Surah 33: The Confederates - Overview

Introduction

The series of mystic Surahs beginning with Surah 26 having been closed with the last Surah, we now come back to the hard facts of this life. Two questions are mainly considered here, viz., 

1. the attempt by violence and brute force to crush the truth, and
2. the attempt by slander or unseemly conduct, to poison the relations of women with men.

As regards the first, the story of Al Ahzab or the Confederates, who tried to surround and annihilate the Muslim community in Madinah, is full of underhand intrigues on the part of such diverse enemies as the Pagan Quraysh, the Jews (Banu al Nadir) who had been already expelled from Madinah for their treachery, the Ghatfan tribe of Bedouin Arabs from the interior, and the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayzah in Madinah. This was the unholy Confederacy against Islam. But though they caused a great deal of anxiety and suffering to the beleaguered Muslims, Islam came triumphantly out of the trial and became more firmly established than ever.

The Quraysh in Makkah had tried all sorts of persecution, boycott, insult, and bodily injuries to the Muslims, leading to their partial hijrah to Abyssinia and their Hijrah as a body to Madinah. The first armed conflict between them and the Muslims took place at Badr in Ramadan A.H. 2, when the Quraysh were signally defeated. (See n. 3:32 to 3:13). Next year (Shawwal A.H. 3) they came to take revenge on Madinah. The battle was fought at Uhud, and though the Muslims suffered severely, Madinah was saved and the Makkans had to return to Makkah with their object frustrated.

Then they began to make a network of intrigues and alliances, and besieged Madinah with a force of 10,000 men in Shawwal and Dhu al Qa'dah A.H. 5. This is the siege of the Confederates referred to in 33:9-27, which lasted over two weeks: some accounts give 27 days. It caused much suffering, from hunger, cold, an unceasing shower of arrows, and constant general or concentrated assaults.

But it ended in the discomfiture of the Confederates, and established Islam firmer than ever. It was a well-organized and formidable attack, but the Muslims had made preparation to meet it. One of the preparations, which took the enemy by surprise, was the Trench (Khandaq) dug round Madinah by the Prophet's order and under the supervision of Salam the Persian. The siege and battle are therefore known as the Battle of the Trench or the Battle of the Confederates.

As regards the position and dignity of the ladies of the Prophet's Household and the Muslim women generally, salutary principles are laid down to safeguard their homes and protect them from slander and insult. The ladies of the Household interested themselves in social work and work of instruction for the Muslim women, and Muslim women were being trained more and more in community service.

Two of them (the two Zaynabs) devoted themselves to the poor. The nursing of the wounded on or by the battlefield was specially necessary in those days of warfare. The Prophet's daughter Fatima, then aged about 19 to 20, lovingly nursed her father's wounds at Uhud (A.H. 3); Rufaydah nursed Sa'd iibn Mu'adh's wounds at the Siege of Madinah by the Confederates (A.H. 5): and in the Khaybar expedition (A.H. 7) Muslim wome went out from Madinah for nursing service.

A portion of this Surah sums up the lessons of the Battle of the Trench and must have been revealed some time after that Battle (Shawwal A.H. 5). The marriage with Zaynab referred to in verse 37 also took place in the same year. Some portions (e.g., verse 27, see n. 3705) were probably revealed in A.H. 7 after the Khaybar settlement.

Summary

1- The pagan customs in human relationships should be abandoned, and men and women should be held in honor according to natural relationships and spiritual positions. (33:1-8)

The Guide [33:1-8]The issue of all things depends on God alone: we must put our trust on Him as the Guardian of all things, both great and small; call things by their right names. If false relationships by custom or superstition do harm to men or women, shun them. The spiritual Guide is more than Father; the ladies of his household are Mothers to the Believers--in rank, dignity, and duty. The Guide will have to give an account in the Hereafter, and how the Truth was received which he was charged to proclaim to men.

2- The Battle of the Trench and its lessons; hypocrites and their fears: Truth and noble examples to be followed. (33:9-27)

Saving Grace [33:9-27] When the formidable forces of a whole Confederacy bent on destroying Islam burst upon Madinah, it was God's grace that saved the Muslims. The enemies and the Hypocrites did their best to defeat the purpose of God, but they were foiled. In the Prophet was found the ideal Leader for the men of God, who became heirs to the heritage: misused by enemies to Faith and the Laws of God.

3- High position and seemly conduct for the Prophet's wives; unhappy marriages (like Zaynab's) not to be perpetuated on false scruples; Prophet's wives to be treated kindly and gently. (33:28-52)

Household of the Prophet [33:28-52] The Prophet's Household is not for worldly ends; his consorts have a place and dignity beyond ordinary women they must recite and proclaim the Signs of God. For women have spiritual virtues and duties like unto men. God decrees, no unhappy wedlock: fear not to dissolve such and provide what is right and fitting for the service of God. High is the Prophet's positions, and he must order his household as best befits his work and duties. God doth watch all things.

4- Respect due to Prophet and his family; slander to be avoided and punished; guard your words and your responsibilities. (33:53-73)

Upholding Dignity [33:53-73] Believers should cultivate refined respect in social and spiritual life. And the Mothers of the Faithful have to uphold their dignity. So should all women protect their honor and uphold their dignity. The Hour will come when all Evil will be punished. Fear God, and always speak the word that leads to Right. Arduous is the Quest of Mankind's high and noble Destiny--beyond the reach of other creatures: let man but strive in Faith, and fulfill God's Trust--by the grace and mercy of God.