Verse 48 of Sura al-Tawba and Ghadir
Verse 48 of Sura al-Tawba is a verse concerning the actions of hypocrites against Ghadir, who had been plotting against Islam from the beginning and did not welcome the victory and glory of Islam under the shadow of Ghadir.
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| Ayah Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Surah Name | Sura al-Tawba |
| Ayah Number | 48 |
| Juz' | 10 |
| Ayah Content | |
| Place of Revelation | Medina |
| Topic | The hypocrites had been plotting against Islam from the beginning and did not welcome the victory and glory of Islam under the shadow of Ghadir. |
| Ayah Recitation Audio Translation | |
Verse 48 of al-Tawba is considered among the verses revealed to the Prophet (s) after Ghadir, in the incident of 'Aqabat Harshi and the assassination attempt on the Prophet (s).
Regarding the theological analysis of the revelation of Verse 48 of al-Tawba in the Ghadir event, it has been stated: Those who plotted to kill the Prophet (s) at the Harshi pass had been contemplating conspiracy and disrupting the Prophet's (s) plans from the very beginning. This same group never desired the triumphant days of Islam. For them, whatever greatness Islam achieved was detestable.
A Verse Regarding the Actions of Hypocrites in Ghadir
Verse 48 of al-Tawba is considered among the verses revealed against the hypocrites in the Ghadir event. Since the hypocrites began their mischief and conspiracy from the very first hours of the Ghadir journey and implemented their schemes in many instances, numerous verses were revealed to the Prophet (s) concerning the provocations and plots of the hypocrites, alongside the verses about the Prophet's (s) actions in Ghadir. The narrations related to these verses clarify their occasion of revelation and direct connection to Ghadir.
These are one hundred and four verses revealed in thirty-nine instances, among which is Verse 48 of al-Tawba:
لَقَدِ ابْتَغَوُا الْفِتْنَةَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَقَلَّبُوا لَکَ الْأُمُورَ حَتَّیٰ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَظَهَرَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ وَهُمْ کَارِهُونَ
- Indeed, they sought to stir up sedition before, and they turned matters upside down for you until the truth came and Allah’s command became manifest, though they were averse to it.
Historical Context of Revelation
Verse 48 of al-Tawba is considered among the verses revealed to the Prophet (s) after Ghadir, in the incident of 'Aqabat Harshi and the assassination attempt on the Prophet (s).[1] While fourteen individuals had plotted to kill the Prophet (s) and were advancing the stages of their conspiracy atop Mount Harshi, Allah revealed the severest verses concerning them. A narration has been transmitted in this regard, indicating that these verses were revealed about the Companions of the 'Aqaba, where 'Ammar and Ḥudhayfa witnessed the event.
The 'Aqaba refers to the 'Harshi pass' where 'Ammar and Ḥudhayfa guided the Prophet's (s) camel. The Companions of the 'Aqaba are the fourteen individuals who intended to assassinate the Prophet (s) that night, and they were: Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthmān, Mu'āwiya, 'Amr b. al-'Āṣ, Ṭalḥa, Sa'd b. Abi Waqqāṣ, 'Abd al-Raḥmān b. 'Awf, Abu 'Ubayda al-Jarrāḥ, Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, Abu Hurayra, Mughīra b. Shu'ba, Mu'ādh b. Jabal, Salim Mawla Abi Ḥudhayfa.[2]
Besides Verse 48 of al-Tawba, other verses revealed in this event include: Verse 150 of al-Nisa', Verse 64 of al-Tawba, Verse 74 of al-Tawba, Verse 15 of al-Aḥzāb, and Verse 177 of al-Ṣāffāt.[3]
Theological Analysis of the Verse: Acceptance of Islam Due to Conspiracy
Regarding the theological analysis of the revelation of Verse 48 of al-Tawba in the Ghadir event, it has been stated: Those who plotted to kill the Prophet (s) at the Harshi pass and later became the main orchestrators of Saqīfa. They had been contemplating conspiracy and disrupting the Prophet's (s) plans from the very beginning, as He says: Indeed, they sought to stir up sedition before, and they turned matters upside down for you.[notes 1]
This same group never desired the triumphant days of Islam. For them, whatever greatness Islam achieved was detestable, as He says: Until the truth came and Allah’s command became manifest, though they were averse to it.[notes 2]. Therefore, their conversion to Islam is not surprising, just as the establishment of Saqīfa and the regression of people at their hands is not surprising.[4]
Footnotes
References
- Ghadir dar Qur'an, Qur'an dar Ghadir; Muḥammad Baqir Anṣārī, Qom: Dalil-e Ma Publications, 1387 SH.
- Waqi'at Qur'ani Ghadir: Guzarish-e Safar-e Yek-Mahe-ye Payambar baraye I'lan-e Wilayat dar Saye-ye Ayat-e Qur'ani; Muḥammad Baqir Anṣārī, Qom: Dalil-e Ma Publications, 1386 SH.