1 Preface بَراءَةٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسولِهِ إِلَى الَّذينَ عاهَدتُم مِنَ المُشرِكينَYusuf AliA (declaration) of immunity1 from God and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:-Bam 'ah: usually translated “immunity”. I do not think that word correctly represents the Arabic word in this context. The general sense is explained in the introduction to this Sūra. In verse 3 below I use the periphrasis “dissolve treaty obligations,” which goes some way to explain the meaning. The Pagans and enemies of Islam frequently made treaties of mutual alliances with the Muslims. The Muslims scrupulously observed their part, but the Pagans violated their part again and again when it suited them. After some years’ experience it became imperative to denounce such treaties altogether. This was done in due form, with four months’ notice, and a chance was given to those who faithfully observed their pledges, to continue their alliance. (R.).