5. The Expulsion of Banu Nadir | Verses: Al-Hashr 59:1-5

Surah Al-Hashr begins with the glorification of Allah, a common pattern in many surahs of the Quran:

This magnificent opening sets the stage for the discussion of a significant historical event that demonstrated Allah's power and wisdom—the expulsion of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir from Madinah. The name of the surah itself, "Al-Hashr" (The Gathering or The Exile), refers to this expulsion.

The historical context of this event is crucial for understanding these verses. The Jewish tribes had been living in Madinah for many centuries before the Prophet's migration. They were economically dominant, controlling much of the trade and moneylending business in the region. The Banu Nadir, in particular, were a wealthy tribe who lived in fortified settlements in the southern part of Madinah, and their economic and military power had led to considerable arrogance.

Upon the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) arrival in Madinah, a treaty had been established between the Muslims and the Jewish tribes for peaceful coexistence and mutual defense. However, the Banu Nadir repeatedly violated this treaty through various acts of treachery. The final breaking point came when they plotted to assassinate the Prophet (peace be upon him) by dropping a large rock on him when he visited their quarter to discuss matters of the treaty. Allah informed the Prophet of their plan, and he left safely.

Following this treasonous act, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered Banu Nadir to leave Madinah, giving them a period of grace. The hypocrites in Madinah, led by Abdullah ibn Ubayy, secretly promised to support Banu Nadir if they resisted. Emboldened by these false promises, the tribe refused to leave and fortified themselves in their settlements. The Muslims subsequently besieged them, and after realizing that the hypocrites' promises of support were empty, Banu Nadir surrendered and were exiled.

Allah addresses this event directly in verse 2:

The verse continues with a profound statement about the Banu Nadir's false sense of security:

This verse highlights a universal principle: no matter how powerful, wealthy, or entrenched a people may be, when they violate divine laws and engage in corruption, their apparent strength cannot protect them from Allah's decree. The Banu Nadir, despite their fortifications and economic power, could not resist when Allah's judgment came upon them.

What is remarkable about this event is that the Banu Nadir had been so firmly established in Madinah that no Arab, including the Quraysh, could have imagined their expulsion. Their defeat served as a powerful sign of Allah's support for His Messenger and the believers.

In verse 5, Allah addresses another aspect of the siege—the cutting down of some palm trees:

This verse was revealed to address concerns about the permissibility of cutting down some of the enemy's trees during the siege. Allah clarifies that this action was done with His permission as a tactical measure, and to demonstrate that those who violate their covenants and engage in treachery will face consequences.