Sūrat al-Mumtahanah

Sūrah No. 60, Revealed in Madīnah, 13 verses.

The Sūrah is called al-Mumtahanah because of verse 10 which tells the Prophet a to test the women who left their families and migrated from Makkah to Madīnah.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrat al-Mumtahanah the believing men and believing women will intercede for him on the Day of Judgment. The Holy Prophet a

Whoever recites Sūrat al-Mumtahanah in obligatory and recommended prayers, Allah will make his heart pure and receptive for faith, and illuminate his sight, he will not see poverty in life and he and his children will never be afflicted with insanity. Imam Ali Zaynul ‘Ābidīn (a).

Note: These rewards are not just for mindless recitation, rather a recitation that is based on faith and a desire to follow its teachings.

General synopsis of contents

The Sūrah has two main components:

1) The concept of love and dislike for the sake of Allah Y. The verses prohibit believers from close friendship with those who reject Allah and harbor enmity against Islam. This section draws upon the example of Prophet Ibrāhīm (a). (vv. 1-9)

2) The women who immigrated to Madīnah and the pledge they gave the Prophet a. (vv. 10-12)

Important Messages

1) Do not take the enemies of Allah as friends, they are also your enemies. (v. 1)

2) There is an excellent example for believers in Prophet Ibrāhīm (a) and those who believed with him. (v. 4)

3) Allah does not forbid friendship with those who do not believe but do not have enmity against Islam and Muslims. (v. 8)

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 60:4 Our Lord! In You do we put our trust, and to You do we turn penitently, and toward You is the destination.

2) 60:7 It may be that Allah will bring about affection between you and those with whom you are at enmity, and Allah is all-powerful, and Allah is all-forgiving, all-merciful.

Activities for self-study

1) What are the potential effects of friendship between believers and the enemies of Islam? See verses 2, 9 and 13.

2) What are the different parts of the pledge taken from the women who migrated to Madīnah? See verse 12.