The Repentance

At Tawbah

Also known as: Bara'ah (Disavowal), Al-Fadiha (The Exposer), Al-Muqashqisha (That Which Frees from Hypocrisy)

Verses

129

Revelation

Madani

Period

Late Madinan

Surah No.

9 / 114

Overview

At-Tawbah is the only surah in the Quran that does not begin with the Basmala. Scholars explain this is because it was revealed with the sword (stern judgements) and not mercy, and because it is either a continuation of Al-Anfal or because the omission was the Prophet's own deliberate choice. It addresses the dissolution of treaties with polytheists, the Tabuk expedition, the hypocrisy of those who stayed behind, and the concept of sincere repentance.

أسباب النزول

Occasion of Revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul)

The surah was revealed in 9 AH. The opening verses were carried by Ali ibn Abi Talib to be proclaimed at the Hajj pilgrimage, announcing a four-month period for polytheists who had violated their treaties. Verses regarding the Tabuk expedition were revealed to censure those who gave false excuses for not joining. The famous verse of repentance (9:118) was revealed specifically about Ka'b ibn Malik and two companions who honestly admitted they had no excuse for missing Tabuk.

Key Themes

Dissolution of treaties with those who violated themThe Tabuk expedition and its lessonsExposure and condemnation of hypocrisyTrue repentance and its conditionsThe obligation of jihad for those who are ableZakat as a purification of wealthThe unity of the Muslim community

Notable Verses

9:40

“He said to his companion: Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.”

Revealed about the night the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid in the Cave of Thawr during the Hijra. The Quraysh search party stood at the cave entrance but Allah caused them to turn away, affirming divine protection.

9:128

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; he is concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.”

One of the final verses revealed to the Prophet, describing his compassion for his community. These closing verses are believed to be the last received from Jibril before the revelation was completed.