Summary of Quran Chapter 33, The Confederates Surah Al-Ahzab

Summary of Quran Chapter 33, The Confederates Surah Al-Ahzab 

This surah was revealed between the fourth and fifth year after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina. In its background, four events are of special importance, which are mentioned in this surah. Following is a brief introduction to these four events. The details will come later in the interpretation of the relevant verses. 

1: The first event is the Battle of Ahzab, after which this surah is named. After the failures of Badr and Uhud, the people of Quraysh incited the other tribes of Arabia against Prophet Muhammad and formed a united front of them to attack Medina. On the advice of Hazrat Salman Farsi, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) dug a trench around the city to defend Medina so that the enemy could not cross it and reach the city. That is why this battle is also called the "Battle of the Trench". The important events of this battle are described in this Surah, and the severe ordeal that the Muslims had to go through on this occasion has also been described in detail. 

2: The second important event is the Battle of Quraiza. Qurayzah was a tribe of Jews who lived in the suburbs of Madinah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made a peace treaty with them after the migration, part of which was that Muslims and Jews would not help each other's enemies. However, the Jews of Quraiza, in addition to other violations of the agreement, wanted to stab the Muslims from behind by making a secret plan at the critical moment of the war. Therefore, after the war of the parties, Allah Almighty ordered that you immediately attack the clan of Qurayzah and destroy these hidden enemies. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad besieged them, because of which many of their people were killed, and many were arrested. Some details of this incident have also come in this surah. 

3: The third important event was that when the Arabs made someone their adopted son, they used to give him the status of their adopted son in every case. He even got an inheritance. Moreover, it was not considered permissible for his father to marry his widow or divorced wife. Rather, it was considered the worst evil act. Although there was no prohibition from Allah. 

These ignorant practices of the Arabs were so deeply entrenched in the hearts that they could not be eradicated by mere verbal advice. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) acted against these rituals, first of all, to put an end to such customs. So that it becomes clear that if there were even the slightest flaw in this practice, then the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not have followed it at all. There are many examples of this in the biography of the Prophet. Allah also ordered Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to correct the custom regarding the adopted son (child). That the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) should marry Zainab bint Jahsh, the divorced wife of his son Zayd ibn Ḥaritha. 

It should be noted that Hazrat Zainab was the daughter of the paternal aunt of Hazrat Muhammad, and Zainab was married to Hazrat Zayd by Muhammad himself, so even though it was a patient act for him to marry her now. However, he bowed down to Allah's order and religious expediency and married Zainab. At the celebration of this marriage (the wedding party thrown by the groom’s family), the verses containing the rules of hijab (veil) were revealed, which are part of this surah. 

4: The fourth incident is that the holy wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) supported the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in all kinds of difficult situations, but when he had financial expansion as a result of various conquests, they demanded an increase in his allowance. This demand was not unreasonable to demand in any way under normal circumstances, but the high status of these holy women who had the honor of being the wife of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was above such demands. 

Therefore, in this surah, Allah Almighty has given the power to the pure spouses (Holy Wives of the Holy Prophet) that if they want the adornment of the world, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is ready to separate them with honor and dignity. And if they are companions in the mission of the Prophet Muhammad, and seek the rewards of the Hereafter, then such demands do not adorn them. 

Because the infidels and hypocrites raised objections against him on the incident of marriage with Zainab. That is why the position of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is mentioned in the same surah. Moreover, this has been made clear by commanding your respect and obedience. That these objections of the ignorant on a great personality like you cannot detract from your high position. 

Apart from this, your behavior with Holy Wives and certain details related to it are also described in this Surah.