Al-Mujâdilah (Surah 58)
Al-Mujâdilah (The Pleading Woman)
Madni SurahIntroduction
A companion named Khawlah bint Tha’labah had a disagreement with her husband, Aws ibn Aṣ-Ṣâmit, who then told her that she was as unlawful for him as the ẓahr (back) of his mother. This statement had been considered to be a form of divorce (known as ẓihâr) in Arabia. Khawlah came to the Prophet (ﷺ) to ask for his opinion. He (ﷺ) told her that he had not received any revelation in this regard, and that, based on tradition, she was divorced. She argued that she and her husband had children together who would suffer if their parents were separated. Then she started to plead to Allah as the Prophet (ﷺ) repeated the same answer. Eventually, this Medinian sûrah was revealed in response to her pleas, thereby abolishing this ancient practice. The sûrah emphasizes Allah’s infinite knowledge and overwhelming power, and makes it clear that those who ally themselves with Allah and comply with His orders are bound to prevail, whereas those who challenge Him and ally themselves with His enemies will be debased and vanquished. This concept is elaborated upon in the next sûrah (verses 59:1-4 and 11-17). In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Case of Khawlah
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.
Surah 58 - Al-Mujâdilah (The Pleading Woman) - Verses 1-1
The Ruling on Ẓihâr
2. Those of you who (sinfully) divorce their wives by comparing them to their mothers (should know that) their wives are in no way their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave birth to them. What they say is certainly detestable and false. Yet Allah is truly Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving. 3. Those who divorce their wives in this manner, then (wish to) retract what they said, must free a slave before they touch each other. This (penalty) is meant to deter you. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do. 4. But if the husband cannot afford this, let him then fast two consecutive months before the couple touch each other. But if he is unable (to fast), then let him feed sixty poor people. This is to re-affirm your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allah. And the disbelievers will suffer a painful punishment.
Surah 58 - Al-Mujâdilah (The Pleading Woman) - Verses 2-4
Fate of the Defiant
5. Indeed, those who defy Allah and His Messenger will be debased, just like those before them. We have certainly sent down clear revelations. And the disbelievers will suffer a humiliating punishment. 6. On the Day Allah resurrects them all together, He will then inform them of what they have done. Allah has kept account of it all, while they have forgotten it. For Allah is a Witness over all things.
Surah 58 - Al-Mujâdilah (The Pleading Woman) - Verses 5-6
Allah’s Infinite Knowledge
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.