, revealed in Medina, addresses issues pertinent to the early Muslim community during a period of social and legal development. Tafheem-ul-Quran highlights its relevance to the challenges faced, such as pre-Islamic customs and internal community dynamics, providing guidance for both individual and collective behavior.

Key Themes and Legal Injunctions

The surah is structured around several pivotal themes, each with specific legal and ethical implications, as detailed below:

1. The Case of Zihar and Marital Rights

The surah opens with the incident of Khaulah bint-Thalabah, whose husband, Aus bin Samit, practiced zihar, declaring her like his mother, a pre-Islamic custom intended to dissolve marriage. Tafheem-ul-Quran explains that Allah heard her complaint and revealed verses condemning zihar as absurd and false, clarifying it does not make the wife unlawful like a mother, unlike biological kinship. This ruling is significant for protecting women’s rights and maintaining marital bonds.

  • Expiation for Zihar: If the husband wishes to resume marital relations, he must perform expiation, as outlined in verses 3-4:
  • Free a slave (believer or non-believer, per Hanafis/Zahiriyyah; believer only, per Shafeis/Malikis/Hanbalis).
  • If unable, fast for two consecutive months (60 days per Hanafis/Hanbalis, 30+30 per Shafeis, lunar calendar).
  • If still unable, feed sixty poor people (Muslim only per Malikis/Shafeis/Hanbalis, both Muslim/non-Muslim per Hanafis).
  • This expiation aims to strengthen faith and rectify the wrong, reflecting Islam’s balance of mercy and accountability.

Additional historical context includes other zihar cases, such as Salamah bin Sakhr Bayadi (during Ramadan) and an unnamed man who had intercourse before expiation, illustrating the practical application of these rulings.

2. Allah’s Omniscience and Presence

Verses 5-7 emphasize Allah’s omniscience, knowing all in the heavens and earth, and being present as the fourth in a group of three, the sixth in a group of five, and with any number, informing them on Judgment Day. Tafheem-ul-Quran interprets this as a reminder of divine awareness, encouraging believers to act righteously in all settings, reinforcing trust in divine justice.

3. Prohibition of Sinful Secret Counsels

Verses 8-10 address the issue of secret counsels, warning against whispering about sin, aggression, or disobedience to Allah, which is associated with hypocrisy and leads to Hell. Conversely, it encourages counsels for virtue and piety, noting that Satan may influence such discussions to grieve believers, but no harm can come without Allah’s leave. This distinction is crucial for maintaining community integrity and spiritual purity.

4. Etiquette in Assemblies and Charity

Verse 11 outlines etiquette in assemblies, urging believers to make room when asked and rise when told, reflecting respect and humility. Tafheem-ul-Quran sees this as a practical application of Islamic social values, fostering harmony.

Verses 12-13 address charity before private consultations with the Prophet, initially requiring an offering, which was later abrogated, calling instead for prayer, alms, and obedience. This reflects the importance of sincerity and financial responsibility in spiritual interactions.

5. Hypocrites and Their Alliance with Disbelievers

Verses 14-19 expose hypocrites who ally with Jews and swear falsely, warning of severe punishment. Tafheem-ul-Quran notes their oaths are futile, and Satan has mastered them, leading to forgetfulness of Allah. Their wealth and offspring will not avail them, and they are part of the party of Satan, destined for loss. This section underscores the dangers of duplicity and the need for sincerity in faith.

6. Believers’ Loyalty and Divine Reward

Verses 20-22 contrast the hypocrites with true believers, who do not befriend Allah’s enemies, even if family, due to their inscribed faith. They are promised entry into Gardens, abiding forever, and are part of the party of Allah, which prospers. This highlights the reward for loyalty and the triumph of faith.

7. Divine Sovereignty and Triumph

The surah concludes by affirming that Allah and His Messengers will prevail over opponents, who are most humiliated. Tafheem-ul-Quran interprets this as a declaration of divine strength and might, reassuring believers of ultimate justice and victory.

Summary Table of Key Verses and Themes

Verse RangeKey ThemeDetails 58:1-4 Condemnation of Zihar Addresses zihar, provides expiation (free slave, fast 2 months, feed 60 poor). 58:5-7 Allah’s Omniscience Allah knows all, present in gatherings, informs on Judgment Day. 58:8-10 Secret Counsels Prohibits sinful whispers, encourages virtue, warns of satanic influence. 58:11 Assembly Etiquette Make room, rise when asked, Allah exalts believers and knowledgeable. 58:12-13 Charity and Consultation Charity before Prophet’s counsel, later abrogated, calls for prayer, alms. 58:14-19 Hypocrites’ Fate Allies with disbelievers, severe punishment, part of Satan’s party. 58:20-22 Believers’ Reward and Triumph No friendship with enemies, eternal Gardens, Allah and Messengers prevail.

Supporting Sources

The analysis is drawn from Tafheem-ul-Quran, accessible at Islamicstudies.info – Tafheem-ul-Quran, Surah Al-Mujadila, and corroborated by Al-Islam.org – Enlightening Commentary on Surah Al-Mujadila, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Maududi’s interpretation.

This detailed exploration ensures all aspects of the surah, as per Tafheem-ul-Quran, are covered, providing a robust resource for readers seeking depth in Islamic exegesis.

For deeper exegesis, refer to Tafheemul Quran directly .