Surah Name: Al-Mumtahina (سورة الممتحنة)
Translation: She That Is to Be Examined
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the phrase "fa-imtahinuhunna" mentioned in verse 10. It refers to the divine command to examine the sincerity of women who fled from Makkah to seek refuge with the Muslims.
Surah Number: 60
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 13
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: Between the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH) and the Conquest of Makkah (8 AH)
Historical Context
Surah Al-Mumtahina was revealed in a critical period of Islamic history, between the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Makkah. During this time, there were many political and military developments between the Muslims in Madinah and the Quraysh polytheists in Makkah.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, signed in 6 AH, established a temporary truce between the Muslims and the Quraysh. One of its controversial clauses required that any Makkan who escaped to Madinah would be returned, while Muslims who defected to Makkah would not be repatriated. This condition led to complex situations, especially when Muslim women fled Makkah to embrace Islam in Madinah. Verse 10 was revealed to instruct the Muslims to test the sincerity of such women before accepting them and determine if the treaty terms applied to them (since the clause was interpreted to apply only to men).
The surah also addresses events related to espionage and loyalty. One notable incident involved a Companion of the Prophet, Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah. Believing that his family in Makkah might be harmed during the impending Muslim campaign against the city, he secretly sent a warning letter to the Quraysh. This act was intercepted and brought to the attention of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). While Hatib's motivation was personal concern for his family, the act raised serious questions of loyalty, prompting divine revelation addressing the limits of relations with those hostile to Islam [1].
During this period, social and familial ties often crossed religious boundaries, complicating the lives of believers. The Surah provided necessary guidance on how Muslims should navigate their relationships with non-believing relatives or former allies, within the framework of loyalty to the Muslim community and the new faith.
References:
[1] Ibn al-Jawzi, Zād al-Masīr fī ʿIlm al-Tafsīr, Vol. VIII, pp. 230–231.
Main Themes of Surah Al-Mumtahana
-
Loyalty to the Muslim Community:
The surah strongly warns believers not to form alliances or secret friendships with people who are declared enemies of Islam, specifically the disbelievers who fought Muslims, drove them out of their homes, and wished to turn them away from their faith. -
Testing of Faith and Intentions:
One of the main topics is the examination of the sincerity of women who migrated from Mecca to Medina claiming to be Muslims. These women were tested to confirm their faith before being accepted into the Muslim community. -
Clear Boundaries in Relations:
The surah clarifies that Muslims must separate personal emotions from religious loyalty. While love for family and friends is natural, it should not lead to betrayal of faith. Prophet Ibrahim is given as an example of someone who separated himself from his father and his people for the sake of Allah. -
Hope for Future Reconciliation:
Although tension existed between Muslims and disbelievers, the surah leaves room for future peace. It expresses that Allah may turn former enemies into friends, and encourages kindness toward non-Muslims who do not fight against Islam or persecute believers. -
Rules on Marriage and Migration:
The surah provides guidance on what to do when believing women come to the Muslims from enemy territory and disbelieving women leave to join the disbelievers. Fair treatment, based on belief and respect for personal choice, is stressed. -
Conditions for Allegiance:
New Muslim women were required to pledge allegiance to avoid major sins such as idolatry, theft, and murder. This demonstrated their commitment to Islamic values before fully joining the Muslim ummah.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Mumtahana
- Muslims should not take enemies of Islam as close friends, even if they are relatives.
- Personal relationships should not override loyalty to faith and truth.
- Kindness and justice are allowed towards those who do not fight Muslims or drive them out.
- Belief in Islam must be a free and conscious choice, not forced or political.
- Believers must keep their loyalty to Allah above emotional ties with those who reject Him.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Mumtahina
-
Verse 1:
"O believers! Do not take My enemies and yours as trusted allies, showing them affection even though they deny what has come to you of the truth…."
A warning to the believers not to form secret friendships with those who are enemies of Allah and His Messenger. -
Verse 6:
"You certainly have an excellent example in them for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day. But whoever turns away, then surely Allah ˹alone˺ is the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy."
Prophet Ibrahim and his followers are presented as role models for maintaining loyalty to faith over familial ties. -
Verse 7:
"˹In time,˺ Allah may bring about goodwill between you and those of them you ˹now˺ hold as enemies. For Allah is Most Capable. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
A hopeful reminder that enmity can turn into friendship by Allah’s will. -
Verse 8:
"Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely Allah loves those who are fair."
This verse emphasizes fairness and kindness towards peaceful non-Muslims. -
Verse 12:
"O Prophet! When the believing women come to you, pledging to you that they will neither associate anything with Allah ˹in worship˺, nor steal, nor fornicate, nor kill their children, nor falsely attribute ˹illegitimate˺ children to their husbands, nor disobey you in what is right, then accept their pledge, and ask Allah to forgive them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Conditions for accepting the pledge of allegiance from new Muslim women.
