Al-Hashr (ٱلْحَشْر)

Surah Al-Hashr (الْحَشْر) is the 59th chapter of the Quran and is named after the event of "the gathering" or "the exile," which is referenced in 59:2: "It is He who expelled the disbelievers among the People of the Scripture from their homes at the first gathering." The Surah is situated in the 28th Juz (Para) and consists of 24 verses (ayah) divided into 3 Ruku (sections). It follows Surah Al-Mumtahina and precedes Surah Al-Mumtahina. Scholars unanimously agree that Surah Al-Hashr is a Madni Surah, revealed during the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) time in Medina, which was after his Hijrah from Makkah.

The historical context of Surah Al Hashr is such that the revelation of the Surah is intricately linked to a specific event in Islamic history, which was the expulsion of Banu Nadir, a Jewish tribe in Madina. The tribe had broken and violated the treaty made with the Muslims and conspired with the enemy, as a result of which the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslim community laid siege to the Banu Nadir. The tribe reluctantly and finally agreed to leave Medina without resorting to violence. This event is called the 'Banu Nadir Expedition,' which gives the background of this Surah.

٥٩ - ٱلْحَشْر

59 - Al-Hashr

سَبَّحَ لِلہِ مَا فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِي الْاَرْضِ۝۰ۚ وَہُوَالْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيْمُ۝۱
Sabbaha lillahi ma fee alssamawati wama fee alardi wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu

English

Ahmed Ali

WHATEVER IS IN the heavens and the earth sings the praises of God. He is all-mighty and all-wise.

1

ہُوَالَّذِيْۗ اَخْرَجَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْ اَہْلِ الْكِتٰبِ مِنْ دِيَارِہِمْ لِاَوَّلِ الْحَشْرِ۝۰ۭؔ مَا ظَنَنْتُمْ اَنْ يَّخْرُجُوْا وَظَنُّوْۗا اَنَّہُمْ مَّانِعَتُہُمْ حُصُوْنُہُمْ مِّنَ اللہِ فَاَتٰىہُمُ اللہُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَمْ يَحْتَسِبُوْا۝۰ ۤ وَقَذَفَ فِيْ قُلُوْبِہِمُ الرُّعْبَ يُخْرِبُوْنَ بُيُوْتَہُمْ بِاَيْدِيْہِمْ وَاَيْدِي الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ۝۰ۤ فَاعْتَبِرُوْا يٰۗاُولِي الْاَبْصَارِ۝۲
Huwa allathee akhraja allatheena kafaroo min ahli alkitabi min diyarihim liawwali alhashri ma thanantum an yakhrujoo wathannoo annahum maniAAatuhum husoonuhum mina Allahi faatahumu Allahu min haythu lam yahtasiboo waqathafa fee quloobihimu alrruAAba yukhriboona buyootahum biaydeehim waaydee almumineena faiAAtabiroo ya olee alabsari

English

Ahmed Ali

It is He who drove those among the people of the Book who refused to believe, from their homes for the first confrontation. You did not think that they would go away, and they imagined that their forts would protect them against God. But God came upon them from where they did not suspect, and filled their hearts with terror, so that they destroyed their homes with their own hands (or were destroyed) by the hands of believers. So take heed, O men of sight!

2

وَلَوْلَاۗ اَنْ كَتَبَ اللہُ عَلَيْہِمُ الْجَلَاۗءَ لَعَذَّبَہُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا۝۰ۭ وَلَہُمْ فِي الْاٰخِرَۃِ عَذَابُ النَّارِ۝۳
Walawla an kataba Allahu AAalayhimu aljalaa laAAaththabahum fee alddunya walahum fee alakhirati AAathabu alnnari

English

Ahmed Ali

Had God not decreed the expulsion for them He would have punished them in this world, and in the next the punishment of Hell would have been theirs.

3

ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّہُمْ شَاۗقُّوا اللہَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ۝۰ۚ وَمَنْ يُّشَاۗقِّ اللہَ فَاِنَّ اللہَ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَابِ۝۴
Thalika biannahum shaqqoo Allaha warasoolahu waman yushaqqi Allaha fainna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi

English

Ahmed Ali

For they had opposed God and His Apostle; and whosoever opposes God, then God is severe in retribution.

4

مَا قَطَعْتُمْ مِّنْ لِّيْنَۃٍ اَوْ تَرَكْتُمُوْہَا قَاۗىِٕمَۃً عَلٰۗي اُصُوْلِہَا فَبِـاِذْنِ اللہِ وَلِيُخْزِيَ الْفٰسِقِيْنَ۝۵
Ma qataAAtum min leenatin aw taraktumooha qaimatan AAala osooliha fabiithni Allahi waliyukhziya alfasiqeena

English

Ahmed Ali

The palm trees that you cut down or left standing intact was by God's dispensation, so that He might disgrace the transgressors.

5

وَمَاۗ اَفَاۗءَ اللہُ عَلٰي رَسُوْلِہٖ مِنْہُمْ فَمَاۗ اَوْجَفْتُمْ عَلَيْہِ مِنْ خَيْلٍ وَّلَا رِكَابٍ وَّلٰكِنَّ اللہَ يُسَلِّطُ رُسُلَہٗ عَلٰي مَنْ يَّشَاۗءُ۝۰ۭ وَاللہُ عَلٰي كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ۝۶
Wama afaa Allahu AAala rasoolihi minhum fama awjaftum AAalayhi min khaylin wala rikabin walakinna Allaha yusallitu rusulahu AAala man yashao waAllahu AAala kulli shayin qadeerun

English

Ahmed Ali

You did not charge with horse or camel for whatever (spoils) God gave His Apostle from them. In any case, God gives authority to His Apostle over whomsoever He please. God has power over everything.

6

مَاۗ اَفَاۗءَ اللہُ عَلٰي رَسُوْلِہٖ مِنْ اَہْلِ الْقُرٰى فَلِلّٰہِ وَلِلرَّسُوْلِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبٰى وَالْيَـتٰمٰى وَالْمَسٰكِيْنِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيْلِ۝۰ۙ كَيْ لَا يَكُوْنَ دُوْلَۃًۢ بَيْنَ الْاَغْنِيَاۗءِ مِنْكُمْ۝۰ۭ وَمَاۗ اٰتٰىكُمُ الرَّسُوْلُ فَخُذُوْہُ۝۰ۤ وَ مَا نَہٰىكُمْ عَنْہُ فَانْتَہُوْا۝۰ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللہَ۝۰ۭ اِنَّ اللہَ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَابِ۝۷ۘ
Ma afaa Allahu AAala rasoolihi min ahli alqura falillahi walilrrasooli walithee alqurba waalyatama waalmasakeeni waibni alssabeeli kay la yakoona doolatan bayna alaghniyai minkum wama atakumu alrrasoolu fakhuthoohu wama nahakum AAanhu faintahoo waittaqoo Allaha inna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi

English

Ahmed Ali

Whatever booty God gives to His Apostle from the people of the cities, is for God and His Apostle, the near relations, the orphans, the needy and wayfarers, so that it does not concentrate in the hands of those who are rich among you. Accept what the Apostle gives you, and refrain from what he forbids, and take heed for yourself and fear God. Surely God is severe of retribution.

7

لِلْفُقَرَاۗءِ الْمُہٰجِرِيْنَ الَّذِيْنَ اُخْرِجُوْا مِنْ دِيَارِہِمْ وَاَمْوَالِہِمْ يَبْتَغُوْنَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللہِ وَرِضْوَانًا وَّيَنْصُرُوْنَ اللہَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ۝۰ۭ اُولٰۗىِٕكَ ہُمُ الصّٰدِقُوْنَ۝۸ۚ
Lilfuqarai almuhajireena allatheena okhrijoo min diyarihim waamwalihim yabtaghoona fadlan mina Allahi waridwanan wayansuroona Allaha warasoolahu olaika humu alssadiqoona

English

Ahmed Ali

The spoils are also for the poor emigrants who were deprived of their homes and possessions and are seeking the bounty and protection of God, and are helping God and His Apostle. They are the ones who are true of word and deed.

8

وَالَّذِيْنَ تَبَوَّؤُ الدَّارَ وَالْاِيْمَانَ مِنْ قَبْلِہِمْ يُحِبُّوْنَ مَنْ ہَاجَرَ اِلَيْہِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُوْنَ فِيْ صُدُوْرِہِمْ حَاجَۃً مِّمَّاۗ اُوْتُوْا وَيُؤْثِرُوْنَ عَلٰۗي اَنْفُسِہِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِہِمْ خَصَاصَۃٌ۝۰ۭۣ وَمَنْ يُّوْقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِہٖ فَاُولٰۗىِٕكَ ہُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ۝۹ۚ
Waallatheena tabawwaoo alddara waaleemana min qablihim yuhibboona man hajara ilayhim wala yajidoona fee sudoorihim hajatan mimma ootoo wayuthiroona AAala anfusihim walaw kana bihim khasasatun waman yooqa shuhha nafsihi faolaika humu almuflihoona

English

Ahmed Ali

Those who came to the city and to faith before them, love those who take refuge with them, and do not feel for themselves any need for what is given them, and give them preference over themselves even if they are indigent. Whoever preserves himself from his own greed will be prosperous.

9

وَالَّذِيْنَ جَاۗءُوْ مِنْۢ بَعْدِہِمْ يَقُوْلُوْنَ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِاِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِيْنَ سَبَقُوْنَا بِالْاِيْمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِيْ قُلُوْبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا رَبَّنَاۗ اِنَّكَ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيْمٌ۝۱۰ۧ
Waallatheena jaoo min baAAdihim yaqooloona rabbana ighfir lana waliikhwanina allatheena sabaqoona bialeemani wala tajAAal fee quloobina ghillan lillatheena amanoo rabbana innaka raoofun raheemun

English

Ahmed Ali

(And the spoils are for) those who came after them, who say: "O Lord, forgive us and our brothers who came to faith before us, and do not put a grudge in our hearts against those who believe O Lord, You are compassionate and kind."

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-Hashr was revealed in Medina in the 4th year after the Prophet's migration from Mecca. It is believed that it was sent down sometime after the Battle of Uhud. Its revelation is closely associated with the siege of Banu Nadir, which led to their expulsion from Medina. Banu Nadir was one of the Jewish tribes that settled in Medina. After the Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ migration to Medina, a new Islamic State was established. To ensure peaceful co-existence, the Prophet made agreements with all three major Jewish tribes of Medina. Banu Nadir was one of them. It was agreed between the Prophet and Jewish tribes that in the event of any invasion or attack on Medina, the Jewish tribe would stand by the Muslim State to defend Medina.

However, Banu Nadir continuously breached the agreement. Instead of standing by the Muslims, they were involved in conspiracies against Muslims, in collaboration with Quraysh of Mecca. Meanwhile, after an incident involving the killing of two persons, the Muslims were obliged to pay their blood money. The Prophet, along with a few of his companions, visited the chiefs of the Banu Nadir tribe to seek their contribution for payment of blood money. At that particular occasion, Banu Nadir plotted a secret plan to assassinate the Prophet, but their attempt was foiled.

Compelled by such circumstances, the Prophet asked the Banu Nadir to leave Medina, but they refused. Resultantly, Muslim forces sieged their territory. The siege continued for a few days, and eventually the Banu Nadir tribe was expelled from Medina. The historians unanimously agree that Surah Al-Hashr was revealed after the expulsion of Banu Nadir from Medina. The subject matter of the Surah also suggests that its revelation is associated with a particular incident.

With that historical background, Surah Al-Hashr was revealed with the following objectives:

  • To establish and reaffirm that success only comes from Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as was in the case of victory over Banu Nadir. They were strong enough, both militarily and economically, but they were defeated by Muslims only with the Decree of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  • To establish that hypocrisy is not the right path. The Surah describes that hypocrites (who pretended to be Muslims) were secretly supporting Banu Nadir, but when the time came, they did not stand by Banu Nadir and, in fact, betrayed them as well.
  • To set a permanent framework for the distribution of property (maal-e-ghanimat) earned after a battle. The rule was therefore established that the property captured by Muslim forces, without any war with the opponents, would be under the control of the Muslim State and shall not be distributed among those who participated in the battle. Instead, such property will be used for the welfare of the poor, migrants, and needy segments of the Muslim Community, under the authority of the Muslim State.
  • To strengthen the brotherly ties among the Ansar and Muhajirun (the locals of Medina and the emigrants).  The Surah contains verses in praise of the Muslim brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajirun. Many of the Ansar practically shared their assets, including homes and wealth, with the migrants of Mecca, which is exemplary in the history of humankind.
  • To remind the Muslims, attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In this context, several names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ are mentioned in the last three verses of this Surah, which are among the famous 99 names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Hashr is a Madni Surah, revealed in the 4th year after the Prophet's migration to Medina.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-Hashr is the 59th Surah of the Quran and is placed in the 28th Juzz (Para). It is placed after Surah Al-Mujadila, and before Surah Al-Mumtahanah. It is the 101st Surah in the order of revelation, and 59th in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Hashr has 24 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Hashr is divided into 3 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Hashr  

Surah Al-Hashr holds great significance in Islam in many ways, as summarized here:

  • Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Holds the Absolute Authority

By giving the example of the Muslim victory over the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir, it is established that victory only comes with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ brought victory to Muslims despite all the military power and wealth of Banu Nadir. It reminds us to always hold unwavering trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as He holds the absolute Authority and Powers, and nothing is possible without His Will and Blessings. 

  • The Hypocrites Exposed

The Surah particularly discusses the suspicious character and role of the hypocrites of Medina. Apparently, they pretended to be Muslims and assured to remain loyal to the Prophet. But in reality, their faith was superficial. They always betrayed Muslims. With reference to the siege of Banu Nadir, their role was exposed in this Surah, as they, in fact, also betrayed Banu Nadir when they needed their help during their conflict with the Prophet. Hence, it is a lesson for Muslims as well that insincere faith is not acceptable in Islam, and everyone should avoid hypocrisy.

  • Rules Established for Distribution of Fay (Public Wealth)

Before the revelation of this Surah, it was the norm and practice to distribute the property earned through victory over the enemy among those who participated in the battle. But after the victory over Banu Nadir, their wealth and property came under the control of Muslims, without any physical battle. At this stage, the rules for the distribution of such property (remembered as Fay in Islamic terminology) were ordered for the first time. The Surah explains that such property is not meant for distribution among the fighting force but is declared the property of the State. At the same time, it was also made clear that the State will utilize this wealth and property for the welfare of the poor, needy, and muhanjirun.

  • Establishment of the Historical Muslim Brotherhood

The Surah particularly describes the Muslim brotherhood between the locals of Medina and the Emigrants from Mecca, popularly remembered as “Ansar and Muhajirun". The Surah praises their spirit of cooperation, sacrifice, sharing, and exemplary brotherhood among them. It encourages us to maintain that spirit of Muslim brotherhood in the contemporary era, in all walks of life.

  • The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ

In the last verses of Surah Al-Hashr, quite a few beautiful names of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, are mentioned to establish His absolute powers and authority. Hence, the Surah invites us to reflect on the attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, by reciting His 99 beautiful names, including those particularly mentioned in this Surah. These names remind us of the Glory, Greatness, Authority, Powers, Wisdom, and Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

The Theme and Subject Matters of Surah Al-Hashr (الْحَشْر)

The Surah deals with a number of issues pertinent to the emergent Muslim state in Medina and provides a set of guidelines for believers of all times. Here are the main themes and subject matters explored in Surah:

1. Sovereignty and Power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)

The main theme is the divine authority of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)  and is illustrated by the retelling of the expulsion of the Banu Nadir tribe how they were smoothly expelled when they collaborated with the enemy of the Muslims despite an agreement of peace and non-participation against Muslims. It shows Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) absolute power and control over events.

2. Divine Decree Regarding Spoils of War

After the expulsion of Banu Nadir, Muslims did not know exactly how and in what proportion to distribute everything. This Surah helped set up a fair and transparent system to distribute the resources within the growing Muslim community and make sure that the spoils benefited those who needed it the most.

3. Importance of Unity and Cohesion

The Surah focuses on the importance of brotherhood and shows how beneficial it is for the Muslim community. It describes how their internal conflicts and lack of trust ultimately led to their downfall and exile and is, therefore, a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of upholding agreements.

4. Power and Majesty of Allah (SWT)

The Surah also serves to remind believers to put their utmost faith and trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)  divine plan and that Allah is in full control of all events.

5. Moral Guidance and Encouragement

The Surah offers words of encouragement and support to the Muslim community facing challenges and proceeds to remind them of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)  support. While emphasizing the belief that even when difficulties arise, believers are to remain patient and steadfast in their faith.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Hashr

Recitation and contemplation of the verses of Surah Al-Hashr provide numerous and varied advantages and blessings. The various aspects of the Surah call for obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The 'Verses of Glorification' 59:22-24 at the end of the Surah are particularly prized and usually read in order to seek blessings and assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His attributes. In a hadith reported by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever recites the last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr in the morning or evening and then dies on that day or night, he will be forgiven" (Tirmidhi). Surah Al-Hashr promises comfort and strength to those going through difficult times. It then assures the believers that they are not alone, but Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is always by their side and will guide them which gives the believers strength to fight the struggles and sufferings of life.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Hashr  by Renowned Qaris

Every Muslim loves to recite the Quranic Surahs. But recitation of the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Al-Hashr, is a sensitive matter, especially for non-Arabic speaking persons. Reciting a Quranic word with correct pronunciation is highly critical because any mistake can lead to an entirely different meaning. By listening to the recitation of the Quranic Surahs by an authentic Qari (reciter), we can learn the correct pronunciation of their words. Moreover, sometimes one may just want to listen to the Quran instead of reading it on one's own. To overcome all these difficulties and requirements, listening to the recitation by a renowned reciter (Qari) can be highly beneficial.  

The website and mobile application of the MuslimandQuran provide the best solution to this sensitive matter. The recitation of the Quran by the most authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, which you can listen to on your mobile devices or laptops quite easily. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the Mobile Application of the MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hashr.

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Surah Al-Hashr PDF

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FAQs:

Al-Hashr translates to “gathering” or “expulsion”. In the context of Surah Al-Hashr, it relates to the event of expulsion of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir from Medina, after a conflict with the Prophet.

Surah Al-Hashr has 24 verses.

Although there are no specific benefits of reciting Surah Al-Hashr, it holds great rewards, just like other Surahs of the Quran. However, consistent recitation, while understanding its meanings, might be beneficial to reflect on the attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which are described in this Surah by mentioning some of His beautiful names.

Surah Al-Hashr can be recited per your convenience at any time during the night or the day. No specific time is associated with or recommended for the recitation of this Surah.

There is no authentic or Sahih Hadith about Surah Al-Hashr.

Yes, all the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hashr, are uploaded on the Mobile Application and website of the MuslimandQuran. You can easily listen to it online on any of your mobile devices.

Reading any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hashr, brings unlimited rewards. Hence, reading this Surah on a daily basis may bring rewards, although not specifically recommended. You can read it whenever you may like, not necessarily on a daily basis.

The Quran, including Surah Al-Hashr, is for the benefit and guidance of the entire humankind, irrespective of their nationality or language. Everyone gets the same benefits from this Surah. So, a non-Arabic speaker can definitely get the equal benefits on recitation of Surah Al-Hashr, as an Arabic-speaking individual may get.