فَسِيحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّكُمْ غَيْرُ مُعْجِزِى ٱللَّهِ ۙ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُخْزِى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
6:135; 11:21.
Commentary:
This verse particularly refers to the fulfilment of the prophecy contained in 54:2. Disbelievers are told to travel throughout the length and breadth of Arabia for four months, (the period ordinarily required in the Prophet’s time for such travel), and see whether there has remained any vestige of infidel rule and dominion in any part of the country. The infidels of Arabia opposed and persecuted the Prophet and his followers and spared no pains to crush and extirpate Islam. But Almighty God promised help to His Messenger with the result that the cause of Islam triumphed and all opposition was swept away.
6:135; 11:21.
With the Fall of Mecca and the defeat of Hawazin in the Battle of Hunain, the rule and authority of Islam had been established throughout the Hijaz. Certain tribes had made treaties with the Muslims and had laid down arms. These treaties were to be fully observed. But there were other tribes who had not made formal submission, had not laid down their arms and also had not made any treaty with the Muslims, ensuring the maintenance of peace and the observance of law and order. They had commenced hostilities against the Muslims, and though they had in effect been vanquished, they had not yet acknowledged defeat nor had agreed to live in peace with the Muslims. These tribes were given a four-month period of respite during which operations against them would remain suspended. They could go about freely in the land and satisfy themselves that further resistance was useless. They could then make their submission and make treaties. It is to these tribes that this verse refers.