Page 143 - Tafsir of surat at tawba repentance

© Islamic Online University Usool at-Tafseer

10

_________________________

ASBAAB AN-NUZOOL: REASONS FOR

REVELATION

T Qur’aan Judgment, of universal guidance for all peoples in all times until
a
is
he
book
the
the
their
with
relations
of
in
showing
them
Day
correct
path
their Creator and in their relations with themselves as individuals and groups.
At the same time, the Qur’aan was revealed to one man living in a specific time
and place among a specific community. On occasions, certain events would occur
about which the Prophet’s followers were unsure, or on other occasions they
might actually ask him about some matters which were unclear to them. In
response to these and similar needs, verses were revealed to the Prophet (r).
These events represent the context in which revelation came and are referred to as
“asbaab an-nuzool” (reasons for revelation). The Qur’aan, therefore, uses the
particular to give instructions of universal significance.
For example, when Khawlah bint Tha‘labah’s husband, Aws ibn as-Saamit,
40
turned his back on her in the marriage bed (thihaar), she went to complain to the
Prophet (r). ‘Aa’ishah, wife of the Prophet (r), said, “Blessed is He who hears
all things. Verily, I heard some of what Khawlah bint Tha‘labah said while she
was complaining about her husband to the Prophet (r). She said, ‘O Messenger of
Allaah (r), he ate up my youth and I spread my stomach for him. Now that I
have grown old and stopped having children, he has turned his back on me. O
Allaah, verily I complain to You!’ An evening did not pass before Jibreel came
down with these verses:

40
By saying to her, as was the custom of the Arabs, “You are to me like my mother’s back.”

http://www.islamiconlineuniversity.com 24