Sūrat al-Hashr

Sūrah No. 59, Revealed in Madīnah, 24 verses. The name of the Sūrah is derived from the second verse which talks about the banishment of the Banu Nadir from Madīnah.

The Sūrah is one of the Musabbihāt, Sūrahs which begin with the glorification of Allah. These include al-Isrā (No 17), al-Hadīd (No 57), al-Hashr (No 59), al-Saff (No 61), al-Jumu‘ah (No 62) and al-A‘lā (No.87).

Sūrat al-Hashr both begins and ends with the glorification of Allah Y, and the last three verses of this Sūrah contain seventeen attributes of the Divine.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrat al-Hashr, all of Paradise and Hell, the ‘Arsh, the Kursī, the Hijāb, the seven heavens and the seven earths, the insects, the winds, the birds, the trees, the living creatures, the sun, the moon, and the angels, all send blessings on him and seek forgiveness for him, and if he dies that day or that night he dies as a martyr. The Holy Prophet a.

Note: Such a great reward is given to one whose recitation leads to reflection and application of the Sūrah in life.

General synopsis of contents

1) Glorification of Allah Y (v. 1 and 24)

2) The Muslims and the Banu Nadir (vv. 2-10)

3) The hypocrites of Madīna (vv. 11-17)

4) General warnings and advice (vv. 18-21)

5) Beautiful names of Allah Y (vv. 22-24)

Important Messages

1) Those who think they are invincible can sometimes destroy themselves with their own hands. (v.  2)

2) Shaytān tells the human being to disbelieve but then disassociates from him. (v. 16)

3) Those who forsake Allah Y, forsake their own souls. (v. 19)

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 59:9 Whoever is preserved from the niggardliness of his soul, it is they who are the successful ones.

2) 59:10 Our Lord! Forgive us and those of our brethren who had precedence of us in faith, and do not allow any spite to remain in our hearts towards those who believe, our Lord! Surely You are Kind, Merciful.

3) 59:18 O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow and be wary of Allah. Allah is indeed fully aware of what you do.

4) 59:21 Had We sent down this Qur’ān upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled [and] go to pieces with the fear of Allah.

Activities for self-study

1) Reflect on verse 21. What does it tell you about the Quran? Write about the verse or illustrate it. Connect it with other verses or hadith about the Quran.

2) List the qualities of Allah Y mentioned in verses 22-24. Memorize these verses and recite them often. These verses are said to contain the Greatest name of Allah (Ism al-A‘zam) and many hadith

emphasize the merits of reciting them often.