What is the wisdom behind not beginning Surat Al-Tawbah with the Basmala, unlike the rest of the surahs of the Qur’an?
At- does not begin with the Basmalah for one of two main reasons:
1. The Companions believed that Surahs Al-Anfal and At-Tawbah (Bara’ah) were a single surah, due to the similarity of their narratives. Surah Al-Anfal was among the first revelations in Medina, and Surah At-Tawbah among the last, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not clarify that they were two separate surahs. 2. Surah At-Tawbah was revealed with commands for fighting and the sword, whereas the Basmalah includes the names "Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim" (The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful), which denote mercy and safety. This is not commensurate with the nature of the surah, which was revealed concerning the hypocrites.
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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