Surah At-Tawbah (9:33) – Arabic Text

The Arabic text of Surah 9:33 (from Surah At-Tawbah, also known as Surah Bara’ah) is:

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ

This verse is part of a Medinan surah revealed in the later stages of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life, specifically around the 9th year of Hijrah, during or after the Expedition of Tabuk. The surah as a whole deals with themes of repentance, the breaking of treaties with polytheists, the command to fight those who violate agreements, and the establishment of Islamic authority. It does not begin with the customary “Bismillah” invocation, emphasizing its stern tone regarding hypocrisy and disbelief.

English Translations

Several English translations capture the essence of the verse, with slight variations based on interpretive choices:

• Sahih International: “It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, even though the polytheists despise it.”
• Yusuf Ali: “It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness.”
• Dr. Mustafa Khattab (The Clear Quran): “He is the One Who has sent His Messenger with ˹true˺ guidance and the religion of truth, making it prevail over all others, even to the dismay of the polytheists.” 0
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir version: “He is Allah Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Right way so that He may make it prevail over all other ways, even though the mushriks [polytheists] detest it.” 2

The key words include:

• Huwa allathee (It is He who): Refers to Allah as the sovereign actor.
• Arsala rasoolahu (sent His Messenger): Pointing to Prophet Muhammad.
• Bil-huda (with guidance): Divine revelation and moral direction.
• Deen al-haqq (religion of truth): Islam as the authentic faith.
• Li-yuzhirahu ‘ala ad-deeni kullihi (to make it prevail over all religion): Indicating superiority and dominance of Islam.
• Wa law kariha al-mushrikoon (even though the polytheists hate it): Acknowledging opposition but affirming inevitability.

Detailed Meaning and Explanation

This verse underscores Allah’s divine plan to establish Islam as the supreme and universal religion, regardless of opposition from disbelievers, particularly polytheists (mushrikoon). It serves as a declaration of Islam’s ultimate triumph, not through human effort alone but through Allah’s will. The “guidance” (huda) refers to the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings, while the “religion of truth” (deen al-haqq) positions Islam as the final, complete faith that corrects and supersedes previous revelations.

The phrase “to manifest it over all religion” (li-yuzhirahu ‘ala ad-deeni kullihi) implies that Islam will be made superior in clarity, evidence, and influence, prevailing intellectually, morally, and societally. This does not necessarily mean forced conversion but rather the evident truth of Islam shining through, leading to its acceptance or subjugation of falsehoods. Scholars interpret “prevail over all others” as Islam becoming dominant in authority and practice, as seen in historical expansions where Islamic rule brought justice and order. 6 It also carries a promise of divine support for the Prophet’s mission, reassuring believers amid challenges like the Byzantine threat during the Tabuk campaign.

The ending clause highlights resilience against hatred from polytheists, emphasizing that human aversion cannot thwart Allah’s decree. This ties into broader Quranic themes of monotheism (tawhid) overcoming polytheism (shirk).

Historical Context

Surah At-Tawbah was revealed in 631 CE (9 AH), shortly after the conquest of Mecca, when Islam was consolidating power in Arabia. It addresses the dissolution of treaties with polytheistic tribes who had broken alliances, the imposition of jizyah (protection tax) on non-Muslims, and calls for jihad against those hostile to Islam. Verse 33 follows verses criticizing the Jews and Christians for theological errors (e.g., claiming Ezra or Jesus as sons of God) and precedes discussions on monasticism and hypocrisy.

The verse was likely revealed during the Tabuk expedition, where the Prophet mobilized against potential Roman (Byzantine) invasion, symbolizing Islam’s expansion beyond Arabia. It reassures Muslims that despite numerical or material disadvantages, Allah would ensure Islam’s supremacy. Historically, this manifested in the rapid spread of Islam post-Prophet, conquering empires like the Persian and Byzantine, which some tafsirs attribute to divine intervention rather than mere military prowess. 1 3

Tafsir (Interpretations) from Scholars

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir: This classical commentary explains the verse as Allah’s promise to elevate Islam above all other religions through the Prophet’s guidance. It will prevail “over all other ways,” meaning Islam’s truth will be evident globally, even if polytheists oppose it. Ibn Kathir links it to similar verses (e.g., 48:28, 61:9), noting that those who accept Islam gain honor, while resisters face humiliation, such as paying jizyah. 2 5
• Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Concisely states that Allah sent the Messenger to make the true religion superior, distressing the associators (polytheists).
• Maududi’s Tafhim al-Quran: The mission’s goal is to make Allah’s guidance dominant over all systems of life. It critiques rebellion against divine authority as kufr (disbelief), affirming Islam’s universality for all humanity. Maududi emphasizes that this dominance is through persuasion and evidence, not coercion, leading to voluntary acceptance or peaceful coexistence under Islamic rule. 3 6
• Modern Interpretations: Some contemporary views, like in Quran Wiki, describe it as Allah perfecting the “light” of the religion of truth via the final Messenger, ensuring its completion and spread. 9 Others link it to the Prophet as a reflection of divine honor, urging recognition of Allah through his example. 4

In broader tafsirs, the verse is seen as prophetic, foretelling Islam’s global reach, as evidenced by its current status as one of the world’s major religions. It encourages steadfastness and counters despair among early Muslims facing persecution.

This explanation draws from reliable Quranic sources, focusing on scholarly consensus while noting that interpretations can vary slightly based on context.