basmala at the beginning of Sura Tawba

Why is there no basmala at the beginning of Sura Tawba while there is one at the beginning of every other chapter?

This is the only sura in the Qur’an that does not begin with the basmala, the usual opening formula of Bismi’llahir-Rahmani’r-Rahim. Among the numerous reasons that have been narrated about this, the first reason is that God’s Messenger did not order that the basmala  be put at the beginning of this chapter. Therefore, neither his Companions nor the following generation put the basmala at the start of this sura.

This feature is another proof that the Qur’an has remained without the least alteration, with utmost care being given to preserve and transmit it in its full and authentic form. This chapter, which contains 129 verses, was revealed in Medina in the 9th year of the Hijra. The name Tawba is derived from one of the topics included in the verse. Another name for the chapter is Bara’a, which is the first word of the sura, meaning “to cut relations, give a warning or ultimatum.” Sura Tawba deals with almost the same topics as those dealt with in Sura Anfal, and therefore is like a continuation of this preceding chapter. Sura Tawba deals with the hypocrites, who are, indeed, more dangerous than polytheists, and who are willing to cooperate with the aggressors against their own community, and about their establishing the Masjid al-Dhirar (the mosque that was demolished on the command of the Prophet as it had been built by the hypocrites near Medina to distract the Muslim community and destroy unity of Islam.)

Like the Islamic salutation Salaam Alaykum, or “Peace be upon you,” the basmala of “In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate” expresses security and the giving of quarter to those addressed. This sura, however, begins with an ultimatum to the polytheists. As it deals mostly with the polytheists, who were frequently violating their agreements and the intrigues of the hypocrites in Medina, it therefore is thought that it did not begin with the basmala that reminds the addressee of God’s mercy and compassion.

 

Akgul, Muhittin (2009). The Quran in 99 Questions (Abdullah Erdemli Trans.). New Jersey: Tughra Books. (Originally published in Turkish as Kur’an İklimine Seyahat)