Commentary on the Koran: Surah 33 (No. Q033)

Pickthall Translation; ESV used unless otherwise noted.

Introduction

We have seen above that Surahs 3 and 8 refer to the previous battles of Badr and Mt. Uhud and they deal with the operations of the idolatrous Beccans against the Muslims. The Beccan leader was Abu Sufyan and they continue on under his command in those battles to the War of the Trench and the Battles of the Clans revealed in this Surah 33.

The Surah Al Ahzab takes its name from the army of the allied clans which came against the Muslims at Yathrib or Al Madinah in the Fifth Year of the Hijrah (vv 9-25). The Prophet had expelled certain of the Bani Nadir, a Jewish tribe from Yathrib, on the grounds of treason (cf. Surah LIX). These Jews went first to the leaders of the Qureysh in Becca and then to the great desert tribe of the Ghatafan to recruit their assistance in exterminating the Muslims. They promised them help from the Jews at Yathrib. The result was that the Qureysh with all their clans and the Ghatafan with all their clans marched against the Muslims with the intention of destroying their strength at Yathrib and exterminating them.

When the news was conveyed to the Prophet he ordered a trench to be dug before the city and led the digging himself. The Trench for which the war was named was completed by the time the 10,000 strong army of the clans arrived. The army under the Prophet was 3,000 strong and that of the Clans 10,000 and the Trench lay between them.

For nearly a month the Muslims were subjected to constant showers of arrows and they were in constant threat of massive attacks of forces far greater than they. Then the Jewish tribe of the Bani Qureyzah to their rear broke their alliance with the Muslims and made alliance with the Qureysh. The matter was serious.

The women and children had been placed in towers like the peel towers of Northern England. Every family of note had built one for protection from raids. They were unguarded and many of the Muslims asked to send some of their number to guard the families. The Bani Qureyzah had not as yet shown their treachery as the clans were not as yet assured of victory.

The Muslim cause seemed hopeless.

A Muslim sympathiser in the enemy camp sowed distrust between the Bani Qureyzah and the chiefs of the Clans. The Trench was an unexpected formidable obstacle and at this critical point a fierce and bitter wind from the sea blew for three days and nights and they could neither keep a shelter up or cook or light a fire. Abu Sufyan the leader of the Qureysh then raised the seige. The following morning when the Ghatafan saw they had departed, they too withdrew to their tribal areas.

The next day when the Muslims returned from the Trench they besieged the treacherous Jews of the Bani Qureyzah in their towers of refuge, in a siege which lasted twenty-five days. When they at last surrendered, the tribe of Aus, whose adherents the Jews were, asked the Prophet to show the same grace he had shown to the tribe of Kharaj in the case of the Bani Nadir, in allowing them to intercede for their dependents.

The Prophet asked them if they wanted one of their people to decide concerning them. They agreed and he appointed Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh, one of the great chiefs of the Aus who had been wounded and was being cared for in the Mosque.

Sa’d ordered their men to be put to death. Their women and children were to be made captive and their property divided among the Muslims at the will of the Prophet. Note that he had already issued the tithe instructions of the war due according to the 20% poor tithe of the Third year (cf. Surah 8). Verses 26 and 27 refer to the punishment of the Bani Qureyzah. This account is derived from Ibn Kaldun which Pickthall uses as superior to the more diffuse account of Ibn Hisham.

As we saw Surah 8 takes its name from the opening phrase declaring that all items in the world belong to Allah’ and that as such they must be treated as God’s property and hence must be tithed as all other property under the Biblical Tithe Laws as Abraham tithed to Melchisedek, priest of the Most High God at Jerusalem (see the paper Tithing (No. 161). As a result of this activity all the Arab people are subject to tithe to the Messiah as the High Priest of Melchisedek being in the loins of Abraham including Levi and the entire Israelite priesthood as well as those of Islam. These include also all the sons of Shem who was priest of God as Melchisedek. So also the Gentiles of the conversion are required to tithe. From the return of Messiah the entire world will be subject to the priesthood (see Melchisedek (No. 128) and Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).

The division of the spoils among the participants occurred one month after the Battle of Badr in the Second Year of the Hijrah and eleven months before the Battle of Mt. Uhud (cf. Surah 3) where the enemy of the pagan Qureysh came against the Muslims with a force of 3000, and in the Fifth Year of the Hijrah the pagan allied clans came against them with a force of some 10,000 to besiege Al-Madinah in the War of the Trench referred to in this Surah.

The battle of Badr at Tabuk was in the year prior to the battle at Mt. Uhud referred to in Surah 3. A Beccan caravan under Abu Sufyan of the Qureysh was returning from Syria and, fearing an attack from Al-Madinah, sent a camel rider on to Becca requesting urgent assistance. The historical references are in Surah 8 above.

However, we see from Surah 8 that the Muslims were warned that there will be much greater conflicts ahead. So we saw in Surah 3 at Mt. Uhud the following year with 3000 enemy and now at the Battle of the Trench in Surah 33 with 10,000 at the “Battle of the Clans”. As we saw previously, it is without doubt that the warnings were taken from the Spirit drawing the prophecy of Revelation chapter 2 regarding the Pergamos era, which era this was, to the attention of the Council of the Muhammad of the Church of Arabia under the Prophet. The prophecies of the Prophet under Surah 30 Romans referred to the victories of these later battles.

In the Third year of the Hijrah (624) the Beccans of the idolatrous sections of the Qureysh with a force of 3000 came against Al-Madinah to avenge their defeat at Badr in the Second year of the Hijrah (623) and wipe out the Muslims. The Prophet initially decided to defend Al-Madinah but at the insistence of the companions went out to meet the enemy on Mt. Uhud, posting his 1000 men carefully. He posted a third under Abdullah ibn Ubeyy who deserted him before the battle and said after the battle they did not think there would be any fighting that day and hence earned the term “the Hypocrite”.

As we saw above, the battle had begun well for the Muslims but was changed to near defeat by a band of fifty archers placed to guard an important sector of the battlefield. On seeing the Muslims winning they feared to lose their share of the spoil and abandoned their post and moved in to the main location. That opened the sector they were guarding to the Beccan cavalry who were able to attack and inflict severe losses on the Muslim force. The Prophet himself was wounded in the struggle and the force thought he had been killed and became demoralized until someone recognised him and that he was still alive and thus rallied the troops and they were able to retire in reasonable order.

An important restriction was given as a result of the Battle of Mt Uhud. The army of the Qureysh also retired after the battle and the wives of the tribal leaders who had accompanied them to the battlefield for purposes of morale began to mutilate the slain of the Muslims, making necklaces and bracelets of the ears and noses of the Muslim slain. Hind, the wife of Abu Safyan, plucked out the liver of the Prophet’s uncle and began to eat it. The Prophet on seeing this was moved to vow reprisals but an important revelation was granted to him and as a result mutilation was forbidden to all Muslims. Thus any Muslim that allows or condones mutilation of soldiers and the dead shows thereby they are not true Muslims and must be punished for the offence.

Unfortunately this barbarism exists to this very day among the Arabs.

Another important lesson was derived from this Surah 33. In verse 37 we see a reference to the unhappy marriage of Zeyd, the Prophet’s freedman and adopted son, with Zeynab the cousin of the Prophet and proud woman of the Qureysh.

The Prophet arranged the marriage with the idea of breaking down the old barriers of pride and caste and disregarded the feelings of Zeynab.

Traditions say that both she and her brother were opposed to the match and that she actually wished to marry the Prophet. Pickthall also records that for Zeyd the marriage was nothing but an embarrassment and humiliation.

When the Prophet was made aware of the situation he urged them to stay together, tradition says, to save face. Zeyb did divorce Zeynab and the Prophet was commended to marry Zeynab.

In this matter the church was forced to repudiate adoption as a valid process. Thus the wife of an adopted son was not subject to the same restrictions as a natural son. This appears to be contrary to Scripture and the limitations on the marriage of a father or natural son’s spouse contrary to 1Corinthians 5:5.

In marriage it was then also established that a woman’s inclination must be taken into account. Thus modern Islamic forced marriages are contrary to Islam. Unhappy marriage is held to be contrary to the will of God and thus whilst the Scriptures are clear that divorce is violence to the family and God hates it, it must be permitted under some circumstances in the faith.

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The charge of the responsibility of a prophet of God.

33.1. O Prophet! Keep thy duty to Allah and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.

33.2. And follow that which is inspired in thee from thy Lord. Lo! Allah is Aware of what ye do.

See Micah 6:8 at ayat 22.54 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. ¹⁴For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Deuteronomy 4:2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.

Deuteronomy 11:1 You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.

Jude 1:25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

1John 3:20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

33.3. And put thy trust in Allah, for Allah is sufficient as Trustee.

Psalm 31:14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

Psalm 143:8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

33.4. Allah hath not assigned unto any man two hearts within his body, nor hath He made your wives whom ye declare (to be your mothers) your mothers, nor hath He made those whom ye claim (to be your sons) your sons. This is but a saying of your mouths. But Allah saith the truth and He showeth the way.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

1John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Ephesians 5:33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

1Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, ²older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

33.5. Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if ye know not their fathers, then (they are) your brethren in the faith, and your clients. And there is no sin for you in the mistakes that ye make unintentionally, but what your hearts purpose (that will be a sin for you). Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Acts 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.

33.6. The Prophet is closer to the believers than their selves, and his wives are (as) their mothers. And the owners of kinship are closer one to another in the ordinance of Allah than (other) believers and the fugitives (who fled from Becca), except that ye should do kindness to your friends. This is written in the Book (of nature).

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

1Thessalonians 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Matthew 12:50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

1Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, ²older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

33.7. And when We exacted a covenant from the prophets, and from thee (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant;

33.8. That He may ask the loyal of their loyalty. And He hath prepared a painful doom for the unfaithful.

Genesis 17:9 God continued to speak to Abraham, "You and your descendants who are born in the future are to keep my covenant—that is, you and your descendants, generation after generation. (ISV)

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Jeremiah 31:33 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Hebrews 8:6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

See 1Peter 2:9 at ayat 24.36 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

The physical covenant pointed towards the second covenant for spiritual Israel.

Romans 2:8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

2Thessalonians 2:11-12 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, ¹²in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Refer to Revelation 20:12-15 at ayat 24.57 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

The Siege at Yathrib (verses 9-25)

33.9. O ye who believe! Remember Allah's favour unto you when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a great wind and hosts ye could not see. And Allah is ever Seer of what ye do.

33.10. When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when eyes grew wild and hearts reached to the throats, and ye were imagining vain thoughts concerning Allah.

The details of the War of the Trench are listed in the introduction. God is reminding the Muslims that He sent against their enemies a great wind and the angelic forces that the Muslims could not see. When the Muslims saw the physical challenges they were facing they were disheartened and doubted the presence of God.

2Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

33.11. There were the believers sorely tried, and shaken with a mighty shock.

The faith of the Muslim believers was being severely tested during this siege of Yathrib (Medinah).

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

33.12. And when the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, were saying: Allah and His messenger promised us naught but delusion.

33.13. And when a party of them said: O folk of Yathrib! There is no stand (possible) for you, therefor turn back. And certain of them (even) sought permission of the Prophet, saying: Our homes lie open (to the enemy). And they lay not open. They but wished to flee.

33.14. If the enemy had entered from all sides and they had been exhorted to treachery, they would have committed it, and would have hesitated thereupon but little.

33.15. And verily they had already sworn unto Allah that they would not turn their backs (to the foe). An oath to Allah must be answered for.

33.16. Say: Flight will not avail you if ye flee from death or killing, and then ye dwell in comfort but a little while.

This section refers to the requests for some to return to the towers to protect them.

The Jews as we saw above were to desert their Muslim allies and fight for the enemy forces.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

James 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

33.17. Say: Who is he who can preserve you from Allah if He intendeth harm for you, or intendeth mercy for you. They will not find that they have any friend or helper other than Allah.

Proverbs 21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.

Isaiah 45:9 "Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles'?

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,

Romans 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

33.18. Allah already knoweth those of you who hinder, and those who say unto their brethren: "Come ye hither unto us!" and they come not to the stress of battle save a little,

33.19. Being sparing of their help to you (believers). But when the fear cometh, then thou (Muhammad) seest them regarding thee with rolling eyes like one who fainteth unto death. Then, when the fear departeth, they scald you with sharp tongues in their greed for wealth (from the spoil). Such have not believed. Therefor Allah maketh their deeds fruitless. And that is easy for Allah.

33.20. They hold that the clans have not retired (for good); and if the clans should advance (again), they would fain be in the desert with the wandering Arabs, asking for the news of you; and if they were among you, they would not give battle, save a little.

See Hebrews 4:13 at ayat 22.17 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1Samuel 17:47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

33.21. Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much.

Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

1Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

33.22. And when the true believers saw the clans, they said: This is that which Allah and His messenger promised us. Allah and His messenger are true. It did but confirm them in their faith and resignation.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Revelation 22:6 And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."

Amos 3:7 For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.

33.23. Of the believers are men who are true to that which they covenanted with Allah. Some of them have paid their vow by death (in battle), and some of them still are waiting; and they have not altered in the least;

33.24. That Allah may reward the true men for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He will, or relent toward them (if He will). Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

1John 3:24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Revelation 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

Refer to Daniel 9:9 at ayat 24.5 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

33.25. And Allah repulsed the disbelievers in their wrath; they gained no good. Allah averted their attack from the believers. Allah is ever Strong, Mighty.

33.26. And He brought those of the People of the Scripture who supported them down from their strongholds, and cast panic into their hearts. Some ye slew, and ye made captive some.

33.27. And He caused you to inherit their land and their houses and their wealth, and land ye have not trodden. Allah is ever Able to do all things.

The People of the Scripture here were the Jews who were the traitors.

See Psalm 147:5 at ayat 33.2 above.

Joshua 24:11-13 And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand. ¹²And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. ¹³I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’

Job 34:11 For according to the work of a man he will requite him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him.

Jeremiah 32:17 ‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

The enemy forces were repulsed by the intervention of Allah in the form of the strong sea wind. The siege was lifted as explained above and the believers were saved. He made the believers to inherit the assets of those who went before them.

Command to the wives of the faith

33.28. O Prophet! Say unto thy wives: If ye desire the world's life and its adornment, come! I will content you and will release you with a fair release.

1John 2:16 or all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Compare also Proverbs 31 (No. 114).

33.29. But if ye desire Allah and His messenger and the abode of the Hereafter, then lo! Allah hath prepared for the good among you an immense reward.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Revelation 5:10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

Refer to Revelation 20:6 at ayat 23.11 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

33.30. O ye wives of the Prophet! Whosoever of you committeth manifest lewdness, the punishment for her will be doubled, and that is easy for Allah.

Refer to Revelation 21:8 at ayat 23.98 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

2Thessalonians 1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

33.31. And whosoever of you is submissive unto Allah and His messenger and doeth right, We shall give her her reward twice over, and We have prepared for her a rich provision.

See 1Peter 2:9 at ayat 24.36 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

Refer to Revelation 20:6 at ayat 23.11 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

33.32. O ye wives of the Prophet! Ye are not like any other women. If ye keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft of speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease aspire (to you), but utter customary speech.

33.33. And stay in your houses. Bedizen not yourselves with the bedizenment of the Time of Ignorance. Be regular in prayer, and pay the poor-due, and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah's wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O Folk of the Household, and cleanse you with a thorough cleansing.

1Timothy 2:11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

1Timothy 3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Titus 2:3-5 Likewise, older women are to show their reverence for God by their behavior. They are not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of goodness. ⁴They should encourage the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be sensible and pure, to manage their households, to be kind, and to submit themselves to their husbands. Otherwise, the word of God may be discredited. (ISV)

1Peter 3:1-4 Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, ²when they see your reverent and chaste behavior. ³Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, ⁴but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. (RSV)

33.34. And bear in mind that which is recited in your houses of the revelations of Allah and wisdom. Lo! Allah is Subtile, Aware.

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ¹⁹You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ²⁰You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Men and women of the faith

33.35. Lo! men who surrender unto Allah, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men who remember Allah much and women who remember - Allah hath prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward.

Compare also Proverbs 30 (No. 113).

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (KJV)

See Revelation 5:10 at ayat 33.29 above.

Refer to Revelation 20:6 at ayat 23.11 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

33.36. And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest.

Deuteronomy 17:8-12 "If any case arises requiring decision between one kind of homicide and another, one kind of legal right and another, or one kind of assault and another, any case within your towns that is too difficult for you, then you shall arise and go up to the place that the LORD your God will choose. ⁹And you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall consult them, and they shall declare to you the decision. ¹⁰Then you shall do according to what they declare to you from that place that the LORD will choose. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you. ¹¹According to the instructions that they give you, and according to the decision which they pronounce to you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the verdict that they declare to you, either to the right hand or to the left. ¹²The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the LORD your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.

Remarriage of Zeyb’s wife, Zeynab, to the Prophet even though she was the wife of his adopted son as above.

33.37. And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled.

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

1Timothy 3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

1Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

Isaiah 8:13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 at ayat 33.2 above.

33.38. There is no reproach for the Prophet in that which Allah maketh his due. That was Allah's way with those who passed away of old - and the commandment of Allah is certain destiny –

33.39. Who delivered the messages of Allah and feared Him, and feared none save Allah. Allah keepeth good account.

33.40. Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things.

This text refers to the Council of the Church as the seal of the prophets. The matter is explained in the Introduction to the Commentary on the Koran (No. Q001).

1Corinthians 9:9-14 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? ¹⁰Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. ¹¹If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? ¹²If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. ¹³Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? ¹⁴In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

2Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD speaks within me; his word is on my tongue! (ISV)

Isaiah 8:13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

Deuteronomy 10:20 You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.

See 2 Peter 1:21 at ayat 22.49 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

The Arabian prophet was just one of the messengers of God who together with the rest of the elect form the congregation or church of the Living God. All of them adhere to the same set of doctrines as they worship the One True God. As the apostle says they were all carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2Corinthians 1:22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

See 1John 3:20 at ayat 33.2 and Isaiah 40:28 at ayat 33.34 above.

33.41. O ye who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance.

33.42.And glorify Him early and late.

Refer to Daniel 6:10 at ayat 24.59 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

Psalm 119:164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

33.43. He it is Who blesseth you, and His angels (bless you), that He may bring you forth from darkness unto light; and He is ever Merciful to the believers.

James 1:17 Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. (ISV)

Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Genesis 48:15-16 And he blessed Joseph and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, ¹⁶the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Refer to Lamentations 3:22-23 at ayat 24.10 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

33.44. Their salutation on the day when they shall meet Him will be: Peace. And He hath prepared for them a goodly recompense.

1Corinthians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

Revelation 22:12, 14 ¹²"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

¹⁴Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

33.45. O Prophet! Lo! We have sent thee as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner.

33.46. And as a summoner unto Allah by His permission, and as a lamp that giveth light.

33.47. And announce unto the believers the good tidings that they will have great bounty from Allah.

2Kings 17:13 Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets."

Matthew 4:23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

Acts 28:31 He continued to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach boldly and freely about the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. (ISV)

John 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

1Peter 1:4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

See John 14:6 at ayat 33.4 above.

Refer to Revelation 20:6 at ayat 23.11 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

33.48. And incline not to the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Disregard their noxious talk, and put thy trust in Allah. Allah is sufficient as Trustee.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 14:7-9 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. ⁸The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. ⁹Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. ⁹It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

33.49. O ye who believe! If ye wed believing women and divorce them before ye have touched them, then there is no period that ye should reckon. But content them and release them handsomely.

Proverbs 5:18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

Romans 7:2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.

Matthew 19:8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

33.50. O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

The women were given in marriage under the old laws of the OT and the rules regarding the leaders of the clans and kings. An elder of the church, that wishes to inherit eternal life, should confine himself to one wife.

1Timothy 3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless. He must be the husband of one wife and have children who are believers and who are not accused of having wild lifestyles or of being rebellious. (ISV)

Deuteronomy 21:11-13 and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife, ¹²and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails. ¹³And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.

Refer to Daniel 9:9 at ayat 24.5 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

33.51. Thou canst defer whom thou wilt of them and receive unto thee whom thou wilt, and whomsoever thou desirest of those whom thou hast set aside (temporarily), it is no sin for thee (to receive her again); that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieve, and may all be pleased with what thou givest them. Allah knoweth what is in your hearts (O men), and Allah is ever Forgiving, Clement.

If the Eternal gave wives to the Prophet above the normal, as he did to David and Solomon, then that is a matter between Eloah and the Prophet. It was done as an instrument of social welfare arising from the wars. We are not to emulate it.

Matthew 19:8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

1Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1Chronicles 28:9 And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

See Romans 7:2 at ayat 49 above.

This text then limits the matter among the elect.

33.52. It is not allowed thee to take (other) women henceforth, nor that thou shouldst change them for other wives even though their beauty pleased thee, save those whom thy right hand possesseth. And Allah is ever Watcher over all things.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Here the Prophet establishes the rules of the House of the Women as we see in Scripture.

33.53. O Ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter, and, when your meal is ended, then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo! that would cause annoyance to the Prophet, and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allah is not shy of the truth. And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet) anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not for you to cause annoyance to the messenger of Allah, nor that ye should ever marry his wives after him. Lo! that in Allah's sight would be an enormity.

1Corinthians 14:40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

1Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

33.54. Whether ye divulge a thing or keep it hidden, lo! Allah is ever Knower of all things.

See 1John 3:20 at ayat 33.2 above.

See Hebrews 4:13 at ayat 22.17 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

33.55. It is no sin for them (thy wives) to converse freely) with their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or the sons of their sisters or of their own women, or their slaves. O women! Keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is ever Witness over all things.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

1John 3:22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

Proverbs 5:21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.

Daniel 2:22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

33.56. Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.

Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; ²⁵the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; ²⁶the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

2Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Ephesians 6:18-20 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

33.57. Lo! those who malign Allah and His messenger, Allah hath cursed them in the world and the Hereafter, and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained.

33.58. And those who malign believing men and believing women undeservedly, they bear the guilt of slander and manifest sin.

Refer to 1Timothy 5:19 at ayat 24.4 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

See Proverbs 19:9 at ayat 22.30 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

Defamation is a curse among the elect both men and women.

33.59. O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

1Timothy 2:9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

Refer to Daniel 9:9 at ayat 24.5 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

Ladies need to cover the upper part of their bodies and not their faces and heads so they may be recognized and not annoyed. The practice of covering their body from head to toe and hiding their identity from the public comes from the days of pagan temple prostitution when women after serving their time as temple prostitutes got married and covered themselves to avoid being recognized. Long hair was given to women as a covering. Veils are not required.

33.60. If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and the alarmists in the city do not cease, We verily shall urge thee on against them, then they will be your neighbours in it but a little while.

33.61. Accursed, they will be seized wherever found and slain with a (fierce) slaughter.

33.62. That was the way of Allah in the case of those who passed away of old; thou wilt not find for the way of Allah aught of power to change.

1Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

2Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

Deal decisively with the unruly and disruptive elements in the community if they persist in their behavior after they have been warned.

33.63. Men ask thee of the Hour. Say: The knowledge of it is with Allah only. What can convey (the knowledge) unto thee? It may be that the Hour is nigh.

Matthew 24:36 But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Acts 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”

1Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

33.64. Lo! Allah hath cursed the disbelievers, and hath prepared for them a flaming fire,

33.65. Wherein they will abide for ever. They will find (then) no protecting friend nor helper.

33.66. On the day when their faces are turned over in the Fire, they say: Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah and had obeyed His messenger!

33.67. And they say: Our Lord! Lo! we obeyed our princes and great men, and they misled us from the Way.

33.68. Our Lord! Oh, give them double torment and curse them with a mighty curse.

Refer to John 5:28-29 at ayat 23.11 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 23 (No. Q023).

Refer to Revelation 20:12-15 at ayat 24.57 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024).

Following your leaders to do wrong and transgress the laws and commandments of God will see you in the Second Resurrection. You shall not follow after a multitude to do evil (Ex. 23:2). God has sent His messengers again and again to provide guidance and warn mankind. The gospel message has been preached as a witness against them. Soon the Two Witnesses will preach that final warning message before the Messiah returns and takes captivity captive. So they are without any excuse whatsoever.

33.69. O ye who believe! Be not as those who slandered Moses, but Allah proved his innocence of that which they alleged, and he was well esteemed in Allah's sight.

This verse is a summary of the biblical story detailed in Numbers chapter 12.

Hebrews 3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,

See Proverbs 19:9 at ayat 22.30 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

33.70. O ye who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point;

33.71. He will adjust your works for you and will forgive you your sins. Whosoever obeyeth Allah and His messenger, he verily hath gained a signal victory.

See Micah 6:8 at ayat 22.54 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 22 (No. Q022).

See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 at ayat 33.2 and 1John 1:9 at ayat 33.5 above.

Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

33.72. Lo! We offered the trust unto the heavens and the earth and the hills, but they shrank from bearing it and were afraid of it. And man assumed it. Lo! he hath proved a tyrant and a fool.

33.73. So Allah punisheth hypocritical men and hypocritical women, and idolatrous men and idolatrous women. But Allah pardoneth believing men and believing women, and Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

See 1John 1:9 at ayat 33.5 above.

Refer also to Daniel 9:9 at ayat 24.5 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 24 (No. Q024) and Romans 1:19-25 at ayat 16.3 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 16 (No. Q016).

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