About Surah Al-Hashr

If the Quran were revealed upon a mountain, the mountain would be humbled and broken down. This striking image anchors Al-Hashr (The Exile), a 24-verse Madinan text also known as Sūrat Banī al-Naḍīr. It was revealed in the fourth year after the Hijrah, immediately following the military victory over the Banū al-Naḍīr tribe and their expulsion from nearby fortified strongholds.

The text opens by declaring that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, then details how He alone secured the recent victory. It moves into establishing rulings for spoils acquired without fighting, directing this wealth to the Emigrants, the Helpers, and the poor. The argument then turns to expose the cowardice and false promises of the hypocrites who secretly allied with the exiled tribe.

The final verses shift inward, commanding reflection so the believers avoid the hardened hearts of those who forgot Allah. The chapter culminates in a magnificent list of Allah's attributes—a sequence the Prophet encouraged reciting upon waking and going to bed, stating they offer divine protection.

Surah 59 of 114Madinan

Al-Hashr

الحشر The Exile

Verses: 24
Revelation: Madinan
Juz: 28
Pages: 545–548

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

59:1

Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies God; He is the Almighty, the Wise.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:2

It was He who drove those of the People of the Book who broke faith out from their homes at the first gathering of forces––you [believers] never thought they would go, and they themselves thought their fortifications would protect them against God. God came up on them from where they least expected and put panic into their hearts: their homes were destroyed by their own hands, and the hands of the believers. Learn from this, all of you with insight!

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:3

If God had not decreed exile for them, He would have tormented them [even more severely] in this world. In the Hereafter they will have the torment of the Fire

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:4

because they set themselves against God and His Messenger: God is stern in punishment towards anyone who sets himself against Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:5

Whatever you [believers] may have done to [their] palm trees–– cutting them down or leaving them standing on their roots––was done by God’s leave, so that He might disgrace those who defied Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:6

You [believers] did not have to spur on your horses or your camels for whatever gains God turned over to His Messenger from them. God gives authority to His messengers over whoever He will: God has power over all things.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:7

Whatever gains God has turned over to His Messenger from the inhabitants of the villages belong to God, the Messenger, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the traveller in need- this is so that they do not just circulate among those of you who are rich––so accept whatever the Messenger gives you, and abstain from whatever he forbids you. Be mindful of God: God is severe in punishment.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:8

The poor emigrants who were driven from their homes and possessions, who seek God’s favour and approval, those who help God and His Messenger- these are the ones who are true- [shall have a share].

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

59:9

Those who were already firmly established in their homes [in Medina], and firmly rooted in faith, show love for those who migrated to them for refuge and harbour no desire in their hearts for what has been given to them. They give them preference over themselves, even if they too are poor: those who are saved from their own souls’ greed are truly successful.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem