Explore Surah 59: Al-Hashr (The Gathering) with English translation and comments. Learn its lessons on justice, unity, charity, and the remembrance of Allah.
Surah 59: (Al-Hashr – The Gathering)
Introduction
Surah Al-Hashr is the 59th chapter of the Qur’an and contains 24 verses. It was revealed in Madinah after the Muslims had grown stronger and had established the Islamic community. The surah gets its name Al-Hashr, meaning The Gathering, from the event of the expulsion of a Jewish tribe called Banu Nadir from Madinah. This “gathering” refers to the way they were forced to leave their homes and gather for exile. The surah deals with several themes: the power and wisdom of Allah, the consequences for those who oppose Him and His Messenger, the rules of distributing war gains, the qualities of sincere believers, the hypocrisy of false allies, and finally, the greatness of Allah through His beautiful names and attributes.
The chapter begins and ends with the reminder that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah. In the middle, it gives a detailed example of how Allah’s will is carried out in history—how arrogant enemies are brought down without a single battle, and how hypocrites are exposed. It teaches believers to be united, to avoid greed, to remember Allah always, and to prepare for the Hereafter. 0 0 0
Surah 59: (Al-Hashr (The Gathering): Text
In the name of Alalh, the Most Gracious, they Most Merciful.
1 Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
2 It is He who drove out the disbelievers from the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think they would leave, and they thought their fortresses would protect them from Allah. But Allah came upon them from where they did not expect, and He cast fear into their hearts. They destroyed their own houses with their own hands and with the hands of the believers. So take a lesson from this, O people of insight.
3 If Allah had not decreed exile for them, He would have punished them in this world. And in the Hereafter they will have the punishment of the Fire.
4 This is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah—then surely Allah is severe in punishment.
5 Whatever palm trees you cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by Allah’s permission, so that He may disgrace the defiantly disobedient.
6 Whatever spoils (booty after a battle) Allah gave to His Messenger from them, you did not have to spur any horses or camels for it. But Allah gives authority to His Messengers over whom He wills. And Allah is able to do all things.
7 Whatever spoils Allah gave to His Messenger from the people of the towns—it is for Allah, the Messenger, the near relatives, the orphans, the needy, and the traveler—so that it does not merely circulate among the rich among you. Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you from, avoid it. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is severe in punishment.
8 It is for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their wealth, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure, and who help Allah and His Messenger. It is they who are the truthful ones.
9 And those who were settled in the city and adopted faith before them love those who came to them in exile. They find no desire in their hearts for what was given to those others, but rather prefer them over themselves, even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the greed of his soul—it is they who will be successful.
10 And those who came after them say, “Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not allow any hatred in our hearts toward those who believe. Our Lord, You are truly Kind and Merciful.”
11 Have you not seen the hypocrites who say to their fellow disbelievers from the People of the Book, “If you are expelled, we will certainly go out with you, and we will never obey anyone against you, and if you are fought against, we will help you.” But Allah bears witness that they are indeed liars.
12 If they are expelled, they will not go out with them, and if they are fought against, they will not help them. And if they do help them, they will turn their backs and flee, and then they will not be helped.
13 You have more fear in their hearts than of Allah. That is because they are a people who do not understand.
14 They will not fight you all together except in fortified towns or from behind walls. Their hostility toward each other is severe. You think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who do not reason.
15 They are like those who just before them tasted the evil result of their deeds. And they will have a painful punishment.
16 They are like Satan when he says to man, “Disbelieve,” but when he disbelieves, he says, “I am free of you; indeed, I fear Allah, the Lord of all worlds.”
17 So their end will be that they will both be in the Fire, staying there forever. That is the reward of the wrongdoers.
18 O you who believe, fear Allah, and let every soul look to what it has sent ahead for tomorrow. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is aware of what you do.
19 And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. It is they who are the defiantly disobedient.
20 Not equal are the people of the Fire and the people of Paradise. The people of Paradise are the successful.
21 If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and torn apart out of fear of Allah. These are examples We present to people so that they may reflect.
22 He is Allah—there is no god but Him, Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
23 He is Allah—there is no god but Him, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Source of Peace, the Giver of Security, the Overseer, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah above whatever they associate with Him.
24 He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. 0 0 0
You May Like: Surah 55: Ar-Rahman
Comment
Surah Al-Hashr is not just about one historical event; it is a lesson in how Allah manages the affairs of the world with perfect justice. The exile of Banu Nadir is shown as a direct result of their treachery, proving that strength, wealth, and fortresses are useless against Allah’s plan. The surah warns the hypocrites that their empty promises cannot save anyone and that their fear of people is greater than their fear of Allah—a sign of weak faith.
For believers, this surah is a reminder to love and support each other, as seen in the example of the Ansar (the people of Madinah) who welcomed the emigrants from Makkah and preferred them over themselves even in hardship. It teaches the importance of controlling selfishness, as greed is one of the biggest spiritual diseases. The closing verses are a powerful call to reflect on Allah’s greatness—His perfect names, His unmatched power, and His knowledge of all things—so that the heart remains humble and obedient.
Overall, Surah Al-Hashr is like a mirror: it shows the destiny of the arrogant, the deceit of the hypocrites, and the honor of the sincere believers. It begins and ends with Allah’s glory, making it clear that success lies only in obeying Him completely. 0 0 0
10 Detailed FAQs on Surah Al-Hashr
Q: What is Surah Al-Hashr about?
A: Surah Al-Hashr deals with the expulsion of a Jewish tribe (Banu Nadir) from Madinah, teaching Muslims about justice, discipline, and the consequences of betrayal. It also emphasizes charity, unity among believers, and ends with powerful verses describing Allah’s beautiful names and attributes.
Q: Why is Surah Al-Hashr called “The Gathering”?
A: The name “Al-Hashr” (The Gathering) refers to the gathering and banishment of the Banu Nadir tribe, as well as the greater gathering on the Day of Judgment. This dual meaning highlights both historical and spiritual lessons of accountability.
Q: How many verses are in Surah Al-Hashr and where was it revealed?
A: Surah Al-Hashr consists of 24 verses and was revealed in Madinah. Being a Madinan Surah, it addresses the Muslim community, focusing on justice, unity, and moral conduct in society.
Q: What does Surah Al-Hashr teach about betrayal and hypocrisy?
A: Surah Al-Hashr exposes the hypocrisy of certain groups who betrayed agreements with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It warns against false promises, disloyalty, and placing worldly gain above faith, showing that such behavior leads to disgrace in this world and punishment in the Hereafter.
Q: How does Surah Al-Hashr guide Muslims in matters of charity?
A: Surah Al-Hashr introduces the concept of fay (spoils without battle), which should be used for the welfare of the poor, orphans, travelers, and the needy. It stresses that wealth should not circulate only among the rich, teaching Muslims to prioritize fairness, generosity, and social welfare.
Q: What does Surah Al-Hashr say about the unity of believers?
A: Surah Al-Hashr emphasizes that true believers must love and support each other, sharing what they have and putting the needs of others before themselves. The Ansar of Madinah are praised for their selflessness toward the Muhajirun, serving as a timeless example of Islamic brotherhood.
Q: How does Surah Al-Hashr describe the hypocrites and their allies?
A: The Surah describes hypocrites as people who make promises they cannot fulfill, encouraging others to rebel but abandoning them in times of difficulty. This highlights the emptiness of worldly alliances not rooted in faith and warns believers to avoid such deception.
Q: What lessons does Surah Al-Hashr give about the Qur’an?
A: Surah Al-Hashr mentions that if the Qur’an were revealed to a mountain, it would crumble out of fear of Allah. This metaphor demonstrates the immense power, seriousness, and divine majesty of the Qur’an, reminding believers to approach it with humility and reflection.
Q: Why are Allah’s names and attributes emphasized in Surah Al-Hashr?
A: The final verses of Surah Al-Hashr list several of Allah’s beautiful names (Asma-ul-Husna), such as Al-Malik (The Sovereign), Al-Quddus (The Pure), and Al-Aziz (The Mighty). This emphasizes His greatness, perfection, and mercy, encouraging believers to remember Him constantly and worship Him sincerely.
Q: How can Surah Al-Hashr guide Muslims in daily life today?
A: Surah Al-Hashr teaches Muslims to value justice, honesty, and unity in society. It reminds them to avoid betrayal, use wealth responsibly, care for the needy, and keep strong faith in Allah. Its closing verses inspire constant remembrance of Allah and living life with humility, compassion, and sincerity. 0 0 0
