Fatwa ID: 04523

Answered by: Maulana Jamal Ahmed

Question

Hazrat, did this verse come down because of an argument between Abu Bakr, and Umar? I read, they were arguing over a treaty.

Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. Those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger PBUH, are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them are forgiveness and a great reward. Quran: 49: 2- 3

Please explain, and authenticate.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

The mufassirun have mentioned a few incidents regarding the revelation of this ayah. According to Qurtubi, there are six narrations cited as the background of the revelation of these verses. Qadi Abu Bakr Ibn ` Arabi confirms that all the narrations are correct because they all are included in the general meaning of the verses. One of the narrations, reported by Bukhari, is that once some people from the tribe of Tamim came to the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم). During their stay, one of the issues under discussion was to appoint someone as a ruler of this tribe. Sayyidna Abu Bakr (رض) suggested the name of Qa` qa' Ibn Ma'bad, while Sayyidna ` Umar (رض) proposed the name of Aqra' Ibn Habis. Both of them discussed the issue for a while during which the voices of both became loud. These verses were revealed in this background.

When this verse was revealed, the blessed Companions (رض) became very apprehensive and very cautious. Sayyidna Abu Bakr (رض) said: "By God! 0 Messenger of Allah, from now till my last breath, I shall speak to you as if someone is whispering." (Ad-Durr-ul Manthur on the authority of Baihaqi) When this verse was revealed, Sayyidna ` Umar' (رض) voice became so low that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) had to ask him to repeat what he said, so that he could understand what he was saying to him (Sihah).

Thabit Ibn Qays (رض) had a naturally loud voice. When he heard this verse, he feared that his good deeds would be rendered void, he wept and lowered his voice (Ad-Durr-ul-Manthur on the authority of Baihaqi). Ma’ariful Quran, (English version) surah Hujurat, ayah 1-2, vol.8  pg. 114,  Maktabah Darul Uloom Karachi.

For further details, you can look up Tafseerul Qurtubi, vo. 16, pg. 304,  Darul Kutub Al Misriyah.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Jamal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham