Surah Al-Mumtahina (الممتحنة), meaning “The Examined Woman” or “The One Who Is Examined,” is a surah (chapter) in the Quran. It focuses on the treatment of believing women who emigrate from the lands of disbelievers to the lands of Islam. The surah emphasizes the importance of examining their faith and not returning them to their disbelieving husbands, as well as establishing the legal status of inter-religious marriages at the time of its revelation. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Key Themes and Content:

• Prohibition of Friendship with Enemies:The surah initially warns against befriending the enemies of God and Muslims, even family members, and emphasizes the importance of loyalty to the cause of Islam. 
• Abraham as an Example:It uses the Prophet Abraham and his companions as a model for distancing themselves from disbelievers and their idols. 
• Legal Issues of Inter-Religious Marriages:Verses 10-12 specifically address the issue of marriages between Muslim women and disbelieving men. The surah declares such marriages invalid and outlines the legal procedures for divorce and the return of dowries. 
• Testing Believing Women:It instructs believers to examine the faith of believing women who emigrate from the lands of disbelievers and not to return them to their unbelieving husbands. 
• Emphasis on Righteousness and Justice:The surah encourages Muslims to be just and fair in their dealings with people, even those who are not Muslims, unless they are actively hostile. 
• Importance of Faith over Familial Bonds:It underscores the importance of faith over familial bonds, emphasizing that the Day of Judgment will determine the true value of people, regardless of their lineage. 

The Holy Quran – TheQuran.org