The established merit of Surah Al-Ahzab is that it is one of the Mathani given to the Prophet ﷺ in place of the Gospel. It contains “Fear Allah and speak words of truth”, recited in the sermon of need, and it exalts the Prophet’s ﷺ rank and commands blessings on him. However, the hadith “Whoever recites Al-Ahzab and teaches it to his family will be safe from the punishment of the grave” is fabricated.
It is one of the Mathani given to the Prophet ﷺ in place of the Gospel, according to the hadith of Wathilah ibn al-Asqa’: “… and in place of the Gospel, the Mathani.”
It contains “O you who believe, fear Allah and speak words of truth” up to “… a great triumph”: the Muslim recites these verses in the sermon of need, at marriage and on other occasions, according to the hadith of Ibn Mas’ud narrated by Al-Bayhaqi.
Its main objective is to show Allah’s care for His Prophet ﷺ and the protection of his honour and household; it exalts his rank with Allah and among the highest assembly, and commands sending blessings and peace upon him.
Arabic text, translation, reference and authenticity grade of each hadith.
أعطيت مكان التوراة السبع الطوال، ومكان الزبور المئين، ومكان الإنجيل المثاني، وفضلت بالمفصل.
I was given the seven long ones in place of the Torah, the Mi’in in place of the Psalms and the Mathani in place of the Gospel, and I was favoured with the Mufassal.
علمنا رسول الله ﷺ خطبة الحاجة … ثم يقرأ: (يا أيها الذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وقولوا قولا سديدا * يصلح لكم أعمالكم ويغفر لكم ذنوبكم ومن يطع الله ورسوله فقد فاز فوزا عظيما)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught us the sermon of need (khutbat al-hajah) … then one recites: “O you who believe, fear Allah and speak words of truth; He will set your deeds right and forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has achieved a great triumph.”
من قرأ سورة الأحزاب، وعلَّمها أهله، أو ما ملكت يمينه، أعطي الأمان من عذاب القبر
Whoever recites Surah Al-Ahzab and teaches it to his family or to those under his authority will be granted safety from the punishment of the grave.
Main purpose: To show Allah’s care for His Prophet ﷺ and the protection of his honour and household.
Al-Ahzab is the 33rd surah of the Qur’an, Medinan by consensus. Revealed after Ali ’Imran, it is among the first Medinan surahs: only Al-Baqarah, Al-Anfal and Ali ’Imran preceded it after the Hijrah. It seems to have been revealed between the Battle of Badr and the Truce of Al-Hudaybiyah, and it has seventy-three verses. It mentions the Battle of the Confederates (Al-Ahzab), also called the Battle of the Trench, and that of Banu Qurayzah.
Tafsir of Surah Al-Ahzab Listen to Al-Ahzab by other reciters
The full Arabic text: introduction, virtues, themes, and a study of the chain and authenticity of each hadith.
