Islam is a religion of peace and every relevant verse in Al Qur'an encourages the Muslims to exhibit restrain and suppress their anger and emotional outburst, specially when be wronged and misunderstood. Today, the social media project the Muslims as intolerant and terrorists, mainly to downplay a fast spreading religion and portray a negative impression over non Muslims so as to arrest the fast reversion rate. And instead own pride and ego is projected to be superior to all others and make charters and decisions mainly to suppress the Muslims.
This is not something new - this attitude of non Muslims continues unabated since the very early and formatting stage of Islam at the hands of the polytheists and idolaters of Arabia, specially Makkah, and other non Muslims in general. They would even refuse to allow Muslims the agreed upon charter that no one forbid anyone to come to pilgrimage at Makkah. This created a very heart wrenching blow to the Muslims when they came to perform Umra (the lesser pilgrimage). The following 26th verse from Surah 48. Al Fath (The Victory) explains the pagan arrogance, blind pride and expression of false ego. Interestingly, the same attitude is still being faced by Muslims all over the world even today:
Let us quote the verse and its explanation with its relevance
Surah Al-Fath — Verse 26
The verse says (Arabic text with meaning in English):
إِذْ جَعَلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْحَمِيَّةَ حَمِيَّةَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ فَأَنزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ وَعَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَأَلْزَمَهُمْ كَلِمَةَ التَّقْوَىٰ وَكَانُوا أَحَقَّ بِهَا وَأَهْلَهَا ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا
“When those who disbelieved had placed in their hearts pride and arrogance — the arrogance of the Age of Ignorance — then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers, and made them adhere to the word of righteousness…” — Quran 48:26
Historical Context of the Verse
This verse was revealed during the events surrounding the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Muslims had come peacefully to Makkah intending to perform Umrah. They were unarmed except for travelers’ swords and did not seek war. However, the Quraysh refused to let them enter Makkah because of:
- Tribal pride,
- Political ego,
- Fear of losing status,
- and hostility toward Islam.
Salient Features of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
In order to under the context of this verse and attitude of the Quraysh of Makkah, the salient of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah are mentioned in point form:
- Ten-Year Peace Agreement: Both Muslims and the Quraysh agreed to stop fighting for ten years. This created peace and stability in Arabia.
- Muslims Would Return Without Performing Umrah (A stark negation of the charter to visit Makkah): The Muslims came to perform pilgrimage (Umrah) but agreed to return to Medina that year without entering Mecca.
- "Permission" for Umrah Next Year: Muslims were "asked" to come the following year for Umrah and stay in Mecca for three days only, carrying only travelers’ weapons. This in fact smacks the notion of Makkah being an open city and the Quraysh keeping an upper hand in allowing who should come to Makkah.
- Freedom of Tribal Alliances: Any Arab tribe could join either the Muslims or the Quraysh without interference.
- Return of Escaped Meccans: If a person from Mecca escaped to Medina without the guardian’s permission, the Muslims would return that person to Mecca.
- No Return of Muslims Going to Mecca: If a Muslim from Medina went to Mecca, the Quraysh were not required to return them. This condition was extremely negative and tangent to the previous clasue.
- Safe Movement and End of Hostility: People from both sides could travel and interact peacefully, helping spread Islam through dialogue rather than war.
Explanation of the Verse
The Quran describes this attitude as: “حمية الجاهلية” — hamiyyat al-jahiliyyah - that is “the arrogance/fanaticism of ignorance.”
This refers to blind pride that is loyalty to tribe over truth, emotional reactions over justice, and ego over wisdom. That is why the Quraysh insisted on humiliating conditions in the treaty largely because they could not emotionally accept the rising influence of Islam. But to their amazement the Muslims agreed to their rather difficult terms and signed the treaty, for the Quraysh could not fathom the the wisdom and diplomatic acumen of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains what is “the arrogance/fanaticism of ignorance.”
The words hamiyyat al -jahiliyyah mean that a man should willfully do something unworthy and improper only for the sake of his honor and prestige. The disbelievers of Makkah themselves acknowledged and admitted that everybody had a right to visit the Ka`bah for performing Hajj and `Umrah, and that they had no right to slop anyone from this duty. This was an ancient admitted law of Arabia. But in spite of knowing that they were absolutely in the wrong and the Muslims in the right, they prevented the Muslims from performing `Umrah only for the sake of their prestige. The righteous even among the polytheists also were saving that preventing the people who had come in the pilgrim garbs along with sacrificial camels from performing pilgrimage was an improper act. Yet the Quraish leaders persisted in their resistance only under the idea that if Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) entered Makkah along with a large number of his followers, it would mean loss of prestige for them among the Arabs. This was their arrogance.
Ibn Kathir explains The Pride and Haughty Arrogance of the Disbelievers:
- The Context: The Quraysh refused to allow the Prophet and the companions to enter Makkah for Umrah. They displayed an intense, tribal bigotry rooted in the pre-Islamic Jahiliyyah (Age of Ignorance).
- The Details: Ibn Kathir highlights that their pride was so severe that they refused to allow the treaty to begin with the words Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) or acknowledge Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah, opting instead for their traditional pagan formulas.
What Did Allah Give the Believers Instead?
The verse contrasts arrogance with two things:
1. Sakīnah (Tranquility / Inner Calm)
- Allah gave the believers emotional stability and restraint. Even when provoked, they remained disciplined, avoided unnecessary violence, and trusted Allah’s wisdom. This was remarkable because many companions were deeply upset and emotionally hurt.
- Calm tranquility and piety are fine qualities suited to a believing heart which feels its bond with God, reassured by it. A person with such qualities always places his trust in God, and watches God in everything he says or does. Such a person does not behave arrogantly, nor do they let personal anger get the better of them.
- Therefore, the believers were most worthy and deserving of the word of piety. This is yet another point on which they are commended by God, who favoured them with the tranquility He bestowed on them. This is all an honour given to them by the One who knows them well: "God has fill knowledge of all things." Therefore, the believers were most worthy and deserving of the word of piety. This is yet another point on which they are commended by God, who favoured them with the tranquility He bestowed on them. This is all an honour given to them by the One who knows them well: "God has fill knowledge of all things."
Ibn Kathir explains Sakinah:
- The Calming Force: In stark contrast to the boiling anger and prejudice of the pagans, Allah sent down His Sakinah (divine tranquility, peace, and reassurance) upon the Prophet (PBUH) and the believers.
- The Effect: This spiritual calmness allowed the companions to remain composed, patient, and obedient under pressure, even when the terms of the treaty initially seemed disadvantageous to them.
2. “The Word of Righteousness”
Scholars explain this as sincerity, truthfulness, taqwa (God-consciousness), and commitment to faith despite pressure.
Whereas the believers chose principle over emotional revenge.
Deep Meaning of the Verse
The verse contrasts two human states:
Arrogance of Ignorance Tranquility of Faith
Ego Humility
Rage Self-control
Tribalism Justice
Emotional impulsiveness Wisdom
Pride in status Submission to truth
Desire to dominate Desire to do right
Relevance Today
This verse is extremely relevant in modern life. We often observe expression of false pride and arrogance against the Muslims on the social media. Even Muslims are maltreated openly and hijab of Muslim women snatched for feeling superior over people they think live in centuries old world, the same way the Quraysh thought of Muslims. Herein under let us explain the relevance of this verse to modern times:
1. Online Anger and Tribalism
- Much of modern discourse operates through outrage, group identity, humiliation culture, “us vs them” thinking, and emotional reactions.
- People still defend political tribes, national identity, sectarian positions, or social groups even when wrong. This resembles “the arrogance of ignorance.”
On the other hand, the verse teaches believers NOT to let ego control behavior, and lose dignity in conflict. What it asks is to maintain calmness and justice.
2. Conflict Resolution
At Hudaybiyyah, Muslims accepted a difficult peace instead of escalating conflict. But today many individuals, communities, and nations escalate arguments, refuse compromise, and prioritize pride over peace.
This verse teaches thus teaches the Muslims that sometimes restraint is stronger than retaliation.
3. Emotional Intelligence
The believers were emotionally wounded yet remained composed.
In line with exhibition of same restraint, Muslims must:
- Control anger even when apparent conditions seem to be against them
- Avoiding impulsive reactions,
- Maintaining ethics under stress,
- and not allowing emotions to override principles.
4. Leadership and Wisdom
- In signing the treat, Prophet ﷺ demonstrated calm leadership under intense pressure. This exhibits great leadership is not driven by ego or public emotion.
- Important Spiritual Lesson The verse suggests that when people are consumed by arrogance and hostility, believers should seek: sakinah (calmness), moral clarity, patience, and principled behavior for victory does not always come through force or emotional dominance.
- At Hudaybiyyah, calmness achieved what confrontation could not and within two years, Makkah was opened peacefully.
A Timeless Message
This verse teaches that civilization declines when pride replaces truth, identity replaces justice, and emotion replaces wisdom.
And it teaches that true strength is calm under pressure, principled restraint, and faith-guided character.
Summary
Now if we look around, many Muslims are still seen dismayed and irritant over the treatment meted out to them at the hands of the non believers. Frequent instances of maltreatment or even killing of Muslims, pushing and ripping away hijab of Muslim women are just small incidents that speak louder than actions. Likewise all decisions at world forums are one sided and to the benefit of major powers. Yet Muslims must ensure restraint and conduct their affairs and protests with resolution and faith that in the end things will turn out to be in the favour of those who seek truth and quell injustice.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 48. Al Fath (The Victory) already published.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages:
- Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
- Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
- Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
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