What is AL-MUMTAḤINAH?
AL-MUMTAḤINAH (الممتحنة), also known as “She who is tried,” is the title of the 60th chapter (Sūrah) of the Qurʾān. The name is derived from the 10th verse, where Allah instructs Muslims to examine (test) the intentions of believing women who seek asylum. The verses in this Sūrah provide guidelines for examining and testing those who claim to be believers and seek refuge, ensuring their sincerity and commitment to Islam.
Etymology and Background
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Etymology:
- The word “Mumtaḥinah” is derived from the Arabic root word “م-ت-ح” (M-T-Ḥ), meaning “to test” or “to examine.”
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Context:
- The Sūrah was revealed in Madīnah and addresses the issues and intricacies of social justice, refuge, women’s rights, and the ethical treatment of those seeking asylum.
Historical Context: During the early Islamic period, many individuals, especially women, fled from their homes to join the Muslim community in Madīnah. They often faced suspicion regarding their true intentions, whether their conversion to Islam was genuine or influenced by external factors such as familial disputes or personal affiliations.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Different Islamic cultures have various ways of interpreting and implementing the teachings of Al-Mumtaḥinah:
Similarities:
- Universal Values: All Muslim societies recognize the value of testing faith to ensure sincerity.
- Women’s Rights: Across the spectrum, the Sūrah upholds the rights and dignities of women arriving as refugees.
Differences:
- Implementation: Some cultures emphasize stricter interpretations of the test, while others promote more leniency and trust in professed beliefs.
Synonyms and Antonyms
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Synonyms:
- Al-Imtiḥān (الامتحان) – The Examination
- Al-Ikhtiā`r (الاختيار) – The Choice
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Antonyms:
- Al-Ghaflah (الغفلة) – Negligence
- Al-Inḥilāl (الانحلال) – Laxity
Related Terms with Definitions
- Al-Muhajirah (المهاجرة): The Female Migrant
- Al-Bayʿah (البيعة): The Oath of Allegiance
- ʿAsabiyyah (عصبية): Tribalism or Tribal Loyalty
- Istiqāmah (استقامة): Uprightness
Exciting Facts
- The process of testing a refugee’s sincerity described in Al-Mumtaḥinah laid the early foundations for Islamic international law relating to refugees and their rights.
- The instructions of this chapter emphasize mercy and justice, instructing believers to treat sincere converts as equal members of society, thereby upholding early Islamic principles of equality and fraternity.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn Kathir: “Al-Mumtaḥinah illustrates the humane and just principles underscored by Islam even in critical community decisions.”
- Tafsir al-Baghawi: “The Sūrah is a testimony to the divinely ordained scrutiny designed to preserve the sanctity of the faith and welfare of the community.”
References & Suggested Literature
- “The Light of the Qurʾān” by Sayyid Qutb: Explores the moral and ethical dimensions of Qurʾānic instructions.
- “Qurʾānic Studies” by Muhammad Asad: A comprehensive study of the Islamic scripture, its history, and interpretation.
- “The Message of the Qurʾān” by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall: An elucidation on the inner message of the Qurʾānic verses.
Quizzes
Dear Reader,
May the exploration of AL-MUMTAḤINAH inspire you to perceive tests in life as divine opportunities for growth and purity. Reflect upon the values of justice, sincerity, and equality embedded in the Qurʾān.
With gratitude, Saira Al-Mansoori
