The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Hashr
Name of the Surah
This surah is called Al-Hashr because it begins by referring to the gathering of the People of the Book—namely, the Jews, for expulsion from al-Madinah during the lifetime of the Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him].
It is also referred to as the Surah of Banu al-Nadir, as it narrates the expulsion of the Jewish tribe Banu al-Nadir from al-Madinah during the battle against them.
Surah Al-Hashr was revealed in al-Madinah and consists of twenty-four ayahs.
Relationship between Surah Al-Mujadilah and Al-Hashr
Surah Al-Hashr follows Surah Al-Mujadilah in the written compilation of the Quran (al-Mushaf).
Surah Al-Mujadilah discusses those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, while Surah Al-Hashr provides a concrete example of such opposition in the case of the tribe of Banu al-Nadir, who violated their treaty with the Prophet Muhammad.
At the end of Surah Al-Mujadilah, Allah, Exalted be He, declares the inevitable triumph of His messengers:
Allah has decreed: "Indeed, I shall prevail, I and My messengers." Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty. 58:21
Surah Al-Hashr illustrates the fulfillment of this divine promise through the expulsion of the Jews of Banu al-Nadir from al-Madinah:
It is He who expelled those who disbelieved among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think they would go forth, and they thought their fortresses would protect them against Allah; but Allah came upon them from where they did not expect, and He cast terror into their hearts. They destroyed their homes with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So take heed, O you who have insight. 59:2
Surah Al-Mujadilah also refers to the hypocrites and their alliance with the Jews. Surah Al-Hashr then explains the outcome of that relationship.
Major Themes in Surah Al-Hashr
The theme of Surah Al-Hashr aligns with other Madinan surahs, focusing on legal rulings and community affairs. It addresses the expulsion of Banu al-Nadir, the rules governing war spoils (fay’), and commands to fear Allah. It also explores the relationship between the hypocrites and the Jews, highlights the status of the Quran, and mentions some of Allah’s Beautiful Names (al-Asma’ al-Husna).
Surah Al-Hashr begins by declaring the glorification of Allah, emphasizing His perfection and transcendence:
Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 59:1
It then recounts the victory Allah granted to the Prophet Muhammad over the Jews, who were expelled from al-Madinah and whose fortresses were destroyed:
It is He who expelled those who disbelieved among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering... 59:2
The surah proceeds to explain the Islamic rulings regarding fay’, or the spoils of war obtained without fighting, and the divine wisdom behind their distribution:
And whatever Allah has granted as spoils of war to His Messenger from them—you did not spur for it any horse or camel—but Allah gives authority to His messengers over whom He wills. And Allah is All-Powerful over all things.
It then praises the Emigrants (Muhajirun) and the Helpers (Ansar)—the believers who lived in al-Madinah:
And those who, before them, had settled in the abode and believed, love those who have emigrated to them, and find no need in their hearts for what they have been given. They give others preference over themselves, even though they are in poverty. And whoever is protected from the avarice of his own soul—it is they who are the successful. 59:9
Next, the surah addresses the hypocrites' alliance with the Jews and their eventual betrayal. It highlights that the hypocrites abandon their allies in times of crisis and that the Jews fear the believers. The surah compares the hypocrites to Satan, who entices man to disobey Allah and then disowns him:
Have you not seen those who are hypocrites? They say to their brothers who disbelieve among the People of the Book, "If you are expelled, we will surely go out with you, and we will not obey anyone concerning you ever; and if you are fought against, we will surely aid you." But Allah bears witness that they are liars. 59:11
[They are] like Satan when he says to man, "Disbelieve." But when he disbelieves, he says, "Indeed, I disassociate myself from you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds." 59:16
Allah then commands the believers to fear Him, to prepare for the Day of Judgment, and to reflect upon the fate of earlier nations. The surah reminds us that the people of Paradise and Hell are not equal:
O you who believe! Fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has sent forth for tomorrow—and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do. 59:18
Not equal are the companions of the Fire and the companions of Paradise. The companions of Paradise—they are the successful. 59:20
Finally, the surah concludes by emphasizing the exalted status of the Quran and the greatness of Allah, who revealed it. It presents some of His Beautiful Names:
Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and splitting from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will reflect. 59:21
