Al-Fath (ٱلْفَتْح)

Surah Al-Fath ( الفتح) 's name means 'The Victory,' and it comes with a joyous message for Muslims. It's the 48th surah in the Holy Quran and has 29 ayah with 4 Rukus.  It's a Madni Surah, placed in the 26th Juz, with the revelation coming down in 6 A.H. The point of revelation for this surah was the signing of the Treaty of Hudaibiya. On this occasion, the Prophet (ﷺ) intended to perform the pilgrimage in Makkah with some of his followers. The Quraysh stopped him on the way, with the result being a treaty that allowed the Muslims to perform pilgrimage the following year. At first glance, this treaty did not look like it was in favor of the Muslims. 

Most Muslims were unhappy with the agreement and questioned it.  Surah Al-Fath was revealed unto the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to assuage these fears. It assured Muslims that they were on the right and true side. Moreover, Muslims received the glad tidings that the treaty was a triumph, a victory instead of a defeat. In the Treaty of Hudaibiya, Muslims and Quraysh agreed to a 10-year truce, which allowed the Muslims free reign to spread Islam without interference from the Quraysh. Moreover, it enabled Muslims to focus on dealing with their other opponents: the Jews of Khyber, who had aided the Quraysh in the battle of the trench without worrying about the Quraysh attacking them from behind. Surah Al-Fath reassured Muslims of the future benefits of this treaty. Sure enough, within just two years of the treaty, the benefits became evident as Muslims won the Battle of Khyber and established Muslim rule in several regions. This changed the balance of power in the area and undeniably shifted it in favor of the Muslims, ultimately leading to the conquest of Mecca. 

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Fath (الْفَتْح)

The main subject matter of Surah Al-Fath is that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has given the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims a victory over the pagans and non-believers. The surah opens with the verse, "Verily We have granted thee a manifest Victory." Allah declared that He made the Treaty of Hudayibiya possible with divine help. Verse 3 of the surah states, "And that Allah may help thee with powerful help." The surah makes it evident to Muslims that victory is from Allah and that patience and perseverance are rewarded by Allah with victory. 

While the divine help from Allah in securing the Treaty of Hudaybiya is the main theme of the surah, it also discusses various sub-topics, including the matter of Bay'ah al-Ridwan, i.e., allegiance to the Prophet (ﷺ) by the sahaba (companions of the Prophet). Before the treaty of Hudaybiya, Rasool Allah sent Uthman-e-Ghani, who later became the third Caliph, for negotiations with the Quraysh. When he did not return for some time, the Muslims believed he was killed by the Quraysh. When this rumor took hold, the Prophet asked everyone to take bayt (oath) on his hand to remain loyal to the Prophet and the cause of Islam, irrespective of the conditions. Hypocrites made excuses, but the true Muslims pledged their allegiance. It highlights the importance of strength and unity. 

In this surah, Allah Tabarakwatallah also makes the promise of future victories to the Muslims. At the outset, it seemed like the Muslims were getting the short end of the stick with the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ also assures the believers that they will get spoilers and plunders of war in the coming days. In this way, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ provides comfort for those who stay on the truth and are prepared to fight for it. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Fath (الْفَتْح)

Reciting this surah and learning its tafsir has countless benefits. For one, it helps a Muslim remember that while things might seem bleak at the moment, there will be a better future for those who remain on the true path. Some might not see the fruits of their efforts in this world, but they will always be happy and content in the next life. 

In a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) says about Surah Al-Fath: 'Tonight there has been revealed to me a Surah which is dearer to me than that on which the sun shines (i.e., the world).' [Sahih al-Bukhari 5012]

Many non-Hadith sources also state that the recitation of this surah has many health benefits. It may also help us gain protection from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ for our property, valuables, or wealth. Therefore, it could be beneficial to recite the surah, especially when we are planning to travel soon and want to safeguard our possessions. 

'Abdullah bin Mughaffal narrates: "I saw Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) on the day of the Conquest of Mecca over his she-camel, reciting Surat-al-Fath in a vibrant quivering tone" [Sahih al-Bukhari 4281]. This Hadith shows us how the Prophet (ﷺ) was so emotional about Surah Al-Fath. The conquest of Makkah established the dominance of Islam, which fulfilled the promise of this surah. In the same way, we should also take motivation from these verses and remain firm in our beliefs.