Zihar was a practice among Arabs in which a husband would say to his wife : 'you are to me like the back of my mother' (أنتِ عليَّ كَظَهرِ أمي). This meant that 'you are unlawful for me in conjugal relations. This was done to deprive her rights and keep her like a captive and not letting her marry anyone else. This is strictly forbidden in Islam. In the same way, treating adopted children as real (biological) sons and daughters was also forbidden.

Two important things have been mentioned in the above verse, as follows.

(i) The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has more right on the believers than their own selves.

(ii)The wives of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) are the mothers of the believers.

What is the meaning of 'the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has more right on the believers than their own selves.?'

It means that believers should love the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) more than their own selves. His decision in collective and individual issues of the believers are binding upon them even if they are unable to comprehend it.

(i) It is in Quran - يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَا تَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَسْمَعُونَ [ O' Believers, obey Allah and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and do not turn from him while you hear (his order). (Al-Anfaal - 20)

(ii) It is in Hadith It is narrated on the authority of Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : 'None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind. (Bukhari)

(iii) It is in Hadith Abu Huraira (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, ‘I am closer to the believers than their selves in this world and in the Hereafter, and if you like, you can read Allah's Statement - النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَى بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ [The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has a more right on the believers than their own selves] (Al-Ahzaab - 6). So, if a true believer dies and leaves behind some property, it will be for his inheritors (from the father's side), and if he leaves behind some debt to be paid or needy offspring, then they should come to me as I am the guardian of the deceased.’ (Bukhari)

(iv) It is in Hadith It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Hisham (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that he said : We were with the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and he was holding the hand of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ). 'Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said to Him, O' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) you are dearer to me than everything except my own self.' The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete Iman) till I am dearer to you than your own self.' Then Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said to him, 'However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.' The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'Now, O' Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) (you are a true believer). (Bukhari)

(v) It is in Hadith It is narrated on the authority of Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that : A man asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) about the Hour, saying, 'When will the Hour be?' The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : 'What have you prepared for it?' The man said, 'nothing, except that I love Allah and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'You will be with those whom you love.'

(Anasؓ continued) We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Therefore, I love the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), Abu Bakr (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) and 'Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them, though my deeds are not similar to theirs. (Bukhari)

What is the meaning of 'the wives of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) are the mothers of the believers?'

It means that the love and respect of Ummaha-tul-Momineen (امهات المومنين رضئ اللہ تعالی عنهنّ اجمعين) has to be more than the love of the biological mothers of the believers and it is an indication and fulfillment of your love of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

It is in Hadith - 'The (believing) mother is in the middle of the doors of Paradise.' (Ahmed)

It is in Hadith - The Paradise is under the feet of (the believing) mothers. (Nasai)

Similarly, love of Ahle Bait-e-At haar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين), is a requirement and an indication and fulfillment of your love of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

You cannot claim your love for Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) while you accuse, abuse or blame any member of Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) house hold like the way Shias, Salafis, Deobandis, Ahle-Hadith and their like minded groups do.

It is in Quran قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى وَمَنْ يَقْتَرِفْ حَسَنَةً نَزِدْ لَهُ فِيهَا حُسْنًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ [ (O Prophet ﷺ), say to them : 'I do not ask you any recompense except your love for my close relatives (Ahl-e-Bait - رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين)'. He who does a good deed shall be repaid many times over. Surely Allah is oft Forgiving, Most Appreciative. ] (Ash-Shura - 23).

From verse 9 to 27 (19 verses) in this Sura are related to the battle of the Trench (غزوة الخندق‎) which was followed by the Muslims' raid against Bani Quraizah tribe that took place in 5 AH (627 AD).

BRIEF HISTORY

The Battle of the Trench (غزوة الخندق‎), also known as the Battle of the Confederates (غزوة الاحزاب‎) was a 30 day long siege of Madina by the Confederation of non-believers consisting of Arab and Jewish tribes. Altogether they consisted of 10,000 men while the Muslim army defending Madina consisted of 3000 men. It was fought in the month of Shawwal, 5 AH. This was the third battle between the Makkan pagans and Muslims in Madina in the past 5 years. The earlier battles at Badr and Uhad occurred in 2nd and 3rd AH (624 and 625 AD).

To defend Madina against the formidable confederates army was a difficult task. Thus, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), on the suggestion of Salman Farsi (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), ordered to dig a trench on the exposed side of Madina from where the attackers could possibly enter. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) assigned a group of 10 people each to dig a trench that is unassailable by a horse rider.

The ditch was dug in 6 days. Its total length was roughly 7500 feet (5000 cubits) and the depth varied between 11 to 15 feet. The ditch was dug continuously day and night in extremely cold conditions. Since Muslims did not have enough food those days, it is reported that they had tied stones to their stomach to defy hunger. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) also participated in digging by tying 2 stones on his stomach.

When the confederates army arrived, they were surprised to see the unassailable ditch, as this kind of war tactic was unknown in Arabia. They had no choice but to lay siege of Muslims that lasted for about a month. The long siege in an open area during peak winter was tiring for the confederates army. Meanwhile, misunderstanding among the partners of the confederates were also developed and they started suspecting each other. Many even became sick due to the harsh weather conditions and their horses started dying.

As the siege lengthened, the hypocrites (Munafiqeen) in the Muslims' camp started creating trouble for the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and demanded that they be relieved to go back home.

Then, one night, Allah sent a massive gust of wind that destroyed all the tents and cooking utensils of the Confederates' Army. Disappointed by their deteriorating condition, the Makkan Quraish decided to leave. Later, the other partners in the confederation also left.

Thus, the hardship of the battle was over for Muslims after a long testing month.

The battle of the Trench was the last battle fought between Makkan Quraish and Muslims in Madina as the Makkans never dared to attack Muslims again. Seven Muslims were martyred and four people from the enemy were killed in this battle.

It is in Hadith Ummul Momineen Aisha (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) narrated that when Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) returned on the day (of the battle) of Trench, he put down his arms and took a bath. Then (Angel) Jibreel (عليه السلام), whose head was covered with dust, came to him saying, 'You have put down your arms! By Allah, I have not put down my arms yet.' Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'Where (to go now)?' Jibreel (عليه السلام) said, 'This way,' pointing towards the tribe of Banu Qurayza. So Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) went towards them. (Bukhari, book 52, Hadith # 68)

Banu Qurayza

When Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) migrated to Madina, there were three Jewish tribes living in Madina; (i) Banu Qaynuqa, (ii) Banu Nadir, and (iii) Banu Qurayza.

Banu Qaynuqa and Banu Nadir were earlier banished from Madina for creating trouble in the region and they left to live in Taif. They were sore about their banishment. It is on the initiation and pursusion of these tribes that a confederation of Makkan Quraish, and other Arab and Jewish tribes was formed and the battle of trench took place.

Banu Qurayza had a pact with Muslims that bound them not to support the enemies of Muslims, particularly Makkan Quraish if they ever attack Madina. Thus, when the siege of Madina was carried out by the Confederates Army, they remained neutral initially. However, within a few days, as they predicted Muslims imminent defeat, they joined forces with the Confederates Army and started a massive tribulation within the neighborhoods of Madina.

Once the Confederates army left, they were left alone in Madina. The Muslims' retaliation against them was a natural course.

As per the command of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), Muslims marched on Bani Quraiza neighborhood in Madina and lay a siege to their fortresses for 25 days. At the end of which, they surrendered to Muslim army.

Some of the fighters of Banu Quraiza were killed and others were held captives and the land held by them came under Muslim rule.

There are differences of opinions among the scholars and historians about Banu Qurayza. Some say that a large number of people who had revolted against the Muslims during the battle of Trench were killed, while others claim that only those were killed who actually fought against Muslims.

The above verse is known as the Verse of Purification (آیة تطهیر). Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says - إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا [ O' members of the (Prophet’s ﷺ) family (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين), Allah only intends to keep (the causes of) evil away from you and purify you completely.]

Who are the people referred to as the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) family?

It is obvious that the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) wives and his children are the primary members of his family. Obviously, in the above verse, the command is in relation to all Ummaha-tul-Momineen (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين).

(i) It is in Hadith - Safiyyah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) the daughter of Shaybah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrates that Ummul Momineen Aisha (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) said that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) came out one morning wearing a cloak which had camel saddles woven on to it with black wool. Then Hasan Ibn Ali (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) came and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) took him under the cloak, then Husain (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) came and entered beneath it with the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Then Fatimah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) came and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) took her under the cloak. Next Ali (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) came and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) also included him beneath it. Then the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) recited the verse - إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا [ O' members of the (Prophet’s ﷺ) family (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين), Allah only intends to keep (the causes of) evil away from you and purify you completely. (al-Ahzaab - 33).

References - (i) Muslim, (ii) Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, (iii) Ahmad, (iv) Musnad Ibn Rahawayh, (v) Al-Mustadrak, al-Hakim, (vi) Sunan al-Kubra, Baihaqi, (vii) Tafseer-e-Tabari, (viii) Maalim-ut-Tanzil, Baghawi, etc.

It is in Hadith - Umar bin Abi Salamah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) who was brought up by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) narrates that when the verse - إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا [ O' members of the (Prophet’s ﷺ) family (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين), Allah only intends to keep (the causes of) evil away from you and purify you completely.] (al-Ahzaab - 33) was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) at the home of Ummul Momineen Umm Salamah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا), he called Fatimah, Hasan and Husain (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم) and covered them with a cloak. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) also covered Ali (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) who was behind him and then said, 'Oh Allah! These are my Ahle Baith so keep impurity away from them and totally purify them.

References - (i) Tirmidhi, (ii) Ahmad, (iii) Bayhaqi, (iv) Hakim, (v) Tabarani, etc.

The above Ahadith confirm that, in addition to Ummaha-tul-Momineen, Hadhrat Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين) are included in the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) household.

There are some references that include, Aqil, Jafar, Abbas and Salman Farsi (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم) within the purview of the household of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Shias wrongfully claim that Ummaha-tul-Momineen (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم) are not part of the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) household. This kind of belief is denial of Quranic verses and Ahadith.

From the above verse, the finality of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as the last prophet to humanity is confirmed. Now, whoever claims prophethood in any manner whatsoever is a liar.

As far as Isa (عليه السلام) is concerned, his advent was before Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). He was raised alive to heaven by Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). In his second coming, he will appear before the end times and confirm the last prophethood of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and will die after completing his lifespan on planet earth.

Zikr and its various types have been described in detail in the tafseer of verse 45, Sura al-Ankaboot.

The above two verses confirm that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is the 'Lamp spreading light' (into the whole cosmos).

He is also referred to as 'Witness', a bearer of glad tidings and the one who warns to humanity. A witness is the one who knows about all the physical and spiritual aspects of this Cosmos.

It is in Hadith Jabir Ibn Abdullah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), O' Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) may my father and mother be sacrificed for you, tell me the first thing Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) created before all things.' The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : O'Jabir (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), the first thing Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) created was the light of your Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) from His light. (And everything else was created from that light). (Part of the Hadith).

The above Hadith was narrated by Abdur Razzaq (d. 211 AH) in his Musannaf according to Qastallani in al-Mawahib al-Laduniyya (1:55) and Zarqani in his Sahrh al-Mawahib (1:56 of the Matba'a al-Amira, Edn, Cairo).

Abdur Razzaq is one of the authentic and reliable narrators. Bukhari took 120 and Muslim took 400 Ahadith from him.

Baihaqi narrated the above Hadith with a different wording in 'Dala'il al-Nubawwa, according to Zurqani in his Sharh al-Mawahib (1:56 of the Matba'a al-Amira, Cairo.) Diyarbakri narrated it in 'Tarikh al-Khamis (1-20).

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) had 9 wives at that time. After this commandment he did not marry anyone else.

There are differences of opinions among scholars in this context. Some say that the restriction was lifted from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), but he chose not to marry anyone else.

The above verse is a commandment of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for recitation of Durood on Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). The more you recite, the bigger is the reward in both the worlds.

Durood (اللهم صلِّ على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين) is the remembrance of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) which is obligatory on all Muslims.

(ii) It is in Hadith - Abdullah bin Masud (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrates that the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : 'On the day of Resurrection the person closest to me will be the one who has sent the most Durood on me.' (Tirmidhi)

(iii) It is in Hadith - Abdulla bin Amr bin Al-Aas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) reported : I heard the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) saying : 'Whoever supplicates Allah to exalt for me (recites Durood), Allah would exalt him ten times.' (Muslim)

(iv) It is in Hadith The Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : Before whomsoever my name is mentioned, he should recite durood upon me.' (Nasa'i)

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) commands Muslim women to wear Cloak/veil so that they are recognized as virtuous women and not be harassed.

Different kinds of veils/cloaks are used by Muslim women in the world, as follows.

(i) Niqab - The niqab is a veil/cloak that covers the whole body but leaves the area around the eyes clear.

(ii) Burqa - Burka is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It is a one-piece veil/cloak that covers the face and body, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through.

(iii) Al-Amira It is a two-piece veil/clock. It consists of a close fitting cap and a tube-like scarf.

(iv) Chador - The chador is a full-body cloak. It is often accompanied by a small headscarf underneath.

(v) Khimar - The khimar is a long, cape-like veil that hangs down to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely, and leaves the face clear.

(vi) Shayla - The shayla is a long, rectangular scarf which is wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.

(vii) Hijab Hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women. These scarves come in many styles and colors. Most commonly worn scarf covers the head and neck and leaves the face clear.

The women wearing Khimar, Shyla or Hijab generally prefer to wear loose fitting cloths/cloak in such a way that they are recognized as virtuous.

The meaning of Trust (الْأَمَانَةَ) in the above verse is the crown of vicegerent (تاجِ خِلافت)

It is in Quran - وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً [ And when Allah addressed the angels (saying) I am going to make a Vicegerent on Earth. ] (Al-Baqara -30)

It is in Quran - وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَائِفَ الْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ الْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ [ And He is Who has made you successors upon the Earth and has raised some of you above others in ranks that He will see you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in retribution; and He is (also) Forgiving and Merciful.] (Al-An'aam - 165)

It is the wisdom of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) that every single creation is appropriate in its place within their environment. When Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) informed the angels that He is going to create a vicegerent on Earth, it meant that His real Khalifa, Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was to come from among human beings.

It is in Hadith - Umar bin al-Khattab (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, when Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) said, O' my Lord, I ask you for the sake of Mohammad (بحق محمد صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) to forgive me. He (Allah - عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) said, How did you know Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)? He said, because when you created me with Your hands and blew into me from Your spirit, I raised my head and I saw on the Arsh it was written لا إله إلا الله ، محمد رسول الله [There is no god, but Allah, and Mohammad is the Apostle of Allah]. So I knew You would not put next to your name except the one who is the most beloved to You. 'He said, you have said the truth, O'Adam (عليه السلام) and if it were not for Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), I would not have created you.] (Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim, who said it is Sahih)

It is in Hadith Abu Hurairah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated, 'they asked, O'Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), when was prophet-hood established for you? He said, while Adam (عليه السلام) was between the soul and body' (Tirmidhi).

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) wants humans to realize that they are His chosen creation, His servants, among whom His beloved Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has appeared. It is a great distinction for human beings among Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) creations. Therefore, man needs to choose Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) obedience and should be grateful to Him. Those who do not realize it and deny Him, will be subjected to punishment.