Sūrah No. 48. Revealed when the Holy Prophet a was traveling to Madīnah from Makkah after the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, 29 verses.
Sūrat al-Fath
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
When the Muslims were returning from Makkah after being denied permission to enter to perform Umra, they were filled with sadness. At this time the first Āyat of the Sūrah was revealed. The Prophet a was filled with happiness. He said to his companions: An Āyat has been revealed to me that is dearer to me than the entire world.
The Holy Prophet a has said: Whoever recites it [Sūrat al-Fath] will be as though he was with those who pledged allegiance to Muhammad under the tree.
According to Āyatullāh Nasir Makārim Shirazi in Tafsīr Namūneh the verses of this Sūrah are inspiring and transforming, especially in the face of the issues facing Muslim societies today.
General synopsis of contents
1) The good news of success given to the Prophet a, both immediate and in future.
2) Coming down of tranquility to the hearts of believers to strengthen their faith.
3) A discussion on the role of the Prophet a.
4) Description of the hypocrites; their false excuses and their unreasonable demands.
5) Qualities of those who follow the path of Rasūlullāh a
6) The analogy of believers to a plant that continues to grow firm.
Selected Lessons
1) Success can come disguised as defeat.
2) All control of events and circumstances belongs only to Allah.
3) Allah strengthens the faithful to make them reach higher levels of faith.
4) Believers are always progressing and growing.
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 48:7 – To Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is all-Mighty, all-Wise.
2) 48:28 – It is He who has sent His Apostle with guidance and the true religion that He may make it prevail over all religions, and Allah suffices as witness
Activities for self-study
Read the last verse of the Sūrah. What are the qualities of those who follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad a? What are the stages of growth described in the analogy? Illustrate them and compare them to your own progress.