Surah At-Tawbah – Repentance, Themes & Online Reading

Classification	Medinan
Other names	Bara’ah (“Repudiation”)
Position	Juzʼ 10 to 11
Hizb no.	19 to 21
No. of verses	129
No. of Rukus	16
No. of Sajdahs	None
No. of words	2505
No. of letters	11115

Surah At-Tawbah Introduction

This Surah is called At-Taubah (Repentance) because it explains the nature of repentance and its conditions (vv. 102, 118). Al-Bara’ah (Release) is another name for it that comes from its first word.

Omission of Bismillah

Bismillah does not open this Surah. According to Imam Razi, this omission happened because the Prophet did not command it, and his companions did the same. This illustrates how meticulously the Qur’an has been preserved.

Discourses and Revelation

The Surah has three parts:

1. First Discourse (vv. 1-37): Revealed in Zil-Qa’adah A.H. 9, it announced new policies toward polytheists during Hajj.
2. Second Discourse (vv. 38-72): Revealed before the Tabuk campaign, it urged believers to join jihad and rebuked hypocrites.
3. Third Discourse (vv. 73-129): Revealed after Tabuk, it warned hypocrites and forgave sincere believers who stayed behind.

Historical Background

Islam expanded quickly following the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, and the occasions covered in this Surah signaled the strengthening of its hold on Arabia.

Themes of Surah Taubah

1. Treaties Void: voids agreements made with polytheists who violate them.
2. Qital Command: Issues directives to combat resistance.
3. Idolaters Prohibited: Prevents idolaters from entering mosques dedicated to Allah.
4. Key events from the Battle of Hunayn are emphasized.
5. Noted are the difficulties and results of the Battle of Tabuk.
6. It is forbidden to offer prayers for hypocrites who have passed away.
7. Masjid al-Dirar: denounces the damaging mosque.
8. Believers’ Sacrifice: Allah assures believers that sacrifices will lead to Paradise.
9. Three Friend: Acceptance of delayed repentance.

Surah At Tauba Images

 

 

FAQs

What are the benefits of Surah at-Tawbah?

Some of the Benefits of Reciting Surah At Tawbah are:

• Allah forgives sincere repentance, offering mercy and hope.
• Warns against hypocrisy and urges true faith.
• Emphasizes community duties like justice and social work.
• Assures Allah’s support to steadfast believers.
• Stresses honoring treaties and being trustworthy.
• Warns of Shirk’s severe consequences, promoting monotheism.
• Describes Hereafter rewards and punishments as motivation.
• Guides on moral and ethical behavior in daily life.
• Teaches lessons from historical events for better decisions.
• Strengthens faith with deep insights and connection to Allah.

Why can’t you say Bismillah in Surah Taubah?

Bismillah is left out of Surah At-Tawbah because of its harsh tone, which addresses hypocrisy and treachery and reflects the seriousness of its message and the difficult circumstances it is set in for Muslims.

What is Surah Al tawbah verse 29?

Surah Tawbah Verse 29 translates in English as:

Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture,1 until they pay the tax,2 willingly submitting, fully humbled.

What is the meaning of Surah Taubah Ayat 100?

Surah Tawbah Ayat 100 translates in English as:

As for the foremost—the first of the Emigrants1 and the Helpers2—and those who follow them in goodness, Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. That is the ultimate triumph.

 

Author’s Quotation

“Surah At Tawbah literally changed the way i used to think in the past about faith and responsibility. I learned the importance of consistency while doing my duties to Allah or the Community people. I’ve learned to stay away from hypocrisy, keep my word, and have faith in Allah’s kindness. I developed a stronger feeling of responsibility, bolstered my faith, and found hope in Allah’s final recompense for the virtuous by following its guidance.