Who wrote Surah 60: Al-Mumtahanah (She that is to be examined)?

Traditional belief holds it was revealed to Muhammad. Critical scholarship attributes it to the early Muslim community, potentially involving later redaction.

Is it historically reliable?

The text reflects the political and social concerns of early Medinan Islam. While specific historical details are debated, it aligns with known events of the period.

Why is the surah titled She that is to be examined?

The title refers to the instruction to examine the faith of believing women who migrate to Medina before accepting them into the community.

How does the text view family loyalty?

It prioritizes religious allegiance over blood ties, prohibiting alliances with hostile kin while maintaining basic human rights for family members.

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Islam

Surah 60: Al-Mumtahanah — She that is to be examined

الممتحنة

Medinan period, c. 624-630 CE; specific year disputed.1 chapter

About this book

Surah Al-Mumtahanah addresses the theological and ethical boundaries of alliance between believers and non-believers during the Medinan period.

Located in the Medinan corpus of the Qur'an, this surah is most known for its strict directives regarding social and political alliances with those who have opposed the early Muslim community. It opens by prohibiting believers from taking enemies of the Prophet as allies, a stance grounded in the belief that such groups actively seek to undermine the truth (Pickthall 1930, 60:1-2). The text further clarifies that kinship ties offer no protection against divine judgment on the Day of Resurrection, emphasizing that Allah alone is the ultimate arbiter of justice (Pickthall 1930, 60:3).

Read this if — You're interested in the historical development of Islamic concepts of enmity and alliance in the early Medinan context.

Background & dating

Surah 60 emerges from a critical juncture in early Islamic history, where the Muslim community in Medina sought to solidify its political identity. Following the migration from Mecca, believers faced intense pressure to maintain ties with former kin who opposed the new faith. This chapter establishes a theological boundary, asserting that loyalty to God supersedes tribal affiliation. It explicitly forbids alliances with those actively hostile to the Muslim polity, framing such relationships as a betrayal of divine trust. The text responds to specific incidents, such as the espionage of Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah, grounding legal rulings in immediate historical crises.

The text also addresses the complex status of women who migrated from Mecca to Medina. It introduces a protocol for examining their faith before accepting them as part of the community, distinguishing them from those who may return to their husbands. This legal provision highlights the practical challenges of managing refugees and intermarriage during wartime. By regulating these social interactions, the surah reinforces the cohesion of the nascent state. It ensures that migration remains a spiritual commitment rather than merely a political defection.

Ultimately, the chapter balances strict political boundaries with humanitarian considerations. While it prohibits taking enemies as allies, it permits lawful marriage with chaste believing women from other groups. This nuanced approach reflects the community's struggle to navigate survival amidst conflict. Scholars view these regulations as foundational to the development of Islamic jurisprudence regarding international relations and family law. The surah illustrates how religious law adapts to the exigencies of state-building in the seventh century.

Dating

Most scholars classify this surah as Medinan, composed after the Hijra. While traditional sources often link it to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, critical scholarship notes internal evidence suggests a range between 624 and 630 CE. The precise chronological ordering within the Medinan corpus remains a subject of academic debate.

Authorship

Traditional Islam ascribes the text to divine revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad. Critical scholarship views the Quran as a composite text compiled after Muhammad's death, though most agree Surah 60 reflects early Medinan community concerns. There is no evidence of later pseudonymity, but redactional layers are possible.

Setting

The text addresses the political tensions between the Medinan Muslims and the Meccan Quraysh. It regulates alliances, migration, and the status of women seeking refuge. It reflects a community defining its boundaries against hostile neighbors while managing internal loyalty.

Genre

Medinan legal-exhortatory discourse.

Frequently asked

When was Surah 60: Al-Mumtahanah (She that is to be examined) written?: Scholars date the composition to the Medinan period, generally between 624 and 630 CE. Traditional sources often associate it with the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
Who wrote Surah 60: Al-Mumtahanah (She that is to be examined)?: Traditional belief holds it was revealed to Muhammad. Critical scholarship attributes it to the early Muslim community, potentially involving later redaction.
Is it historically reliable?: The text reflects the political and social concerns of early Medinan Islam. While specific historical details are debated, it aligns with known events of the period.
Why is the surah titled She that is to be examined?: The title refers to the instruction to examine the faith of believing women who migrate to Medina before accepting them into the community.
How does the text view family loyalty?: It prioritizes religious allegiance over blood ties, prohibiting alliances with hostile kin while maintaining basic human rights for family members.

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