Q 4: What were the circumstances associated with the revelation of Surah Al-Tawbah?

A: Surah Bara’ah (Al-Tawbah) was not revealed all at one time; rather, it was revealed in portions over time intervals for many reasons. The first part of it was revealed after the Prophet (peace be upon him) had returned from the Battle of Tabuk and intended to perform Hajj. He was told that the Mushrikin (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) would visit the Ka‘bah during Hajj that year, as was their custom, offering Tawaf (circumambulation) around Al-Bayt (the House: another name for the Ka`bah) naked. Therefore, he disliked joining them. He appointed Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) as the leader of the mission of Hajj that year to guide and help Muslims perform the Hajj rites, and to inform the Mushrikin that this would be the last year for them to perform Hajj and to proclaim to people (what means): Freedom from (all) obligations (is declared) from Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) When Abu Bakr set off for Makkah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered `Aly ibn Abu Talib to join him to convey the message on behalf of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as ‘Aly was one of the Prophet’s relatives.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.