Good to get some idea about the chapter we are going to read…like perspective, geopolitics at the time, struggles of that time and time immemorial ongoing conflicts.

Following link for complete chapter, translated, explained in details:

https://islamicstudies.info/reference.php?sura=9

Useful site for collection of books for reading, listening, downloading books:

https://www.australianislamiclibrary.org/

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Introduction to Surah At-Tawbah from Tafheem-ul-Quran

Surah At-Tawbah is a Medinan Surah and one of the final chapters revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was revealed in the 9th year after the Hijrah (Migration to Medina), a period that marked the culmination of the Islamic struggle in Arabia and the establishment of the religion’s supremacy over the entire Peninsula.

Maududi’s introduction emphasizes that this Surah is unique in both its style and content. It is the only Surah in the Quran that does not begin with the Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). This omission is itself a profound declaration, signaling a shift from mercy and forbearance to a final ultimatum and a decisive judgment.

Key Points of the Introduction:

1. Historical Context – A Final Declaration: The Surah was revealed after the Conquest of Mecca and the decisive victory at the Battle of Hunayn. By this time, the power of polytheism in Arabia was completely broken, and the Islamic State had become the dominant political and religious authority. This Surah serves as a final proclamation to announce the end of the era of idolatry and to establish the new social and political order based on Tawheed (monotheism).
2. Central Theme – The Ultimatum: The core theme of the Surah is the deliverance of a final ultimatum to the polytheists of Arabia, particularly those who had repeatedly violated their peace treaties with the Muslims. It declared that they were given four months to travel safely in the land to witness the new reality, after which the Muslim community would be free from all its treaty obligations with them and would confront them militarily unless they embraced Islam.
3. Exposing Hypocrisy (Nifaq): A significant portion of the Surah is dedicated to a severe criticism and exposure of the Hypocrites (Munafiqun) in Medina. It unveils their sinister character, their plots against the Muslim community, their half-heartedness in times of crisis (specifically referencing the Tabuk expedition), and their secret alliances with the enemies of Islam. It instructs the believers to be wary of them and to not be taken in by their oaths and excuses.
4. The Call to Jihad: In this new phase, the Surah lays down the imperative of armed struggle (Jihad) as a necessary tool to remove the obstacles in the path of Allah’s religion and to establish justice. It strongly criticizes those who stay behind from this duty and praises the true believers who sacrifice their wealth and lives for the cause of Allah. It establishes that striving in the path of Allah is the pinnacle of faith.
5. Clarifying the Rules of Association: The Surah draws a clear line between the believers and the disbelievers, forbidding the taking of disbelievers as allies (awliya) over the believers, especially in the context of the existing power struggle. It also outlines the rights and responsibilities towards those People of the Book who chose to live under the protection of the Islamic State by paying the Jizyah.

In essence, Maududi introduces Surah At-Tawbah as the divine manifesto that announced the final triumph of Islam in Arabia. It is a Surah of judgment, separation, and consolidation. It marks the transition from a phase of peaceful propagation and defensive struggle to one where the Muslim community, now a powerful state, is commanded to clear the land of all systems of falsehood to allow the truth to reign supreme without obstruction.