Surah Al-Ahzab 33:11
ﲆ ﲇ ﲈ ﲉ ﲊ ﲋ
There the believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking.
Tafsir of Al-Ahzab 33:11
Tafsir
Mafatih al-Ghayb
Verse range: 33:11
Al-Ahzab (The Confederates): Verse 11
[11] هنالك ابتلي المؤمنون . . . . .
There the believers were tested...
This means that at that time, Allah tested the believers, distinguishing the truthful from the hypocrite.
The test from Allah is not for the purpose of Him becoming aware of the situation (as He already knows it), but for another wisdom. This wisdom is that although Allah Almighty is fully aware of their condition, He willed to make the matter manifest to others, such as the angels and the prophets.
This is analogous to a master who knows his servant intends to disobey. If the master intends to punish him for his disobedience while others (other servants or onlookers) are present, he might command the servant to do something, knowing he will disobey, in order to clarify the matter before the others. This way, the punishment occurs in the best manner, as no one can claim it was unjust or due to the master's lack of forbearance.
And His saying: {وزلزلوا} (and were shaken) means they were agitated and disturbed. Whoever remained steadfast among them is one of those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and then their hearts find tranquility in the remembrance of Allah (as mentioned later in the Surah). These are the truly faithful believers.
[7] { وإذ يقول المنافقون والذين فى قلوبهم مرض ما وعدنا الله ورسوله إلا غرورا * وإذ قالت طآئفة منهم ياأهل . يثرب لا مقام لكم فارجعوا ويستأذن فريق منهم النبى يقولون إن بيوتنا عورة وما هى بعورة إن يريدون إلا فرارا }
And [recall] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, "Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion." * And when a faction of them said, "O people of Yathrib (Medina), there is no firm standing for you [here], so return [to your homes]." And a group of them sought permission from the Prophet, saying, "Indeed, our houses are exposed [to the enemy]," while they were not exposed. They intended nothing except to flee.