The names of Surah Tawbah

Surah At-Tawbah has several other names, which include:

1. Bahuth: Derived from the root “بحث” (research), it means thorough investigation. Since Surah At-Tawbah discusses the hypocrisy of two-faced individuals and exposes the hypocrisy of the hypocrites, it is called “Bahuth.”
2. Bara’ah: Surah At-Tawbah begins with the word “Bara’ah” (disassociation) and firmly issues the ruling of disassociation and cutting ties with the polytheists, annulling all treaties with them. This is emphasized in the first verse: “A declaration of disassociation from Allah and His Messenger” (Quran 9:1) and in the third verse: “Allah and His Messenger are disassociated from the polytheists” (Quran 9:3). Hence, it is named “Bara’ah.”
3. Hafirah: Derived from the root “حفر” (digging), it means uncovering and exposing someone’s secrets. Since this surah reveals the secrets of the hypocrites and contains verses like 9:77 and 9:110, which expose their hearts and leave the marks of hypocrisy, it is called “Hafirah.”
4. Adhab: Allah says in this surah: “And among those around you of the bedouins are hypocrites, and [also] from the people of Madinah. They have persisted in hypocrisy. You do not know them, [but] We know them. We will punish them twice [in this world]; then they will be returned to a great punishment” (Quran 9:101). Due to the promise of punishment for the hypocrites, Surah At-Tawbah is also called “Adhab.”
5. Fadihah: Meaning “exposer” or “revealer,” this name is given because several verses in Surah At-Tawbah strongly rebuke the hypocrites, exposing their hypocrisy and disgracing them.
6. Mubaththirah: Derived from the root “بعثره” (to scatter or reveal), it means exposing hidden secrets. Surah At-Tawbah reveals the hidden secrets and treacherous plans of the hypocrites, leading to their disgrace, hence the name “Mubaththirah.”
7. Muthirah: Since Surah At-Tawbah exposes the hidden secrets and moral flaws of the hypocrites, it is also called “Muthirah,” meaning “the avenger.”
8. Mukhziyah: Derived from the root “خزى” (humiliation), it means “the humiliator.” This name is given because the surah humiliates the hypocrites and disassociates from the polytheists, exposing and disgracing them.
9. Mushaqqishah: Although some have called Surah At-Tawbah “Mushaqqishah,” this naming is incorrect as it is not found in reliable primary sources. It is likely a mispronunciation of “Muqashqishah.”
10. Muqashqishah: Derived from the root “قشقشه” (to cure), it means “the healer.” Surah At-Tawbah heals the hearts of believers from the disease of hypocrisy, hence the name “Muqashqishah.” This name is shared with Surahs Al-Kafirun, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas.
11. Munqirah: Derived from the root “نقر” (to expose faults), it means “the exposer of faults.” Since Surah At-Tawbah reveals the hidden secrets and moral flaws of the hypocrites and polytheists, it is also called “Munqirah.”
12. Sayf (Sword); 13. Mudammimah (Destroyer); 14. Musharridah (Disperser); 15. Munakkalah (Punisher).

[1] Al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran (with marginal notes), vol. 1, p. 269; Al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran, vol. 1, pp. 192-194; Jamal al-Qurra wa Kamal al-Iqra, vol. 1, pp. 179-180; Basa’ir Dhawi al-Tamyiz fi Lata’if al-Kitab al-Aziz, vol. 1, p. 227; Al-Jami’ li Ahkam al-Quran, vol. 8, p. 68; Tarikh al-Quran, vol. 1, p. 584.