In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
A summary of the Tafsir of al-Tabari.
Abridged by Dr. Aqil ibn Salim al-Shammari.
Surah al-Hashr.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
﴾Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allah, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.﴿
“They say: Allah hath taken (unto Him) a son - Glorified be He! He hath no needs! His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. Ye have no warrant for this. Tell ye concerning Allah that which ye know not?” (10:68)
He is the Exalted in Might in His retribution against those of His creation who disobey Him.
He is the Wise in His governance of them.
“He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!” (59:2)
“He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!” (59:2)
“He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!” (59:2)
﴾And He cast terror into their hearts.﴿
“He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!” (59:2)
Allah is the One who drove out those who denied the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) from among the People of the Scripture.
They are the Jews of Banu al-Nadir, expelled from their homes.
This refers to their departure from their dwellings and houses.
This occurred when they made a peace treaty with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), whereby he granted them safety for their lives, their women, and their children.
And it was agreed that they would keep whatever wealth their camels could carry.
And that they would leave behind their houses and the rest of their wealth for him.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) accepted this from them.
So they departed from their homes.
Some of them left for the Levant, and others left for Khaybar.
﴾For the first gathering in the world.﴿
This refers to their being gathered toward the land of the Levant.
﴾You did not think that they would leave, those who were driven out by Allah from their homes, from among the People of the Scripture, from their dwellings and houses.﴿
“He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!” (59:2)
The people only thought what has been mentioned.
It is said that ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy and a group of the hypocrites.
Sent word to them when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) besieged them.
Ordering them to remain firm in their fortresses.
And promising them victory.
But the command of Allah came to them from where they did not expect it to come.
That is the command which came to them from Allah from where they did not expect.
﴾He cast terror into their hearts.﴿
﴾They destroy their houses.﴿
This is because they would look at the timber in their houses that they deemed valuable.
Or the pillars or the doors.
And they would tear them down with their own hands and the hands of the believers.
Meaning:
They would remove them and leave the houses abandoned and in ruins.
So take heed, O people of understanding, from what Allah inflicted upon these Jews.
Those whom Allah cast terror into their hearts while they were in their fortresses, as a result of His retribution.
And know that Allah is the Protector of those who take Him as their protector.
And the Supporter of His Messenger against all who oppose him.
And that He inflicts upon those who oppose Him a fate similar to what He inflicted upon Banu al-Nadir.
What is meant by "the eyes" in this context is:
The eyes of the hearts.
For it is through them that one takes a lesson, rather than through the eyes of the head.
“And if Allah had not decreed migration for them, He verily would have punished them in the world, and theirs in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.” (59:3)
“And if Allah had not decreed migration for them, He verily would have punished them in the world, and theirs in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.” (59:3)
And had Allah not decreed and written for these Jews of Banu al-Nadir in the Preserved Tablet.
That they would move from one place to another.
And from one land to another.
He would have punished them in this world with slaughter and captivity.
But He lifted the punishment of slaughter from them in this world.
And made their punishment in this world the exile.
“And if Allah had not decreed migration for them, He verily would have punished them in the world, and theirs in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.” (59:3)
Along with the disgrace that befell them in this world by being exiled from their land and homes.
﴾That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger.﴿
“That is because they were opposed to Allah and His messenger; and whoso is opposed to Allah, (for him) verily Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:4)
This is because of what they did in this world by opposing Allah and His Messenger in His commands and prohibitions.
And their disobedience to their Lord in what He commanded them regarding following Muhammad (peace be upon him).
And whoever opposes Allah in His commands and prohibitions, then Allah is severe in punishment.
“Whatsoever palm-trees ye cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by Allah's leave, in order that He might confound the evil-livers.” (59:5)
“Whatsoever palm-trees ye cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by Allah's leave, in order that He might confound the evil-livers.” (59:5)
﴾Whatever you cut down of the palm trees or left standing on their roots.﴿
It was by the command of Allah that you cut down what you cut and left what you left.
It was to enrage His enemies, and it was not corruption.
And to humiliate those who went outside the obedience of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic.
Those who opposed His command and prohibition.
They are the Jews of Banu al-Nadir.
﴾You did not spur on for it any horses or camels.﴿
“And that which Allah gave as spoil unto His messenger from them, ye urged not any horse or riding-camel for the sake thereof, but Allah giveth His messenger lordship over whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.” (59:6)
And Allah is over all things competent.
That which Allah returned to His Messenger from the wealth of Banu al-Nadir.
You did not spur on for it any horses or camels.
The Almighty, whose praise is exalted, described what He granted to His Messenger from them.
As that for which no horses were spurred on.
Because the Muslims did not encounter war in that instance.
Nor were they burdened with the costs of it.
Rather, the people were with them in their own land.
So there was no spurring of horses or camels involved.
He informs you that just as He gave Muhammad (peace be upon him) authority over Banu al-Nadir.
Whatever Allah grants him of wealth for which the Muslims did not spur horses or camels.
From the enemies, through what they agreed upon in a peace treaty.
It belongs to him exclusively, to be used as he sees fit.
For the wealth of Banu al-Nadir came to Muhammad (peace be upon him) through a peace treaty, not by force.
So the laws of division of spoils do not apply to it.
And Allah is over everything He wills, possessing power; nothing can frustrate Him.
“That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:7)
“That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:7)
“That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:7)
“That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:7)
﴾And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.﴿
“That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (59:7)
Meaning that which Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, returned to His Messenger from the wealth of the people of the villages.
It is for Allah and the Messenger.
And for the relatives of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) from Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib.
And the orphans, the needy among the children of the Muslims who have no wealth.
They are those who suffer from poverty and the humiliation of begging.
And the wayfarer.
They are the travelers who are stranded, provided they are not traveling in disobedience to Allah, the Almighty and Majestic.
We have designated what Allah granted to His Messenger from the people of the villages for these categories.
So that this wealth does not become a commodity circulated only among the rich among you.
Where one person spends it on his own needs.
And another spends it on acts of righteousness and charity.
Doing with it whatever they please.
Rather, We have established a Sunnah regarding it that shall not be changed or altered.
And fear Allah and beware of His punishment for your opposition to His Messenger.
By proceeding against what He has forbidden you and by disobeying him.
Indeed, Allah is severe in His punishment for those whom He punishes from among those who disobey His Messenger (peace be upon him).
“And (it is) for the poor fugitives who have been driven out from their homes and their belongings, who seek bounty from Allah and help Allah and His messenger. They are the loyal.” (59:8)
“And (it is) for the poor fugitives who have been driven out from their homes and their belongings, who seek bounty from Allah and help Allah and His messenger. They are the loyal.” (59:8)
﴾It is they who are the truthful.﴿
So that what Allah granted to His Messenger does not become a commodity circulated among the rich among you.
But it shall be for the poor emigrants who were driven out of their homes and their wealth.
Seeking bounty from Allah and [His] approval.
And supporting the religion of Allah with which He sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).
These people, whose qualities He described from among the poor emigrants, are the truthful in what they say.
“Those who entered the city and the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (the fugitives) above themselves though poverty become their lot. And whoso is saved from his own avarice - such are they who are successful.” (59:9)
“Those who entered the city and the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (the fugitives) above themselves though poverty become their lot. And whoso is saved from his own avarice - such are they who are successful.” (59:9)
“Those who entered the city and the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (the fugitives) above themselves though poverty become their lot. And whoso is saved from his own avarice - such are they who are successful.” (59:9)
﴾And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul—it is those who will be the successful.﴿
And those who took the city, the city of the Messenger (peace be upon him).
And established themselves in homes, and [accepted] faith in Allah and His Messenger before them.
Meaning before the emigrants.
“Those who entered the city and the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (the fugitives) above themselves though poverty become their lot. And whoso is saved from his own avarice - such are they who are successful.” (59:9)
They love those who left their homes and moved to them from among others.
By this, He means the Ansar, who love the emigrants.
And those who were settled in the home before them, who are the Ansar, do not find.
In their breasts any envy for what the emigrants were given from the spoils.
This is because it was mentioned to us that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
Divided the wealth of Banu al-Nadir among the first emigrants to the exclusion of the Ansar.
Except for two men from the Ansar, whom he gave to because of their poverty.
And he did that by the special authority of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
He describes the Ansar, who were settled in the home and [in] faith before the emigrants.
That they give the emigrants their own wealth, preferring them over themselves.
Even if they themselves were in need and poverty of what they preferred the emigrants over themselves with.
And whoever Allah protects from the stinginess of his soul, it is they who are the successful, who will abide eternally in Paradise.
“And those who came (into the faith) after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.” (59:10)
“And those who came (into the faith) after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.” (59:10)
“And those who came (into the faith) after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.” (59:10)
“And those who came (into the faith) after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.” (59:10)
﴾Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.﴿
And those who came after those who were settled in the home and [in] faith before the first emigrants.
“And those who came (into the faith) after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.” (59:10)
The emigrants ask for forgiveness for their brothers among the Ansar.
﴾And do not put in our hearts any resentment toward those who have believed.﴿
O our Lord, indeed You are full of kindness to Your creation and full of mercy to those who repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.