A Critical Evaluation of the Traditions concerning the Revelation Occasion of Sūrat al-Taḥrīm

Twelve traditions have been related in narrational and exegetical sources as the Revelation occasion of the Sūrat al-Taḥrīm. Because of their variety and internal and external contradiction, these traditions are the most challenging traditions of Revelation occasion. In order to recognize the traditions of Revelation occasion and to verify them, three steps have to be taken, which include: valuing the traditions of Revelation occasion, evaluation of the content of the traditions, and evaluation of their chain of transmission (sanad). By a systematic study of all the traditions of Revelation occasion, we find out that none of these traditions are the real Revelation occasion of the sūra; rather they all indicate the Revelation ambience of Sūrat al-Taḥrīm in the eighth year after the Hijra, denoting the formation of a mysterious course of event among the Muslims, who were trying to weaken the Prophet’s social status. This course of event was unfortunately spread to the household of the Prophet, as well. It was in in this condition that Sūrat al-Taḥrīm was revealed, warning the Prophet’s wives to give up being disloyal to him and their complicity with the plotters.