INTRODUCTION TO SŪRAT AT-TAUBAH, OR REPENTANCE (CHAPTER 9)

 *INTRODUCTION TO SŪRAT AT-TAUBAH, OR REPENTANCE (CHAPTER 9)*

Logically this Sūra follows up the argument of the last Sūra (VIII), and indeed may be considered a part of it, although chronologically the two are separated by an interval of seven years.

We saw that Sūra VIII dealt with the large questions arising at the outset of the life of a new Ummat or organised nation: questions of defence under attack, distribution of war acquisitions after victory, have the virtues needed for concerted action, and clemency and consideration for one's own and for enemies in the hour of victory. We pass on in this Sūra to deal with the question: what is to be done if the enemy breaks faith and is guilty of treachery? No nation can go on with a treaty if the other party violates it at will; but it is laid down that a period of four months should be allowed by way of notice after denunciation of the treaty; that due protection should be accorded in the intervening period; that there should always be open the door to repentance and reunion with the people of ALLĀH (Sub-haanahu wata'aala); and that if all there fail, and war must be undertaken, it must be pushed with the utmost vigour.

These are the general principles deducible from the Sūra. The immediate occasion for their promulgation may be considered in connection with the chronological place of the Sūra.

Chronologically, verse 1-29 were a notable declaration of State policy promulgated about the month of Shawwāl, A.H. 9, and read out by Hadhrat 'Ali at the Pilgrimage two months later in order to give the policy the widest publicity possible. The remainder of the Sūra, verses 30-129, was revealed a little earlier, say about the month of Ramadān, A.H. 9, and sums up the lessons of the Prophet's Tabūk expedition in the late summer of A.H. 9 (say October, 630).

Tabūk is a place near the frontier of Arabia, quite close to what was then Byzantine territory in the Province of Syria (which includes Palestine). It is on the Hijāz Railway, about 350 miles north-west of Madīnah, and 150 miles south of Ma'an. It had a fort and a spring of sweet water. In consequence of strong and persistent rumours that the Byzantines (Romans) were preparing to invade Arabia and that the Byzantine Emperor himself had arrived near the frontier for the purpose, the Prophet collected as large a force as he could, and marched to Tabūk. The Byzantine invasion did not come off. But the Prophet took the opportunity of consolidating the Muslim position in that direction and making treaties of alliance with certain Christian and Jewish tribes near the Gulf of 'Aqaba. On his return to Madīnah he considered the situation. During his absence the Hypocrites had played, as always a double game, and the policy hitherto followed, of free access to the sacred centre of Islam, to Muslims and Pagans alike, was now altered, as it had been abuse by the enemies of Islam.

This is the only Sūra to which the usual formula of Bismillah is not prefixed. It was among the last of the Sūras revealed, and though the Prophet had directed that it should follow Sūra VIII, it was not clear whether it was to form a separate Sūra or only a part of Sūra VIII. It is now treated as a separate Sūra, but the Bismillah is not prefixed to it, as there is no warrant for supposing that the Prophet used the Bismillah before it in his recitation of the Qur-ān. The Sūra is known under many names: the most common used are:

1. At-Taubah (Repentance), with reference to chapter ix, verse 104 and

2. Barāat (Immunity), the opening word of the Sūra.

*SUMMARY OF SŪRAT AT-TAUBAH OR REPENTANCE (CHAPTER 9)*

Treaties with those Pagans who have treacherously broken their terms are denounced, but four months time is given for adjustments or repentance. Pagans to be excluded from the sacred Mosques. Infidelity to be fought (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verse 1-29).

The people of the Book have obscured the light of Almighty ALLĀH (Sub-haanahu wata'aala), but the Truth of ALLĀH must prevail over all. We must be ready to fight for the Faith that is in us: otherwise we shall be unworthy to uphold ALLĀH's banner, and He will raise other people in our place (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verses 30-42).

The hypocrites and their double dealing: their evil ways pointed out their punishment will be as sure as the blessings of the righteous (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verses 43-72).

All evil should be resisted, unless there is repentance: falsehood is not content with breach of faith but mocks all good: it should not be envied but shunned (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verses 73-99).

The good pleasure of Almighty ALLĀH is with those who are sincere and make sacrifices in His Cause: He will forgive those who do wrong and repent, but not those who intend mischief and foment unbelief and disunion among believers. The Believers by their self-surrender obtain eternal Felicity. Almighty ALLĀH will turn in mercy even to those who, though they waver or fail in duty, turn at last to Him (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verses 100-118).

Those who believe should associate with the righteous and the truthful, actively doing their duty. But if the Community marches out, a part of them should remain behind for the purpose of diligently studying religion and teaching their brethren when they return. Every Sūra increases the Faith of those who believe, though those diseased in heart may add doubt to doubt. Trust in Almighty ALLĀH, Lord of the Throne of Glory (Sūrat At-Taubah, Verses 119-129).