Surah Al-Mumtahanah (She that is to be examined)

Al-Mumtahanah means "She Who Is to Be Examined," referring to the testing of the sincerity of women who migrated to the Muslim community.

Surah Al-Mumtahanah is the sixtieth chapter of the Quran, a Medinan surah of thirteen ayahs. It addresses the believers' relationships and loyalties, opening with a caution against taking as intimate allies those hostile to faith while remaining just and kind toward others. The surah presents the example of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him as a model of clear allegiance to God, while also noting God's mercy in permitting good relations with those who have not fought against the community. It takes its name from guidance on examining the sincerity of women who came seeking to join the Muslim community, so that faith rather than mere circumstance would be the basis of their acceptance. The surah outlines a pledge of allegiance in which believers commit to core moral principles, and it closes by again warning against alliance with those set in enmity to God. Throughout, it balances firmness in loyalty with the call to justice, kindness, and fairness toward non-hostile others.

Surah number: 60
Revelation: Medinan
Ayahs: 13
Arabic: الممتحنة

Read Surah Al-Mumtahanah online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Loyalty to God and the ethics of alliance and friendship
The example of Ibrahim (Abraham) as a model of clear allegiance
Justice and kindness toward those who are not hostile
Examining the sincerity of faith among new arrivals
The pledge of allegiance and commitment to moral principles
Balancing firmness in faith with fairness and compassion

Why this surah matters

Al-Mumtahanah is often cited in discussions of how the early Muslim community balanced loyalty to faith with justice and kindness toward others, since it explicitly permits good and fair dealings with those who have not shown hostility. The surah's use of Ibrahim as an exemplar of sincere devotion is a recurring point of reflection. It is also noted for describing a pledge in which believers commit to fundamental ethical principles, a passage frequently referenced in the context of moral covenant. The chapter stands as a concise statement of how allegiance, justice, and compassion are held together in Islamic teaching.

Frequently asked questions

What does the title Al-Mumtahanah mean?

It means "She Who Is to Be Examined," referring to guidance on examining the sincerity of faith of women who came to join the Muslim community, so that acceptance would rest on genuine belief.

Is Al-Mumtahanah Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Medinan surah, associated with the period after the migration to Medina. Its guidance concerns the loyalties and relationships of the established community there.

Does the surah teach hostility toward non-Muslims?

No. It cautions against allying with those actively hostile to faith, but it explicitly calls for justice and kindness toward those who have not fought against or wronged the community, holding fairness and firmness together.

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