Surah 60: Al-Mumtahanah (She that is to be examined)

Lore & Background

The surah opens with a direct prohibition against showing affection to those who have driven out the Prophet and believers due to their faith (Surah 60:1). It warns that if such enemies gain power, they will act with hostility (Surah 60:2) and that family ties will not avail on Judgment Day (Surah 60:3). Abraham is presented as a model of disavowal from idolaters, except for his promise to seek forgiveness for his father (Surah 60:4-6). A shift occurs in verse 7, suggesting that God may yet create affection between former enemies (Surah 60:7). This is followed by a clear distinction: believers may act righteously and justly toward those who do not fight them or expel them (Surah 60:8), but must not ally with those who do fight and expel them (Surah 60:9). The latter part of the surah provides practical instructions for dealing with believing women who emigrate from disbelieving husbands: they are to be examined, not returned, and their former husbands must be compensated (Surah 60:10-11). It also records the pledge of believing women to avoid idolatry, theft, adultery, infanticide, slander, and disobedience (Surah 60:12). The surah concludes by forbidding alliance with those whom God has angered (Surah 60:13).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray a community under threat, navigating relationships with hostile outsiders while maintaining religious identity. The surah establishes a clear ethical boundary: believers must not ally with those who actively oppose and persecute them (Surah 60:1, 60:9). However, it also permits kindness and justice toward non-combatants who do not fight or expel them (Surah 60:8). This nuanced stance is reinforced by the hope that enmity may eventually turn to affection (Surah 60:7). Abraham's example is central: he disassociated from his people's polytheism but still sought forgiveness for his father (Surah 60:4). This shows that disavowal of unbelief does not preclude personal compassion. The surah also addresses practical crises of migration and marriage, providing a procedure for examining the faith of emigrant women and dissolving prior marriages with disbelievers (Surah 60:10-11). The pledge of women (Surah 60:12) outlines core moral commitments. Overall, the surah balances separation from hostility with openness to peace, and divine judgment over human ties (Surah 60:3).

Did You Know?

• The surah's title 'She that is to be examined' derives from the command to examine believing women who emigrate (Surah 60:10).
• Abraham is cited as an example of disassociation from polytheists, yet he still asked forgiveness for his father (Surah 60:4).
• The surah explicitly permits righteous and just treatment of non-believers who do not fight or expel believers (Surah 60:8).
• Believing women's pledge includes prohibitions against infanticide and slander (Surah 60:12).