Surah Name: Al-Mujadila (سورة المجادلة)
Translation: The Woman Who Disputed / The Pleading Woman
Origin of name: The name "Al-Mujadila" (The Woman Who Disputed) comes from the first verse, which refers to a woman (Khawla bint Tha‘laba) who disputed with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) regarding her husband's declaration of divorce.
Surah Number: 58
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 22
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: Final years of the Prophet's time in Medina
Historical Context
Surah Al-Mujadila was revealed during the latter part of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life in Medina. By this time, the Muslim community had grown and established a functioning society, but it also faced complex internal and external challenges. One of the key events behind its revelation was a specific case involving an outdated and unjust pre-Islamic practice known as ẓihār – a form of divorce where a man would declare his wife to be like his mother, effectively severing marital ties without responsibility. This prompted Khawla bint Tha‘labah to bring her case to the Prophet, leading to the start of the Surah’s revelation as a divine response.
One of the primary external challenges for the muslims during that time was the ongoing tension with the Jewish tribes around Medina. These tribes, although living under agreements of mutual peace, were often engaged in secret alliances with the Prophet’s enemies—especially the Quraysh from Makkah—and with internal hypocrites (munafiqun) within the Muslim community. These hidden collaborations aimed to weaken the Muslims and resist the growing influence of Islam in the region.
The hypocrites, in particular, played a dangerous role. They pretended to be believers while secretly working against the Prophet’s mission. They engaged in behaviors like whispering in private, spreading rumors, attempting to confuse believers, and even mocking the Prophet under the guise of polite speech. Their actions created social tensions and suspicion within the Muslim ranks.
Surah Al-Mujadila came to expose and address these challenges. It warned the Muslim community about the dangers of these secret plots and dual loyalties. It emphasized the need for sincerity, loyalty, and unity among believers and affirmed that the ultimate victory belongs to the party of Allah.
Main Themes of Surah Al-Mujadila
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Justice in Family and Social Matters:
The surah begins by addressing a real-life situation involving a woman affected by the unfair pre-Islamic divorce practice known as "zihar". Allah hears her plea and reveals a ruling that cancels the validity of zihar, showing that Islam brings justice to family life and protects the rights of women. -
Divine Knowledge and Accountability:
Allah knows all hidden and open actions. Nothing escapes His knowledge. People will be accountable for what they do—even if they forget their own wrongdoings. This theme teaches responsibility and awareness of divine justice. -
Warning Against Hypocrisy and Secret Meetings:
The surah criticizes the actions of hypocrites who hold secret meetings to plot against the Prophet and the believers. It reminds Muslims to act with openness, honesty, and respect, especially in community settings like mosques and in private conversations with the Prophet. -
Respect and Manners in Islamic Gatherings:
Instructions about behavior during public discussions and personal meetings with the Prophet are given. Believers are encouraged to make room for each other in gatherings and to act respectfully to maintain a healthy and united community. -
Loyalty to Allah and His Messenger:
The surah warns against pretending to be Muslim while secretly supporting enemies of Islam. True believers are loyal to Allah and His Messenger, even if it goes against close family. The importance of faith over tribal or family ties is strongly emphasized. -
Division between Truth and Falsehood:
There are clear differences between the followers of truth and the followers of falsehood. Hypocrites and those siding with Allah’s enemies are called the "party of Satan" and foretold to face humiliation. True believers are described as those in whom faith is deeply rooted. -
Allah’s Promise of Victory:
The surah assures believers that Allah’s side will always be victorious. His promise is final, and He supports those who are sincere in faith and stand firm in truth, even in the face of opposition.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Mujadila
- Personal complaints and struggles are heard by Allah, no matter how private they seem.
- Secret plotting against believers is dangerous and condemned in Islam.
- Gossip and harmful whispering disturb community peace and must be avoided.
- Believers should follow proper manners in gatherings.
- Faithful Muslims must put loyalty to Allah and His Messenger above family or social ties.
- Hypocrites who use lies and false loyalty to harm Islam will face clear humiliation.
- Allah knows all hidden and open actions; no wrongdoing escapes His justice.
- Those who support truth and faith will ultimately be honored and victorious.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Mujadila
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Verse 1:
"Indeed, Allah has heard the argument of the woman who pleaded with you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning her husband, and appealed to Allah. Allah has heard your exchange. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."
This verse highlights Allah’s immediate response to the plea of a woman, showing that Allah hears and sees all. -
Verse 7:
"Do you not see that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth? If three converse privately, He is their fourth. If five, He is their sixth. Whether fewer or more, He is with them wherever they may be. Then, on the Day of Judgment, He will inform them of what they have done. Surely Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things."
A strong reminder that Allah is always aware of even the most secret conversations. -
Verse 11:
"O believers! When you are told to make room in gatherings, then do so. Allah will make room for you ˹in His grace˺. And if you are told to rise, then do so. Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do."
Teaches manners in gatherings and assures that good behavior will be rewarded by Allah. -
Verse 19:
"Satan has taken hold of them, causing them to forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of Satan. Surely Satan’s party is bound to lose."
Describes the fate of hypocrites who follow Satan instead of Allah. -
Verse 22:
"You will never find a people who ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day loyal to those who defy Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their parents, children, siblings, or extended family. For those ˹believers˺, Allah has instilled faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him. He will admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah. Indeed, Allah’s party is bound to succeed."
Declares the sign of true faith: loyalty to Allah and His Messenger over all other relationships.
