The Story Behind the Revelation of the Verse on Trust (Surah An-Nisa 4:58)
.jpg "The Prophet ﷺ stood before the Kaaba and said firmly: \"Bring me the key.\"") |
| The Story Behind the Revelation of the Verse on Trust (Surah An-Nisa 4:58) |
In the heart of Makkah, during a time when idols surrounded the Kaaba, there was one symbol of honor that the Quraysh never let go of: the Key of the Kaaba. This sacred trust was passed down through generations of the Banu ‘Abd al-Dar tribe, and at the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it was in the hands of ‘Uthman ibn Talha.
For the people of Makkah, holding this key was not only a duty—it was a badge of dignity and power. No one could enter the Kaaba without the approval of its keeper.
The Day of the Conquest
When the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah victoriously with his companions, the city held its breath. Ten thousand Muslims marched in, not to seek revenge, but to restore the sanctity of the House of God.
The Prophet ﷺ stood before the Kaaba and said firmly:
"Bring me the key."
‘Uthman ibn Talha hesitated. For generations, his family had held this key. Would this be the end of that legacy? With trembling hands, he handed it over.
Inside the Kaaba
The Prophet ﷺ entered the sacred sanctuary, where idols stood tall—symbols of falsehood that had occupied the Kaaba for centuries. One by one, he struck them down, reciting:
“Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish.” (Qur’an 17:81)
The sound of falling idols echoed through the hollow chamber. Then, in a moment of peace, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed inside the Kaaba, marking a new beginning.
.jpg "“Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish.” (Qur’an 17:81)") |
“Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish.”
(Qur’an 17:81)
The Divine Command
When he emerged, the people waited in silence. Would he keep the key for himself? Would he hand it over to one of his companions or tribe?
At that very moment, revelation descended:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due; and when you judge between people to judge with justice…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:58)
The message was clear. Justice and trust are divine commands, even in moments of absolute power.
Returning the Key
The Prophet ﷺ called ‘Uthman ibn Talha and returned the key to him, saying words that would echo through history:
"Take it, O Banu Talha, as an everlasting trust. It will never be taken from you except by a tyrant."
It was not just a gesture of kindness. It was a lesson for humanity: power does not justify betrayal, and victory does not erase rights.
A Legacy That Lives On
To this very day, more than 1400 years later, the descendants of ‘Uthman ibn Talha still hold the key to the Kaaba. Every time the door of the Kaaba is opened for cleaning, it is by their hands—a living testimony to the words of the Prophet ﷺ and the eternal principle of trust and justice in Islam.
Lessons We Learn
Trust is a sacred duty, not to be taken lightly.
Justice stands above power and victory.
Islam came to restore rights, not to strip them away.
A single act of integrity can echo across centuries.
This story is not just history—it’s a reminder for us all: to honor our promises, protect our trusts, and live by the values of justice taught in the Qur’an.
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