What is the Reason for the Revelation of Surah Al-Hashr?
Upon the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Medina, he began to establish relationships among the city’s various factions, including drafting a document to regulate interactions between Muslims and Jews. The Banu Nadir tribe entered into an agreement with the Prophet, pledging not to aid his enemies and to remain neutral. However, following the Battle of Uhud, they breached their covenant. Khabab ibn Al-Ashraf traveled to Mecca, where he allied with the Quraysh against the Prophet. Gabriel informed the Prophet of this betrayal, along with the treachery demonstrated by the Banu Nadir during his visit to seek their assistance in paying the blood money for the Muslims from Banu Amir, where they conspired to harm him.
Consequently, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded the Banu Nadir to leave Medina, granting them a ten-day ultimatum due to their violation of the pact. Meanwhile, the hypocrites of the city learned of this order and encouraged the Jews not to depart, assuring them that they would defend them and fight alongside them should the Prophet decide to wage war against them. They warned that if the Jews were expelled, they too would leave Medina, following the Jews wherever they went. This led the Banu Nadir to refuse the Prophet’s order, and they communicated to him their readiness for battle, should he choose to engage them. The Prophet, accompanied by his companions, advanced against them, who had fortified themselves in their strongholds.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began demolishing their houses, fear gripped the hearts of the Jews. They awaited help from the hypocrites, who had previously promised them support but later abandoned them. When it became evident that no assistance was forthcoming and their hopes faded, the Banu Nadir approached the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and requested to be allowed to leave Medina. The Prophet agreed, permitting them to depart with only what their camels could carry, while they abandoned their weapons and possessions.
The Banu Nadir expressed disapproval over the Muslims’ destruction of trees and homes, as the Muslims claimed their actions were intended for reform rather than corruption. This led to the revelation of Surah Al-Hashr, clarifying that the Muslims’ actions were in accordance with God’s command.
Place of Revelation of Surah Al-Hashr
Surah Al-Hashr is unanimously regarded as a Medinan surah, revealed in Medina in the early part of the fourth year of Hijra, occurring after the Battle of Uhud and before the Battle of the Confederates.
Order of Revelation of Surah Al-Hashr
Surah Al-Hashr was revealed after Surah Al-Bayyina and before Surah Al-Nasr. It is recorded as the ninety-eighth surah in the chronological order of revelation within the Quran.
Reason for Naming Surah Al-Hashr
The surah is named “Al-Hashr” due to its reference to the expulsion of the Banu Nadir from Medina to Jericho in the Levant. It is also known as the Surah of Banu Nadir because it recounts their story.
Lessons Learned from Surah Al-Hashr
Here are some key lessons derived from Surah Al-Hashr:
- Breaking a covenant is a serious matter, and the betrayer will face consequences.
- Disobedience to Allah, along with a person’s insistence on sinning, can lead to divine punishment in this life before the Hereafter.
- A Muslim’s migration away from sins and disobedience, or distancing oneself from places where Allah is disobeyed, is commendable and merits praise from Allah.
- The Islamic economic system is based on assisting the distressed while encouraging individual ownership, as evident in the distribution of the spoils of the Battle of Banu Nadir, allocated solely to the emigrants due to their wealth.
- A caller to Allah must understand that the path of invitation is fraught with challenges, opposition, and hypocrites, yet they must persevere in their mission, for their reward lies with Allah.
- A Muslim must remain vigilant in preparing for the Hereafter through piety and good deeds.
In summary, Surah Al-Hashr is a Medinan surah revealed after the Battle of Uhud, following the breach of trust by the Banu Nadir, who had pledged not to oppose the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or Islam. After their betrayal, the Prophet instructed their expulsion from Medina, while the hypocrites withdrew their support, having initially encouraged the Banu Nadir to resist leaving.