9. Prohibition of Taking Enemies as Allies

Surah Al-Mumtahanah begins with a crucial directive regarding the relationship between believers and their enemies. Allah (swt) directly addresses the believers with a stern prohibition against taking His enemies and their enemies as allies:

This verse was revealed in connection with a specific incident involving Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah, a veteran Companion who had participated in the Battle of Badr. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) was preparing to march toward Makkah, Hatib sent a letter through a woman to the Quraysh, informing them of the Muslims' plans. His motivation was not a lack of faith, but rather concern for his family members who remained in Makkah without tribal protection. He sought to gain favor with the Quraysh to ensure his family's safety.

Allah (swt) informed the Prophet (peace be upon him) of this action through revelation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then dispatched Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and another Companion to intercept the woman carrying the letter. When confronted, she initially denied having any letter, but eventually produced it from her hair where she had concealed it. This incident demonstrates Allah's protection of His Messenger and the Muslim community against potential harm.

The verse condemns such actions, emphasizing that the disbelievers have rejected the truth that has come to them and have expelled the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the believers from their homes in Makkah. The believers are reminded that Allah (swt) knows everything they conceal and everything they reveal, and that maintaining secret allegiances with the enemies of Islam is a deviation from the right path.

In verses 4-6, Allah (swt) presents the example of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) as a model for believers in their relationship with disbelievers:

Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his followers openly declared their disassociation from their people and their false deities. They proclaimed that enmity and hatred had arisen between them until their people would believe in Allah alone. This exemplary stance represents the proper attitude believers should adopt toward those who actively oppose Islam and Muslims.

The surah then provides beautiful supplication that Ibrahim (peace be upon him) made: "Our Lord, do not make us a trial for those who disbelieve, and forgive us, our Lord! You are the Mighty, the Wise" (60:5). This prayer teaches believers to seek Allah's protection from becoming a source of tribulation for the disbelievers, either by being overcome by them, which might lead them to think they are on the right path, or by being influenced by them to deviate from the straight path.

However, in verses 7-9, Allah (swt) makes an important distinction regarding relations with non-Muslims:

This verse holds the promise that hostility and hatred can transform into love and friendship through Allah's power, as demonstrated when many former enemies of Islam eventually embraced the faith.