Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Ahzab. [239] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/377; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 21/245.
It was narrated that Zirr said: Ubayy ibn Ka?b said: How many verses are there in Surat Al-Ahzab? We said: Seventy-three? [240] Narrated by An-Nasa?i: As-Sunan Al-Kubra, 7150; and by ?Abdullah ibn Ahmad: Zawa?id Al-Musnad, 21207.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Ahzab is Madani; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [241] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn ?Atiyyah, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Qurtubi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 4/422; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/446; and Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 14/113.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Al-Ahzab include:
Urging people to turn to the Creator without paying any attention at all to any created being. [242] See: Al-Biqa?i: Nazm Ad-Durar, 15/273.
Highlighting Allah?s care for His Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and His protection of him. [243] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 21/249.
Explaining many Islamic rulings and social etiquette, with a focus on organising the Muslim society. [244] See: At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 11/167.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Azhab include:
Addressing some instructions to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): to fear Allah and not obey the disbelievers and hypocrites; to follow what his Lord revealed to him, and to put his trust in Him alone.
Annulling some traditions that were prevalent, such as zihar a jahili form of divorce in which a man said to his wife: ?You are to me like my mother?s back? and adoption.
Some Islamic rulings, such as obeying the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and affirming that his wives were their mothers; that inheritance between relatives is obligatory ? as is explained in other verses ? and abolishing inheritance through the bond of brotherhood that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) established between the Muhajirin and Ansar.
The battles of Al-Ahzab and Banu Qurayzah.
The story of how the wives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) were given the choice; highlighting their virtue and addressing some advice and instructions to them.
The story of the marriage of Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) after her divorce from Zayd ibn Harithah (may Allah be pleased with him) and the wisdom behind it, which was to abolish the effects of adoption.
The command to remember Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, a great deal, and to glorify Him and declare Him to be above all shortcomings; explaining the role of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Explaining the ruling on women who are divorced before consummation of the marriage.
Some rulings on marriage that were exclusive to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); which believing women were permissible for him to marry and which were prohibited for him.
The relationship of the Muslims to the households and wives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), during his life and after his death. The command to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Highlighting the punishment for those who offend Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and who offend the believing men and women.
The command of hijab.
Warning the hypocrites, those in whose hearts was a disease and the rumour-mongers.
The people?s asking about the Hour and the response to this questioning; describing one of the events of the Day of Resurrection.
The command to fear Allah and say what is appropriate, and the reward for doing so.
Man?s undertaking to bear the Trust.