S48. SURAH ALFAT-H

NAME: A good tidings of open victory is given to the Holy prophet (Sallal Lahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)in the first ayah which gives this surah its name “ Al Fat-h” (victory).
TIME OF REVELATION: Revealed in the month of Zeel Qaadah 6 of the Hijri era (628 of the Christian era) during the return journey from the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, between Hudaibiyah and Madina.
CENTRAL THEME: Good tidings to the prophet and his followers that a series of victories has begun for Islam. Also a look at the circumstances prevalent at the event of Hudaibiyah.
ORDER OF THE VERSES : Ayah 1 to 7, while giving good tidings of victory to the prophet and his followers, also describe the rewards brought by this victory. Also the hypocrites and the polytheists have been warned that this victory will result in a punishment for them. In Ayah 8 to 10 the position of prophethood has been explained and the Baiyat (swearing) on the hand of the prophet has been called the Baiyat (oath taking) on the hand of Allah. In ayah 11 to 17 is both an admonition as well as a warning to those hypocrites who did not respond to the call of the holy prophet for a holy war and did not come out with him because, they were worrying only about their wealth and their families and were considering that the holy prophet’s intention of performing Umrah after reaching Makkah was a dangerous expedition. Of course, those who were really helpless (unserviceable) are termed innocent. In ayah 18 to 26 good tidings of Allah’s pleasure are given to those sincere believers who took the oath of jihad and became ready to stake their lives in obedience of the holy prophet’s command. They have also been promised a lot of war booty in future; that they will get Divine Help which would make it impossible for the disbelievers to continue fighting with them. In ayah 27 to 29 again glad tidings are given to the people of the Faith that the vision in which the holy prophet had entered the Haram Mosque in Makkah was true and it would certainly be fulfilled; that the prophet is sure to win and he has got the kind of sincere companions whose picture has been described in the Injeel and in the Taurat.
TREATY OF HUDAIBIYAH : WHY AND HOW?: After the migration, the Quraish of Makkah had blocked the path to the Haram Mosque for Muslims. They were unable either to perform Hajj or Umrah, despite the fact that the Ka’ba situated in Makkah was built by prophet Ibrahim at the command of Allah and it was built to be a central place of worship so that people could perform Tawaaf, Umrah and Haj. A monopoly of the Quraish on it, and that too in the form of idol worship, was a thing which was defeating the very purpose of its construction. Moreover it was highly oppressive to cut off the Muslims from their original centre. Hence it was the right of the Muslims to visit the Haram Mosque (Al-Masjidul Haram). The battles of Badr, Uhad and Khandaq were fought between Muslims and the polytheists of Makkah and it was when the Makkah polytheists were at war that, in the year 6 H.E., the prophet saw a vision that he has entered the Haram Mosque with his companions. Since the dreams of prophets are always true and from Allah, the holy prophet getting a hint from Allah, decided to perform Umrah (visit to Baitullah) and proclaimed his intention so that maximum number of people might participate therein and the disbelievers might not dare to attack them. Responding to the holy prophet’s call fourteen hundred Muslims from Madinah rose up to join this mission and this caravan started to move toward Makkah on the 1st of Zeel Qaadah. They adorned the Ihram cloth for Umrah at a place called Zul Hulaifa. Also with them were several camels, having symbolic belts in their necks, for being sacrificed. They were thus marked so that every one might know that those animals were for sacrifice and no one might confront them with hostility. Since they had no Dawatul Quran 473 S. 48 intention of fighting, they did not carry any war material with them. Only swords were with them as per the prevalent practice and the swords too were in sheaths not bare. When the holy prophet reached a place called “Kura-Al-Ghumaim” which is at a distance of about a hundred kilometers from Makkah, they came to know that, on behalf of the disbelievers of Makkah, a squadron of three hundred horse riders, under the Leadership of Khalid bin Valeed, has arrived to confront them. As the holy prophet had not taken this journey for fighting, battle, he side tracked the near by road and took, longer route to Makkah and reached the place called Hudaibiyah wherefrom begin the boundaries of the holy Haram Makkah is only 22 Kilometers from there. Now this place is called ‘shumaiyyah’. The holy prophet sent Uthman bin Affan (radiyallahu anhu) to Makkah with a message for Quraish that we have not come to fight but only with an intention of performing Umrah He (Uthmam) was also asked to invite the Quraish toward Islam. When Uthman reached Makkah his tribesmen behaved with him nicely and they also offered him an opportunity to do Tawaaf. But Uthman declined to do so ahead of the holy prophet. The Quraish did not at all agree that the holy prophet may enter Makkah for Tawaaf with his companions The lengthy discussion took some time On the other side Muslims became worried and it seemed that the only way would be to force their entry into Makkah. Looking to the seriousness of the situation the holy prophet invited his companions to give him the Baiyat(oath) about jihad and the companions readily gave him such promise which meant that if the polytheists of Makkah were to bar them from performing Umrah the Muslims were ready to fight even with their swords only. This was a historical pledge which came to be known as the Baiyat-e-Ridwan. When the Quraish came to know about it they were awed and they sent a delegation to talk peace under the leadership of Suhail bin Amr. The agreement arrived at after a prolonged discussion contained the following important terms and provisions :-
1) The Muslims should return to Madinah that year. They should come for Umrah next year, when they would not be opposed.
2) Muslims would be allowed to bring with them only their swords and the swords should also remain in sheeths.
3)They would be allowed to stay in Makkah only for three days.
4) Now there will be no state of war between Quraish and Muslims and this agreement would remain force for ten years.
5) If anyone from Quraish come to Madinah he would have to be sent back but it would not be necessary to return any Muslim who comes to the Quraish.
6) The tribes residing around the Haram would have the liberty to join either of the parties and thereafter that tribe too would be bound by the responsibilities laid down by this treaty upon the party of its choice. Likewise it would also enjoy the rights offered to the concerned party under this pact.
7) If any of the aforesaid tribes was confronted then it would be regarded an excess against the party concerned and it will render the pact ineffective (Sulehul Hudaibiyah, Muhammad Ahmad Bashmail, P. 252 to 254) The outward appearance of this treaty was such that it looked as if the Muslims had submitted to it under duress. But in fact it had sufficiently strengthened the position of the Muslims because, first, it was clearing the road to Haram for them and secondly it was ending a state of war against Islam and Muslims. There by the block in the path of Islamic propaganda was being removed and people were getting an opportunity to think independently about Islam. After being free from the pact work the holy prophet and the honourable companions sacrificed the ‘Hady’ camels in Hudaibiyah, took out the Ihram (uniform)of Umrah and returned to Madinah. Next year, in the same month of Zeel Qadah, the holy prophet, along with the Sahaba (companions)proceeded to Makkah and performed Umrah in a peaceful atmosphere Thus the vision which he had seen came true. Dawatul Quran 475 S. 48
THE MAP OF ROAD BETWEEN MADINAH AND HUDAIBIYAH
Zul Hulaifah Madinah Johfah Asfaan Kura al Ghumaim Jeddah Hudaibiyah Makkah North West East South Scale 25 Kms

48. SURAH AL-FAT-H Ayah : 29

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. ( O Prophet ! ) Verily we granted you a manifest victory.1

2. That Allah may forgive your earlier and later faults2 and perfect His favour to you3 and guide you on the straight path.4

3. And Allah may help you with powerful help.5

4. It is HE who sent down tranquility into the hearts6 of the believers that they might obtain added faith with their faith.7 The owner of all forces of the earth and the skies is Allah alone.8 And Allah is ever Knower, Wise.9

5. (HE granted this victory) so that He may admit the believing men and believing women to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will dwell therein for ever, and so that HE may remove their ills from them and this is with Allah the supreme achievement.10

6. And punish the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and polytheist men and polytheist women11 who think evil thought concerning Allah. For them is the evil turn of fortune. The wrath of Allah is on them and Allah has cursed them and has made ready for them hell, a very evil destination.

1. Means the conquest of Makkah. The pact of Hudaibiyah was its harbinger. Makkah was conquered within two years after this pact, that is, in Ramazan of 2nd Hijri. Thus the Quranic foretelling that “WE granted you a manifest victory” came true. The apparent aspect of the treaty of Hudaibiyah was unpalatable to the Muslims because they had to return without performing the intended Umrah that year But the far-reaching sight of Allah and His prophet could observe these sweet and pleasing consequences thereof and it is a fact that the series of Islamic victories began only after the treaty of Hudaibiyah. Describing its strategies, Allamah Ibne Qaiyim writes :- “This was the forerunner of the biggest victory through which Allah granted honour and prestige to His prophet and His army. People entered Islam in large numbers. Thus, this treaty was the door, as well as the key of this victory was its announcement in advance………….” This treaty was a great victory because thereby people got peace and tranquility and the Muslims got the opportunity to meet the disbelievers, to invite them to Islam, to make them hear the holy Quran and to hold open discussion on Islam. Those persons who were hiding their Islam (Faith) came out in the open and, during the period of the pact, those whom Allah guided accepted Islam. That is why Allah called it the “manifest victory”..... Apparently this treaty was depriving Muslims of their rights but it contained within it honour, help and victory.” (Zadul- Maa’d, Vol:2,p.130) It is noteworthy that in our present age, some people are spreading their wrong ideas by referring to the treaty of Hudaibiyah thereby damaging the spirit of jihaad. They interpret it in such a way as if Islam is a weak opponent of its enemies and that Muslims should bow down before them. The truth is that in Islam there are both war and peace. The pact of Hudaibiyah was signed in peculiar extraordinary circumstances and its offer was made by the disbelievers of Makkah, not by Muslims. The Muslims were already directed earlier through Surah Muhammad not to be the first in peace seeking. ‘‘So he not weak, nor cry out for peace.” (Muhammad : 35) Again it is a fact that before the treaty of Hudaibiyah, the wars were fought in Badr in the year 2 H.E. and in Uhad in 3 H.E. and in Khandaq , in 5 H.E. Like wise, after the end of the Hudaibiyah pact, Makkah was captured forcibly and war was also declared in Hunain and, in Tabook, even the Roman empire was challenged. Is it not then unevenness and inconsistency to ignore all these important events and to try to formulate a particular mentality by referring to the treaty of Hudaibiyah in a wrong context?

2. This is a pointer to the fact that the mission of the prophet is fulfilled after the conquest of Makkah. The aim of his coming is achieved because, the cleaning of the centre of monotheism by purging out the polytheists, [(by the hands of the last prophet (peace be upon him)] and handing over that centre to the Muslim ummah and raising Islam in such a way that it may subdue all other religions was the final goal for attaining which he was sent. After the fulfillment of this final aim the time for his departure from this world comes near and hence he is given the good tidings that the conquest of Makkah has also brought with it the Decree of Pardon (Maghfirat). Here is an advance announcement from your Lord that all your faults are pardoned. This good news granted Divine acceptance to all the efforts made by the holy prophet and it was the Divine appreciation of his noble prophetic work, Even after this good news the holy prophet used to perform so much worship that his legs used to get swollen as a result of long standing during night prayers (namaz). When the holy companions asked him were all of his earlier and later faults not already pardoned, he replied: ‘‘Should I not be a thankful slave?” (Bukhari, Kitabut Tafseer)
Regarding the question whether or not the holy prophet ever committed any faults, this point has been explained in note No :79 of Surah Momin which may be kept in mind. It is an established and agreed matter that prophets never commit sins. We have been ordered to obey them and only he can be obeyed unconditionally who is Maasoom (infallible). This automatically proves that prophets are infallible. But it does not mean that they never erred. To err is human. There is a vast difference between an unintentional fault or error and a willful sin. Then Divine revelation cautions them on their faults or errors so they rectify it instantly. Therefore, there is no question of there being any wrong example for the people. Quran itself has mentioned some of the errors of prophets stating that they were cautioned about them and that they returned toward Allah with a sense of being His slaves. Prophets were also ever-praying for the remittance of their faults. Prophet Ibrahim used to pray:- “ And who, I ardently hope, will forgive me my sins on the Day of Judgment.” (Ash- Shu’ra:82). And the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to beg pardon more than seventy times a day. (Bukhari, kitaabud Da’waat)

3. Perfecting of favour means to bless with good abundantly, to grant honour and glory and to raise one’s status.

4. That is: Even after attaining victory he will be guided by Allah on the right path. This is a pointer to the fact that very often a man becomes proud and arrogant after gaining victory and he adopts a wrong path, but the holy prophet is not like that. He is Allah’s messenger and is passing through all stages by HIS grace and in the light of HIS guidance. Hence he will continue to tried the right path even after becoming victorious. And subsequent events confirmed this statement. The way in which he lived his life after conquering Makkah and the way he used his power in the most responsible manner is his exemplary record of stirring deeds. He had entered Makkah as conqueror but his head was bowed. He did not take any revenge from his enemies, but said: “You are not in a clutch today.”

5. That is such a Divine help for you that whosoever clashes with you will be reduced to dust. This prediction is found in Bible also :- “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew:21:43-44) And a Hadith says: “I am assisted with awe.” (Muslim, Kitabul Masajid)

6. That is: During the event of Hudaibiyah when Muslims were covered with Ihram and war was almost imposed on them they could have become very restless but Allah helped them with Sakeenat (peace of mind) therefore they were assuredly satisfied and they got ready to enter Makkah risking their lives. They did not display any weakness and were even hesitating to accept the peace treaty. This shows the extent of their courage and spirit of selfsacrifice.

7. Means their Faith strengthened further. So far as belief is concerned it is the same in every right minded Muslim. But the quality of Faith becomes higher due to his elegance of deeds and his sacrifices for religion. Several Quranic ayah explain this fact. Please see Surah Anfal: Ayah2,Note 3 and Surah Taubah: Ayah 124, Note 226.

8. Therefore no one can stop him from conquering whatever he wants.

9. Hence every decision of Him is based on knowledge and wisdom.

10. This victory has also brought with it the good tidings of the Hereafter for the believers. Their toils bore fruit. Their efforts got acceptance and they gained entry into the Garden (Paradise). Special mention is made of believing women because they had proved very helpful in attaining this goal. They were encouraging their men folk during this mission. According to a Hadith, the companions asked: the holy prophet: “You are given the good tidings regarding the pardoning of all your former and latter errors but what about us? The prophet recited this ayat meaning the paradise is for you.” (Tirmizi, Abwaabut Tafseer)

11. This means, whereas the conquest of Makkah will be a blessing for the believers it will be a cause of torment for the hypocrites and the polytheists.Accordingly they continued to be crushed after the conquest of Makkah.

7. Allah’s are the forces of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.

8. (O Prophet!) We have sent you as a witness 12 and a bearer of glad tidings 13 and a warner.14

9. So that you may believe in Allah and His messenger, and may back (support) him and honour Him15 and recite holiness(praise) of Allah morning and evening.16

10. (O Prophet !) Those who were swearing allegiance to you were, in reality, swearing allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah was over their hand17 Then whosoever will break his oath will do so only to his soul’s hurt. And whosoever will fulfill his covenant with Allah 18 HE will bestow on him a great Reward.

11. Those of the desert Arabs who were left behind 19 will certainly tell you: Our Property and our family members occupied us, so you pray for our forgiveness. They speak with their tongues which is not in their hearts.20 Say: who can avail you to any extent against Allah if HE intends you hurt or intends you profit? And it is a fact that Allah is ever aware of what you do.

12. But you imagined that the Messenger and the believers will now never be able to return to their own folk:21 and this thing seemed pleasing in your hearts22 and you conceived evil thoughts23 and (thus) you destroyed yourselves.

12. For explanation please see Surah Ahzab, Note 99.

13. For explanation please see Surah Ahzab, Note 100.

14. For explanation please see Surah Ahzab, Note 101.

15. The prophet’s position is very high. Therefore you should rise up to assist and support him after believing in his prophethood. Moreover you must also honour and respect him. It should be kept in mind that ‘Tuazziroohu’ (support him) and ‘Tuwaqqirrohu’ (honour him) are the words which can be appropriate only for a prophet. Therefore the preposition ‘hu’ is related only to the prophet. In Surah Aaraf too the word Azzaroohu’ (they supported him) is used only for the prophet.

16. ‘Sabbihoohu’ (recite His holiness) wherein also is the preposition ‘hu’ (he) It also can be for Allah only because reciting of holiness can be made only of Allah. Hence we have translated it as recite holiness of Allah.’

17. This refers to the pledge of Rizwaan which the holy prophet had taken from his companions at Hudaibiyah as a promise that they would not turn their backs even if they had faced death. (Details have been explained in the following ayah.) This swearing which was made on the hand of the holy prophet was, in fact, a promise to Allah, because, the prophet is the emissary of Allah and whatever order he issues is only from Allah. Hence a promise to him is a promise to Allah. This fact has been described as “Allah’s hand was on their hand”. It should be well understood that the swearing described in Quran is on the hand of the prophet only. The importance of it is manifest from the statement that a swearing on his hand is a swearing on Allah’s hand. Hence this Baiyat or pledge is exclusively with the prophet. Apart from this there is another pledge which is mentioned in the Hadith and it is the pledge on the hand of the khalifa (caliph).It is meant for accepting the political power of the caliph. In those days the manner of selecting the head of the state was not and could not be as it is now in today’s democratic governments. Therefore the caliph was being elected in the consultation. with important and leading persons. They used to make Baiyat on his hand which meant a promise of obedience to the caliph in good deeds. This indicated that they have accepted him as a caliph. Therefore, after the departure of the holy prophet from this world, the pledge made on the hands of the rightly-guided caliphs was of this kind. It meant acceptance of the political power (authority) of the caliph so that a collective system may be established and under that system rules and regulations may be followed provided they may not come into conflict with the Shariat. Regarding the Baiyat which a peer (saint) takes from his disciple (mureed) it is a clear innovation (bid’at) which has neither been ordered by the shariah nor adopted by the honourable companions of the holy prophet. Moreover there are many kinds of evils or perversions in it like excess in the faith of the peers, hero worship, to think that such Baiyat is enough for salvation in the Hereafter. False arrogance of the peers, misleading of the followers (mureeds) by the peers, imposing tariqat (sufism) in place of shariat and to keep people indulged in innovations instead of the holy prophet’s ways etc. Therefore Islam has nothing to do with this kind of pledge (Baiyat).

18. According to the general rule of Arabic grammar it should be ‘alaih-e-llah’ that is: the ‘he’ O of ‘alaih’ should have ‘zer’ beneath it. But in the ayah this ‘he’ O has a ‘pesh’ on it and hence it is read: ‘alaihullah’. This kind of change is usually being effected so as to create fluency in Arabic language. Here also reading ‘alaih’ with pesh has made it a fluent recitation. Indeed the fluency in the word of Allah surpasses even the flow of a running stream of water.

19. Means the Bedouins living around Madinah who did not participate in this expedition for Umrah led by the holy prophet. The description of these people who stayed back is mentioned by the word ‘almukhallafoon’ (they were left behind) which gives a hint that when people preferred to remain behind, Allah also left them behind and did not guide them to go out with the holy prophet.

20. These Bedouins had no genuine reason to stay back nor were they feeling regretful for not joining this mission. Their request for prayer for pardon is also just to cover their hypocrisy. They Dawatul Quran 481 S. 48 are not truly seeking pardon. This also explains there reality of hypocrisy and it is to make a show of being Muslim when there is no faith in their hearts.

21. These hypocrites were thinking that when the Muslims would enter Makkah for performing Umrah they would invariably be assaulted by the people of Quraish and other tribes. Since the Muslims were not proceeding with war preparation they would not be able to defend themselves. Thus the whole party of Muslims would be finished along with the prophet. This imagination had prevented the hypocrites from accompanying the holy prophet in this mission. But now they were hiding this fact and were putting forth an excuse that their inability to participate was due to pre-occupation.

22. When they saw that the group of Muslims was proceeding on a dangerous mission under the leadership of the holy prophet how at all they sat quietly in their homes? This cowardice pleased them because their thinking was wrong.

23. That is: you imagined badly about Allah and His prophet. For instance they imagined that Allah’s promise was not going to be fulfilled nor was the dream of the prophet to come true.
Allah’s is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. HE may forgive whom HE wills and HE may punish whom HE wills. HE is ever Forgiving, Merciful. (Al-Quran

13. And those who did not believe in Allah and His Messenger,24 for such disbelievers WE have prepared a blazing fire.25

14. Allah’s is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. HE may forgive whom HE wills and HE may punish whom HE wills.26 HE is ever Forgiving, Merciful.27

15. When you will proceed to capture spoils, those who were left behind will certainly say: let us also follow you. 28 They wish to change Allah’s decree. Tell (them): You can never follow us. Allah has said thus beforehand.29 They will say: No, but you are jealous of us. But the truth is that these people do not understand, save a little.30

16. Say to those who were left behind of the desert Arabs: Shortly you will be called upon to fight against a folk of mighty prowess. Then either you will have to fight against them or they will enter the fold of Islam.31 If you obey this command Allah will give you a good reward. And if you turn away, as you had turned away earlier, then HE will give you a painful torment.32

17. There is no blame on the blind (for not joining jihad) nor on the lame’ nor on the ill.33 And who so will obey Allah and His Messenger, HE will admit him to the Gardens underneath which rivers flow,34 and whoso will turn back, HE will give him a painful torment.

24. Along with the faith in Allah it is also essential to have faith in His messenger. One who does not believe in Allah is a disbeliever. One who does believe in Allah but has no faith in the holy prophet is also a disbeliever. This ayah makes this fact clear and so also other ayah.

25. Means Jahannam or hell.

26.This is a mention of the unlimited authority of Allah which means HE may do whatever HE may will. Simultaneously HE i s j u s t a n d w i se a n d h e n c e u s e s H i s a u th o r i t y w i t h j u s t ic e a nd w i s d o m . Therefore HE never punishes someone unnecessarily.

27. This is an encouragement to the slaves so that they may not be disappointed. They should turn toward Allah and pray for his pardon and mercy.

28. This is a hint toward the victories to be gained in the near future easily wherein the Muslims will get a large quantity of war booty. Accordingly, Khaibar was conquered soon after the treaty of Hudaibiyah in Muharram of the 7th year of the Hijri era Khaiber is situated at a distance of about 150 kilometer in the north-east of Madinah. This habitati on of the B ed o u i n s w a s ve r y important because of its sound forts arable lands and oasis. The Muslims got a lot of booty through this victory and their resources increased significantly through agriculture produce and the Oases. A l l a h h a d r e s e r ve d t h es e b o ot i e s especially for those who had sworn at the Baiat of Rizwaan. Therefore HE did not permit the participation in this war to those who had not joined the journey for Umrah due to the risks and dangers lying therein.

29. Means before the event of war of Khaibar when Surah Fat’h was revealed, Allah Almighty had already ordained that those who had sat back in homes should not be allowed to join this war which was likely to yield booty. The reason: when they did not a ssist the prophet in a d a ngerous expedition, deprivation from booty became their lot.

30 . A l l a h h a s g i ve n i nt e l l ig e n c e t o everybody be he a citizen or a villager, belonging to the common class or to the higher ups. This intelligence is given so that he may prove his wisdom. But when man does not use his head he talks in an unwise way.

31 . This is a poi nte r t o t he tri be of Hawazan with whom a war was fought in Shawwal of 8 H.E. and this war was a rafter in the chain of events leading to the war of Makkah. The Hawazan were great warriors and expert archers. Confrontation with them w a s n o t ea s y . Wh e n th e h o ly p r o ph e t conquered Makkah he proceeded toward Hawazan who were well prepared for the fight. The holy prophet had only twelve thousand army men. Yet there was a severe c on f r on t a t io n. A t l a s t H a w a z a n w er e uprooted and the Islamic army became victorious. They got a lot of war booty. Thereafter the people of Hawazan also embraced Islam. Thus Islam’s stronghold on Makkah became stronger.

32. It Was due to the effect of this warning that the tribes like Muzainah and Juhainah around Madina which had stayed back at the time of Hudaibiyah, joined the expedition on Makkah and fought against Hawazen (who were a powerful people) in Hunain. A severe warning of a painful torment had been given to those who turned their backs from this jihad. This explains the seriousness of this crime, This crime was very serious because, firstly, it was a sheer disobedience of a clear order of (order for jihad) issued by Allah and His prophet. Secondly, at a critical moment when Islam faced a serious danger and when Islam requires the maximum collective strength no Muslim could sit in a safe corner. Thirdly, it was sheer hypocrisy on the part of the followers to sit peacefully in their homes when the prophet of Allah comes out risking his life. Therefore this jihad, wherein the prophet of Allah was personally present for guiding and leading, became a test for the faithful. Only those people who were not turn and sincere in their belief could turn from it.

33. There is no blame on those who did not take part in the holy war due to some genuine reason of inability. The shariat has recognised difficulty of the blind, the lame and the sick.

3 4 . N o h a r m t o t h o s e w h o d o n o t participate in war on account of a genuine handicap, provided they may continue to obey Allah and His prophet sincerely. Their obedience alone can make them entitled to Paradise.
SITUATION OF KHAIBER NEARLY
150 KMS FROM MADINA Tabuk Taima Waadiyul Qura Fidak Khibar Madinah Makkah N S W

18. Allah was pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you beneath the tree.35 HE knew what was in their hearts.36 Hence HE sent down tranquility on them,37 and rewarded them an early victory.38

19. And many items of spoils that they will acquire.39 Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.40

20. Allah has promised you much spoils that you will capture 41 And HE gave you this (victory) quickly and restrained the hands of men from you.42 and did so to make it a sign for the believers 43 and HE may guide you to a straight path.44

21. And also other spoils over which you have no power yet. But Allah has encompassed them.45 Allah is Able to do all things.

22. Had these disbelievers fought against you, they would have certainly turned their backs. Then they would not have found any guardian or any helper.46

23. This is the practice (law) of Allah which is in force from the past 47 and you will never find any change in the law of Allah.

24. HE it is Who with held their hands from you and your hands from them in the valley of Makkah, after giving you victory over them. 48 And HE was seeing whatever you were doing.

35. The holy prophet took this oath from his holy companions in Hudaibiyah when an anxiety was created as Uthman, who was sent to the Quraish with a message informing them that they (Muslims) had not come for fighting but for performing Umrah, did not return. They (Muslims) thought then that they would have to confront the disbelievers for performing Umrah and that too in such a condition that they were in the Ihram uniform and did not have any arms for war. They had only swords for self-defence which normally all travelers possess. In such critical situation the holy prophet took an oath under a tree and made them swear that they would not run away and would sacrifice their lives for the fulfillment of their aim. The holy companions, who were fourteen hundred in number, had sworn likewise most willingly and enthusiastically. The Quraish were awed by this swearing and the offered peace. Prior to it Uthman had also returned. Allah was very much pleased by this oath which was taken at a critical juncture for staking lives in the company of the holy prophet. Since the oath-takers have been informed in this ayah that Allah was pleased with them, his swearing is called the swearing of pleasure of Allah (Baiyat-e- Rizwan). As Uthman had not, till then, returned, the Holy Prophet swore on his behalf. Thus Uthman also became fortunate to participate in it. The swearing of the prophet on behalf of Uthman is a proof of the fact that the holy prophet did not believe in the news that Uthman was killed in Makkah. Nor the oath was taken on the basis of the aforesaid rumour. He had taken the oath due to the apprehension of a confrontation with the disbelievers of Makkah. This ayah offers a testimonial of Allah’s pleasure to all those companions who were partners to that oath. Yet there is a group of Muslims who, excepting a few persons, brands all the companions delusive and taunts and curses them. Just see their temerity, they express their hatred for those with whom Allah has declared His pleasure. Would that, they rise above factionalism and amend their attitude in the light of the Quran!

36. The selflessness of their hearts and their faithfulness became clear.

37. They obtained peace of mind and heart by which they were so much encouraged that their morale remained high and they got ready to face any war.

38. That is: the conquest of Makkah which came shortly after the treaty of Hudaibiyah. Makkah was conquered in Muharram 7 H.E. This victory was a reward from Allah which was granted to the oath-takers in the Baiyat-e- Ridwan. “Early victory” indicated a destined thing hence it has been described in the past tense.

39. It points toward the war booty which was to be available in the wars of Khaibar etc. The booty which Muslims got according to this foretelling in Khaibar included treasure of gold and silver, one thousand lances, four hundred swords, five hundred bows as well as new war arms like minjaneeq (catapult) and Dabbabah (a kind of cannon) and also fields and oasis having forty thousand date trees. These fields and date trees were left in the possession of the Jews on condition that they would give half of their produce to the Muslims.Thus it turned out to be a big source of income for the Muslims of Madinah. (Gazvatul Khaibar, Muhammad Ahmad Bashmil, P. 270-271). Soon after Khaibar, Fadak and Wadiyul Qura were also conquered which also was a fertile area near Khaibar. It was decided with the Jews of this area also that they too would give half of the produce to Muslims. (Ibid. p.297).

40. Allah is overpowering and hence this plan of Him will certainly be fulfilled. Similarly He is Wise, so every decision of His is full of wisdom.

41. That is: besides Khaiber you would get many more booties too. Accordingly soon after that the Muslims got a lot of booty in the war of Hunain.

42. The immediate reward of the Baiat-e- Ridwan which you got was that you won Allah’s help and the disbelievers were so much awed by you that they could not raise their hand against you and became ready for peace.

43. That is: in such a situation when, due to Muslims’ being in the uniform of Haj (Ihram), were not in a position to fight and had entered the enemy territory, the Makkan disbelievers’ inaction against Muslims and readiness for peace was clearly a sign of Allah’s help in favour of the Muslims. Dawatul Quran 489 S. 48

44. May Allah guide you at each and every step.

45. This is a pointer to those big victories which Muslims were to achieve in future, especially the conquests of Persia and Rome, whereby the Muslims obtained treasures of war booty.

46. That is: if Muslims had to fight for entering Makkah they would have won the war and the disbelievers of Makkah would certainly have faced defeat. It would have been so because though the Muslims did not possess arms, yet when they got ready to sacrifice their lives in the Path of Allah, HIS help too had become a certainty for them. Disbelievers have to face defeat when confronted with Allah’s help, as had happened in the wars of Badr etc.

47. Allah’s tradition, that is: His way and rule has always been such that when the holy prophet had to enter the Warfield personally that war becomes a decisive war between the truth and falsehood. In such circumstances Allah’s help invariably reaches the prophet and his followers. It is mentioned in Surah Room :- “(Verily We sent before you messengers to their own people. They brought them clear signs. Then We punished them who were guilty, and it was incumbent upon Us to help believers.)” (Al-Room:47)

48. That is: your position had become fairly strong after the “Pledge of Ridwan” (Baiyate Rizwan)and Makkan disbelievers had become demoralized. Yet the war had become almost unavoidable for both the parties. Still the strategy of Allah required that there should be no war. Hence HE restrained both from confrontation and made them ready for treaty. One of the circumstances calling for restraint was also that a group of the disbelievers numbering eighty had poured down from the hillock of Taneem at the time of early morning prayer with an intention to kill the prophet. The holy companions caught them and brought them before the holy prophet. Since the prophet wanted to avoid war he released them.(Please see Tirmizi Tafseer Surah Fat’h).
HE it is Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion so that HE may cause it to prevail over all religions And Allah suffices as a witness.(Al-Quran

25. It was these who disbelieved and debarred you from reaching the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid-ul-Haram), and also detained the animals from reaching their destination (place of sacrifice)49 And had there not been (in Makkah) believing men and believing women whom you would not know and regarding whom had there not been an apprehension that you would crush them unknowingly thereby rendering you susceptible to allegation (the war would not have been restrained. It was restrained) so that Allah may admit whom HE may wish in His mercy.50 Had they been apart WE would have given painful punishment to those (among Makkans) who disbelieved.51

26. When the disbelievers developed heat of excitement in their hearts-the excited in heat of ignorance (paganism) 52 Allah sent down HIS tranquility upon His messenger and believers 53 and kept them bound to the word of selfrestraint and they were worthy and entitled of it.54 And Allah know everything.

27. Allah had shown a true vision to his messenger which was a reality. You will indeed enter the sacred mosque (Al- Masjid-ul-Haram), if Allah wills, secure, having your head shaven and your hair cut. You will have no fear.55 So HE knew what you know not.56 So HE gave you a near victory before this.57

28. HE it is Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion so that HE may cause it to prevail over all religions58And Allah suffices as a witness.

49. It was sheer obstinacy on the part of the disbelievers that they barred the entry (into the place of sacrifice) of the sacrificial animals also which were respectable even in their eyes also.

50 . Here tha t exped ience ha s been mentioned in view of which Allah did not allow the war to occur and which resulted in the treaty of Hudaibiyah. In Makkah there were Muslim men and women whom the holy companions did not know. Therefore there was an apprehension of their being hit during the war. Allah Almighty showered His mercy upon them due to their faith and did not allow war. If they were to be destroyed by the hands of Muslims, the Muslims would ha ve regretted it very much a nd the disbelievers would have got an opportunity to say that Muslims massacred Muslims even in such a war which was fought under the command of their prophet. It can be derived from this that if it becomes necessary to attack a locality of disbelievers, every effort should be made to save the Muslims residing in that area. But if war is unavoidable then it cannot be deferred only to sa ve those Muslims, otherwise the disbelievers will get an opportunity to subdue the Muslims. In Hudaibiyah war was avoided through Allah’s prudence, otherwise the ‘Baiyat-e- Rizwaan’ was arranged only to ensure that Muslims would not turn back in case the war occurred. Allah Almighty revealed this prudence of the Hudaibiyah treaty afterwards but the holy companions had already obeyed the relevant order of the Holy prophet before the disclosure of its wisdom though they were having a dislike for that treaty. The wisdom was disclosed to them only to remove their prick and many glad tidings were given to them. It becomes clear from this that the obedience of order does not depend on the understanding of its wisdom. Command of Allah and His messenger is enough in itself f or being obeyed notwithsta nd ing the knowledge or ignorance of its wisdom. The holy companions were acting in such a way a nd theref ore they got guid a nce a f ter guidance and won Allah’s pleasure. Today’s Muslim insists on knowing the wisdom first and prepares for obedience only thereafter. He even disobeys. This is a very wrong way of thinking. It is contrary to obedience.

51 . Ha d the Ma kka n Muslims been residing apart from the residential locality of the disbelievers, Allah would have planned a forced entry into Makkah and crushing of disbelievers with Muslims’ hands.

52. The Makkan disbelievers knew it well that the holy prophet had arrived with his companions only for performing Umrah which was purely a religious affair for which they themselves had respect. But the feelings of ignorance overpowered them to such an extent that their prejudice rose high and they considered it shameful to allow a group of Muslims in their city. Therefore, they wanted to stop Muslims just to satisfy their arrogance and later on, when the treaty of Hudaibiyah was planned they insisted that Muslims should not perform Umrah that year but in the following year. Moreover they objected to the beginning of the text of the treaty with the words “Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem”(In the name of Allah, Rehman and Raheem) saying they did not know who was Rahman a nd a sked to write only “ B ismika Allahumma” (In thy name, O Allah). This prejudice of ignorance has been described in this ayah.

53. That is: such a state of peace of mind and satisfaction that they were not affected even by very unfavorable circumstances.

54. “Bound to the word of self-restraint” means that even in these critical moments they got such a guidance that they did not do anything contrary to self-restraint” The way they made “Baiyat-e- Rizwaan” and obeyed the order of the holy prophet despite their dislike for the treaty of Hudaibiyah is a clear proof of it. Moreover, when they had to return without performing Umrah from Hudaibiyah, they neither termed the prophet’s vision false nor objected to it. Whatever they asked was just a clarification. Thus only word of self-restraint came out of their mouths. They got such Dawatul Quran 493 S. 48 guidance because they were entitled to it on the ground of their self-less faith and also because by offering sacrifices in the path of Allah they had proved themselves worthy of “Taqwa” or God-fearingness. A tradition of Tirmizi says “Kalimatut Taqwa” means ‘La Ilaha Illallah” (There is no god but Allah).” But Tirmizi himself has clarified that this hadith is ‘Garib’(does not attain the standard of authenticity).” Still this narration is correct from the viewpoint that the basis of Taqwa is ‘‘La Ilaha Illallah Therefore” Kalimatut Taqwa” is really ‘“La Ilaha Illallah.’

55. The holy prophet had seen in his vision that he had entered Makkah with his companions and had performed Umrah. Viewing this vision as an indication from Allah he had proceeded along with his companions for the performance of Umrah. But when they had to return from Hudaibiyah without perf orming U mra h the holy companions felt a pinch in their hearts that when a prophet’s vision always comes true. How is it that they were returning without performing Umrah? Its reply has been given in this ayat that indeed this “Ruya” (vision) was from Allah and it was true and based on truth. Hence it would come true. You would certainly enter Masjid-e- Haram and that too peace fully. There would be no fear or danger. You will be in the state of Ihram and would perform all rites in peace. As per the recorded Hadith when the Holy Prophet was asked this question he replied that he did not say, that they would enter Makka h tha t particular year. You will definitely enter Makkah and would also perform Tawaf (circumbulance) (Bukhari, Kitabus Shuroot). This vision came true the following year and the prophet performed Umrah with his companions in the month of Zil Qada of the year 7 H.E. which is called ‘U mra tul Qa z a ’. On tha t occa sion the disbelievers of Makkah had vacated Makkah for three days. Therefore, the Muslims performed all the rites of Umrah in peace and tranquility. Thus the vision was proved true and the truthfulness of Quran also became manifest. When the Ihra m of U mra h is being removed, hair of head is either shaved or clipped and its mention in this ayah means you would enter the Masjid-e- Haram in the state of Ihram and that you would remove the Ihram after performing the rites of Umrah in peace. While removing Ihram of Umrah it is permissible both to clip or to shave the hair of head. But shaving is preferable.

56. That is: you did not know that you would enter Makkah without fighting. But Alla h knew it. So HE informed you in advance. Likewise that wisdom mentioned before this was not known to you, but Allah knew it. Therefore, HE did not allow the war to occur and destined it for the next year.

57. Means the treaty of Hudaibiyah which beca me an insta nt victory prior to the performance of Umrah, because, this no war pact opened up the avenues of Islamic propagation. Moreover it became a preamble to the conquest of Makkah.

58. This has been explained in Surah Taubah, Note 65 which must be kept in mind here also. There we have explained that the ‘Faail’ (subject) of the word ‘Liyuzharhu’ (HE may cause it to prevail) is Allah, not the prophet. In support, here are the statements of some commentators: Ibne Jarir Tabri says: “Allah Almighty tells to the prophet that O Muha mma d , your L ord , ma king Himself a witness, says that HE will make this religion, with which you are sent, overpowering.” Then, in support, he has quoted the words of Hazrat Ha sa n. (Tafsir-e- Tabari, Vol:29, p.69) Allamah Zamakhshari says: “Allah Almighty will give him victory over cities and will grant such a control over countries that they will consider the conquest of Makkah of lesser importance.” (Alkashshaf, Vol:3, p.550). Allamah Shokani writes: “Tha t is: A llah’s being a witness is sufficient to this ‘IZHAAR’ (victory) which HE has promised to the Muslims.” S. 48 494 Dawatul Quran (Fat’hul Qadeer, Vol:5, p.55) Allamah Aaloosi says: “And this word is not of any single person---and, probably more clear in the context —-- that the way of making religion prominent over other religions will be that HE (Allah) will grant Muslims control over f ollowers of a ll other religions.” (Roohul Ma’ani, Vol:26, p.122) And the most important thing is that the holy prophet himself has referred “Izhaare Din” (predominance of religion) to Allah. So it is mentioned in Seerat Ibne Hisham that the prophet said: “By Allah, I will fight for the religion with which Allah has sent me until Allah makes it dominant.”

29. Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah59 and those who are with him are stern against disbelievers and merciful among themselves 60 You will see them in the state of bowing and prostating 61 (and will see that) they are absorbed in seeking Allah’s grace and HIS pleasure.62 Their sign is the marking of their prostrations on their faces.63 This identity of theirs has been described in the Taurat.64 And their similitude in the Injeel is like a farming that sent forth its blade then strengthened it, then it became thick, then it stood firm upon its stem 65 it delights the showers so that the disbelievers may become furious against them 66 Allah has promised to such of them who believed and who did good deeds, forgiveness and a great reward.67

59. May anybody believe or disbelieve, it is Allah’s witness that Muhammad is His prophet. “Muhammadur Rasoolullaah” is the second part of Islam’s kalimah (confession of Faith).The full kalimah is like this: (There is no god (deity) save Allah and Muhammmad is the messenger of Allah).

60. Iman (belief) and kufr (disbelief) are two opposite things. Therefore there is a constant tug of war between the two and this struggle also turns into wars. Hence the Muslims cannot be an easy prey for the disbelievers. They become a solid rock in front of them and when the war starts they utilize all of their strength to crush the enemy. It should be understood that being severe against the disbelievers does not mean that even in normal circumstances a harsh tone should be used to talk with them or they should not be treated nicely in worldly affairs or a bad behaviour should be shown toward them. Islam teaches nice behaviour with every human being notwithstanding his belief or religion. And the Muslims being merciful among themselves is a demand of their faith. Among themselves they are not harsh but kind and lenient and loving. The hadith has described their mutual treatment thus: ‘‘In the matter of being mutually merciful and kind the Muslims are like one body wherein if one part has some pain the entire body feels its pinch and gets fever.” (Muslim, Kitabul- Birr)

61. This is an elucidation of praying salat in time. The particularity with which one prays five times a day leaves such impression on the onlooker that the believer remains busy in bowing and prostrating all the time. Their affection for salat has a distinct attribute.

62. This means that all their labour is only for seeking the grace of Allah and His pleasure. They look for God’s grace at every step so that HE may be pleased with them and shower HIS rewards on them. Their final aim too is to please Allah.

63. Means the mark on the forehead due to constant prostration as well as the sign of humility and lowliness (before Allah) which is reflected on his face. Their faces become the mirrors of their hearts and indicate that they are the true worshippers of Allah.

64. This distinctive sign of the holy companions of the holy prophet has been described in Taurat also as mentioned by Quran. But the Taurat available now does not contain it. Not only this subject but several such foretelling regarding the unlettered prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which, as stated by the Quran, were in Taurat are not found in today’s editions, except three or four predictions and they too have been translated in an altered manner. From this it can be concluded that the copies of Taurat which existed in Madina with the Jews at the time of the revelation of the holy Quran and to which the Quran has referred at several places are now not extent. We find a big gap in the existing copies both from the viewpoint of their being devoid of the mention of prayer (Namaz- Salaat) and the Hereafter as well as with regard to the prophecies about the unlettered holy prophet. This clearly indicates that many things have been deleted from the Taurat, many matters have been altered and many words have been translated wrongly so as to hide the reality and truth.

65. In the available copies of the Injeel (Gospel) this subject is found in the following form:- “Another parable he put before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32) In this ayah a picture of the constant increase in the number of the companions of the holy prophet, the strengthening of their group and the gradual progress and victory of Islam is drawn.

66. Those who sowed the seeds of Islam and

67. It is Allah’s promise to those Muslims who are selfless in faith and strong in character! that HE will forgive them and reward them in a big way. These glad tidings are not for those who are Muslims in name only. watered its field became glad on seeing its springing up. But the disbelievers did not like its growing and expanding. Seeing the Muslims feeling happy the disbelievers became angry and envious toward the Muslims.