It is the 59th Surah having 24 Ayahs. Hasher
means “Gathering”. It starts and ends with the Glorification of Allah. It
mainly deals with the hypocrite’s collaboration with Medinan Jews against the
Muslims ending in their humiliation and defeat. According to the Prophetic
tradition, whoever recites it with reflection as to its contents, Paradise,
Hell, the Throne, seven heavens, the earth, as well as animals, birds, the sun,
the moon, and the angels invoke God Almighty that He may bestow His mercy upon
him and forgive him.
Ayah 6 and 7 specially deals with “Fay”- Fadak. Fay was the
property belonging to Allah and His Prophet which was acquired without the
Muslims fighting and using horses and camels. Ayah 6 and 7 states, “And
what Allah gave to His Messenger from their property, for this you made no
expedition with either cavalry or camelry. But Allah gives powers to His Messengers
over whomsoever He wills. And Allah is All-able to do all things. What Allah
gave as booty to His Messenger from the people of the townships, it is for
Allah, His Messenger, the kindred, the orphans, the poor, and the stranded such
that it may not become a fortune used by the rich among you. And whatsoever the
Messenger gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) and
fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is severe in chastisement.
The word “Fay” connotes the property and booties seized without
bloodshed and expedition and placed at the disposal of the leader of the Muslim
community. It was in the seventh year of Hijra when the Jews surrendered after
the Lion of Allah , Imam Ali (a.s.) extricated the mammoth gate of Khyber and
killed Amr ibn Abdo-wad, facilitated the capture of the fort of Khyber. The
huge war booty was distributed among the Muslim warriors. The Jews handed over the
land including Fadak, to the Prophet of Allah. The orchard of Fadak was gifted
by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima
Zahra (s.a.). It was under her management for about three years. The revenue
would be distributed to the poor and destitute. Returning from Khyber, Imam Ali
(a.s.) distributed his share of the booty among the destitute of Madinah. This exemplary
couple (Imam Ali and Sayyida Fatima) distributed whatever comes in the house. Because
of their sacrifice for Allah’s creature, Sura-e-Daher or Sura Insan was
revealed in their honor.
After the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.),
the first caliph confiscated the Fadak. When Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) protested,
the caliph asked for witness which she produced but was rejected by the caliph.
It was against the law to ask for evidence and testimony for some property in
someone else possession! She demanded her inheritance. The caliph narrated a
fabricated tradition, “We prophets will not leave any inheritance”
Abdullah ibn Masud, one of the companions, narrates that in
Masjid-e-Nabawi, a man stood up and said that he was a stranded traveler and
was in needs of food. The Prophet asked “who will meet his demand and get
recompense of Paradise in return?” Imam Ali (a.s.) stood up and took the man
with him and came home and asked Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). She replied,” O
cousin! There is some meager food at home and Hasan and Husain are fasting. The
food is only for one person. “Imam Ali (a.s.) asked her to prepare the food. As
there was one man’s food, they both thought to pretend as if they were eating
and she delayed to get the lamp . When she returned, the man had already
finished his food but still there was sufficient food left, hence they both and
the children ate from the same food. Next day Imam Ali went in the presence of
the Prophet of Allah, who informed him about last night’s story. On inquiry,
the Prophet said that angel Gabriel informed him. Part of Ayah ninth relates to
this, “and give them
preference over themselves even though they were in need of that….”
It is strongly recommended to recite the last three Ayahs of
this Surah. It contains seventeen Great Names of Allah detailed as under: Omniscient,
Gracious, Merciful, Sovereign, Holy, Peace, Bestower of security, Protector, Mighty,
Most Powerful, Magnificent, Creator, Inventor, Bestower of forms, Wise,
Glorified by all creatures.
Source: The Glorious Qur’an (Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah
Nasir Makarem Shirazi
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