Explore Surah 33: Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) with a clear English translation and insightful comments. Uncover its lessons on faith, trials, the Prophet’s role, family ethics, and the believers’ unity during hardship, presented in simple and reflective language.
Surah 33: Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)
Introduction
Surah Al-Ahzab is the 33rd chapter of the Holy Qur’an and was revealed in Madinah. It contains 73 verses and addresses a variety of important themes related to social conduct, family laws, the Prophet Muhammad’s status, and the historical event of the Battle of the Confederates (also known as the Battle of the Trench). The Surah is named after the confederate tribes who gathered against the Muslims in Madinah during that battle, forming a large alliance that ultimately failed due to divine intervention and the believers’ patience.
This Surah sets clear boundaries for Muslim society in terms of respect for the Prophet, treatment of his wives, rules of modesty, and family responsibilities. It emphasizes the need for obedience to Allah and His Messenger and reminds believers that Allah alone has full control over all matters. One of the key points is that Prophet Muhammad is not the biological father of any man but is the final Messenger of Allah, and his example is the ultimate model for all believers.
The chapter also addresses the hypocrites and disbelievers who tried to undermine the Muslim community and warns them of a severe punishment. At the same time, it gives glad tidings to the believers who remain loyal and patient. The Surah ends by highlighting the great trust that human beings accepted from Allah—moral and spiritual responsibility—which even the heavens, the earth, and the mountains declined out of fear. This powerful conclusion reminds us of the weight of human accountability before Allah. 0 0 0
Surah 33: Al-Ahzab (The Confederates): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. O Prophet, be mindful of Allah and do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
2. And follow what is revealed to you from your Lord. Surely Allah is fully aware of what you do.
3. And put your trust in Allah. Allah is enough as a Guardian.
4. Allah has not placed two hearts in any man’s chest. Nor has He made your wives, whom you call your mothers, your real mothers. Nor has He made your adopted sons your real sons. These are only words you say with your mouths. But Allah speaks the truth and He guides to the right path.
5. Call them by their real fathers’ names. That is more just in the sight of Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brothers in faith and your close companions. There is no blame on you for mistakes, but only for what your hearts truly intend. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
6. The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood relatives are more entitled to inheritance from one another than the believers and the emigrants, as stated in Allah’s Book—unless you wish to show kindness to your close companions. This is written in the Book.
7. And remember when We took a strong promise from the prophets—from you (O Muhammad), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary. We took a solemn covenant from all of them.
8. So that He may question the truthful about their truthfulness. And He has prepared a painful punishment for the disbelievers.
9. O believers! Remember Allah’s favor upon you when armies came against you, and We sent against them a wind and forces you could not see. And Allah is Ever-Watchful of what you do.
10. When they came at you from above and below, and when your eyes grew wild, and your hearts reached your throats, and you began to think various thoughts about Allah,
11. That was the time when the believers were tested, and shaken with a severe shaking.
12. And when the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts said, ‘Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion.’
13. And when a group of them said, ‘O people of Yathrib! There is no point in staying here, so go back!’ Another group asked the Prophet for permission to leave, saying, ‘Our homes are exposed,’ though they were not truly in danger. They only wanted to run away.
14. And if the enemy had entered from all sides and they were asked to join in the fighting, they would have done so with little hesitation.
15. Yet they had already made a covenant with Allah not to turn back in retreat. And a promise to Allah must be answered for.
16. Say, ‘Running away will not benefit you if you try to escape from death or killing. Even if you escape, you will only enjoy life for a little while.’
17. Say, ‘Who can protect you from Allah if He wants to harm you, or show you mercy?’ They will find no protector or helper besides Allah.
18. Allah already knows those among you who try to discourage others and say to their brothers, ‘Come and stay with us,’ and they hardly join the battle.
19. They are stingy with you. But when fear comes, you see them looking at you with eyes rolling like someone fainting from death. But when the fear is gone, they attack you with sharp tongues and are greedy for the spoils of war. They have never truly believed, so Allah made their actions worthless. That is easy for Allah.
20. They think the enemy alliance has not yet left. And if the allies come again, they would wish they were in the desert among the Bedouins, asking for news about you. And if they were with you, they would hardly fight at all.
21. Surely, the Messenger of Allah is a perfect example for anyone who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.
22. When the believers saw the enemy alliance, they said, ‘This is what Allah and His Messenger promised us. Allah and His Messenger were truthful.’ And this only increased them in faith and submission.
23. Among the believers are men who have been true to what they pledged to Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow, and some are still waiting. And they never changed their commitment in the least.
24. Allah will reward the truthful for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He wills—or turn to them in mercy. Surely, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
25. And Allah drove back the disbelievers in their rage, and they gained nothing. Allah spared the believers from fighting. Truly, Allah is Strong, Almighty.
26. And He brought down those among the People of the Book who supported the enemy from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. You killed some and captured others.
27. And He made you inherit their land, homes, wealth, and a land you had never set foot on. And Allah has power over all things.
28. O Prophet, say to your wives, ‘If you desire the life of this world and its beauty, then come—I will provide for you and let you go in a graceful way.
29. But if you desire Allah, His Messenger, and the life of the Hereafter, then surely Allah has prepared a great reward for those of you who do good.’
30. O wives of the Prophet! If any of you commits a clear sin, her punishment will be doubled. That is easy for Allah.
31. But if any of you devoutly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does good, We will give her double the reward, and We have prepared for her a generous provision.
32. O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you remain mindful of Allah, then do not be soft in speech, so that the one with disease in his heart does not become hopeful. Speak in a proper and respectful way.
33. And stay in your homes, and do not display yourselves as women did in the times of ignorance. Establish prayer, give charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah only intends to remove all impurity from you, O people of the Prophet’s household, and to purify you completely.
34. And remember what is recited in your homes of the revelations of Allah and the wisdom. Truly, Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware.
35. Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their modesty and the women who do the same, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who remember Him—Allah has prepared for all of them forgiveness and a great reward.
36. It is not for a believing man or a believing woman—when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter—to have any choice in their decision. Whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone far astray.
37. And when you said to the one whom Allah had blessed and you had favored, ‘Keep your wife and fear Allah,’ you were hiding in your heart what Allah was going to reveal. And you were afraid of the people, though it is more fitting to fear Allah. So when Zayd ended his relationship with her, We married her to you, so that there would be no blame on the believers concerning the wives of their adopted sons once the relationship is ended. Allah’s command is always carried out.
38. There is no blame on the Prophet for doing what Allah has made lawful for him. That is the way of Allah with those who came before. Allah’s command is always a fixed decree.
39. Those who deliver Allah’s message and fear Him and fear no one but Allah—Allah is enough to take account.
40. Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets. And Allah is fully aware of everything.
41. O believers! Remember Allah often,
42. And glorify Him morning and evening.
43. He is the One who sends blessings upon you—and His angels do the same—to bring you out from darkness into light. And He is ever Merciful to the believers.
44. Their greeting on the Day they meet Him will be, ‘Peace.’ And He has prepared for them a generous reward.
45. O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of good news, and a warner,
46. And as one who calls to Allah by His permission, and as a guiding light.
47. And give the believers the good news that they will have a great reward from Allah.
48. Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Ignore their harm, and put your trust in Allah. Allah is enough as a Protector.
49. O believers! If you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, you are not required to observe a waiting period. So give them a suitable gift and let them go in a gracious way.
50. O Prophet! We have made lawful for you your wives to whom you have given their dowries, those your right hand possesses from the spoils of war, the daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts, the daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts who emigrated with you, and any believing woman who gives herself to the Prophet, if the Prophet wishes to marry her. This is only for you, and not for the rest of the believers. We know what We have made obligatory for them regarding their wives and those their right hands possess, so that there will be no difficulty for you. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
51. You may delay whoever you wish of your wives and bring near to you whomever you wish. And if you invite any of them after having set them aside, there is no blame on you. That is more likely to comfort their hearts, not cause them sadness, and make them all content with what you give them. Allah knows what is in your hearts, and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
52. After this, it is not lawful for you to marry other women, nor to exchange your current wives for other women, even if their beauty impresses you—except those your right hand possesses. And Allah is Watchful over all things.
53. O believers! Do not enter the Prophet’s homes unless you are invited for a meal, and do not come too early, waiting for it to be prepared. But when you are invited, then enter. And when you have eaten, then leave, without lingering for conversation. That would bother the Prophet, though he is too shy to say anything. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask his wives for anything, ask them from behind a screen. That is purer for your hearts and theirs. It is not right for you to offend the Messenger of Allah, nor to ever marry his wives after him. That would be a terrible sin in the sight of Allah.
54. Whether you reveal something or keep it hidden, Allah is fully aware of everything.
55. There is no blame on the Prophet’s wives to appear unveiled before their fathers, their sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, or those their right hands possess. And be mindful of Allah. Surely, Allah is a Witness over all things.
56. Surely, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O believers! Send blessings upon him and greet him with peace and honor.
57. Surely those who offend Allah and His Messenger—Allah has cursed them in this world and the Hereafter and has prepared for them a humiliating punishment.
58. And those who hurt believing men and women without them doing anything wrong—they bear the guilt of slander and a clear sin.
59. O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to draw their outer garments over themselves. That is better so they may be recognized and not harassed. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
60. If the hypocrites, those with disease in their hearts, and those who spread lies in Madinah do not stop, We will surely make you overpower them. Then they will not remain your neighbors there except for a short while.
61. They will be cursed. Wherever they are found, they will be seized and killed without mercy.
62. This is the way of Allah with those who passed before you. And you will find no change in the way of Allah.
63. People ask you about the Hour (Doomsday). Say, ‘Knowledge of it is only with Allah. And what will make you realize? The Hour may be near.’
64. Surely, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a blazing Fire,
65. To live in forever, never finding any protector or helper.
66. On the Day their faces will be turned in the Fire, they will say, ‘How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!’
67. And they will say, ‘Our Lord! We followed our leaders and elders, and they led us astray from the path.’
68. ‘Our Lord! Give them double the punishment and curse them with a mighty curse.’
69. O believers! Do not be like those who hurt Musa. But Allah cleared him of what they accused him of. And he was honorable in the sight of Allah.
70. O believers! Be mindful of Allah and speak words that are right and true.
71. He will correct your deeds and forgive your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has truly achieved a great success.
72. We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it and were afraid of it. Yet the human being took it on. Truly, he is unjust and ignorant.
73. So that Allah may punish the hypocritical men and women, the polytheistic men and women, and accept the repentance of the believing men and women. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-Ahzab is a deeply instructive and powerful chapter that weaves together themes of faith, discipline, leadership, family, and societal order. It serves both as a historical reflection and a practical guide for the Muslim community. The Surah highlights the intensity of the Battle of the Confederates, not only as a military challenge but as a test of faith, unity, and trust in Allah. It reminds believers that victory does not depend on numbers or strength, but on reliance upon Allah and sincerity of intention.
A significant part of the Surah Al-Ahzab is dedicated to clarifying the special status of the Prophet Muhammad—not just as a leader but as the final messenger and the best example for all believers. It teaches the community how to interact with him and his family, and how to uphold modesty, respect, and ethical boundaries. The commands related to the Prophet’s household also illustrate the importance of personal integrity and public responsibility.
The Surah Al-Ahzab is also notable for its repeated focus on the inner qualities that define true believers: sincerity, truthfulness, patience, humility, remembrance of Allah, and obedience. In contrast, it exposes the attitudes of the hypocrites and warns against following their path. It gives voice to the reality that religious life is not only personal worship, but a comprehensive way of living that affects how people relate to leaders, family, community, and even enemies.
One of the most profound aspects of this Surah Al-Ahzab is its closing message about the “Trust” offered by Allah to all of creation—something so weighty that even the mountains were afraid to bear it, yet human beings accepted it. This reflects our responsibility as moral and spiritual beings, entrusted with free will, accountability, and the capacity to follow divine guidance.
In summary, Surah Al-Ahzab is a chapter of moral strength and social clarity. It reminds every believer to honor their commitments, respect divine limits, and hold fast to faith during trials. It builds the foundation for a just and disciplined society rooted in submission to Allah. 0 0 0
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Al-Ahzab (The Confederates): Additional Data
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-Ahzab
Q1. What is Surah Al-Ahzab about?
Surah Al-Ahzab is about the Battle of the Confederates, the trials faced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the steadfastness of the believers. Surah Al-Ahzab highlights the importance of obedience to Allah, loyalty to the Prophet, and the values of unity and moral conduct.
Q2. Why is it called Surah Al-Ahzab?
It is called Surah Al-Ahzab because it refers to the alliance of tribes, known as Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), who united against the Muslims during the famous battle. Surah Al-Ahzab reminds believers that despite overwhelming opposition, Allah’s help ensured victory for the faithful.
Q3. What are the main themes of Surah Al-Ahzab?
The main themes of Surah Al-Ahzab include faith under trial, trust in Allah, the dignity of the Prophet and his household, rules of modesty, and the importance of community solidarity. Surah Al-Ahzab also emphasizes that Allah’s decree cannot be resisted, and believers must show patience and obedience.
Q4. What guidance does Surah Al-Ahzab give about the Prophet’s family?
Surah Al-Ahzab guides the status and respect of the Prophet’s family, especially his wives, who are called the Mothers of the Believers. Surah Al-Ahzab emphasizes modesty, respect, and responsibility within the household, serving as a model for all Muslims.
Q5. What is the significance of Surah Al-Ahzab for Muslims today?
Surah Al-Ahzab remains significant for Muslims today as it teaches resilience during hardship, the importance of modesty and social ethics, and the necessity of trusting Allah’s plan. Surah Al-Ahzab also reminds believers to uphold unity, respect leadership, and maintain strong faith in times of trial.
The Echo of Surah Al-Ahzab
When fear surrounded and the winds blew wild,
Surah Al-Ahzab recalls the faithful, tried.
The armies gathered, the hearts grew tight,
Yet Allah’s promise turned dark to light.
The Prophet stood as a beacon clear,
Surah Al-Ahzab makes his mission dear.
His family honored, his guidance pure,
A trust for believers to always endure.
The veil was lifted, the rules made plain,
Surah Al-Ahzab teaches modesty’s gain.
The Mothers of Believers, a model true,
For women and men in all they pursue.
The confederates fled, their power undone,
Surah Al-Ahzab shows victory won.
Faith, obedience, patience combined,
A fortress of trust for all mankind.
Through trial and struggle, the truth shall last,
Surah Al-Ahzab reminds of the past.
In unity, courage, and trust we find,
The path of salvation for all humankind. 0 0 0
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