وَأَنتَ حِلٌّۢ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ 2
Translations
And you, [O Muḥammad], are free of restriction in this city
Transliteration
Wa anta hillun bihatha al-balad
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), affirming that he is lawfully present and has the right to dwell in Mecca (al-balad), despite the Quraysh's persecution and attempts to expel him. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah reassures the Prophet of his legitimate status in the sacred city and his connection to it as a descendant of Ishmael. The word 'hill' (حِلٌّ) denotes permissibility and lawful dwelling, emphasizing that no force can deny him his rightful place in his homeland.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Balad is a Meccan surah that addresses the Prophet during the period of intense persecution in Mecca. This ayah comes within the opening verses that swear by the sacred city itself, establishing the Prophet's rightful claim to Mecca despite the opposition he faced from the Quraysh. The context reinforces the Prophet's steadfastness and the injustice of those who sought to drive him out.
Related Hadiths
The general theme of the Prophet's love for Mecca and his rights in it is supported by authentic reports. For instance, in Sunan Ibn Majah and other sources, the Prophet expressed his deep affection for Mecca, saying it was the most beloved land to him, reflecting the significance of this divine affirmation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that truth and divine support ultimately prevail over persecution and injustice; the Prophet's unwavering presence in Mecca despite opposition demonstrates that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human resistance. For contemporary Muslims, it reinforces the importance of standing firm in faith and recognizing that legitimate rights granted by God cannot be unlawfully taken away.