Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)

SÛRAH LIX

Al-Ḥashr, “Exile,” takes its name from. vv. 2–17, which refer to the exile of the Banî Naḍîr, a Jewish tribe of Al-Madînah (for treason and projected murder of the Prophet) and the confiscation of their property. The “Hypocrites,” as the lukewarm Muslims were called, had secretly sympathised with these Jews, whose opposition had grown strong since the Muslim reverse at Mt. Uḥud, and had promised to side with them if it came to a collision with the Muslims; and to emigrate with them if they were forced to emigrate. But when the Muslims marched against the Banî Naḍîr, and the latter took refuge in their strong towers, the Hypocrites did nothing. And when at length they were reduced and exiled, the Hypocrites did not go with them into exile.

The date of revelation is the fourth year of the Hijrah.

Exile

1. All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth glorifieth Allah, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.

2. He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture ¹ who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!