Surah
Juz
This Surah likely followed the expedition against Bani Al-Mustaliq, possibly occurring either in 5 A.H. before the Battle of the Trench or in 6 A.H. after it. The incident of the 'slander' during this campaign, narrated in verses 11-20, is closely tied to the conflict between Islam and the disbelievers. After the victory at Badr and the failure of the enemy forces during the Battle of the Trench, the disbelievers shifted tactics to attack the moral integrity of the Muslim community. Fabricated slanders against the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims aimed to undermine their high moral standards. Two major slanders emerged: one concerning the Prophet's ﷺ marriage to Zainab, his adopted son's divorced wife, and another targeting Aisha, the Prophet's ﷺ wife, during the Campaign against Bani al-Mustaliq. Abdullah bin Ubayy, a hypocrite, played a significant role in engineering these slanders. The incident involving Aisha was particularly severe, instigated by Abdullah bin Ubayy's anger over the Prophet's ﷺ swift resolution of a dispute during the campaign. Exploiting Aisha being left behind during the return, he spread false accusations against her, potentially sparking civil strife within the Muslim community. The Prophet ﷺ, consulting Ali and Usamah bin Zayd, defended Aisha's honour, and the truth prevailed with the Prophet ﷺ publicly declaring her innocence. Abdullah bin Ubayy's malicious intentions were exposed, revealing his attempts to attack the Prophet's ﷺ honour, undermine Muslim morality, and incite civil conflict.
This Surah and verses 28-73 of Surah 33, called al-Ahzab (The Confederates), were revealed to strengthen the moral front, which was under attack at that time. The verses in al-Ahzab addressed the Prophet's ﷺ marriage with Zainab and the second attack, known as the 'Slander' about Aisha. This Surah was revealed to mend the cracks in the unity of the Muslim Community caused by this incident. To understand the wisdom behind the commandments about the veil in both Surahs, consider the historical context. In al-Ahzab, God instructed measures to protect the moral front: 1- Wives of the Prophet ﷺ were told to remain in private, avoiding the display of adornments and being cautious in their interactions. 2- Muslims were forbidden from entering the Prophet's ﷺ private rooms, requesting from behind a curtain. 3- Distinction was made between mahram (unmarriageable kin) and non-mahram relatives, allowing only the former to enter the private rooms of the Prophet's ﷺ wives. 4- Muslims were reminded to regard the Prophet's ﷺ wives with utmost respect, similar to their own mothers. 5- Warning against offending the Prophet ﷺ and committing slanderous acts, emphasising the severity of these sins. 6- Muslim women were instructed to cover themselves when going out. On the occasion of the second attack, Surah an-Nur was revealed to maintain the moral fabric of the Muslim society, shaken by the slander. The commandments included: 1- Making fornication a criminal offence punishable by a hundred lashes. 2- Boycotting adulterous individuals and prohibiting marriage relations with them. 3- Prescribing punishment for false accusations of adultery without four witnesses. 4- Introducing the law of 'lian' to address charges of adultery by a husband against his wife. 5- Encouraging the learning of lessons from the 'slander' incident and cautioning against false accusations. 6- Punishing those who spread news, evil rumours, and propagate wickedness in the Muslim community. 7- Emphasising that relations in the Muslim community should be based on good faith and not suspicion. 8- Forbidding unceremonious entry into others' houses, requiring permission. 9- Instructing both men and women to lower their gaze and avoid unnecessary glances. 10- Enjoining women to cover their heads and conceal themselves in the presence of non-mahram men. 11- Forbidding women from appearing beautified before non-mahram men. 12- Encouraging modest dressing and discouraging jingling ornaments when going out. 13- Promoting marriage, even for slaves, as it prevents indecency. 14- Discouraging the institution of slavery and encouraging financial help to slaves for earning their freedom. 15- Forbidding prostitution by slave girls, implying the legal prohibition of prostitution altogether. 16- Emphasising the sanctity of privacy in homes for all, including servants and under-age children. 17- Granting concessions to old women while encouraging them to continue keeping themselves covered. 18- Allowing the blind, lame, crippled, and sick to take food without permission as an exception. 19- Encouraging mutual relationships by sharing meals and fostering genuine connections between Muslims. Throughout these instructions, signs of the believers and hypocrites were highlighted, aiming to strengthen the community and discourage mischief. The discourse maintains a calm, wise, and generous approach, devoid of bitterness, in response to the provocation, serving as evidence of divine guidance beyond human emotions.
