Introduction of Surah
al-Mumtahana is the 60th sura of the Qur’an, which means ‘The Tested One’. It takes its name from 10th verse, which advises that the believing women among new emigrants should be tested regarding the truthfulness of their beliefs. The sura belongs to the Medinan period and comprises 13 verses, 340 words, 1,510 letters, and 2 segments. It is the 91st sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Ahzab. The sura deals with problems that arose after the Treaty of Hudaybiya. The chapter speaks about those who ally with the enemy, stating yesterday’s enemy can be tomorrow’s friends. The chapter proceeds with a de-scription of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham [peace be upon him]) as an excellent example for the believers. The chapter further discusses the importance of adopting kindness and justice when dealing with non-combatant disbelievers. The sura further provides rulings regarding marriages of female emigrants, the just payment of dowries, verifying the credibility of the pledge of allegiance, and emphasises not trusting betraying enemies.
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In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the All-Merciful
ﭑﭒﭓﭔﭕﭖﭗﭘﭙﭚﭛﭜﭝﭞﭟﭠﭡﭢﭣﭤﭥﭦﭧﭨﭩﭪﭫﭬﭭﭮﭯﭰﭱﭲﭳﭴﭵﭶﭷﭸﭹﭺﭻﭼﭽﭾﭿﮀﮁﮂﮃﮄ
60:1. O believers! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as trusted allies, conveying to them (secret news of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers) because of your intimate affection (with them). (In contrast,) they have rejected the truth that has come to you, expelling the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and you (from your homeland) simply because you believe in Allah, your Lord. If you have emigrated (from Mecca), striving in My path and seeking My good pleasure (then how can you take them as trusted allies)? You secretly disclose (the believers’ news) to them because of your intimate affection, while I know best whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. And whoever among you does this has certainly strayed from the right way.*
* This verse was reportedly revealed concerning Hatib b. Abi Balta‘a, who sent a letter to the Quraysh of Mecca that was later intercepted by the efforts of some Companions. This letter contained information about the Prophet’s plan of marching upon Mecca. During the interrogation, he told the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) that he did it because he had allied with the Quraysh to obtain assistance from them. Hence, this commandment prohibited choosing an alliance with the disbelievers over the alliance of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers.
