Basic
Madani Events
Surah: Al-Hujurat (10)
Believers Are Brothers — The Fighting Between Aws and Khazraj
إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ إِخۡوَةٌ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَ أَخَوَيۡكُمۡ
— الحجرات الآية 10
Occasion of Revelation (Hasan — Abu Dawud & Bazzar):
Two Ansar men from Aws and Khazraj quarreled; their respective tribes took sides, raising palm fronds and sandals against each other. The Prophet came and reconciled them. Then was revealed: "And if two factions among the believers should fight one another, make peace between them." Immediately after: "Believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers." (49:10)
Significance:
Two Ansar men from Aws and Khazraj quarreled; their respective tribes took sides, raising palm fronds and sandals against each other. The Prophet came and reconciled them. Then was revealed: "And if two factions among the believers should fight one another, make peace between them." Immediately after: "Believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers." (49:10)
Significance:
- Brotherhood in faith is stronger than tribal or blood ties
- Reconciling between quarreling Muslims is obligatory on every capable Muslim
- Even minor conflict with palm fronds is called "fighting" — to show the severity of any discord between believers
- Justice with both sides: "if one transgresses against the other, fight the transgressing one"
Source: Abu Dawud (4654) — Hasan; Al-Bazzar; Al-Suyuti, Lubab Al-Nuqul
Test Yourself
Why does the Quran call the Ansari quarrel with palm fronds "fighting" (iqtitaal)?
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