An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an vol. 4

Sub Title:

From Surah An-Nisa’’ (4) verse 24 to Surah Al-Ma’ida (5) verse 86

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an vol. 4
From Surah An-Nisa’’ (4) verse 24 to Surah Al-Ma’ida (5) verse 86
The light of Islam has enlightened and continuing to enlighten every corner in the world and seekers of truth have closely associated to the Holy Quran which carries the Word of Allah (SWT) to humanity. With increasing focus and attention to the Holy Quran, efforts has been done to provide a pure, correct and accurate translation of this divine book. But sometimes it is difficult for the readers to understand all of the apparent and hidden meanings and it is the duty of every Muslim, man or woman, to read, understand and contemplate on the Holy Qur’an according to his own capacity. Hence, the need for proper explanation becomes obvious and necessary. The book titled, “An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an” compiled by a group of Muslim scholars, under the direction of Ayatullah Allamah Al-Hajj Sayyid Kamal Faqih Imani is a valuable effort which presents a thorough commentary on the Quran in 20 volumes made available to the reader.

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Miscellaneous information:

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an vol. 4
 From Surah An-Nisa’’ (4) verse 24 to Surah Al-Ma’ida (5) verse 86
 
 Compiler: A Group of Muslim Scholars, under the direction of Ayatullah Allamah Al-Hajj Sayyid Kamal Faqhih Imani.
 Translator: Mr. Sayyid Abbas Sadr-Ameli
 Published by: The Scientific and Religious Research Center Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (a s.) Public Library, under the direction of Ayatullah Allamah Al-Hajj Sayyid Kamal Faqhih Imani.
 Address: Shekar Shekan Crossroads, Ahmadabad Street Post Office Box 1465/5151, Esfahan Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran: 281000, 282000, 296487 Fax 0098 31 297028

Introduction

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

“Verily the Qur'an doth guide to that which is most right (or stable) (to run societies), and giveth the glad tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward” 1 .

“We have sent down to thee the book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad tidings to Muslims" 2 .

“When those come to thee who believe in Our Signs, say: 'Peace be on you: Your Lord hath inscribed for Himself (the rule on Mercy; verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amended (his conduct), Lo! He is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful” 3 .

The light of Islam is illuminating hearts of individuals in nearly all parts of the world, in spite of heavy barriers and careful controls and religious interrogation exerted by not only many governments of non-Muslim nations, but also in some Muslim countries, against their believing people, especially during the years after the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

The effective influence of the light of the truth together with the speed in the movement of the Age has brought forth a more vital exchange of thought and religious ideology in connection with the Holy Qur'an.

In regard to this, we refer to what the Messenger of Allah (S) has said about it:

When afflictions surround you like the dark night refer to the Qur'an, because, it is an Intercessor whose intercession is accepted. It reports the evils (of people) which will be confirmed. It leads the person to Heaven who puts it in front of himself (follows it); and he who puts it behind himself (neglects it) will be driven to Hell.

This very Qur'an is the best guide to the best ways. It is a Book in which there are useful explanations, statements and gaining (of goals). It is the Separator (of right and wrong).4

Obviously, those people whose language is not Arabic can refer to the Holy Book in English, because this is an international language and it is possible for all nations with any native language, to read and understand it in English. As far as we know, there are more than 50 different English translations of Qur'an available in Iran alone, and probably others exist in libraries (and homes) throughout the world.

This makes it easy for the lovers of truth to obtain the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an and Islamic ideology, through the medium of English, which formerly was acquired directly by the Arabic and Persian languages.

But, a fact should be mentioned here that not all of the words of Allah are easily understood by ordinary people and need explanatory commentary, i.e. 'Tafsir’.

Alongside this path, there are some problems that those eager to learn the Qur'anic truth should know and be careful of. Hence, we deal here with some of the difficulties we were involved in and recognized when we were preparing this endeavour; the fruit of our humble labour of more than three years, a translation of the commentary of over one section (of the 30 sections) of the Holy Qur'an from different commentary sources.

The work is based upon popular commentaries accepted by Muslim scholars. We consulted other books and present living scholars, learned in the Qur'anic Sciences for our work to produce this commentary in a simple standard of English easily understood by the laymen.

The style of writing here is a mixture of British-English and American-English, understandable for all the readers; even for those acquainted with only one of them. However, excuse us for using interchangeable spellings. If both are used, from time to time, they are acceptable; for example, honour and honor.

Not All English Versions of Quran Are Acceptable

Some Western translators of the Holy Qur'an; not all of them, and some producers of literature on Islam in the English language, are the anti-Muslim elements which are busy in distorting the facts about the faith to create disruption in Islamic ideology.

These hostile minds have attempted to black-list the Holy Prophet (S) and the religion of Islam, through their purposeful and subtle mis-translations, mis-interpretations, mis-representations and distortion of the facts.

The distortion and the misinterpretations are so skilfully decorated in linguistic excellence and delusive logic that the blind lovers of the English language, who are hardly or even totally unaware of the actual Qur'anic factors of their own faith, get caught up in the falsehood tempered with eloquence and they swallow the 'sugar-coated poisonous pills of deceit' allowing themselves to become duly conditioned to serve the purpose of the publications of the hostile camps.

The current standing of Evil has always been against the Truth in the history of man, even before written history, when the sons of Adam came into existence.

When these antagonistic elements have successfully extended their active influence upon our own religion, ideology and social tradition, we are also duty bound to Allah, His Final Word (the Holy Qur'an), the Faith, and to Islam, to do our best to present to every sincere seeker of Truth, a selection of a translation of the verses of the Holy Qur'an of the original Arabic text, and the 'Tafsir' (commentary) of them.

By the way, we believe that it is the essential belief of 'Shi'a' that the present Qur'an, that which is in our hands today, is the Holy Book of Allah, revealed to the holy Prophet Muhammad (S), as arranged and compiled during his lifetime and read out to him and it contains nothing less or more than what was revealed.

And it should be noted that,

"Nay, but it is a Glorious Qur'an, (inscribed) in a tablet preserved." 5 ,

whose present arrangement is the order in which the various verses were sorted and arranged at the command of the Holy Prophet (S), himself.

This is the uncorrupted or undisturbed Word of Allah, the preservation of which has been guaranteed by Allah, Himself:

"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)" 6 .

Furthermore, the English translations, along with the Arabic text of the verses, in this book, are selected from different translations of English versions of the Holy Qur'an, (whose names are listed at the end of the book under the title of 'References') which are from the best available sources in which some better styles and more proper meanings are employed. The translator and editor did their best to preserve this divine message and in conveying the Qur'anic facts in English.

In a few instances this writer, the translator, changed a word of those existing translations to a better one, from the existing material which was employed in this work.

What is a 'Commentary'?

A pure, correct, accurate translation of the Qur'an is necessary, but sometimes it is difficult for the readers to understand all of the apparent and hidden meanings and it is the duty of every Muslim, man or woman to read, understand and contemplate on the Holy Qur'an according to his own capacity:

"...read you, therefore, of the Qur'an as much as may be easy for you.." 7 .

This reading has to be done not only with the tongue, voice and eyes; a mere recitation, but, also, with the best light that our intellect can supply, and even more, with the truest and purest light which our heart and conscience give us.

However, it is not always possible to fully understand the Holy Book as Allah says:

"That is indeed a Qur'an most honourable,"Which none shall touch but those who are purified" 8 .

Thus, some additional information is needed. For example, it is sometimes necessary, for understanding the text, to refer to the particular occasion for the revelation of a particular verse; or to know the philological changes of a word used at the time of revelation or before it and the meaning that it has in Arabic, today.

Or the alphabetical symbols which evidently and undoubtedly are secrets, and especially the ambiguous /mutashabihat/; the knowledge of which has been announced to be with the /rasixuna fil 'ilm/; those deeply established in knowledge.

They are some things that only 'the particular ones, the sinless ones', besides the Prophet (S), himself, viz, Ahlul-Bait, knew with all the Qur'anic facts and talked about them in their traditions and narrations (as He says:

"And whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence" 9 .

For instance, the Apostle, himself, answered the questions which used to be asked by people as to the meaning of certain words in the verses revealed, or details of certain historical or spiritual matters on which they sought more enlightenment. These answers and explanations or in other words, the commentaries were gathered by some Companions /ashab/ and were afterward written down which are called 'Hadith' or 'traditions'.

Of course, the holy Prophet (S) had openly declared in Hadith-uth- Thaqalayn that the Qur'an is with the Ahlul-Bait, and to avoid going astray, the Muslims should be attached to these two. Later, the Ahlul-Bait's explanations and narrations, were added to them and together with the effect of expert religious scholars, in the past and present, established 'Exegesis' (explanation of Qur'an) which became a science in itself and was called 'Tafsir', commentary.

'Commentary' shows how every verse, or group of verses, were revealed to the holy Prophet (S) on a particular occasion, but which also has a general meaning. The particular occasion and the particular people concerned have passed away, but the general meaning and its application remain true for all time.

This is also one of the miracles of the Qur'an that with the help of 'commentary' it is always open and it is always new for those new generations to come.

The Current Commentary

As was mentioned earlier, the light of Islam is enlightening every corner in the world and seekers of truth, having referred to the translations of the Holy Qur'an, find that they need 'Tafsir', (commentary).

Some of them, Shi'a believers in particular have been led to this Center; Imam Ali (as) Library, requesting a clear, concise English Tafsir; 'a commentary of the Holy Qur'an'.

From the beginning of Islam until today (although many times the Holy Qur'an has been translated into English and a few of them are published with brief, detailed commentary, as footnotes, there has rarely been, as far as we know, a fairly complete commentary in English sufficient for them to find their answers. So the decision was made to supply this commentary.

Ayatullah Mujahed Al-Hajj, Allamah Sayyid Kamal Faqhih Imani, the founder and responsible party of this Islamic Scientific Research Center, approached us and reported the situation to scholars and appropriate research societies.

Then 12 people, who had varying nationalities and educational backgrounds, especially from the point of the English language and Islamic Theology, gathered. In their first gathering, which was held on 28th Safar, 1412 (1370 H. / 1991), they concluded that the commentary of the whole Qur'an which they intended to supply in English, would take many years to produce.

In order to quench the thirst of the lovers of Truth who had demanded it again and again, they decided to supply the commentary of the last section of the Qur'an, as a sample, and after its publication and receiving constructive comments by the readers and with a better skillfulness of the ones involved, the translation of the commentary would begin from the beginning of the Holy Qur'an.

Therefore, they thought it would be better that the sample, entitled 'An Enlightening Commentary Into the Light of the Holy Qur'an', begin with Surah Insan, the end of the 29th Section, because the Qur'an was revealed for the improvement of Man and this Surah is about Man and his creation from a lowly life-germ which can develop unto the highest point where no other creature can ascend.

But, after several weeks the number of us dwindled to a handful and after some months, until the present, we remain two people; the translator and the editor. During this period of more than three years, a few people have tried their hands at this task to have a share in the translation, but, for different reasons, they were not successful.

However, we are completely grateful for their efforts and extend our thanks for their attempts, as well as to those who had any involvement in this work.

Attributes Needed for Working on This Kind of Commentary

This endeavour needed not only the knowledge and skillfulness in the English language, but also the knowledge of Arabic, and Islamic science and culture, because Tafsir is an attempt to analyze and explain the meaning of verses in the Holy Qur'an.

Moreover, Allah, Himself, says:

"We have sent down to thee the book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims" 10 .

Then, it needs that those involved know a little bit about almost all sciences and knowledge that human beings are concerned with when working with the commentary. Also, the phonetic sound systems of the two languages, English and Arabic, are different. Therefore, when an Arabic word from the Qur'an is mentioned in the English text, it is shown with the phonetic alphabet and in its special phonetical sign, i.e.: / /, to avoid using 'Arabic script' in the book, as far as possible.

A transliteration table of the Arabic letters and sounds and the corresponding phonetic signs, applied in this book, is given at the beginning of the book.

The Problems in Translating

We tried to avoid mixing up our own personal theories and conclusions with the interpretation of the text itself. With the help of Allah, we did our best; at times asking for guidance from some learned religious men (Ruhaniyan), and used all the knowledge and experience we possessed in the service of the Holy Qur'an for its commentary, hoping that Allah accepts it.

The nature of this sort of endeavour is so that, in the course of translation, some difficulties arise from various causes.

For instance, cultures in the Arabic language and English language are different so that some of the words like /amrun bayn al amrayn/ in the case of fatalism and freewill are nearly impossible to translate into English, because of the difference in the concept in English literature; or the meaning of a word like 'prostration', in English, is rather different with what /sajdah/ exactly means in Arabic.

In such cases, we selected the meaning of the words from among what the earlier commentators and phililogists used and where they were not unanimous, we also used the ideas of new writers, who had reasonable advantages in their interpretations, when the senses adopted with the commentary sources that we were taking and translating materials from. Explanations, of course are always helpful which we took benefit from, too.

It is noteworthy that there are some circumstances in the text, of the commentary, in which a verse or verses of Qur'an from other Suras rather than the Surah under discussion are mentioned as evidence or, thereby, for strengthening the idea.

The text of these verses and also the traditions and narrations from the holy Prophet or Ahlul-Bait (as) is printed in bolder type than the running commentary in order to distinguish, at a glance, the substance from the shadow. Also, the mentioned verses are generally taken from A. Yusuf Ali's translation.

It Was Only By His Merciful Will!

Translators Note

Both the editor and the translator have interesting factual stories to tell of how the way of this endeavour was paved by Providence and how they were divinely led to be absorbed into this task, Alhamdulillah. A few words given here in this regard are not to be misunderstood as a display of vanity for any peculiar distinction; for there is none.

It is purely to attract the attention of the readers to a living instance of the Providential implementation of the divine plan and how man drifts to his assignment and how matters are automatically manipulated, though, they seem yet only to be circumstantial.

"He said: Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form and nature and further gave (it) guidance" 11 .

For example, once, on a night, the writer of these lines, the translator, had seen in a dream that the Holy Qur'an, was placed, honourably, on a high position, wide open, high above a very great crowd of people amongst whom he was standing, watching. The full name of his was clearly written in the midst of the writings on the right page of it with magnificent bold letters.

The dream was obviously a good one, but it did not mean vividly to him at that time.

It was four years before he found out, in the course of translating the commentary of verses 11-16 from Surah 'Abasa No. 80, both the meaning of that dream and the cause of later changes in his career of twenty years, as a manager of a profitable Foreign Language Center, thanks to Allah.

It is always true what the Qur'an says:

"You will not unless Allah wills, surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise" 12 .

By His graceful arrangement this writer was separated from his almost material gains, of this fleeting world, to be set toward the assured, perfect, pure, spiritual rewards of the next, everlasting world from Him, Allah willing, when he began translating the commentary of the Qur'an and entered this great Divine Ocean of light, he found out that from earlier times such a success had been appointed and bestowed to him by Allah.

Therefore, all changes and graceful arrangements directly are from Him and it was His helpful Will that planned His graceful design and showered the ability and insight upon us to lead us to the present point. We are eagerly in hopes that He will help us and guide us in all cases to complete the task successfully so that He accepts it from us.

Editor's Note

In my case, it is a fact that only by the grace of Allah have I come to be at the helm working, side-by-side with the translator, on this commentary of the Holy Qur'an. Editing and checking this translation of 'An Enlightening commentary into the Light of the Holy Quran' has been a most important and rewarding experience for me.

To be of value in this work several things were necessary; my mother tongue, English, was almost at the top of the list. Then, having the ability to use a computer and printer, which involved me having to learn and use a Farsi program named Zarnegar, produced in Tehran, Iran, I was able to make use of the wonderful array of fonts it contains; necessary to type the Arabic and English languages.

Next, living in Iran, for four years, has made it possible for me to become acquainted with the native language and customs. However, the greatest asset, of all, is that I am a Shi'a Muslim woman.

It is fifteen (15) years from now, that in America, I became enlightened to the existence of the Holy Qur'an and accepted it as a better way of life. Over this period of time it has put me in touch with the purity of the religion and the logical answers to the religious questions I had as a Catholic.

My father told us (during our childhood) that if we ever wanted to know anything we should go to the source and to always have the correct tools on hand to do the job right.

When I started hearing and seeing, on television, the upheaval of the Islamic Revolution, in Iran, and the speech of a brave and courageous man they called Ayatullah Khomeini, I became very intense on knowing why it was happening and in knowing who this man was who had been exiled and was making his return to his homeland.

"Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,, and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous" 13 .

It was something more spectacular than I had ever read about in my high school history books. There was a charge in it that I could not explain, and up until that time, I had never really heard anything about Islam, Prophet Muhammad or Muslims, for that matter.

I bought A. Yussuf Ali's English Translation of the Holy Qur'an, basing my decision on my father's counsel and I began from page one.

It was talking about the same things I had already learned; Adam and Eve in the Garden, disobeyed God due to the wiles of Satan and then, were expelled to Earth; Moses is given the scripture and leads his people out of Egypt, but they forfeited their covenant for a golden calf; Abraham, Ismail and Issac of the religion true, and there, Mary.

Hail Mary! Chaste, pure, chosen above other women, given glad tidings of a Word from Him; his name will be Christ Jesus, son of Mary, held in honor... 14

And it went on: Practise charity, take care of the orphans, speak a speech that is just, beware of the deceits of the Unbelievers...I was in awe as I neared the end. No place was any obscenity found -no trace of ugliness which I found in the Bible -nothing but pure scripture; a complete religion, the one and only continuing from the first of Abraham. So, it became crystal clear to me that Islam is the final, refined message from God.

True, just, undeniable, containing what I had always felt and that is this: There is only One God; unique, needing no partner, powerful, and yet merciful and kind. How could God be more than one; Creator of such a vast universe and more?

With this understanding, though, came many tests to my new-found-faith; albeit necessary tests. Did I really believe - did I really submit to His Will - was I really worthy?

I began by only putting on a scarf, covering all of my hair.

"And say to the believing women...that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers..." 15

Immediately the responses that I encountered proved the rightness of it all. I was chided, spit at, hit and cursed. Well, of course, a great deal of this was due to the propaganda which caused mass hysteria against Iran and not having their facts straight about the religion of Islam, however, it hurt just the same, but I had learned forgiveness and perseverance from my mother.

It was difficult for my family in the beginning; this change I was making, however, we are very close at heart, today, due to my faith and reliance on Allah.

"And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.'" 16

Almost at once the veils over my understanding fell away and I started rejecting a lot of the 'big-business' propaganda that had infiltrated into my life.

"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error; whosoever rejects Evil and believes in God bath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks..." 17

The 'Big Sell' eats away at the very fabric of human society to the point that life has only a superficial meaning and high value is put on every inanimate object which man can produce.

"The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for God bestows His abundance on whom He will " 18 .

I had developed an intense desire to go to Iran--the country of martyrs; having an air so thick with emotions, direction and goal, at that time, and having the presence of an undeniable strength caressing it in the hands of an unseen power.

Ten years after I started practicing the tenets of Islam the opportunity presented itself for me to be able to fulfil my desire.

"Not equal are those Believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause...God has granted a grade higher to those who strive...” 19

I wished very much to become involved in some type of work regarding the Holy Qur'an and in due time I was approached to work with a group of people on a commentary of the Holy Qur'an.

" And for those who fear God, He prepares a way out" "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine..." 20

Those of you who know anything about the rigors of editing know that it is very time-consuming and attention to detail is very necessary.

Spending many hours discussing the meaning of a single word, or phrase, can cause the ordinary soul to become frustrated, but that frustration is ultimately quelled when peace and tranquillity cover the heart at the point where there is that final agreement and gives those involved renewed enthusiasm to continue.

Sometimes you will notice more spacing than usual on a line or within the phonetic brackets (/ /), but this is due to the fact that the Zarnegar program is a Farsi program and it took much time trying to place the little phonetic line over, or the little dot under, the correct letter, because English is written from left to right and Farsi is written from right to left, so, I had a bit of anarchy on my hands for a time.

I leave you, now, in the hopes that you, too, will be provoked to question and seek. (Seek and you will find). Looking back, I feel that Allah does consider me worthy.

"God is the protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness He will lead them into light" 21 .

Wa Salam.

- 1. 17:9

- 2. 16:89

- 3. 6:54

- 4. Usul al-Kafi, vol 2, p. 599.

- 5. 85:21, 22

- 6. 15:9

- 7. 73:20

- 8. 56:77, 79

- 9. 18:65

- 10. 16:89

- 11. 20:50

- 12. 76:30

- 13. 3:193

- 14. 3:42-45

- 15. 24:31

- 16. 17:24

- 17. 2:256

- 18. 2:212

- 19. 4:95

- 20. 65:2-3

- 21. 2:257

Acknowledgment

Tafsir Nemunah is compiled by the great writer and researcher, His Eminence Ayatullah il-Ozma Nasir Makarim Shirazi, and with the cooperation of an estimable group of Muslim scholars, Hujaj-
ul-Islam:

1. Hajjatul-Islam Muhammad Rida Ashtiyani

2. Hajjatul-Islam Muhammad Jafar Emami

3. Hajjatul-Islam Abdur-Rassul Hassani

4. Hujjatul-Islam Sayyed Hassan Shujaiee

5. Hujjatul-Islam Mahmud Abdellahi

6. Hujjatul-Islam Muhsen Ghara’ati

7. Hujjatul-Islam Muhammad Muhammadi

By the way, it should be notified that for the translation of this volume, Tafsir Nemunah has been mainly utilized.

* * * *

يَأَيهَا النّاس قَدْ جَاءَكُم بُرْهَنٌ مِّن رّبِّكُمْ وَ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ نُوراً مّبِيناً

“O mankind! Verily there has come to you a convincing proof (the Messenger and the Qur’an) from your Lord: for We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.” 1

إِنّا نحْنُ نَزّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَ إِنّا لَهُ لحََفِظونَ

"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message and We will assuredly Guard it (from corruption)." 2

وَ مَنْ أَعْرَض عَن ذِكرِى فَإِنّ لَهُ مَعِيشةً ضنكاً وَ نحْشرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَمَةِ أَعْمَى

"But whosoever turns away from My Message (the Qur’an), verily for him is a straitened toilsome life, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement''. 3

وَ نُنزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَ رَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“And We send down (stage by stage) of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy for those who believe ..." 4

- 1. 4:174

- 2. 15:9

- 3. 20:124

- 4. 17:82

References

Arabic, Farsi Commentaries

1. Tafsir-i-Nemuneh, by A Group of Shi'a Scholars with Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi; Dar-ul-Kutub-il-Islamiyyah, Qum, Iran, 1990/1410.

2. Majma'-ul-Bayan fi Tafsir-il-Qur'an, by Shaykh Abu Ali al-Fadl-ibn-il-Husain-il-Tabarsi, Dar-u-Ihya'-it- Turath-il' Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1960/1380 AH.

3. Al-Mizan fi Tafsir-il-Qur'an by 'Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Husain at- Tabataba'i, al-A'lami lil-Matbu'at, Beirut, Lebanon, 1972/1392 AH.

4. Atyab-ul-Bayan fi Tafsir-il-Qur'an by Sayyid 'Abdul-Husain Tayyib, Muhammadi Publishing House, Isfahan, Iran, 1962/1382 AH.

5. Ad-Durr-ul-Manthur fi-Tafsir-il-Ma'thur by Imam 'Abd-ur-Rahman al-Suyuti, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, 1983/1403 AH.

6. Al-Tafsir-ul-Kabir by Imam Fakh-ir-Razi, Dar-ul-Kutub-il-'islmiyyah, Tehran, 1973/1393.

7. Al-Jam'li -Ahkam-il-Qur'an (Tafsir-ul-Qartabi) by Muhammad-ibn-Ahmad al-Qartabi, Dar-ul-Kutub-il Misriyyah, 1967/1387.

8.Tafsir-i-Nur-uth-Thaqalayn by 'Abd-i-'Ali-ibn Jum'at-ul-'Arusi al-Huweyzi, al-Matba'atul-'ilmiyyah, Qum, Iran, 1963/1383 AH.

9. Tafsir-i-Ruh-ul-Janan by Jamal-ud-Din Abul-Futuh Razi, Dar-ul-Kutub-il-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1973/1393 AH.

10. Tafsir-i-Ruh-ul-Bayan by Isma'il Haqqi al-Burusawi Dar-u-Ihya'-ut- Turath-il-' Arabi, Beirut.

English Translations of Qur'an

1. The Holy Qur'an, Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Publication of the Presidency of Islamic Courts & Affairs, State of Qatar, 1946.

2. The Holy Qur'an, Arabic Text by a Group of Muslim Brothers, English Translation and footnotes by M. H. Shakir, Tehran, Iran.

3. The Glorious Koran, Bi-lingual Edition with English Translation by Marmaduke Pickthall, printed in Great Britain by W. & J. MacKay Ltd., Chatham, Kent, London.

4. Al-Mizan, An Exegesis of the Qur'an by al-Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Husayn-at- Tabataba'i, Translated by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Vol. 1, Tehran, WOFIS, 1983.

5. The Koran translated with notes by N. J. Dawood, Penguin Books Ltd, New York, U.S.A, 1978.

6. The Koran Interpreted, Translated by Arthur J. Arberry, London, Oxford University Press, 1964.

7. The Glorious Koran, Translated with Commentary of Divine Lights by Ali Muhammad Fazil Chinoy, Printed at the Hyderabad Bulletin Press, Secanderabad-India, 1954.

8. Holy Qur'an, Shakir, M. H., Ansariyan Publications, Qum, Islamic Republic of Iran, 1993.

9. The Holy Qur'an with English Translation of the Arabic Text and Commentary According to the Version of the Holy Ahlul-Bait by S. V. Mir Ahmad Ali, published by Tahrike- Tarsile Qur'an, Inc., New York, 1988.

10. A Collection of Translation of the Holy Qur'an, supplied, corrected and compiled by Al-Balagh Foundation, Tehran, Iran, (unpublished).

Supporting Technical References

1. Nahjul -Balagha by as -Sayyid ar -Radi Dar -ul -Kitab al -Lubnani, Beirut, Lebanon, 1982.

2. Sharh -i -Nahjul -Balagha by Ibn-i Abi al-Hadid, Dar -u -Ihya' -il - Kutub -il -' Arabiyyah, Eypt, 1959/1378 AH.

3. Nahj-al-Balagha of Amir al-Muminin 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, selected and compiled by as-Sayyid Abul-Hassan 'Ali ibn al-Husayn ar-Radi al-Musawi, Translated by Sayyid Ali Raza, World Organization For Islamic Services (WOFIS), Tehran, Iran, 1980.

4. Nahjul Balagha -Hazrat Ali, Translated by Sheikh Hassan Saeed, Chehel Sotoon Library & Theological School, Tehran, Iran, 1977.

5. Al-Kafi by ash-Shaykh Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ya'qub ibn Ishaq al-Kulayni ar-Razi, Translated and published by WOFIS, Tehran, Iran, 1982.

6. Shi'a, by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba-i, translated by Sayyid Hosein Nasr, Qum, Ansariyan Publications, 1981.

7. Williams Obstetrics, Pritchard, Jack A., 1921; MacDonald, Paul C., 1930, Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, U.S.A, 1976.

8. The Encyclopedia Americana, Americana Corporation, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., U.S.A, 1962.

9. Compton's Encyclopedia and Fact-Index, F.E. Compton Company, printed in U.S.A, 1978.

10. Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged, Second Edition, by Noah Webster, Published by the World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York, U.S.A, 1953.

Phraseological and Philological Sources

1. A Glossary of Islamic Technical Terms Persian-English, by M. T. Akbari and others, Edited by B. Khorramshahi, Islamic Research Foundation, Astan, Quds, Razavi, Mashhad, Iran, 1991.

2. Al-Mawrid, a Modern Arabic-English Dictionary, Third Edition,by Dr. Rohi Baalbaki, Dar el-Ilm Lilmulmalayin, Beirut, Lebanon, 1991.

3. Elias' Modern Dictionary, Arabic-English, by Elias A. Elias & Ed. E. Elias, Beirut, Lebanon, 1980.

4. An Introduction to Arabic Phonetics and the Orthoepy of the Qur'an, by Bahman Zandi, Islamic Research Foundation, Astan, Quds, Razavi, Mashhad, Iran, 1992.

5. A Concise Dictionary of Religious Terms & Expressions (English-Persian & Persian-English), by Hussein Vahid Dastjerdi, Vahid Publications, Tehran, Iran, 1988.

6. Arabic-English Lexicon, by Edward William Lane, Librarie Du Liban, Beirut, Lebanon, 1980.

7. A Dictionary and Glossary, by Penrice B.A. Curzon Press Ltd., London, Dublin, Reprinted, 1979.

8. Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, by David B. Guralnik, Simon & Schuster, New York, U.S.A, 1984.

9. The New Unabridged English-Persian Dictionary, by Abbas Aryanpur (Kashani), Amir Kabir Publication Organization, 1963.

10. The Larger Persian English Dictionary, by S. Haim, published in Farhang Moaser, Tehran, Iran, 1985.

A Presentation to Muslims

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُ

In The Name of Allah, The Beneficient, The Merciful

"O ye who believed! Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you”. 1

('Those charged with authority'

are only the twelve sinless Imams (as) and; at the time of occultation, Sources of Imitation, who are learned, pious, and just, should be referred to.)

في إكمال الدين في حديث عن جابر الجعفي عن جابر بن عبد الله الانصاري قال: قلت: يا رسول الله عرفنا الله ورسوله، فمن اولي الامر الذين قرن الله طاعتهم بطاعتك؟ فقال (ص) هم خلفائي يا جابر، وأئمة المسلمين بعدي أولهم علي بن أبي طالب، ثم الحسن والحسين، ثم علي بن الحسين، ثم محمد بن علي المعروف في التوراة بالباقر وستدركه يا جابر فإذا لقيته فاقرأه مني السلام. ثم الصادق جعفر بن محمد، ثم موسى بن جعفر، ثم علي بن موسى، ثم محمد بن علي، ثم علي بن محمد، ثم الحسن بن علي، ثم سميي وكنيي حجة الله في أرضه، وبقيته في عباده ابن الحسن بن علي، ذاك الذي يفتح الله على يديه مشارق الارض ومغاربها

In 'Ikmal-ud-Din' a tradition, through 'Jabir-il-Ju'fi', is narrated from Jabir-ibn- Abdillah thus:

I said:

"O Messenger of Allah, we have known Allah and His Apostle; then who is 'Ulil-Amr', those that Allah has made their obedience the same as your obedience?'

Then, the Prophet (S) said:

'O Jabir! they are, after me, my successors and the Guides of Muslims; the first of them is Ali-ibn-Abi Talib; then (Imam) Hassan, and (Imam) Husain; then Ali-ibn-il-Husain; then Muhammad-ibn-Ali, known in the Torah as Baqir, whom you will see.

O Jabir! When you visit him, give my regards to him. After him, there is Sadiq, -Ja'far-ibn-Muhammad; and after him Musa-ibn-Ja'far; then Ali-ibn-Musa; then Muhammad-ibn-Ali; then Ali-ibn-Muhammad, then Hassan-ibn-Ali; and after him (there comes) Al-Gha'im whose name and sir-name is the same as mine. He is Allah's Authority on the Earth and His Remainder amongst His servants.

He is the son of (Imam) Hassan-ibn-Ali (a.-Askari). This is the very personality by whose hands Allah will open the Easts and Wests of the world.’ 2

قال الله تعالى: "وما ينطق عن الهوى إن هو إلا وحي يوحى"

"Nor does the Apostle speak out of desire. It is naught but revelation that is revealed" . 3

قال النبي (ص): "إني تارك فيكم التقلين، كتاب الله حبل ممدود من السماء إلى الأرض وعترتي أهل بيتي، وإن اللطيف الخبير أخبرني أنهما لن يفترقا حتى يردا علي الحوض فانظروا بماذا تخلفوني" وفي حديث آخر: "لن تضلوا ما إن تمسكتم بهما"

The Prophet (S) said:

"I leave behind me two weighty (very worthy and important) things:

The book of Allah (i.e. the Quran), which is a stretched string from the heaven to the earth, and my progeny, my Ahlul-Bait; for verily Allah, The Merciful, The Aware, informed me that never, never, will these Two get separated from each other until they meet me at the Houd of Kauthar (the Pond of Abundance).

Therefore, be careful and contemplate on how you will treat them (after me)”

...and in another tradition it is added:

"Never, never, shall you get astray if you attach yourself to these two”. 4

Abul-Hassan-ir-Rida (as) said:

"May the Mercy of Allah be upon the servant who Keeps alive our commandment".

I asked him (as) how the one could keep your commandment alive.

He (as) said:

"He (can) learn our sciences and teach them to people. In fact if people knew (the merits) and goodnesses of our speech, surely they would follow us.” 5

- 1. 4:59

- 2. Ikmal-ud-Din, Vol. 1, p. 253; with nearly similar meaning, in Yanabi-ul-Mawaddah, p. 117

- 3. 53:3,4

- 4. Ma'uni-ul-Akhbur, p. 90, tradition 2, & Musnad Ahmad-ibn-Hanbal, Vol. 3, p.17, and other books from the Sunnite School and Shi 'ah School mentioned in Ihqaq-ul-Haqq, Vol 9, p. 309 to 375

- 5. Ma' ani-ul-Akhbar, p. 180 & 'Uyun-i-Akbar-ur-Rida, Vol. 1, p. 207

Surah An-Nisa', Chapter 4, Section 4

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 24

وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ النِّسَاء إِلاَّ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ كِتَابَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأُحِلَّ لَكُم مَّا وَرَاء ذَلِكُمْ أَن تَبْتَغُواْ بِأَمْوَالِكُم مُّحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ فَمَا اسْتَمْتَعْتُم بِهِ مِنْهُنَّ فَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةً وَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا تَرَاضَيْتُم بِهِ مِن بَعْدِ الْفَرِيضَةِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

24. "And all married women (are forbidden unto you to marry) except those whom your right hands possess (by Allah's decree in the battle against infidels). It is a written legislation of Allah unto you; and lawful for you are (all women) besides those that you may seek (them) by means of your wealth (as dower) taking them into marriage and not committing fornication. Then as to those of whom you seek content (by temporary marriage), give them their dowries as a duty; and there is no blame on you in whatever you mutually agree after the duty. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

For non-Muslims, captivity is counted as divorce. It is like the Faith of a woman that when her husband continues his infidelity and the woman has embraced Islam; the very belief separates her from her husband.

To take in marriage a woman who has husband is unlawful from the point of Islam. The woman may be from any nation and with any religion.

But captivity is like divorce, and a captive woman should observe a waiting term for one month (one menstruation) from the time she is captured, and if she is in pregnancy period, she must wait until she is delivered of her child. Thus, during this period, no conjugal connection is admissible with her.

This matrimonial device, as a permanent or contemporary spouse, is better than the device of returning her to the infidels or leaving her alone with no guardian.

"And all married women (are forbidden unto you to marry) except those whom your right hands possess (by Allah's decree in the battle against infidels). It is a written legislation of Allah unto you; and lawful for you are (all women) besides those that you may seek (them) by means of your wealth (as dower) taking them into marriage and not committing fornication. ..." ,

According to several traditions narrated from the holy Imams of Ahlul-Bayt (as), and also according to many commentary books recorded by the scholars of the Sunnis, this phrase of the verse refers to temporary marriage where the above-mentioned holy verse says:

"...Then as to those of Whom you seek content (by marriage), give them their dowries as a duty. And there is no blame on you in whatever you mutually agree after the duty. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 25

وَمَن لَّمْ يَسْتَطِعْ مِنكُمْ طَوْلاً أَن يَنكِحَ الْمُحْصَنَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ فَمِن مِّا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُم مِّن فَتَيَاتِكُمُ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَاللّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِإِيمَانِكُمْ بَعْضُكُم مِّن بَعْضٍ فَانكِحُوهُنَّ بِإِذْنِ أَهْلِهِنَّ وَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ مُحْصَنَاتٍ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحَاتٍ وَلاَ مُتَّخِذَاتِ أَخْدَانٍ فَإِذَا أُحْصِنَّ فَإِنْ أَتَيْنَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ فَعَلَيْهِنَّ نِصْفُ مَا عَلَى الْمُحْصَنَاتِ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ خَشِيَ الْعَنَتَ مِنْكُمْ وَأَن تَصْبِرُواْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

25. "And whoever among you is not able to financially afford to marry free believing women, then (let him marry) of those (slaves or captives) whom your right hands possess from among your believing maidens; and Allah better knows your faith; you are (sprung) one from the other, so marry them with the permission of their masters, and give them their dowries in fairness, they being chaste, not committing lewdness, nor taking paramours. And if when they are married they commit lewdness, their punishment is half that for free women. This (kind of marriage) is for those among you who fear falling into evil. But to have patience would be better for you, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Following the statements about marriage, this verse expresses the conditions of marrying she slaves whose dowries and expenses are usually lighter and easier. At first it says:

"And whoever among you is not able to financially afford to marry free believing women, then (let him marry) of those (slaves or captives) whom your right hands possess from among your believing maidens....."

Then it adds that for recognizing their Faith, you are commissioned to hear their apparent expressions, and as for their innate thoughts and hidden secrets, it is so that Allah knows well of your faith.

"...and Allah better knows your faith.... "

And, in view of the fact that some men were not so willing to marry the slave maidens, in this verse the Qur'an remarks that all of you have come into being from only one couple, therefore, you must not dislike marrying them. It says:

"...you are (sprung) one from the other...."

Then, the Qur'an points to one of the conditions of this marriage. It is the permission of the concerning master, while without that permission the marriage is invalid. It says:

"...so marry them with the permission of their masters...."

Next to this statement, it says:

"…and give them their dowries in fairness...."

It is understood from this sentence that an appropriate and worthy dowry should be assigned for them, and it must be given to them. It is also understood that their slaves can possess some wealth when they have lawfully obtained it.

One of the other conditions that this marriage has is that these maidens should be taken from among those who are chaste, not from among those who commit manifest lewdness.

"... they being chaste, not committing lewdness, not taking paramours….."

In agreement with the ordinances stated upon marriage with slave maidens and supporting their rights, the holy verse continues the words about their punishment when they divert from the path of piety and chastity. It says:

"...And if when they are married they commit lewdness, their punishment is half that for free women....."

This part of the holy verse means that they must be beaten only fifty stripes.

Then, it adds that this kind of marriage with such slave maidens is for those who are severely involved in the pressure of the sexual instinct and are not capable to marry free women.

Therefore, it is not admissible for men other than them.

"...This (kind of marriage) is for those among you who fear falling into evil...."

But, next to that, it says that being patient and avoiding such sort of marriage, from the point of some ethical and social interests, is of your gain as far as you are able to restrain yourself and you do not fall into committing sin.

"...But to have patience would be better for you...."

At the end of the verse, it remarks that upon what you have done before this, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. It says:

"...and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Section 5: Woman's rights over her property

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 26

Respect of rights of property and life -Woman has as much right over her property as man -Similarly in the matter of inheritance.

يُرِيدُ اللّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ وَيَهْدِيَكُمْ سُنَنَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَاللّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

26. "Allah desires to make clear (the way of felicity ) to you, and to guide you in the ways of those before you, and to turn to you (mercifully), and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

What Are These Limitations for?

Following the different ordinances in the field of marriage stated through previous verses, there may arise this question that what all these limitations and lawful restrictions are for. This verse and the two following ones answer this question.

The above-mentioned verse indicates that Allah wishes to open the way of happiness and felicity to you by these instructions. It says:

"Allah desires to make clear (the way of felicity) to you...."

Besides that, you are not alone in this path, and Allah desires to guide you towards the correct ways and practices of those who were before you. It says:

"...and to guide you in the ways of those before you...."

In addition to that, He wants to accept your repentance.

"...and to turn to you (mercifully)...."

Allah desires to return back again to you His favours and blessings that have been ceased for you because of your corruptions and deviations. This is in the case that you, too, return back from the deviated paths that were paved before Islam, in the Age of Ignorance.

At the end of the verse, it says:

"...and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

This phrase means that Allah is cognizant to His ordinances, and He has legislated them through His Own Wisdom for you.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 27

وَاللّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَيُرِيدُ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الشَّهَوَاتِ أَن تَمِيلُواْ مَيْلاً عَظِيمًا

27. "And Allah desires that He should turn to you (mercifully), but those who follow their lusts desire that you should deviate (with) a great deviation."

At the first glance, the sexual liberty is a kind of pleasure and seeking an enjoyment. But, regarding to its personal and social evil effects, it is the greatest fall and aberration.

Libertinism and lewdness, diminishes the body, entangles the thought, wastes property, and decays confidence. It spoils the desire of family formation and delivers some illegal children to the society. It causes some venereal and psychological diseases to come forth. And, briefly speaking, sexual freedom results to the greatest captivities for human beings.

Explanations

1. The limitations and instructions which are ordained upon marriage are the secrets for the grace of Allah unto humankind-

"And Allah desires that He should turn to you (mercifully)...."

2. Those sensual ones who are indulged in libertinage do not satisfy by anything save sinking you in lusts. They want you to be their friend in their deviated path.

"...that you should deviate (with) a great deviation."

3. Do not follow the way of voluptuous ones, and do not imitate them, for they are your enemies.

"...but those who follow their lusts desire that you should deviate (with) a great deviation."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 28

يُرِيدُ اللّهُ أَن يُخَفِّفَ عَنكُمْ وَخُلِقَ الإِنسَانُ ضَعِيفًا

28 . "Allah desires that He should make light your burden, and man has been created weak."

In these latter three verses, a small part of the favours of Allah are mentioned, one after another. They denote that Allah explains the ordinances for you, leads you to the way, returns His mercy to you, and takes the affairs easy for you.

All these facilities are for that man is feeble against the storm of instincts and his ability and patience is little.

Explanation

Islam is an easy religion. It stops nowhere.

"Allah desires that He should make light your burden...."

The basis of this religion is founded on lightness, easiness, and capability.

"...and man has been created weak."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 29

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَأْكُلُواْ أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلاَّ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَنفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا

29. "O' you who have Faith! Do not devour each other's property among yourselves in vanity, except that it be a trade by your mutual consent, and do not kill your (own) selves (one another); verily Allah is Merciful to you."

The secret of the occurrence of the prohibiting sense "do not kill" close to the meaning of "do not devour", a prohibition of false devouring, maybe, is for that an unsound economical system is a premise for the appearance of murder or destruction in the society.

Explanation

1- Personal possession is respected while domination in others' properties is unlawful, except for correct bargaining which are perfected on mutual consent.

"O' you who have Faith! Do not devour each other's property among yourselves in vanity, except that it be a trade by your mutual consent …"

2. A definite society, or an Ummah, has one unit of soul and a common fate.

"….each other's property among yourselves…"

3. Any kind of domination which is not based on divine truth' is forbidden. Some of its instances are; usurpation, theft, barring from inheritance, gambling, defraud, falsification, and purchasing the means of mischief and sin. It is so because all of these instances are the examples of vanity.

"...do not devour each other's property among yourselves in vanity....."

4. Bargains should be performed on the basis of mutual consent, not compulsively or unwillingly.

"...a trade by your mutual consent...."

5. The life of a person is respectable. Therefore, suicide, and murdering others is 'unlawful'.

"...and do not kill your (own) selves (one another)...."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 30

وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ عُدْوَانًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِ نَارًا وَكَانَ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللّهِ يَسِيرًا

30. "And whoever does this aggressively and unjustly, We will soon cast him into fire; and this is easy for Allah."

The difference between the Arabic words /'udwan/ and /zulm/, mentioned in this verse, may be that the former is a transgression against others, while the latter encompasses the aggression towards one's own self, too.

The verse says:

"And whoever does this aggressively and unjustly, We will soon cast him into fire; and this is easy for Allah."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 31

إِن تَجْتَنِبُواْ كَبَآئِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَنُدْخِلْكُم مُّدْخَلاً كَرِيمًا

31. "If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden, We remit from you your small sins and We cause you to enter an honourable place of entering."

It is understood from this verse that sins are divided into two groups: the minor sins and the major sins. We also recite in Surah Al-Kahf, No.18, Verse 49 that, on the Day of Judgement, when sinners see the record of their evil deeds, they say:

" ...What a book this is! it does not omit a small one nor a great one.... ".

According to the Islamic literature, a great sin is a sin for which Allah has promised Fire to its performer.

The numbers of great sins are mentioned differently in the Islamic narrations. Some of the pioneers among the Muslim scholars, derived from the verses of the Qur'an and traditions, have introduced 33 great sins. There are, of course, degrees for the great sins when comparing them. Therefore, some of the great sins are called 'the most major sins'.

Explanations

1. It is necessary for us to ignore the slight offences of those whose ideological and practical doctrine is proper.

2. The reward of those who abandon major sins is that Allah (s.w.t.) forgives their minor sins.

"If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden, We remit from you your small sins

and We cause you to enter an honourable place of entering."

The total number of the major sins, as many traditions denote, is 33 sins which are listed in the following:

1. To associate a partner for Allah

2. Homicide (the believers)

3. The curse of the parents

4. To escape from Holy Struggle

5. To devour the orphan's property

6. Usury

7. False accusation of unchastity to an immaculate woman

8. Fornication

9. Sodomy

10. Theft

11. Consuming the flesh of a corpse

12. To consume blood

13. To eat the flesh of swine, pig

14. To eat the flesh of an animal slaughtered without mentioning Allah's Name

15. To defraud whether by scale or by measure

16. Gambling

17. A false attestation

18. Despair from the grace of Allah

19. To feel secured from the punishment of Allah

20. To assist the evil-doers

21. To rely on the tyrants

22. To swear falsely

23. Rancour and deceit

24. To restrain from giving others' rights

25. To tell a lie

26. To behave arrogantly

27. Immoderation and extravagance.

28. Treachery

29. Making little of Hajj

30. To fight against Allah's saints

31. To be busy with diversion and play

32. Magic and whatever causes trouble for others

33. To drink wine

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 32

وَلاَ تَتَمَنَّوْاْ مَا فَضَّلَ اللّهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبُواْ وَلِلنِّسَاء نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ وَاسْأَلُواْ اللّهَ مِن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا

32. "And do not covet that by Which Allah has made some of you excel others. Men shall have a benefit of what they earn and women shall have a benefit of what they earn; and ask Allah of His Grace; verily Allah knows all things."

Occasion of Revelation

Upon the occasion of revelation of this holy verse, it has been cited that: Once Ummus-Salamah, a wife of the holy Prophet (S), asked him (S): "Why do men go to Holy Struggle but women do not? Why has Islam legislated inheritance for us half of men's portion? We wish we were men and went to Holy Struggle like men and equally obtained their social position."

The above verse was revealed and responded to this kind of questions and the like of them.

For a group of Muslims, the difference of the portion of men and women in inheritance had become a question. It seemed that they did not notify that this difference was for the reason that generally the totality of the life expenditure is as a duty upon men, while women are free from it.

Besides that, the expenditure of women themselves is upon men, too. Thus, as it was mentioned before, the portion of women, can, practically, be twice as much as that of men. Therefore, the holy verse says:

"And do not covet that by which Allah has made some of you excel others. ..."

It is such because, there are some secrets in each of these differences that are covered and concealed for you.

Of course, it should not be misunderstood that the verse points to some actual and natural differences, not those forged differences that have been produced as a result of transgression and exploitation performed by some social classes.

Then, immediately after that, it says:

"...Men shall have a benefit of what they earn and women shall have a benefit of what they earn; ..."

This difference might be either a natural one (like the difference of the two genders: male and female with each other), or the difference resulted from the optional efforts and endeavours.

Then, it adds: instead of desiring these kinds of difference, ask Allah of His Grace and Favour that He grants you different bounties, ranks and good rewards. It is in that case that you may become some happy and prosperous persons. It says:

"...and ask Allah of His Grace..."

So, at the end of the verse, it says:

"...verily Allah knows all things."

That is, He knows whatever sort of natural or financial differences are necessary for the social regularity. Allah also knows the innate secrets of people and, therefore, He knows who has unjust desires in the heart and, on the other side, which persons think of what is proper, positive, and constructive.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 33

وَلِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مَوَالِيَ مِمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالأَقْرَبُونَ وَالَّذِينَ عَقَدَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ فَآتُوهُمْ نَصِيبَهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدًا

33. "And for everyone We have placed heirs (to inherit) of what parents and near relatives leave, and as for those with whom your right hands have made a covenant, give them their portion; verily Allah is ever witness over all things."

The phrase: "Your right hands have made a covenant" is a hint to the contract which used to be held between two persons before Islam. Then Islam, with a slight change in it, accepted it. In Islamic jurisprudent books, this action has been entitled /daman-i-jarirah/.

The content of this contract was so that: two persons promised that they would help each other in the life affairs, assist in the payment of compensations of one another, and one could inherit from the other.

It was something similar to the insurance contract of today which indicates: if a loss comes forth for a person, the promised party pays its compensation. Islam accepted this content, but inheriting from another one is conditioned to the lack of any hair for the diseased person.

Explanations

1. Assigning the standard of the portion of inheritance for relatives by the command of Allah.

"And for everyone We have placed heirs (to inherit)... "

2. A person has the right of transferring his/her possession to another one under some conditions.

"...and for those with whom your right hands have made a covenant ..."

3. Fulfilling a promise is obligatory.

"….give them their portion..."

4. The debtors should seek after the creditors.

"...give them their portion... "

5. The promises of a person is usually valid after that person's death.

6. Allah is always present and witnesses the deeds.

"... Verily Allah is ever witness over all things."

Section 6: Disagreement and reconciliation between husband and wife

Superiority of men over women -Wife's perverseness and desertion to effect - Duty to Allah inculcates all the other duties -Niggardliness and hypocrisy condemned,

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 34

الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاء بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُواْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ فَالصَّالِحَاتُ قَانِتَاتٌ حَافِظَاتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّهُ وَاللاَّتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَاهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ وَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلاَ تَبْغُواْ عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلاً إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيرًا

34. "Men have authority over women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property (for the support of women). Therefore, the good women are obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded. And (as to) those (women) on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and avoid them in beds and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; verily Allah is Ever-High, Ever-Great."

Guardianship in the System of a Family

A family is a small unit of the society, similar to a large assembly of people; a family must have a single proper leader. The reason is that a leadership upon a family accomplished by several of men and women in common is of no vail. In this form of leadership, either of husband or wife must be the chief of the family and the other should be his/her assistant and under his/her governance.

Here, by this verse, the Qur'an clearly announces that the guardianship of the family must be given to the man of the family. It says:

"Men have authority over women ..."

Of course, the purpose of this statement is not a sense of casting transgression, inequity and aggression; but the aim is producing a single, fairly regular leadership regarding to the necessary consultations and responsibilities.

The second section of the verse is divided into two parts. In the first part it denotes that this guardianship is for some superiorities that, (for the sake of regularity of the society), Allah has assigned for some people comparing some others. It says:

"...because Allah has made some of them to excel others ..."

And, in the second part of the statement it implies that this guardianship is for the sake of the responsibilities that men undertake along the side of financial payments due to women and family members. It says:

"...and because they spend out of their property (for the support of women) ..."

Then, it adds that: with respect to the duties women undertake at home, they are divided into two groups:

The first group are those pious women who, because of the rights Allah has set for them, are humble and protect the secrets and rights of their husband when the husband is absent:

"...therefore, the good women are obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded ..."

That is, always, and at the absence of their husbands in particular, they commit no treachery whether from the point of property, or honour, or protecting the family secrets, and the credit and personality of their husbands.

They also truly follow their duties and responsibilities to fulfil them well. The second group are the women who usually refuse to do their duties. Thus, the signs of disagreement and discord are seen in them.

Confronting such women, men have some duties which they must follow step by step. At the first stage, it says:

"...And (as to) those (women) on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them ..."

For the second stage, it says:

"…and avoid them in beds..."

And, in the third stage, when the discord, disobedience, and the state of heedlessness toward the duties and responsibilities, the limits are transgressed, and the wife severely continues stubbornness and law breaking, so that neither admonishment nor separation from bed, nor heedlessness of man unto her, has any effect and avail, there remains no way save harshness. So, it says:

"...and beat them ..."

It is certain, of course, that if one of these stages affects positively and the woman starts doing her duties, the man has no right to hurt her under any pretext. That is why, immediately after stating this phrase, the Qur'an continue saying:

"...then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them...."

At the end of the verse, it warns men again that they should not abuse their position of guardianship in the family. They ought to think of Allah Whose Power is above all powers. It says:

"...verily Allah is Ever-High, Ever-Great."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 35

وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ شِقَاقَ بَيْنِهِمَا فَابْعَثُواْ حَكَمًا مِّنْ أَهْلِهِ وَحَكَمًا مِّنْ أَهْلِهَا إِن يُرِيدَا إِصْلاَحًا يُوَفِّقِ اللّهُ بَيْنَهُمَا إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرًا

35. "And if you fear a breach between the couple, then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people. If they both desire agreement, Allah will effect harmony between them; Verily Allah is Knowing, All-Aware."

The Family Peace Court

In this holy verse, the Qur'an refers to the discord which happens between a couple, it says:

"And if you fear a breach between the couple, then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people. ..."

Then, it continues saying:

"... If they both desire agreement, Allah will affect harmony between them....."

And, in order to warn the concerning arbitrators to employ good intention in the course, it concludes the verse with this sense that Allah is aware of their intentions. It says:

"...Verily Allah is Knowing, All-Aware."

The 'family peace court', which has been referred to in this verse, is one of the distinguished works of Islam. This kind of peace-court, compared with ordinary courts, has some privileges that cannot be found in other courts. A few of these privileges are as follows:

1. In family environment the treatments cannot be dry and performed legally according to the spiritless court regulations. Hence, the Qur'an instructs that the arbitrators of this court must be of those who have kinship with the couple and are able to move their sentiments along the path of reconciliation.

2. In ordinary courts the two sides of the conflict have to divulge the secrets they have in order to defend themselves. Here, it is certain that if either of woman or man manifests their conjugal secrets for some strangers, they may hurt the feelings of each other so violently that if they be returned home forcefully, there will not exist any sign of their previous sincerity and lay between them.

3. In ordinary courts, judges are often inattentive in the course of dispute, while in the family peace-court, the arbitrators usually do their best to settle peace and sincerity between those two spouses and try to return them home.

4. Moreover, such a family court has none of the problems and heavy expenditures for the couple that the ordinary courts have.

Section 7

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 36

وَاعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَلاَ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالاً فَخُورًا

36. "And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, and do good to the parents, and to the kindred, and the orphans and the needy, and the neighbour close to you, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion in a journey, and the way later, and (the slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily Allah does not love the one who is proud, boastful."

In this verse, some different rights are spoken about. They are irrespective of the rights of Allah, and the Fights of people, and also some civilities of social life. On the whole, there are Ten Commandments mentioned in the verse.

1. The first theme therein is that it invites people to worship and servitude to Allah while they should abandon idolatry and infidelity. This godly manner is the root of all Islamic agenda. The act of following the lotion of Unity and theism, purifies the soul, clarifies the intention, strengthens the will, and tightens the decision for performing any right and useful action in the cause of Allah.

Since the verse is to state a series of Islamic rights, before referring to anything else, it points to the right of Allah upon people.

"And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him ..."

2- Then, it adds:

"...and do good to the parents ..."

The right of parents is one of the subjects which has been repeatedly emphasized in the holy Qur'an. There are fewer matters that have been recommended so much in it. In four occurrences of the Qur'an this idea has been mentioned after the subject of Unity.

3. Next to that, it continues saying:

"... and to the kindred, ..."

This subject is also one of the themes that has been emphasized abundantly in the Qur'an. It has sometimes been referred to as 'blood ties', and sometimes has been enjoined under the commandment of' doing good to the kindred '.

4. Then it pays to the rights of orphans, and encourages the believing people to doing good unto the 'orphans'. The reason of this emphasis is that, as a result of different incidents, there always exist some orphan children in every society that forgetting them not only spoils their condition but also puts the situation of the society in danger.

"... and the orphans..."

5. Next to that, the Holy Qur'an reminds us the 'rights' of the needy ones.

"...and the needy ..."

The reason of this remembrance is that: in every society there are usually some handicapped persons, some feeble ones, and the like of them that leaving them out is against all the principles of humanity.

6. After that, the verse recommends to doing good unto the neighbours who are near to us. It says:

"... and the neighbour close to you ..."

7. The neighbours who are strangers to us are then recommended. It says:

"….and the neighbour who is a stranger…"

The 'right of neighbourhood' is so important in Islam that Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) has stated about it thus: "The Messenger of Allah (S) instructed about them so much that we thought he might enjoin that they would inherit from each other."1

Another tradition denotes that one day it happened that the holy Prophet (S) three times said:

"By Allah, he does not believe."

A person asked him (S) whom he meant, and the Prophet (S) said: "The person whose neighbour is not in security from his molestation." 2

8. After that, the Qur'an has recommended about those who are friends and companions. It says:

"...and the companion in a journey ..."

The Arabic phrase: /as-sahib-il-janb/, of course, has a larger scope of meaning than 'friend' and 'companion'. Thus, the verse conveys a general and inclusive command regarding to having good manner due to those who somehow connect with us irrespective of real friends, fellow-workmen, fellow-travellers, those who ask us for something, students, counsellors, and waiters.

9. Another group, whom are recommended about here, are those who will be in need, because of some reasons, when they are in journey and are far from their own home, although they may be rich in their own city. So, it says:

"...and way farer ..."

10. The final recommendation is about doing good unto the slaves. It says:

"...and (the slaves) whom your right hands possess ..."

In fact, the above verse begins with the subject of the right of Allah and concludes with 'the rights of slaves’. Not only in this verse the slaves are recommended about, but also many other verses of the Qur'an are upon this matter

At the end, the verse warns us, saying:

"... Verily Allah does not love the one who is proud, boastful. "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 37

الَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ وَيَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبُخْلِ وَيَكْتُمُونَ مَا آتَاهُمُ اللّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا

37. "Those who are niggardly and enjoin people to niggardliness and hide what Allah has given them out of His grace; and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating chastisement."

Hypocritical and Godly Charities

This verse, in fact, is the continuation of the subject of the former verses which refers to the arrogant persons and haughty ones. Such persons not only refrain from doing good to human beings themselves, but also invite people to niggardliness. It says:

"Those who are niggardly and enjoin people to niggardliness ..."

Moreover, they often try to conceal that which Allah has bestowed them out of His Grace lest people of their society expect something from them.

"... and hide what Allah has given them out of His grace...."

Then, the Qur'an states about the fate and the end of these persons as this:

"... and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating chastisement."

Perhaps the key to the secret of mentioning the word 'the disbelievers' in this verse is that: 'niggardliness' often originates from infidelity, because the niggardly persons, indeed, have not a complete faith upon the endless merits of Allah unto the good-doers.

So, when it says that their punishment is "a humiliating chastisement ", it is for the reason that they may see the retribution of 'arrogance' and 'self-admiration' through this way.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 38

وَالَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ رِئَـاء النَّاسِ وَلاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَلاَ بِالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَمَن يَكُنِ الشَّيْطَانُ لَهُ قَرِينًا فَسَاء قِرِينًا

38. "And (the arrogant ones are) those who spend their wealth to be seen by people and neither believe in Allah nor in the Last Day; and anyone whose companion be Satan, (what) an evil companion then he is!"

Sometimes Satan whispers and tempts something from a long distance into some persons, and sometimes it does it from a short distance. The believers usually flee from the temptations of Satan, but sometimes Satan becomes as a constant friend and companion of some people. It may approach them very nigh, and in a manner that Surah Al-Zukhruf, No.43, verse 36 refers to. It states:

"And whoever turns himself away from the remembrance of the Beneficent God, We appoint for him a Satan, so he becomes his associate."

Explanations

1. Both to abandon giving charity and to give charity hypocritically are bad. In the previous verse, niggardliness was blamed, and here in the above verse, hypocritical remittals are remonstrated.

2. Hypocrisy is the sign of the lack of true faith in Allah and the Hereafter. A hypocrite relies on people, and then he is deprived from the full reward in the Hereafter.

3. The goal of giving charity is not only satiating the hungry, since this aim can be gained by hypocrisy either. So, the aim of giving charity is also the spiritual growth of the giver of charity.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 39

وَمَاذَا عَلَيْهِمْ لَوْ آمَنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَهُمُ اللّهُ وَكَانَ اللّهُ بِهِم عَلِيمًا

39. "And what (harm) would it have done them if they had believed in Allah and the Last Day, and spent in charity of what Allah had provided them with? And Allah is ever aware of them."

In this verse, as an expression of sympathy and regret for the state of this group, it says that what would happen to them if they returned from this deviated-path and believed in Allah and the Last Day?

They could also spend a part of the bounties that Allah had given them to the servants of Allah with a sincere intention and through a pure thought. By this way, they would earn the felicity and happiness of this world and the next world both.

"And what (harm) would it have done them if they had believed in Allah and the Last Day, and spent in charity of what Allah had provided them with?

However, Allah is aware of their intentions and deeds, and He will give them an appropriate reward and retribution accordingly.

"..And Allah is ever aware of them."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 40

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَاعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

40. "Verily Allah does not do injustice even of the weight of an atom, and if there he a good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward."

This verse, addressing the faithless and niggardly persons, whose status was introduced in the former verses, says:

"Verily Allah does not do justice even of the weight of an atom...."

The Arabic term /Ẓarrah/ originally means very small ant which is not seen easily; but, gradually it has been applied for every small thing. Accordingly, nowadays, 'atom', which is any of the smallest particles of an element, is also called /Ẓarrah/.

And, in view of the fact that the Arabic word /miṣqal/ means 'weight', the Qur'anic phrase /miṣqala Ẓarratin/ means 'the weight of an extraordinary small thing'.

Then, the verse adds that: not only Allah does not do injustice, but also:

"... and if there he a good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward."

Why Does Allah not Do Injustice?

The root of injustice is usually either ignorance, or fear, or need, or greed, etc, but Allah, Who is the Self-Sufficient, Omniscient, and Glorified, does not do injustice. Moreover, Allah has enjoined people to equity and goodness Himself, then how does He do injustice? Yet, His reward is manifold: (ten-fold, hundred-fold, or more).

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 41

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِن كُلِّ أمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَى هَـؤُلاء شَهِيدًا

41. "How will it be, then, when We bring from every people a witness and We bring you a witness over those (witnesses)?"

The content of this verse, which refers to the Messenger of Allah, as a witness over the Ummah, has also occurred in some other verses of the Qur'an (such as: Surah Al-Baqarah, No.2, verse 143, Surah An-Nahl, No.16, verse 89, and Surah Al-Hajj, No.22, verse 78).

Whenever Ibn-Mas'ud recited this verse to the Prophet (S), the tears of the Messenger of Allah (S) would shed. (Narrated from Sahih-i-Bukhari, Tarmathi, and Nisa'i in Tafsir-ul-Kabir by Fakhr-i-Razi and Tafsir-i-Maraqi)

Allah does not need, of course, to bring any witnesses, but human beings are in a condition that the more they feel the presence of witnesses, the more effective it is for strengthening their training and their piety.

As the verses of the Qur'an indicate, there are many sorts of witnesses in the Hereafter; among them are:

Allah:

"Verily Allah is a witness over all things!." 3

the prophets: the above verse, 4 the immaculate Imams:

"And thus have We made you an Ummah of middling stand that you may be witnesses over mankind, ..."5;

the angels:

"And every soul shall come, with it a driver and a witness." 6;

the earth:

"On that Day, she will recount (all) her news:" 7;

the time: A tradition says that: every day the time addresses man by saying:

"I am a new day and I am a witness over you" 8;

and the limbs of the body:

"On the Day when their tongues and their hands and their feet shall bear witness against them as to what they did." 9

And, again, we should be aware that the day of Resurrection is the Day on which the witnesses will stand forth:

"on the day when shall stand forth the witnesses." 10

Explanations

1. Prophets are some examples for people in the world and the witnesses over them in the Hereafter.

2. It is Allah's way of treatment that the prophet of every nation be a witness over that nation. After the departure of the Prophet (S) there should be someone with the same qualities of the Prophet (S) (the immaculate Imams) to be witness over people. Imam Sadiq (as) in a tradition said:

"In any Age an Imam from us, Ahlul-Bayt, is a witness over people, and the Messenger of Allah is a witness over us" 11

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 42

يَوْمَئِذٍ يَوَدُّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَعَصَوُاْ الرَّسُولَ لَوْ تُسَوَّى بِهِمُ الأَرْضُ وَلاَ يَكْتُمُونَ اللّهَ حَدِيثًا

42. "On that Day will those who disbelieve and disobey the Messenger wish that the earth were levelled with them, and they will not hide any word from Allah."

On the Day of Judgement, before standing these witnesses up, the disobedient infidels deny their committing sins and corruptions in the world and try to find a way to escape. They would say:

"... By Allah, our Lord, we were not polytheists." 12

But, in hereafter when the witnesses say the facts, there will exist no room for them to deny. So, they will desire that the earth were levelled with them.

"On that Day will those who disbelieve and disobey the Messenger with that the earth were levelled with them, and they will not hide any word from Allah."

Explanations

1. Disobedience to the governmental commands of the holy Prophet (S) is considered in a row with disbelief in Allah.

"...those who disbelieve and disobey the Messenger..."

2. The Day of Resurrection is the day of regret and desire.

"... Wish that the earth were levelled with them...."

3. On the Day of Judgement, there will remain nothing concealed.

"...and they will not hide any word from Allah."

In some verses of the Qur'an, the regretful wishes of the sinners are pointed out, as follows:

I wish I were soil. I wish I were covered inside the soil! I wish I would not have made friend with so and so! I wish I contemplated in the world! I wish I had been vanished by that very death. And some other phrases like that.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 43

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الصَّلاَةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَى حَتَّىَ تَعْلَمُواْ مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلاَ جُنُبًا إِلاَّ عَابِرِي سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىَ تَغْتَسِلُواْ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاء أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّن الْغَآئِطِ أَوْ لاَمَسْتُمُ النِّسَاء فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاء فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا

43. "O' you who have Faith! do not approach prayer when you are intoxicated, until you know what you say, nor when you are polluted - unless you be passing through - until you wash yourselves. And if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you come from privy or you have touched the women and you cannot find water, then betake yourselves to pure earth then wipe your faces and your hands; verily Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving."

A Few Legal Ordinances

The following Islamic legal ordinances can be extracted from the above-mentioned verse:

1. Canonical prayers are invalid when the person is intoxicated. The holy verse says:

"O' you who have Faith! do not approach prayer when you are intoxicated, until you know what you say,…"

The reason of it, of course, is clear, because 'prayer' is the talk and invocation of the servant with Allah and the action must be performed in an utmost conscious state.

2. The prayer is invalid for the person who is in ritual impurity. So, the Qur'an says that you should not approach prayer when you are polluted:

"... nor when you are polluted…."

Next to that, it has stated an exception for this ordinance. It says:

"...unless you be passing through …"

In this state establishing prayer is permissible on the condition of dry ablution, which will be dealt with in the following.

3. The words refer to the allowance of establishing prayer or passing through a mosque after performing a legal bathing, which has been stated by saying:

"...until you wash yourselves...."

Dry Ablution for the Excused

Through the next phrase, all religious aspects of dry ablution are stated. At first, it points to the situation in which water is harmful for the health of the body.

"...And if you are ill or on a journey...."

Then, it continues saying:

"...or one of you come from privy or you have touched the women ..."

And, when in this situation, there is not water for ablution:

"...and you cannot find water ..."

In this condition, you must have recourse to dust:

"... then betake yourselves to pure earth...."

In the next sentence, it has stated the style of having recourse to dust. It says:

"..then wipe your faces and your hands...."

At the end of the verse, the Qur'an points to this fact that this ordinance is a kind of facilitation and discount for you, since:

"...verily Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 44

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ يَشْتَرُونَ الضَّلاَلَةَ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن تَضِلُّواْ السَّبِيلَ

44. "Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They buy error and desire that you should also go astray from the way."

In this verse, Allah addresses the holy Prophet (S) and, in an astonishing tone, says: whether he has not seen that group of people who were given a portion of the Book in order to be guided and guide others. But instead of obtaining guidance and felicity by it for themselves and others, they buy aberration not only for themselves but also they wish you went astray. It says:

"Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? they buy error and desire that you should also go astray from the way."

Thus, as a result of their bad intentions, they changed what they had I as a means of guidance for themselves and for others into a means of misleading and being misled. The reason of that manner was that they never went after the truth, but they looked all the things with the dark glasses of hypocrisy, jealousy, and materiality.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 45

وَاللّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِأَعْدَائِكُمْ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ وَلِيًّا وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ نَصِيرًا

45. "And Allah knows well your enemies; and Allah is sufficient as a Guardian, and Allah is sufficient as a Helper."

In this verse, it says that they show themselves in the form of friends, but they are your real enemies. It is in the case that Allah knows your enemies well.

"And Allah knows well your enemies ..."

What enmity is higher than that they are opposite your happiness and guidance. They always pursue their own evil aims to be practised, every time in a shape. They sometimes come nigh with a tongue of benevolence, and sometimes by the way of ill-speaking.

Yet, you should never be afraid of their hostility, because you are not alone:

"...and Allah is sufficient as a Guardian, and Allah is sufficient as a Helper."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 46

مِّنَ الَّذِينَ هَادُواْ يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِ وَيَقُولُونَ سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا وَاسْمَعْ غَيْرَ مُسْمَعٍ وَرَاعِنَا لَيًّا بِأَلْسِنَتِهِمْ وَطَعْنًا فِي الدِّينِ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ قَالُواْ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا وَاسْمَعْ وَانظُرْنَا لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ وَأَقْوَمَ وَلَكِن لَّعَنَهُمُ اللّهُ بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَلاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً

46. "Some of those who are Jews change the words from their places and say: "We heard and disobeyed", and (impolitely tell the Messenger) do hear, but as one that never hears, and 'Infatuate us! ' distorting (the word) with their tongues and taunting about religion, and if they had said: 'We heard and we obeyed, hear you and respite us' it would have been better for them, and more upright, but Allah cursed them for their disbelief, so they do not believe; save a few."

The application of the phrases / sami'na wa 'asayna / in the Arabic language means something like Persian proverb which says: 'You may say but we do not follow'.

The Muslims of the time of the Prophet of Islam (S) used to tell him the Arabic phrase /ra'ina/. By this word they meant to say that he would pay attention to them and protect them. But the Jews perverted this word to a disgrace meaning.

When the word is taken from the Arabic root /ra'a/, it means 'to consider, to observe', but when it is taken from the root /ra'unat/, and pronounced /ra'inna/, it means: 'make of us foolish'. By twisting their tongues, the Jews used to both defame the Muslims and mock Islam.

In the previous verse, too, their hostility and that they intended to mislead the Muslims through their apostasy and infidelity, was pointed out. It was because of these hostilities and missing the light of guidance that they were cursed by Allah.

"Some of those who are Jews change the words from their places and say: "We heard and disobeyed", and (impolitely tell the Messenger) do hear, but as one that never hears, and 'Infatuate us! ' distorting (the word) with their tongues and taunting about religion, and if they had said: 'We heard and we obeyed, hear you and respite us' it would have been better for them, and more upright, but Allah cursed them for their disbelief, so they do not believe; save a few."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 47

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ آمِنُواْ بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّطْمِسَ وُجُوهًا فَنَرُدَّهَا عَلَى أَدْبَارِهَا أَوْ نَلْعَنَهُمْ كَمَا لَعَنَّا أَصْحَابَ السَّبْتِ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللّهِ مَفْعُولاً

47. "O' you who have been given the Scripture! believe in what We have revealed, confirming that which is ( already) with you, before We destroy countenances and turn them towards their backs, or curse them as We cursed the people of Sabbath (the violating Jews), and the Command of Allah is ever-executed."

The words saying "…before We destroy countenances and turn them towards their backs....." may refer to the purpose of changing the feature of hearts and nature of safe and sound intellects from the path of felicity.

This status may come forth as a result of their obstinacy and arrogance against the Divine verses. Instead of going one step forward, they retrogress some steps backward, and their spiritual human features and intellects will be abolished.

Perhaps, it refers to the outward change of faces to their backs and transformation of the features, or change of shapes in the Hereafter.

The People of Sabbath

There were some disobedient Jews who violated the Command of Allah (s.w.t.) upon the prohibition of fishing on Saturdays and, by a legal trick, they did fishing. So, they incurred the wrath of Allah, and their faces transformed into the shape of monkeys.

Explanations

1. The general framework of the programs of all Divine prophets are alike. Therefore, in the style of invitation and propagation, others' opinions and their common rights should be respected.

"...confirming that which is (already) with you ..."

2. Islam invites the followers of other religions to the religion of Allah, too.

"O' you who have been given the Scripture! Believe ..."

3. The scientific figures and those who are cognizant are more responsible, and are especially addressed by the religion of Allah.

"O' you who have been given the Scripture! Believe ..."

4. When confronting the obstinate ones, the means of threat must be used.

"...before We destroy ..."

5. In order that the threat be affected, the kinds of its concrete and applicable examples should be mentioned.

"...as We cursed the people of Sabbath (the violating Jews) ..."

6. The wrath of Allah upon all of the obstinate persons, during the history of the world, is an Allah's way of treatment.

"...as We cursed the people of Sabbath (the violating Jews) ..."

7. The command of Allah is always certain.

"...and the Command of Allah is ever-executed."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 48

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاء وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَى إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا

48. "Verily Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives what is besides that to whom He Pleases; and whoever associate (aught) with Allah, has indeed devised a great sin."

More than two hundred times the word 'polytheism' has been mentioned in the Qur'an where tending towards other than Allah (idolatry, hypocrisy, non-godly beliefs, materialism, and so on) has been criticized.

The content of this verse has also been repeated in this very Surah, verse 116; and in fact repetition can be a cause of guidance. However, polytheism will not be forgiven because it is an exodus from the process of right. It is also departing from the line of Allah and joining other than Him.

If, even a pagan leaves out paganism and sincerely repents, Allah will forgive him. It is cited in Surah Az-Zumar, No.39, verse 53 that surely Allah forgives the faults altogether, therefore do not despair of His (Mercy. Then, it is appropriate for everyone to return to Him by repenting and asking forgiveness.

It is narrated from Imam Amirul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) who said that the mentioned verse, to me, is the most (encouraging) beloved one among the verses of the Qur'an.

Since no one knows to whom the wisely grace of Allah will be granted, there will remain no room for pride and boldness in anyone to (commit sin. The following factors pave the way of forgiveness:

1) Repentance, 2) to do goodness, 3) to avoid the great sins, 4) intercession, and, 5) the Divine pardon (which is pointed out in this verse)

Explanations

1. Polytheism is the worst form of sins and it is a barrier against the Divine forgiveness.

2. Forgiveness of the faults relates to the Wisely Will of Allah.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 49

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُزَكُّونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ بَلِ اللّهُ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاء وَلاَ يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلاً

49. "Have you not seen those who consider themselves pure? Nay! Allah purifies whom He pleases, and they shall not be wronged even the hair of a date-stone."

In some other verses of the Qur'an, self-praise and considering oneself faultless, chosen, and excellent are also blamed. Surah An-Najm, No.53, Verse 32, for example, says:

" ...therefore do not attribute purity to yourselves; He knows him best who keeps from evil."

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) in one of his sermons, speaking .about the signs of the pious ones, points out:

" ...whenever they are praised, they awe ..."

Therefore, that self-praise, which originates from pride, self -admiration and humiliating others, is forbidden, while praising Allah and worshipping Him is a great value. By the way, the divine retributions of people are the fruit of the evil deeds and they are not from the side of Allah.

"Have you not seen those who consider themselves pure? Nay! Allah purifies whom He pleases, and they shall not be wronged even the hair of a date-stone."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 50

انظُرْ كَيفَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ الكَذِبَ وَكَفَى بِهِ إِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

50. "See how they forge a lie against Allah! And it is sufficient as a manifest sin."

The Jews considered themselves a superior race and also the children and the beloved of the Lord. This self-admiration is the greatest calumny unto Allah, because He has not appointed anyone as His child, and all human beings are equal before Him. It is in the case that, to Him, the only privilege is Faith and piety.

In belie, besides the existence of lie, there are also the sin of accusation, persecution, injustice, and desecration.

Belie upon Allah nullifies fasting, too. Imam Baqir (as) also said:

"...Telling lie is worse than drinking wine."

Yet, belie is graver than telling a lie, either.

"See how they forge a lie against Allah! and it is sufficient as a manifest sin."

- 1. 'Amali, by Sadugh, p. 4208 (Persian translation) & Tafsir-ul-'Amthal, vol. 3, p. 204

- 2. Ibid

- 3. Surah Al.Hajj, No.22, verse 17

- 4. The verse under discussion

- 5. Surah Al-Baqarah, No.2, verse 143

- 6. Surah Qaf, No.50, verse 21

- 7. Surah Az-Zilzal, No.99, verse 4

- 8. Nur-uth-Thaqalayn, vol. 5, 11. 112

- 9. Surah An-Nur, No.24, verse 24

- 10. Surah Al-Mu'min (Qafir), No.40, verse 51

- 11. Nur-uth-Thaqalayn, vol. 1, p. 399

- 12. Surah Al-'An'am, No.6, verse 23

Section 8: Leaning to injustice and evil to be avoided

Jews preferring the idolaters to Muslims -Abraham's seed blessed -Recompense for disbelief and faith -Obedience to Allah, the Apostle Muhammad and those vested with the authority.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 51

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْجِبْتِ وَالطَّاغُوتِ وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ هَؤُلاء أَهْدَى مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ سَبِيلاً

51. "Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt (idol) and Taghut (false deities) and they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided on the way than those who have believed (in Islam)'."

After that the fight of 'Uhud ended, a group of the Jews went to Mecca in order that they ally with the pagans there against the Muslims. Having the aim to please and assure the pagans the Jews prostrated before the pagans' idols. They said that their idolatry was better than the faith of Muslims in Islam and Muhammad (S).

"Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt (idol) and Taghut (false deities) and they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided on the way than those who have believed (in Islam)'."

The Arabic term 'Jibt', which is applied for the idol of magician, has occurred only once in the Qur'an; while the term Taghut, which is derived from the sense of 'disobedience', has occurred eight times therein.

Perhaps, the objective meaning of these two terms mentioned in the verse is the very two idols before which the Jews prostrated. Or, may be, the purpose of 'Jibt' is the idol, but the purpose of 'Taghut' is the idol worshippers and the advocators of idolatry.

Explanations

1. The enemies of Islam, in order to work against Muslims, sometimes ignore their own conviction. (The Jews prostrated before idols for the pleasure of the pagans against the Muslims.)

2. The mood of obstinacy and enmity changes the way of judgement, and causes the truth to be concealed.

"... they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided…"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 52

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ اللّهُ وَمَن يَلْعَنِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ نَصِيرًا

52. "These are they whom Allah has cursed, and whomever Allah curses, then you will not find any helper for him."

The inauspicious alliances of the opponents of the truth will never gain their expected results, (As it was seen in the alliance of the parties of infidels, Idolaters, and the Jews due to the plotting against Islam when the Jews went into Mecca and prostrated before idols, and when they judged unjustly and allied against Islam. They gained, then, nothing through opposing the Will of Allah.)

"…then you will not find any helper for him."

However, whoever is cursed by Allah, will always be wretched.

"These are they whom Allah has cursed, and whomever Allah curses, then you will not find any helper for him."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 53

أَمْ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُلْكِ فَإِذًا لاَّ يُؤْتُونَ النَّاسَ نَقِيرًا

53. "Or have they a share in the kingdom? Then in that case, they do not give even a speck to anybody!"

By the commentaries of the previous couple of verses, it was said that the Jews, to attract the attention of the idol-worshippers of Mecca, testified that the idolatry of the Quraysh was better than the theistic practice of the Muslims.

Even they themselves fell prostration before the idols. In this verse, as well as the next one, this fact has been pointed out that their judgement was worthless and invalid. Each of these two verses contains a considerable proof.

In this verse the Qur'an inquires whether the Jews had any share in the government that they let themselves judge like that. And, yet, if they had such an authority, they would not give people any right when they might keep everything for themselves exclusively.

" Or have they a share in the kingdom? Then in that case, they do not give even a speck to anybody! "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 54

أَمْ يَحْسُدُونَ النَّاسَ عَلَى مَا آتَاهُمُ اللّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ فَقَدْ آتَيْنَا آلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَآتَيْنَاهُم مُّلْكًا عَظِيمًا

54. "Or, do they (the Jews) envy people for that which Allah has given them of His grace? But indeed We have given to Abraham's children the Book, and the Wisdom and We have given them a grand kingdom."

In the former verses, the words were about the niggardliness of the Jews, and here, in this verse, their envy is dealt with. Envy, of course, is worse than niggardliness, because a miser simply does not remit his own property, but an envious person is inconvenient of the favour of another person, either.

The word /an-nas/ 'people', mentioned in this verse, as Tafsir-us-Safi indicates, refers to the Prophet (S) and his progeny. 1

Thus, the verse says that the Jews envied them for that which Allah had given them out of His Grace. Then, through such judgements, they wished to quench the fire of their envy.

"Or, do they (the Jews) envy people for that which Allah has given them of His grace. ..."

Then the Qur'an says: why do you wonder and envy that the Prophet of Islam (S), chosen from the family of Bani-Hashim, has been given such a rank? It is in the case that Allah has also given the progeny of Abraham (from whose family are the Jews) the Book and the wisdom and He has bestowed the prophets of the Children of Israel the authority of a great kingdom.

"... But indeed We have given to Abraham's children the Book and the Wisdom and We have given them a grand kingdom."

But, unfortunately you, the degenerate people, lost those worthy spiritual and physical capitals because of your own wickedness and hard-heartedness.

A tradition narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) denotes that he (as) was asked about this verse and he (as) answered:

"We are those whom have been jealous of by, the enemies ..."

The physical and spiritual damages of envy, irrespective of personal and social ones, are extraordinarily abundant. They have been mentioned in the traditions of the leaders of Islam. Including them, it is narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) who said:

"Envy and malevolence are from the darkness of the heart and blind heartedness, which in turn originate from the denial of the bounties of Allah upon human beings. These two, (blind-heartedness and denial of the bounties of Allah) are two wings of disbelief which causes the annihilation of man."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 55

فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ آمَنَ بِهِ وَمِنْهُم مَّن صَدَّ عَنْهُ وَكَفَى بِجَهَنَّمَ سَعِيرًا

55. "So, of them were (some) who believed in it and of them were (some) who barred from it, and sufficient (to punish them) is the Blazing Fire (of Hell)."

This verse is both a soothing for the Prophet (S) and a solace for the Muslims, so that they would not be tired and despaired of the faithlessness of people. In the length of history, the circumstances have always been such, and all the prophets had been faced with the unfaithfulness of some groups of people.

"So, of them were (some) who believed in it, and of them were (some) who barred from it, and sufficient (to punish them) is the Blazing Fire (of Hell)."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 56

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُمْ بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُواْ الْعَذَابَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا

56. "Verily those who disbelieved in Our Signs, soon We will cast them into Fire so oft as their skins shall be burnt We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the torment. Surely Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.".

Since the infidels were constantly obstinate, they should be retributed constantly with their new skins.

Once, Ibn-i-Abil-'Uja', who was one of the opponents of the religion, asked Imam Sadiq (as) what the fault of the new skin was.

Imam (as) said: "The new skin is from the remaining of the burnt of the very first skin. It is like a sun-dried brick which breaks into pieces and will be made of it mud and a new sun-dried brick again."

Explanations

1. The punishment of the disbelievers is permanent.

"...We will change them for other skins ..."

2. The punishment, because of its continuation, will never become ordinary for the disbelievers.

3. The new skin is for tasting a severe chastisement; (since, in burning, the utmost pain is felt in the skin, and when the fire reaches the bone its pain seems less than before).

4. The Resurrection will be bodily, because the punishment will be upon the skin and the change that it will have. .

"Verily those who disbelieved in Our Signs, soon We will cast them into Fire so oft as their skins shall be burnt We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the torment. Surely Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 57

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا لَّهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَنُدْخِلُهُمْ ظِـلاًّ ظَلِيلاً

57. "And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow -therein shall they abide forever; for them are pure companions - and We will make them enter a dense shade."

In this verse, the holy Qur'an promises those believers who have a good Faith and do good deeds that surely they will live soon in gardens of Heaven, where under its trees some rivers flow. Their life therein will be forever.

Besides that, in Paradise, they will have the pure spouses who will be the source of calmness and tranquillity for both their bodies and souls. They will be pure from the point of menstruation blood, all meanness, and pollutions. They will live under some eternal shades that, unlike to the inconstant shades of this world, are permanent, wherein neither hot wind nor bitter cold enters.

"And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow -therein they will abide forever; for them are pure companions - and We will make them enter a dense shade.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 58

إِنَّ اللّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤدُّواْ الأَمَانَاتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُواْ بِالْعَدْلِ إِنَّ اللّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُم بِهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا

58. "Verily Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners, and when you judge between people, you judge with justice; verily good is the admonition Allah gives you; verily Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

Occasion of Revelation

This verse was revealed at the time when the holy Prophet (S), being completely victorious, arrived in Mecca. The Messenger of Allah (S) called for 'Uthman-ibn- Talhah, the key holder of the Ka'bah, and took the key from him in order to clear out the Ka'bah from the existence of the idols.

After the fulfilment of that aim, 'Abbas, the Prophet's uncle, asked the Prophet (S) to give the key of the Ka'bah to him.

The rank of key-holding of the Sacred-House, in fact, was a distinguished and honourable rank among Arabs. But, contrary to that, after clearing out the Ka'bah from the filth of the existence of the idols, the Prophet (S) closed the door of the House and delivered the key to 'Uthman-ibn- Talhah while he (S) was reciting the verse under discussion.

Deposit and Justice in Islam

This holy verse, from which a general and common ordinance is understood, explicitly says:

"Verily Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners ..."

In the second part of the verse, it points to another important subject. It is the proposition of observing justice in government. The verse, conveying the command of Allah, says:

"... and when you judge between people, you judge with justice; ..."

Then, to lay emphasis on these two commands, it says:

" ...verily good is the admonition Allah gives you; ..."

Again, the verse emphasizes and says that Allah is watching you in any state you are, and He both hears your words and sees what you do. It says:

"... verily Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

It is evident that the term' deposit' has a vast meaning. It includes any physical and spiritual capitals. Therefore, according to the clear meaning of this verse, every Muslim is enjoined not to be treacherous in any deposit and unto any person, whether the owner of the deposit is Muslim or non-Muslim. This ordinance is, in fact, one of the principles of the declaration of the rights of human kind in Islam '.

Even the scientists of a society are the depositaries. They are charged with a duty not to conceal the facts. Our children are also the deposits of Allah with us.

We must not neglect training and educating them. Beyond than that, our existence and whatever power Allah (s.w.t.) has given us are the deposits of Allah, and we should try to protect them carefully.

A tradition narrated from Imam -Sadiq (as) about the importance of 'deposit' indicates that once he (as) told one of his companions:

"If the murderer of Hadrat Ali (as) trusted me a deposit, or wanted me to advise him, or consulted me, and I accepted that from him, certainly I would be honest in the deposition." 2

In many Islamic traditions, the purpose of the term 'deposit', mentioned in the current verse, has been introduced the leadership of the society, the men of which are Ahlul-Bayt (as). This is the clear extension of practising this verse. 3

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 59

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلاً

59. "O' you who have Faith! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. Then, if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better and very good in the end."

This verse, together with a few verses next to it, discuss about one of the most important matters of Islam, that is, the subject of leadership. They determine the true source of imitation of Muslims for the different social and religious affairs that they may have.

At first, it commands those who have faith, saying:

"O' you who have Faith! Obey Allah…"

It is obvious that, for a believing person, all obedience must be led to the obedience of Allah. Then, any form of leadership must originate from His pure Essence and be adopted to His command, because it is He Who is the Ruler and the genetic Owner of the world of existence, and every sovereignty and ownership should be under His command.

For the second stage it, says:

"... and obey the Messenger ..,"

Obey the Prophet who is immaculate and never speaks out of desire 4, an Apostle appointed from the side of Allah amongst people, whose word is the word of Allah, and whose rank and position have been bestowed to him by Allah.

And, for the third stage, it says:

"... and those charged with authority among you..."

Obey such ones who are from the inside of the Islamic society and protect both the divine religion and worldly affairs of people.

After that, it says:

"... Then, if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better and very good in the end."

Who are 'Those Charged with Authority'?

All the Shi'ite commentators have the same attitude on this matter that the purpose of the phrase /'ulil-'amr/ mentioned in this verse, is the immaculate Imams to whom the physical and spiritual leadership of the Islamic society, consisting of all affairs of life, have been given from the side of Allah and His Apostle (S), and it does not conclude any other than them.

This meaning is said according to the contents of 33 authentic traditions cited in At-Tafsir-ul Burhan, vol. l, pp. 381-386 (second edition).

Of course, under some conditions, the obedience of those who are appointed to a rank and charge a position in the society is necessary. This obedience is not for that they themselves are 'those charged with authority', but for that they are agents of 'those charged with authority'.

Explanations

1. Absolute obedience from the Messenger of Allah and 'those charged with authority' is a token for inerrancy of those magnanimous ones. Thus, any denotation expansion which is stated for 'those charged with authority' is not valid, if the one is not infallible.

2. The repetition of the word /'ati'u/ 'obey' is the secret of the kind of orders. The holy Prophet (S) sometimes stated the ordinances of Allah, and sometimes gave the governmental commands, since he had both offices of 'prophecy' and government. 5

3. The name of 'those charged with authority' is mentioned next to the names of Allah and the Apostle, accompanied with an absolute obedience. This is a sign to show that the one in charge of Islamic government should be qualified with a high saintliness.

Based on many traditions, as was mentioned in the commentary of the verse, the purpose of the phrase 'those charged with authority' is Ahlul-Bayt (as).

4. People ought to accept the Islamic system and support its godly leaders by their words and deeds.

"... Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you ..."

5. In obedience, hierarchical order should be observed, that is Allah, the Messenger, and those charged with authority.

6. One of the ways of: acknowledgement is comparison with opposites and contraries.

7. When speaking of mischief-makers, the extravagant, the misguided, the ignorant, the tyrants and so on, the Qur'an's command is: "Do not yield..." and "Do not follow ..." The conclusion is that the aspects of the word /'ati'u/ 'obey' must be those whose obedience have not been prohibited of.

8. To obey false deities is forbidden.

9. If all groups assume the Qur'an and the practice of the Prophet (S) as reliable testimonies, discords will be removed and unity will govern.

10. A complete religion must have a solution for discords. The Qur'an says:

"...refer it to Allah and the Messenger ..."

11. Those who are opponent to the orders of Allah, the Messenger, and 'those charged with authority' should doubt in their own religion, if they want to believe in truth.

"…if you believe…"

12. Farsightedness and being careful of the interests of long future, time is the standard of value.

"... This is better and very good in the end."

- 1. At-Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 425

- 2. Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 427

- 3. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 380 (second edition) narrates 15 traditions upon this meaning.

- 4. Surah An-Najm, No. 53, Verse 3.

- 5. Allah addresses the Prophet (S) in the Qur'an both for the rank of statement (Surah An-Nahl, No.16, Verse 44) and 'for the rank of government (Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, Verse 105).

Section 9: Hypocrites refuse to accept the Messenger's judgement

Hypocrites' leaning to Satan -the Messenger's judgement shall be accepted-Reward for the obedience to Allah and the Messenger.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 60

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمْ آمَنُواْ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَحَاكَمُواْ إِلَى الطَّاغُوتِ وَقَدْ أُمِرُواْ أَن يَكْفُرُواْ بِهِ وَيُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُضِلَّهُمْ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا

60. "Have you not seen those who think they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you? They intend to resort in the judgement of Taghut (false deities) while they have been ordered to reject him, and Satan intends to mislead them far astray."

It happened that there arose a dispute between a hypocritical Muslim and a Jew. They decided to refer to the arbitrator.

The Jew elected the Prophet (S) as the arbitrator for trustworthiness and justice he (S) had, but the hypocrite agreed with Ka'b-ibn-'Ashraf (one of the distinguished Jews) as his arbitrator, because the hypocrite knew that he could tend the attitude of Ka'b towards his benefit by giving him some gifts. This verse is for the bleme of that manner.

"Have you not seen those who think they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you? They intend to resort in the judgement of Taghut (false deities) while they have been ordered to reject him, and Satan intends to mislead them far astray."

As for the definition of 'the false deities', Imam -Sadiq (as) says:

'false deity is he who does not judge rightfully, decides against the command of Allah, and his order is obeyed." 1

In the previous verse, Allah and the Apostle were introduced as the place of resorts of discords, but in this verse, the blame is upon those who refer to false deities as the place of resorts of their own discords.

Thus, in that verse the virtuous cite of resort has been introduced, while in this verse the impious one has been pointed out. So, true believers do not even think of going to false deities since agreement with /Taghut/ 'false deities' is prohibited.

"... they have been ordered to reject him..."

For removing the interior discords, going to non-Muslims is forbidden for Muslims.

"... They intend to resort to the judgement of taghut (false deities)..."

Through a verse (No.35) in the current Surah, formerly the Qur'an pointed out that: for a family discord an arbitrator from the family of the wife and another one from the family of the husband should judge.

"... Then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 61

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْاْ إِلَى مَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ وَإِلَى الرَّسُولِ رَأَيْتَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنكَ صُدُودًا

61. "And when it is said to them: 'Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,' you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

The reference of hypocrites to false deities and asking judgement from (non-Muslim) foreigners is not a casual happening. But, it is the quality and spiritual specification of hypocrites that they oppose the heavenly leaders and reject the path of truth.

"And when it is said: 'Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,' you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

Explanations

1. The hypocrites do not surrender to the law of Allah and the command of the Prophet (S). But, in the meanwhile, we must invite them to the truth.

2. The hypocrites are not sensitive to the heartily faith of people to Allah. Their main worriment is the crowd of people gathered around the heavenly Messenger.

"... you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

3. The blameworthy plot of the hypocrites is separating people from the Prophet (S).

However, in another occurrence, the Qur'an indicates that barring the path of the Prophet (S) is, in fact, barring the path of Allah, and denying the Messenger of Allah (S) is the denial of the signs of Allah. In another verse, it says:

".. but surely they do not call you a liar, but the unjust deny the signs of Allah." 2

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 62

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ جَآؤُوكَ يَحْلِفُونَ بِاللّهِ إِنْ أَرَدْنَا إِلاَّ إِحْسَانًا وَتَوْفِيقًا

62. "But how will it be, when some disaster befalls them on account of what their (own) hands have forwarded, then they come to you swearing by Allah (saying): 'We intended naught but kindness and concord '?"

The justification of the hypocrites for referring the judgment to the false deities, as they said, was that their final aim was to make peace.

So, if they had gone to the Prophet (S) for judgment and he judged for the benefit of one party, naturally the other party would have become displeased from the Messenger of Allah (S) and would have raised a tumult noisily, which was not appropriate with the position of the holy Prophet (S).

Therefore, to avoid this matter and to protect the honour, rank, and amiability of the Prophet (S), they did not take the conflict to him.

Explanations

1. The hypocritical Muslims refer to the divine leaders only when they encounter a difficulty and feel danger.

"...they come to you.. .."

2. The opponents usually justify their wrong actions.

"... We intended naught but kindness ..."

3. The hypocrites apply the swearing to Allah as a cover over their own goals.

"... swearing by Allah ..."

4. Among the deeds of the hypocrites is: showing a feature of benevolence, kindness and claiming the motto of peacefulness and exchanging agreements.

".... kindness and concord?"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 63

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُ اللّهُ مَا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ قَوْلاً بَلِيغًا

63. "Those are they of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts, therefore turn away from them, and admonish them and speak to them concerning themselves effectual words."

The effort of the hypocrites is useless, because Allah knows both their interiors and their evil intentions, and manifests them at an appropriate time.

"Those are they of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts ..."

Also, the apology of the hypocrites is not done truthfully; otherwise they would not issue the command of rejection.

"... Allah knows what is in their hearts, therefore turn away from them ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 64

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلاَّ لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذ ظَّلَمُواْ أَنفُسَهُمْ جَآؤُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُواْ اللّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُواْ اللّهَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا

64. "And We did not send any Messenger save that he should be obeyed, by Allah's leave, and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and sought forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger ( also) had asked forgiveness for them, they would certainly have found Allah forgiving, Merciful. "

Through the previous verses, the Qur'an has seriously condemned referring to the tyrannical arbitrators. Yet, as an emphasis in this verse, it says:

"And We did not send any Messenger save that he should be obeyed, by Allah's leave, ..."

The reason of it is that those Apostles have been both the Messenger of Allah and the chief in the divine government. Therefore, people have been enjoined to obey them from the point of stating the ordinances of Allah, and the manner of practicing them both. They should not suffice only to a mere claim of faith.

Then, in the continuation of the verse, it has opened the door of return to the sinners and those who have referred to the false deities, or in some way or other, have committed a fault or faults, where it says:

"... and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and sought forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger (also) had asked forgiveness for them, they would certainly have found Allah forgiving, Merciful. "

The current discussed part of the verse points to this fact that the fruit of the obedience of Allah and His Apostle (S) returns to yourselves, as well as the result of your disobedience, which is a kind of injustice, that returns to you, too, because it disturbs the material affairs of your life and, also from the spiritual point of view, it causes your retrogression.

By the way, this verse is an answer to those who imagine referring to the Prophet or Imam is a kind of polytheism, because this verse clearly denotes that coming to the Prophet (S) and setting him as an intercessor before Allah, in order to seek forgiveness from Him for the sinners, is effective and causes their repentance to be accepted and the grace of Allah to be showered.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 65

فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا

65. "But no, by your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you the judge regarding the disagreement between them, then they find within themselves no dislike of which you decide and submit with full submission."

Occasion of Revelation

There was a dispute between Zubayr-ibn-'Awam (one of the Emigrants) and another Muslim from the Helpers upon the irrigation of a palm-plantation. Since the Upper part of the garden belonged to Zubayr, the Prophet (S) judged that he should irrigate it first.

The other man, the Helper, became worried from the Prophet's judgement (S) and told him: "As Zubayr is your cousin, you judged in his benefit." As soon as he uttered that expression, the face of the Prophet (S) paled, and the above verse was revealed.

Surprising! They themselves elected the Prophet (S) as an arbitrator, but they refused his judgement.

Imam -Sadiq (as) in a tradition said:

"If some people worship Allah by establishing prayer, performing Hajj pilgrimage, paying alms, and so on to adore Him, but they doubt about the deeds of the Messenger of Allah (S), they are not, indeed, believers."

Then he (as) recited this verse.

"But no, by your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you the judge regarding the disagreement between them, then they find within themselves no dislike of which you decide and submit with lull submission."

However, the signs of a true believer are three:

A) Instead of referring to the false deities, he takes the judgement to the Prophet (S).

B) He should not have any suspicion to the judgement of the Messenger of Allah (S).

"... they find within themselves no dislike ..."

C) He ought to accept the command of the Prophet (S) ardently and surrender to it.

By the way, judgement is from among the ranks of messenger ship and master ship. And, personal attitude against the sacred Qur'anic text is forbidden, because this manner is the sign of faithlessness, (regarding to the occasion of revelation).

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 66

وَلَوْ أَنَّا كَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اقْتُلُواْ أَنفُسَكُمْ أَوِ اخْرُجُواْ مِن دِيَارِكُم مَّا فَعَلُوهُ إِلاَّ قَلِيلٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ فَعَلُواْ مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ تَثْبِيتًا

66. "And if We had decreed for them (saying): (Kill yourselves or go forth from your dwellings', they would not have done it except a few of them; and if they had done what they were admonished, it would have certainly been better for them and more efficacious for strengthening (their faith).

Here, in order to complete the previous discussion about those who sometimes felt inconvenience for the just judgements of the Prophet (S), the verse points to some laborious duties of the former nations, such as the Jews whom, after idol-worshipping and calf-worshipping, were ordained to kill each other as an atonement of that great sin, or to go out of their beloved homes.

But, this group are not ordained a heavy and grave duty. If they were also enjoined to do hard duties, how could they tolerate?

These people who do not submit the judgement of the Prophet (S) upon the irrigation of a palm-plantation, how can they fulfil other trials? So, it says:

"And if We had decreed for them (saying): (Kill yourselves or go forth from your dwellings, they would not have done it except a few of them; ..."

Then, it points to two advantages that result from the fulfilment of the commands of Allah, saying:

"...and if they had done what they were admonished, it would have certainly been better for them and more efficacious for strengthening (their faith).

Here, the commands and ordinances of Allah have been rendered into admonishments and advices. This shows that these ordinances are not any things that benefit the Commander (Allah), but they are some advices that benefit us ourselves.

It is interesting that the verse implies that the further a person paves the path of obedience of Allah (s.w.t.), the more his perseverance and steadfastness promotes. In fact, the obedience of the command of Allah is a kind of spiritual practice for human beings.

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 67 - 68

وَإِذاً لَّآتَيْنَاهُم مِّن لَّدُنَّـا أَجْراً عَظِيمًا

وَلَهَدَيْنَاهُمْ صِرَاطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا

67. "And then We would certainly have given them from Our Own accord a great reward."

68. " And We would certainly have guided them in the straight path."

In these two verses, two other advantages of obeying and submitting to Allah are stated. In addition to the advantages mentioned in the previous verses, the first verse points to the third gain of this obedience. It says:

"And then We would certainly have given them from Our Own accord a great reward."

And the second verse points to the fourth result of obeying and submitting to Allah when it says:

"And We would certainly have guided them in the straight path."

The objective meaning of the term 'guidance', mentioned in this verse, is some additional graces which are bestowed upon these eligible persons from the side of Allah in the form of a secondary guidance and as a particular reward.

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 69 - 70

وَمَن يُطِعِ اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاء وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَـئِكَ رَفِيقًا

ذَلِكَ الْفَضْلُ مِنَ اللّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ عَلِيمًا

69. "And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favours, of the prophets, and the truthful, and the martyrs, and the righteous; and excellent are these as companions."

70. "This is the grace from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as the Knower."

Occasion of Revelation

Upon the revelation of this verse, it has been cited that: once one of the companions of the Prophet (S), who was named Nuban, and who had a fairly intensive affection to the Messenger of Allah (S), came to him while he was very distressed.

The Messenger of Allah (S) asked him about his disturbance and he answered that he reviewed the thought in his mind on that day that if he would be admitted into Paradise on the Day of Judgement, he would surely not be in the position of the Prophet (S) therein.

And, if he would not be admitted into Paradise, his circumstances were evident. Therefore, in either of the cases he might be deprived from being at the presence of him (S). That was why he was distressed.

Then, these two verses were revealed and gave glad tidings to such people implying that the obedient persons will be the companions of the prophets and the chosen ones in Heaven. Then the Prophet (S) said:

"By Allah, the faiths of a Muslim will not he completed except that the one loves me better than himself; his parents and all his relatives, and that he he submitted to my words."

Companions in Heaven

In the previous holy verses, the privileges of the obedient to the command of Allah (s.w.t.) were enumerated. To complete them, this holy verse says:

"And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favours ..."

As it was mentioned in the commentary of Surah Al-Hamd, This bounty reaches to those who constantly pave the Straight Path and go astray naught.

Then, to explain this phrase, it points to the following four groups, and says:

"... of the prophets, and the truthful, and the martyrs, and the righteous; ..."

1. The prophets and the special messengers of Allah are those who take the first step for the guidance, leadership and invitation of people to the Straight Path.

2. The truthful are those who both tell the truth in their speech and prove it by their own true and sincere deeds. They practically show that they are not only some bare claimers of Faith, but they truly do believe in the commands of Allah.

In Islamic authentic literature, the whole immaculate Imams (as) and Fatima Zahra (as) are introduced as the best samples of 'the truthful'.

3. The martyrs are those slain in the path of divine goal and belief, or those distinguished persons who will be witnesses to the deeds of human beings on the Day of Judgement.

4. The Righteous are the distinguished eligible persons who have gained some prominent ranks by performing some positive, productive and useful deeds and also by obeying the commands of the prophets.

At the end of the verse, it remarks:

"... and excellent are these as companions."

It is clearly understood from the above verse that having good companions and valuable friends is so great and important that even in the Hereafter, to complete the Heavenly bounties, this great favour will be granted to' the obedient', too.

To express the importance of this great advantage (viz. the companionship of the Chosens), it says:

"This is the grace from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as the Knower."

However, being with prophets and the truthful is a grace from Allah to those who obey Him.

Allah is cognizant to the states of the obedient and disobedient people, as well as to the circumstances of the hypocrites and sincere believers. He knows those who are eligible for the friendship of the prophets, the truthful and so on, the same as the states of those who are not eligible, because He is aware of even the treachery of the eyes.

- 1. Al-Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 387

- 2. Surah Al-'An'am, No.6, Verse 33.

Section 10: Believers

Believers enjoined to be always on their guard -Those Who sell this world's life for the life

Hereafter -Reward for those Who endeavour in the way of the Lord.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 71

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ خُذُواْ حِذْرَكُمْ فَانفِرُواْ ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ انفِرُواْ جَمِيعًا

71. "O' you who have Faith! Take your precaution (keep weapon with yourselves), then either advance in parties or march off all together. "

In the previous verse, the subject was upon the obedience of Allah, the leadership of the immaculate ones, and sovereignty of the Prophet (S). In this verse, the words imply of being careful of the necessity of power, intelligence and a martial preparation for the Islamic community and for the divine leadership.

The Arabic word /hi`zr/ means: 'being alert', 'being on the lookout', and 'the means of defence'. The Qur'anic term /`subat/ is the plural form of the term /`subat/ which means: ' separate parts of forces', (including of groups of quick attacking fighters who cause the enemy to become confused so that they cannot think what to do).

Explanations

1. Muslims should be always prepared and alert. They should be cognizant of the plans, number of forces, the sort of weapons, spirit, and internal and external co-operations of the enemy. Thus they should design their affairs and act accordingly.

2. Muslims must be trained in military courses.

"O' you who have Faith! Take your precautions (keep weapons with yourselves) ..."

3. Muslims should be mobilized.

"… or march off all together."

4. Muslims have to utilize the different styles of challenging with enemy.

"... Then either advance in parties or march off all together."

5. Muslims must protect the bounds of their country.

Acting upon the involving message of this verse, is the secret of honour and glory, while neglecting it is the mystery of the fall and failure of Muslims.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 72

وَإِنَّ مِنكُمْ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ فَإِنْ أَصَابَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالَ قَدْ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيَّ إِذْ لَمْ أَكُن مَّعَهُمْ شَهِيدًا

72. "And verily some of you there are that loiter; if then a misfortune befalls you he says: 'Allah has blessed me in this that I was not present with them'."

Following to the general command of Holy Struggle and trial against enemy, which was stated in the previous verse, in this holy verse, the Qur'an has pointed to some hypocrites and intends to say that these figures and such features, who are among you, vigorously try not to take part in the rows of strivers who struggle in the way of Allah, It says:

"And verily some of you there are that loiter; …"

But when the strivers return from the battle-field, or when the news of war reaches them that they have suffered a failure or martyrdom, these hypocrites will happily say: what a great bounty Allah has given them that they (hypocrites) did not accompanied them (the strivers) to witness such heart-rending events! It says:

"…if them a misfortune befalls you, he says: Allah has blessed me in this that I was not present with them'."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 73

وَلَئِنْ أَصَابَكُمْ فَضْلٌ مِّنَ الله لَيَقُولَنَّ كَأَن لَّمْ تَكُن بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُ مَوَدَّةٌ يَا لَيتَنِي كُنتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

73. "And if some grace from Allah befalls you, he would certainly say - as if there had not been any friendship between you and him - 'I wish I were with them, So that I had achieved a great achievement!' "

As soon as the hypocrites are informed that the believers have gained the victory, and naturally have obtained some booties, they regret and, like some strangers, as if there have been no connection between them and the believers sorrowfully say:

"….'I wish I were with them, So that I had achieved a great achievement!' "

It is clear that the person who counts martyrdom in the way of Allah a kind of misfortune, and considers the lack of martyrdom a divine bounty, in his view, the victory and great felicity is not anything save physical triumph and the spoils of war.

"And if some grace from Allah befalls you, he would certainly, say - as if there had not been any friendship between you and him -

'I wish I were with them, so that I had achieved a great achievement!' "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse74

فَلْيُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ الَّذِينَ يَشْرُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالآخِرَةِ وَمَن يُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ فَيُقْتَلْ أَو يَغْلِبْ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

74. " So let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter , and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a great reward."

Believers must be prepared for Holy Struggle. In this verse, as well as in a few following verses, the true Muslim believers have logically and excitingly been invited to struggle in the way of Allah.

At first, it implies that only those fight in the way of Allah who are ready to sell the life of this material world for the eternal life in the Hereafter. That is, only those persons can be counted among the true strivers that are ready for such a bargain. It says:

"So let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter ..."

Then, at the end of the verse, it remarks that the fate of such strivers is quite clear. They either become martyr, or they defeat the enemy for the sake of Allah and gain the victory. In both cases, they will be given a great reward by Allah. The verse says:

"... and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a great reward."

It is certain that such soldiers, with such a spiritual state, have no failure in their minds, because in both cases they know themselves victorious. Even the non-Muslim scholars, who have discussed about the quick triumphs of Muslims at the time of the Prophet (S), and their victories after that, have considered this doctrine as one of the effective factors in the progression of Muslims.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 75

وَمَا لَكُمْ لاَ تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاء وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَـذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرً }

75. "And what has happened to you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and for the weak among men, women and children who say: 'Our Lord! Take us out of this town whose people are oppressors, and appoint for us from You guardian, and appoint for us from you helper!"

Seeking Assistance through Human Affections

In the previous verse the believers have been invited to Holy Struggle. The verse has emphasized on the faith in Allah; and the Day of Resurrection, with the reasoning of gain and loss But this verse invites them towards Holy Struggle basing on stimulating the humanities.

It inquires why do you not struggle in the way of Allah; and for the oppressed and defend less men, women and children who are captured in the grips of tyrants? Do your humanities let you to be silent and watch these pathetic scenes? It says:

"And what has happened to you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and for the weak among men, women and children ..."

Then, to stir the affections of the believers it points to the very oppressed ones and says

".. who say: 'Our Lord! Take us out of this town whose people are oppressors...."

They also ask their Lord to send a guardian from His side to support them; and again they ask Him to appoint a helper from Himself for them.

The verse continues saying:

" and appoint for us from You guardian, and appoint for us from You helper!"

The above-mentioned holy verse, indeed, is a hint to the fact that Allah (s.w.t.) has answered to their invocation and He has trusted 'you' with this great human duty. Then 'you' are the 'guardian' and the 'helper' who have been appointed from the side of Allah (s.w.t.) for supporting and saving them.

It should be noted that according to some Islamic narrations, the immaculate Imams have said:

"We are the same oppressed that people should raise for our government." 1

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 76

الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ الطَّاغُوتِ فَقَاتِلُواْ أَوْلِيَاء الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّ كَيْدَ الشَّيْطَانِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا

76. "Those who believe fight in the way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Taghut (Satan). Fight, therefore, (against) Satans patrons. Satan's plot is certainly weak."

In this holy verse, in order to encourage the strivers to struggle against the enemy, and also to specify the vows and goals of the strivers, it says such:

"Those who believe fight in the way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Taghut (Satan)..."

That is, in any case, the life is not free from struggling, but, some people struggle alongside the path of the truth and some others alongside the path of untruth and Satan.

Following to that, the verse continues saying:

"... Fight, therefore, (against) Satan's patrons..."

False deities, and the disobedient and unjust forces, though outwardly seem great and powerful, they are inwardly weak and feeble. So, do not fear of their arranged and qualified apparent, because they are hollow from inside, and:

"... 'Satan's plot is certainly weak."

It is so, because their plots are founded on the Satanic forces. .

- 1. At-Tafsir-us-Safi, Vol. 1, P. 371, & Tafsir-ul-Burhan, Vol. 1, 394.

Section 11: The Hypocrites' Attitude towards the Believers

The refusal of hypocrites to fight -their secret plans -their propagating falsehood -The Apostle enjoined to fight even single -handed -to depend upon Allah - To ponder over the teachings of the Holy Qur'an.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 77

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ قِيلَ لَهُمْ كُفُّواْ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتُواْ الزَّكَاةَ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ إِذَا فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُمْ يَخْشَوْنَ النَّاسَ كَخَشْيَةِ اللّهِ أَوْ أَشَدَّ خَشْيَةً وَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَا لِمَ كَتَبْتَ عَلَيْنَا الْقِتَالَ لَوْلا أَخَّرْتَنَا إِلَى أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ قُلْ مَتَاعُ الدَّنْيَا قَلِيلٌ وَالآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنِ اتَّقَى وَلاَ تُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلاً

77. "Have you not seen those to whom it was said: 'Withhold your hand (from war ), and establish prayer and pay the poor-rate,' but when fighting was prescribed for them, a group of them were so afraid of men as (it should be) the fear of Allah, or (even) with a greater fear, and they said: 'Our Lord! Why have You ordained fighting for us? Wherefore did You not grant us a delay to a near end?' Say: 'The capital of this world is scant and the Hereafter will be better for anyone who keeps from evil; and you will not be wronged (even to the extent of) the husk of a date-stone '."

Occasion of Revelation

It is narrated from Ibn-' Abbas that at the advent of Islam, when Muslims were living in Mecca and they were under the harsh pressure of the pagans there, some of them went to the Prophet (S) and said that they had been dear and honoured before Islam but they lost that glory and honesty, besides the hurt and injury they bore from the enemies.

They asked him to allow them to fight against the disbelievers to regain their glory and honour. That day, the Prophet (S) answered them that he was not commissioned to fight then.

But, later, when the command of fight was issued, some of those ardent figures knowingly tarried to participate in the battle-field. Then the verse was revealed in order to encourage the believers and also to blame those careless and neglectful persons.

Those Who only Talk!

Here, in this verse, the Qur'an implies that: indeed it is wonderful that some people, in an inappropriate situation but with a surprising state once ardently asked permission to go to Holy struggle when they were commanded to restrain then and to pay to self-improvement establishing prayer, strengthening their forces, and paying alms; After that when the circumstances became fitting and the command of Holy struggle was revealed, horror and terrible fear filled their whole entity, and they began to protest against that command. It says:

"Have you not seen those to whom it was said: 'Withhold your hand (from war), and establish prayer and pay the poor - rate, , but when fighting was prescribed for them, a group of them were so afraid of men as (it should be) the fear of Allah, or (even) with a greater fear...."

In their protest, they clearly said that why Allah revealed the command of Holy struggle so soon. It would be better He delayed it for a length of time, or that duty would be put upon the coming dynasties. It says:

"... and they said: 'Our Lord! Why have You ordained fighting for us? Wherefore did You not grant us a delay to a near end? '..."

The Qur'an delivers two answers to these persons. The first answer lies in the content of the sentence saying:

"…a group of them fear men as (it should be) the fear of Allah, or (even) with a greater fear,…"

That is, instead of being afraid of the Mighty and the Omnipotent Allah, they fear of the feeble and incapable human beings. They are in horror from such a creature more than that they fear from Allah!

For the second answer it denotes that such people should be told that supposing that without participating in the Holy struggle, they could live calmly for a few days but, at last, this worthless life will end while the eternal life in Hereafter is more valuable for the pious ones, in particular that they will be given their reward completely and they will be wronged naught. It says:

"… Say: ' The capital of this world is scant and the Hereafter will be better for anyone who keeps from evil; and you will not be wronged (even to the extent of) the husk of a date-stone',"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 78

أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُواْ يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ حَسَنَةٌ يَقُولُواْ هَـذِهِ مِنْ عِندِ اللّهِ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَقُولُواْ هَـذِهِ مِنْ عِندِكَ قُلْ كُلًّ مِّنْ عِندِ اللّهِ فَمَا لِهَـؤُلاء الْقَوْمِ لاَ يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ حَدِيثًا

78. "Wherever you be, death will overtake you, even though you be in strong towers. Yet, if something fine befalls them, they say: 'This is from Allah', but if an ill befalls them, they say: 'This is from you'. Say: 'Everything is from Allah'. But what is the matter with such people that it is nigh to perceive no word "

This verse is an encouragement unto the Holy Struggle and not being afraid of death in the battle-field. It is also an answer to the ill omens of the hypocrites that, instead of considering and recognizing the matters well, they hold Allah responsible for the distresses and failures.

By the way, the manner of defaming the leader is the style of hypocrites. Therefore, it is not right that, by relieving themselves of responsibilities, they justify the faults and hold others responsible for their own sins.

It should be realized that victories and failures, death and life, pleasant and unpleasant affairs, all in all, are in the circle of the wise providence of Allah.

"...'Everything comes from Allah'..."

Thus, regarding the death being certain and decisive so that wherever we may be it will happen. Then why would we escape from Holy struggle?

"Wherever you be, death will overtake you, even though you be in strong towers. Yet, if something fine befalls them they say: This is from Allah', but if an ill befalls them, they say: 'This is from you.' Say: 'Everything is from Allah '. But what is the matter with such people that it is nigh to perceive no word?"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 79

مَّا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ اللّهِ وَمَا أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ وَأَرْسَلْنَاكَ لِلنَّاسِ رَسُولاً وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ شَهِيدًا

79. "Whatever of good befalls you, it is from Allah, and whatever of ill befalls you, it is from yourself; and We have sent you as a Messenger unto mankind; and Allah is sufficient (as) a witness (thereof).

From the point of the Divine theology, everything is the creature of Allah:

"Allah is the Creator of every thing..." 1

And Allah has created every thing good and beautiful as the Qur'an says:

"Who made good everything that He has created...." 2

What relates to Allah, in this regard, is creation, which is not separate from goodness. Therefore, our distresses and inflictions are, firstly, because of the lack of those virtues that are not created by Allah; and, secondly, whatever causes our deprivation from the divine bounties, are the personal actions or the actions of the society.

However, all the virtues of a person are from Allah, while his defects and faults are from his own self.

"Whatever of good befalls you, it is from Allah, and whatever of ill befalls you, it is from yourself; and We have sent you as a Messenger unto mankind; and Allah is sufficient (as) a witness (thereof)."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 80

مَّنْ يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللّهَ وَمَن تَوَلَّى فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا

80. "Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah, and whoever turns away -We have not sent you to be a watcher over them."

Practice of the Prophet is Just like the Revelation of Allah

In this verse, the situation of the Prophet (S) before people, and people's good deeds and evil deeds, has been stated. At first, it says that whoever obeys the Prophet (S) has obeyed Allah. Thus, the obedience of Allah cannot be separate from the command of the Prophet (S), because he (S) takes no step against the commands of Allah.

"Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah...."

Then, addressing the Prophet (S), the verse adds that if some people disobey you and oppose your instructions, you are not responsible for their deeds, and, from this point of view, you have no duty to force them to stop any wrong doing. Your duty is to deliver propagation of the message of Islam, to enjoin right and forbid wrong, and to guide the misguided persons. It says:

"... and whoever turns away -We have not sent you to be a watcher over them."

It should be noted that this verse is one of the clearest verses of the Qur'an which is the proof upon the reasoning of the rightfulness of the practice of the Prophet (S) and the acceptance of his traditions.

Then when we see that, according to the famous tradition of Thaqalayn (two weighty things), the Prophet (S) has explicitly counted the traditions of Ahlul-Bayt some true evidences and proofs, we result from it that the obedience of the command of Ahlul-Bayt, too, is not separate from the obedience of the command of Allah.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 81

وَيَقُولُونَ طَاعَةٌ فَإِذَا بَرَزُواْ مِنْ عِندِكَ بَيَّتَ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنْهُمْ غَيْرَ الَّذِي تَقُولُ وَاللّهُ يَكْتُبُ مَا يُبَيِّتُونَ فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ وَكِيلاً

81. "And they express: 'Obedience', but when they go out from your presence, a group of them spend the night in deciding other than what you say; and Allah writes down what they decide by night. Therefore, turn aside from them and trust in Allah; and Allah is sufficient as a protector."

In this verse, the Qur'an has pointed to the situation of some hypocrites, or a group of people whose faith is weak. It says that when they come beside the Prophet (S) and are in the row of Muslims, they harmonize with others, and express that they obey the command of the holy Prophet (S) and that they are most willingly ready to follow the Messenger of Allah.

"And they express: ' Obedience '...."

But when people go out from the presence of the Prophet (S), those h the persons whose faith is weak neglect their promises and, in their night meetings, they make some decisions against the words of the holy Prophet (S); but Allah (s.w.t.) records what they say in such meetings. It says:

"... but when they go out from your presence, a group of them spend the night in deciding other than what you say; and Allah writes down , what they decide by night..."

Yet, Allah commands His Messenger to turn aside from them with no fear from their plots. He is ordered not to rely on them in his affairs but to trust only in Allah, the Lord, Who is the best assisting helper and the Protector.

"…Therefore, turn aside from them and trust in Allah; and Allah is sufficient as a protector."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 82

أَفَلاَ يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ غَيْرِ اللّهِ لَوَجَدُواْ فِيهِ اخْتِلاَفًا كَثِيراً

82. "Do they not ponder on the Qur'an? And if it were from other than Allah, they would surely find therein much discrepancy."

Among the accusations that they brought a charge against the Prophet (S) was that they said someone else had taught the Holy Qur'an to him, "... only a mortal teaches him..." 3. This verse is an answer to them.

The lack of contemplation in the Qur'an results to the locking of the hearts. In another verse it says:

"Do they not then reflect on the Qur'an? Nay, on the hearts there are locks." 4

It is customary that, during a long time, there happen some changes, improvements, and contradictions in the ordinary statements and written materials. But this Qur'an was revealed during twenty three years, and was conveyed by the tongue of an illiterate person.

It was stated in different conditions of peace and war, stranger hood and fame, strength and weakness, and in various circumstances of times, without any doctrinal differences or any contradiction. This proves that it is the Word of Allah, not taught by a mortal.

Therefore, the Qur'an is the ever remaining miracle of the Prophet (S) which itself is an evidence unto his prophet hood.

"Do they not ponder on the Qur'an?

And if it were from other than Allah, they would surely find therein much discrepancy."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 83

وَإِذَا جَاءهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُواْ بِهِ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَى أُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ وَلَوْلاَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لاَتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً

83. "And when there comes unto them news of security or fear, they spread it abroad; whereas had they referred it to the Messenger and to those who hold command among them, those of them who investigate matters would have known it (the truth); and were it not for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would certainly have followed Satan, except a few."

Spreading private news and also rumours have always been injurious to Muslims. Diffusion of secret news usually originates from these motives: simple-mindedness, vengeance, infliction, being subject to the will of others, greed in materials, gaudiness, expression of information, etc.

For the comprehensiveness that Islam has, it has referred to this subject and, in this verse; it blames the divulgence of military secrets. It considers narrating the information of victory or failure before offering them to the leaders as the cases of 'false pride' and 'inappropriate fear from the fanciful enemy'.

Had the warnings and the graces of Allah not existed, the Muslims would have fallen in this Satanic path (the divulgence of secrets).

Therefore, spreading gossips is one of the weapons of the hypocrites. However, the news of the battle-field and military secrets must reach a central office and, after being recognized and evaluated, some convenient part of them may be spread. Hence, spreading military news and refraining from referring to the divine leaders, is a kind of obedience from Satan.

Of course, the military and political affairs, together with leading the security news and social secrets, should be controlled under an administrations hip that consists of an independent judgement and deduction. This matter is among the deities of the rank of leadership. That is why there is a close connection between master ship and Islamic jurisprudence.

"And when there comes unto them news of security or fear, they spread it abroad;

whereas had they referred it to the Messenger and to those who hold command among them, those of them who investigate matters would have known it (the truth); and were it not for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would certainly have followed Satan, except a few. "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 84

فَقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ لاَ تُكَلَّفُ إِلاَّ نَفْسَكَ وَحَرِّضِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَسَى اللّهُ أَن يَكُفَّ بَأْسَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَاللّهُ أَشَدُّ بَأْسًا وَأَشَدُّ تَنكِيلاً

84. "So, fight in the way of Allah; you are charged only with yourself, and encourage the believers may be Allah will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Verily Allah is the strongest in might and the severest in punishment."

When the pagans won the Battle of 'Uhud, Abu-Sufyan proudly said that he would encounter the Muslims again at Badri-Suqra (a market used to be held in the month Zilqa'dah at a land called Badr). Before the appointed time, the holy Prophet (S) invited people for the Holy struggle.

There came seventy strivers, but no conflict happened and Muslims returned to Medina safely. Therefore, a leader should move in front of others when there is a danger. So, if it happens that the Muslims pay no attention to the call of the oppressed, the leader should act by himself.

"So, fight in the way of Allah; ..."

The command unto the Prophet (S) enjoining that even when he is alone he should fight against the enemy, is 'a single commandment '.

"Encourage the believers maybe Allah will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Verily Allah is the strongest in might and the severest in punishment."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 85

مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقِيتًا

85. "Whoever intercedes with a good intercession shall have a share there from and whoever intercedes with an evil intercession shall share in its burden; and Allah keeps control over all things."

The Arabic term / muqit / means the one who gives the sustenance of another person and who is the protector of that one's life. In general, the word is applied in the sense of 'protector and accountant'.

In the previous verse the meaning was that everyone is responsible for his own deed. But, here, in this verse, it is stated that the function of invitation and acting as an intermediary in a good deed gains a portion of reward or retribution.

Therefore, advice, reconciliation, teaching, encouraging to the Holy struggle, and assisting in a good deed are the extensions of 'a good intercession'. On the other side, backbiting, slander, hindering a good affair, accusation sedition, to frighten someone from battle-field, temptation and plots are the extensions of an evil intercession.

"Whoever intercedes with a good intercession shall have a share there from and whoever intercedes with an evil intercession shall share in its burden....."

Some Islamic literature indicates that supplications for the benefit of others, enjoining to good, leading someone or even hinting him to a good action totally are the extensions of 'a good intercession'.5

In intercessions, we should be careful of Allah.

"... and Allah keeps control over all things."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 86

وَإِذَا حُيِّيْتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّواْ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا

86 . "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet with a better one than it, or (at least) return it. Verily Allah takes account of all things."

The objective meaning of the Qur'anic word / tahiyyat/ is greeting or any other welcoming done by anyone who desires the life, health, and pleasure of other party, whether by speech or by action. And, the respond of a present should be given better than it, even if the present is a greeting and then responding to it.

"And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet with a better one than it, or (at least) return it..."

In the educational system of Islam, greeting is not only expected from a younger or lower person to an older or higher one. In this system, Allah, the Prophet, (S) and the angels greet, too.

1. The example of the greeting of Allah is:

"Peace and salutation to Nuh among the nations."

(Surah As-Saffat, No.37, verse 79).

2. The example of the greeting of the Prophet (S) is:

"And when those who believe in Our Signs come to you, say: 'Peace be on you,'..."

(Surah Al-'An'am, No.6, verse 54)

3. The example of the greeting of the angels is:

"Those, whom the angels cause to die in a good state, saying: 'Peace be on you...'."

(Surah An-Nahl, No.16, verse 32).

Once it happened that a maid offered Imam Hassan (as) a bundle of flowers. In respond to it, Imam Hassan (as) emancipated her. Then, when he was asked about it, he recited the above verse.

In Islam (Islamic custom), greeting to others has been encouraged, whether we know them or not. So, the person who restrains to greet is counted a miser. The Prophet (S) used to greet everyone he met, even the children.

In order that people know that the manner of greetings and their answers, and the superiorities and equalities that they have and in whatever stage they may be, are not concealed to Allah, the holy verse says:

"... Verily Allah takes account of all things."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 87

اللّهُ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللّهِ حَدِيثًا

87. "Allah, there is no god but He. He will certainly gather you all together on the Day of Resurrection. There is no doubt in it; and who is more true in word than Allah?

Either of Unity and Resurrection relates to each other.

"Allah, there is no god but He. He will certainly gather you all together on the Day of Resurrection..."

The Day of Resurrection is a day of gathering for all to be taken account of. Therefore, we should try alongside His path, and we must worship Him alone.

There is no doubt in the Hereafter after those many evidences for Resurrection. (Such as: 'Divine Justice, Wisdom, the signs of resurrection in the nature and its new life in the spring after the concerning death in the winter.) In this regard, it says:

"….There is no doubt in it …"

Then, in the conclusion of the verse, to emphasize the subject, it says:

"... and who is more true in word than Allah?"

- 1. Surah Az-Zumar, No. 39, verse 62

- 2. Surah As-Sajdah, No. 32, verse 7

- 3. Surah An-Nahl, No.16, verse 103

- 4. Surah Muhammad, No.47, verse 24.

- 5. Tafsir us-Safi, vol. 1 p. 440.

Section 12: Dealing with Hypocrites

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 88

To deal with hypocrites as enemies unless they amend their conduct

فَمَا لَكُمْ فِي الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِئَتَيْنِ وَاللّهُ أَرْكَسَهُم بِمَا كَسَبُواْ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَهْدُواْ مَنْ أَضَلَّ اللّهُ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ سَبِيلاً

88. "Why should you take both sides concerning hypocrites, while Allah has discarded them because of what they have earned? Do you want to guide someone whom Allah has forsaken to astray? For, whoever Allah has forsaken to astray, never shall you find a way for him."

Occasion of Revelation

According to what some commentators of the Qur'an have narrated from Ibn-Abbas, a group of the citizens of Mecca had embraced Islam, but in fact, they were in the row of hypocrites and that was why that they did not emigrated to Medina. Yet, finally, they had to go out from Mecca finally. (And haply, because of the particular condition they had, they did so for the purpose of spying).

The Muslims recognized the matter, but, very soon, they differed among themselves that how to treat this group. Some believed that those hypocrites should be forsaken because they were, indeed, the adherents of the enemies of Islam.

But some others, who were rather simple-minded and saw only the outward of the things, opposed that idea and surprisingly said how they should fight against some people who had testified to the Unity of Allah and the prophet hood of the Messenger.

The verse was revealed and blamed the fault of the second group and then guided them.

Regarding the above occasion of revelation, the relation of this verse and the verses next to it with the former verses about the hypocrites, is quite clear.

At the beginning of the verse, it implies why have you separated into two groups about the hypocrites and each group of you judge in a different form? It says:

"Why should you take both sides concerning hypocrites....."

Then the holy Qur'an says that Allah has taken success and His support from this group of hypocrites because of their disgraceful indecent deeds they have done, and He has reversed their thoughts totally. It is like a person who instead of standing on his feet, stands on his head. It says:

"...while Allah has discarded them because of what they have earned...."

Then, at the end of this holy verse, the Qur'an addresses those, shallow-minded Muslims who supported this group of hypocrites, and says:

"...Do you want to guide someone whom Allah has forsaken to astray? For, whoever Allah has forsaken to astray, never shall you find a way for him."

It is an everlasting way of Allah's treatment that the effect of the deeds of no one separates from him. How can you expect that those whose thoughts are filthy, whose hearts are full of hypocrisy, and their treatment is supporting the enemies of Allah be guided? This is an illogical and, improper expectation.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 89

وَدُّواْ لَوْ تَكْفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَاء فَلاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ مِنْهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء حَتَّىَ يُهَاجِرُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَخُذُوهُمْ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ وَجَدتَّمُوهُمْ وَلاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ مِنْهُمْ وَلِيًّا وَلاَ نَصِيرًا

89. "They wish that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore do not take from among them friends until they migrate in Allah's way. But if they turn back (to infidelity), then seize them and slay them wherever you find them, and do not take from among them a friend or a helper."

In the previous verse, the words were about those hypocrites whom some simple-minded Muslims raised to support and intercede, but the Qur'an stated their separation from Islam.

Now this holy verse, following that idea, indicates that the inner darkness of these hypocrites is so much so that, not only they themselves are disbelievers, but also they desire that you should disbelieve, too, as they do, and you would become equal to them. It says:

"They wish that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike....."

Therefore, they are worse than the ordinary pagans, because those pagans are not the thieve and robbers of others' Faith, while these hypocrites are, and they, as a habitual manner, ceaselessly try to spoil the creeds of others.

Now that they are like that, it says:

"...therefore do not take from among them friends..."

This is a frame, unless they reform their affairs and stop hypocrisy and destruction. The sign of this status is that you see they migrate from the centre of infidelity and hypocrisy to the camp of Islam in the way of Allah. It says:

"...until they migrate in Allah's way..."

But if they do not try to migrate, you should know that they have not abandoned their infidelity and hypocrisy. So, their expression of Islam is only for the purpose of spying and destruction. In this case, wherever you find them, you can capture them, or, if necessary, slay them. It says:

"...But if they turn back (to infidelity), then seize them and slay them wherever you find them....."

Then, at the end of the verse, it emphasizes again that you should never take friends from among them. It says:

"...and do not take from among them a friend or a helper."

Except this intensity of action, there is no other way to save an alive society, which is going forth alongside an improving revolutionary path, from the clutches of some seeming-friend enemies and dangerous spies.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 90

إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ إِلَىَ قَوْمٍ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُم مِّيثَاقٌ أَوْ جَآؤُوكُمْ حَصِرَتْ صُدُورُهُمْ أَن يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ أَوْ يُقَاتِلُواْ قَوْمَهُمْ وَلَوْ شَاء اللّهُ لَسَلَّطَهُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ فَلَقَاتَلُوكُمْ فَإِنِ اعْتَزَلُوكُمْ فَلَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ وَأَلْقَوْاْ إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلَمَ فَمَا جَعَلَ اللّهُ لَكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ سَبِيلاً

90. "Except those (hypocrites ) who join a people between whom and you is a covenant, or who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people; and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you. Therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah allows you no way (to fight) against them."

In the previous verse, the intensive action and slaying the hypocrites who assist infidels were referred to. In this verse two groups are exempted from them.

Military treaties, even with hostile infidels, and also international agreements should be respected at the time of peace.

"Except those (hypocrites) who join a people between whom and you is a covenant..."

And, in fighting, do not invade those who announce impartiality:

"... or who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people..."

And respect the peaceful motives and offers of stopping fire that you receive, since, in Islam, the principle is based on peace, and fight is for an exceptional case.

"...Therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah allows you no way (to fight) against them."

You should be attentive to the Power of Allah in order that you do not encounter with pride, and your sentiments be adjusted both.

"...and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you. ..."

Muslims should be so powerful that their opponents even do not think of attacking them. That is why only the suggestion of peace is enough. To be certain, abandoning war and inspiring peace are necessary.

"... and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah allows you no way (to fight) against them."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 91

سَتَجِدُونَ آخَرِينَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَأْمَنُوكُمْ وَيَأْمَنُواْ قَوْمَهُمْ كُلَّ مَا رُدُّوَاْ إِلَى الْفِتْنِةِ أُرْكِسُواْ فِيِهَا فَإِن لَّمْ يَعْتَزِلُوكُمْ وَيُلْقُواْ إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلَمَ وَيَكُفُّوَاْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَخُذُوهُمْ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ ثِقِفْتُمُوهُمْ وَأُوْلَـئِكُمْ جَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانًا مُّبِينًا

91. "You will find soon others who desire to be secure from you, and secure from their own people. So often as they are returned to mischief (of idolatry) they get thrown into it. Thereafter, if they do not withdraw from you, and do not offer you peace and restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and against these We have given you a clear authority."

In order to save their lives, a group of the citizens of Mecca came to the holy Prophet (S) and hypocritically stated that they had become Muslims. But when they returned to their own city, they continued idol worshipping so that they would not encounter with the tortures of the disbelievers.

By that way, they could enjoy both parties and would be safe from the danger of both sides. Their tendency, of course, was actually rather more towards infidelity.

Thus, Muslims should know their different kinds of enemies and treat each of them appropriately while they would not trust the statement of them.

An Islamic government has authority and master ship in suppressing the vicious hypocrites, and clearing the society of them.

"...and against these We have given you a clear authority."

Yet, the intensive and suppressive punishment is specific to those hypocrites who have activities to destroy the Islamic government.

"...and restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them..."

Section 13: Murder and its punishment

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 92

Murder of a believer unintentional or intentional – treating one as an enemy – not to say any one who offers peace that he is not a believer

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ أَن يَقْتُلَ مُؤْمِنًا إِلاَّ خَطَئًا وَمَن قَتَلَ مُؤْمِنًا خَطَئًا فَتَحْرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةٍ وَدِيَةٌ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ إِلاَّ أَن يَصَّدَّقُواْ فَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوْمٍ عَدُوٍّ لَّكُمْ وَهُوَ مْؤْمِنٌ فَتَحْرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةٍ وَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوْمٍ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُمْ مِّيثَاقٌ فَدِيَةٌ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ وَتَحْرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةً فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ شَهْرَيْنِ مُتَتَابِعَيْنِ تَوْبَةً مِّنَ اللّهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

92. "And it is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake, and whoever kills a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain unless they remit it as a freewill offering. But if he (the slain) is from a tribe hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he is from a tribe between whom and you there is a covenant. Then the blood-money must be paid to his family and (also) a believing slave must be set free. But he who finds not (the means) should fast two months consecutively. (This is) a penance from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Occasion of Revelation

One of the idolaters of Mecca called Harith-ibn- Yazid, assisted by 'Abujahl, had seriously been torturing a Muslim believer named 'Ayyash-ibn-' Abi- Rabi'ah for the guilt of believing in Islam for a length of time. After immigrating Muslims to Medina, 'Ayyash emigrated to Medina, too.

It happened that one day he occasionally met his torturer in one of the quarters of the suburbs of Medina. Availing himself of the opportunity, he killed him.

He thought he had slain an enemy of Islam while Harith, who was going toward the Prophet (S) at that moment, had repented and embraced Islam. The circumstance was reported to the holy Prophet (S) when the verse was revealed and stated the ordinance of the slaughter which had been done by mistake.

Some Ordinances upon Manslaughter

Since the previous verses contained a kind of freedom given to the Muslims to destroy the hypocrites and the dangerous interior enemies, in this verse and the following one, the ordinances of manslaughter and intentional murder have been stated in order that lest some people misuse this law and, under the pretext of being hypocrite, take vengeance upon those with whom they have enmity. At first, it says:

"And it is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake....."

Then, it has stated the forfeit and expiation of manslaughter in three processes:

The first status is that the person, who has been slain, belongs to a Muslim family. In this case, the man-slayer should do two duties: 1) He should set free a believing slave, 2) and pay the blood-money to the owners of the blood. The holy verse says:

"... and whoever kills a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain..."

It should be done unless the family members of the slain remit it. It says:

"…unless they remit it as a freewill offering…."

The second status is that the believing slain belongs to a family who are the enemies of the Muslims. In this case, the expiation of manslaughter is only setting free a believing Muslim slave. It says:

"…But if he (the slain) is from a tribe hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave…"

It is not necessary to pay blood-money to a group that strengthening whose financial structure may be counted as a danger for the Muslims. Besides, Islam has ceased the relation of this person with his family, who are totally enemies of Islam. Thus, there is no room for indemnification.

The third status is that the members of the family of the slain are among the pagans who have covenant with the Muslims. In this case, to respect the covenant, besides setting free a believing Muslim slave, the blood-money of the slain must be paid to his family members.

The verse says:

"..And if he is from a tribe between whom and you there is a covenant, then the blood-money must be paid to his family and (also) a believing slave must be set free…."

It seems here that the objective meaning of 'slain' is 'a believing slain'. And, at the end of the verse, the speech is about those who have not any chance to set a slave free. That is, either they are not financially able, or there is not any slave found to be set free. It says:

"…..But he who finds not (the means) should fast two months consecutively….."

And, it adds that this change of setting free a slave into two months of fasting is a kind of discount and penance from Allah, and Allah is always aware of all things, and all His commands are based on Wisdom.

"… (This is) a penance from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 93

وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَآؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا

93. "And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell wherein shall he abide forever, and Allah's wrath shall be on him and He curses him and prepares for him a mighty punishment."

In hard circumstances of the Battle of 'Uhud, one of the Muslims killed another Muslim because of their personal hostilities from the Age of Ignorance The holy Prophet (S) was informed of it by the way of revelation.

Then, when he was returning back from 'Uhud, at the region of Quba he commanded for the retaliation of a believer's murder. He (S) said that the murderer should be killed and be paid no attention to his regret. (Maqazi, Vol. 1, P. 304)

Islam has considered the life of a Muslim, and the protection of the security of the lives of people, very important. It has assigned an eternal retribution for it in order that slaying, and heavy crimes, be hindered. The expression which has been used for the wilful murder of a believer in this verse is not seen upon any other crimes

Explanations

In Islamic system, no authority is allowed to kill or hang others unreasonably.

Therefore, in Islam, in addition to the execution of retaliation which is a worldly punishment, there are cited four other worldly serious penalties upon the murderer of a wilful murder in the Hereafter.

1) Upon the recompense of such a murderer, the verse, says.

"And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell wherein shall he abide forever…..."

2) And such a person incurs Allah's wrath. It says:

"...and Allah's wrath shall be on him..."

3) And also, He repels him for His Grace.

"...and he curses him... "

4) And He has prepared a great chastisement for him.

"...and prepares for him a mighty punishment."

Deliberate murder is one of the greatest crimes and the most dangerous sins which destroy entirely the security of the society, the most important condition of a safe and sound society, if it might not be controlled.

Therefore, the Qur'an introduces the unreasonable murder of a person like slaying all the human-kind in the world. So, if a person kills another human being without that the slain be a murderer or a mischief monger on the earth, it seems he has killed all human-kind.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 94

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُواْ وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ لِمَنْ أَلْقَى إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلاَمَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًا تَبْتَغُونَ عَرَضَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا فَعِندَ اللّهِ مَغَانِمُ كَثِيرَةٌ كَذَلِكَ كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلُ فَمَنَّ اللّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَبَيَّنُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا

94. "O you who have Faith! When you go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, make investigation, and do not say to the one who offers you peace: 'You are not a believer,' seeking the goods of this world's life! But, with Allah are abundant spoils. You, too, were such before, then Allah conferred (His) grace on you; therefore make investigation. Verily Allah is aware of what you do.!

Occasion of Revelation

It has been recorded that, after returning from the Battle of Kheybar, the holy Prophet (S) sent 'Asamah-ibn-Ziyd, accompanied with some Muslims, toward the Jews who were living in a village in the region of Fadak in order to invite them either to Islam or to submitting to the conditions of protective covenant.

One of the Jews named 'Murdas' who had been informed of the movement of the forces of Islam toward that place, hasted forth to receive the Muslims while he was shouting confessing the Unity of Allah and the prophet hood of the Messenger (S).

'Asamah-ibn-Ziyd thought that the Jewish man was confessing Islam for the fear of his life and for the protection of his wealth, and he was not really a Muslim. Then he attacked him and killed him.

When the news of it reached the Prophet (S), he became very inconvenient of it and told 'Asamah that he had killed a Muslim. 'Asamah felt sad and said that that man confessed Islam for the fear of his life and for the protection of his wealth.

The Prophet (S) told him that he ('Asamah) did not know his inside intention. He (the Jew) might become truly a Muslim. At that moment the verse was revealed.

There is a precautious instruction mentioned in this verse in order to protect the life of the sinless persons who may be only wrongly accused. The verse says:

"O you who have Faith! When you go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, make investigation, and do not say to the one who offers you peace: 'You are not a believer,'..."

Then it adds that you should be aware not to accuse some person who express Islam as the enemies of Muslims and not to kill them for the sake of some fleeting bounties of this world and taking their properties if the form of booties. It says:

"...seeking the goods of this world's life....."

Avoid it when the eternal worthy spoils are with Allah. It says:

"... But, with Allah are abundant spoils..."

Yes, in the past, the situation was like that and at the Age of Ignorance, they had the motive of plunder.

"...You, too, were such before....."

But, now, under the light of Islam and for that Allah has conferred His grace on you and relieved you from that status, you should be grateful for this bounty and it is to you to investigate in affairs. It says:

"…therefore make investigation…"

And do know that Allah is aware of your deeds and intentions.

"...Verily Allah is aware of what you do."

Struggle is a general rule in the world of creation. All creatures the world, irrespective of plants and animals, remove their barriers from their way by struggle, so that they can reach the virtues of their own ideals.

It should be noted, of course, that in addition to the defensive, an sometimes attacking, wars, 'Jihad' (Struggle) envelops the scientific, economic, cultural and political struggles, too.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 95

لاَّ يَسْتَوِي الْقَاعِدُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ غَيْرُ أُوْلِي الضَّرَرِ وَالْمُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فَضَّلَ اللّهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ دَرَجَةً وَكُـلاًّ وَعَدَ اللّهُ الْحُسْنَى وَفَضَّلَ اللّهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

95. "Such believers, who sit still, not having any injury, are not equal with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has raised the strivers with their wealth and lives in rank above those sitting back; and to each (class) Allah has promised good, but He has bestowed a great reward on the strivers above those sitting back."

The words in the, previous verses were upon struggle. So, in this verse, there is a comparison between the strivers and non-strivers. The holy verse says:

"Such believers who sit still, not having any injury, are not equal with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and their lives."

Then, it has expressed again the superiority of the strivers more clearly and more manifestly. It says:

"...Allah has raised the strivers with their wealth and lives in rank above those sitting back..."

But, comparing these strivers with those for whom struggle is not an individual duty, and that they are not able to take part in the battle because of illness or weakness or other acceptable causes which hinder them to participate in the holy struggle, this group are also promised good.

This is for the reason that the reward of their righteous intention, faith, and other deeds would not be ignored. So, it says:

"...and to each (class) Allah has promised good...."

Yet, in view of the fact that in the logic of Islam the importance of struggle is even more than this, it refers to the strivers again and emphasizes that:

"...but He has bestowed a great reward on the strivers above those sitting back."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 96

دَرَجَاتٍ مِّنْهُ وَمَغْفِرَةً وَرَحْمَةً وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

96. "(Strivers will have) degrees (of rank) from Him, and forgiveness and Mercy, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

That great reward mentioned in the previous verse, has been rendered into these merits announced in this verse. They are: magnificent degrees of rank from Allah and His Forgiveness and Mercy. It says:

"(Strivers will have) degrees (of rank) from Him, and forgiveness and Mercy....."

And, at the end of the verse, it implies that, in the mid time, if there are some persons who have committed some faults, when doing their own duties, and they have felt sorry about what wrong they have done, Allah has promised them forgiveness, too, since the verse says:

"...and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Section 14: Believers remaining with the enemy

Too weak to fly to their homes – those who fly to their homes not to fear strait ness

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 97

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلآئِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ قَالُواْ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ قَالُواْ كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِي الأَرْضِ قَالْوَاْ أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ اللّهِ وَاسِعَةً فَتُهَاجِرُواْ فِيهَا فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيرًا

97. "Verily (as for) those whom the angels cause to die while they are unjust to their own selves, they (the angels) will ask: 'In what state were you?' They will reply: 'We were oppressed in the land'. (The angels) will say: 'Was not Allah's land vast so that you could have migrated therein?' So these (are those) whose abide is Hell, and an evil destination it is! "

Before the occurrence of the Battle of Badr, the pagans of Mecca called the citizens of Mecca to fight against the Muslims. They ordered that all men should participate in the war.

They threatened people that the houses of those who might offend the issue would be ruined and their property could be confiscated. Some of the Muslims, who were still living in Mecca and had not immigrated to Medina, for the fear of their lives, accompanied the pagans in the war against the Muslims in the Battle of Badr, where they were killed.

The verse was revealed and counted guilty those who did not migrate and stayed in the environment of infidelity. The verse blamed them because they had wronged against themselves. Thus, it is obligatory to migrate from the centre of infidelity, and staying there to be a multitude of the soldiers of disbelievers, is unlawful.

If you can change the circumstances of the environment, do it, else you should migrate from there in order not to be called to account, because justification of faults will not be accepted.

"...We were oppressed ..."

We should know that the principle is the goal and belief, not the life and the house. Or, in other words, we must be careful that theism is the principle, not patriotism.

By the way, according to the Islamic literature, an oppressed person is he who cannot recognize the path of responsibility and the difference between right and wrong. 1

Some Islamic traditions denote that he who migrates a distance, even as long as a span, in order to protect the religion, will be admitted to Heaven and will be companion of the holy Prophet (S) and Abraham (as). 2

"Verily (as for) those whom the angels cause to die while they are unjust to their own selves, they (the angels) will ask: 'In what state were you?' They will reply: 'We were oppressed in the land'. (The angels) will say: 'Was not Allah's land vast so that you could have migrated therein?' So these (are those) whose abide is Hell, and an evil destination it is! "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 98

إِلاَّ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاء وَالْوِلْدَانِ لاَ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ حِيلَةً وَلاَ يَهْتَدُونَ سَبِيلاً

98. "Except the feeble among the men, women, and children, who neither have in their power the means nor do they know any way."

Those who know the truth and are able to move around and change the environment are not among the oppressed. These persons have not any excuse for the abandonment of emigration.

Then, those who have neither any device to ward off infidelity nor any way toward the right, are the oppressed nor such people have no religious oblation. (A tradition narrated from Imam Baqir (as), cited in Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p.454.)

However, the real apologies are accepted, but seeking excuses are not.

"Except the feeble among the men, women, and children, who neither have in their power the means nor do they know any way."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 99

فَأُوْلَـئِكَ عَسَى اللّهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا

99. " So, perhaps, Allah will pardon them and Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving."

In this verse, the Qur'an implies that these people may receive the forgiveness of Allah, because He (s.w.t.) has always been pardoning and forgiving the servants.

" So, perhaps, Allah will pardon them and Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 100

وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ يَجِدْ فِي الأَرْضِ مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيراً وَسَعَةً وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُهُ عَلى اللّهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

100. "And whoever migrates in Allah's way, finds much refuge and abundance in the earth, and whoever goes forth from his house migrating unto Allah and His Messenger and death overtakes him, his reward is indeed with Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Occasion of Revelation

It happened that one of the Muslims, who was living in Mecca, became sick. He asked to be taken out of Mecca in order to be counted as emigrants. As soon as he was taken out of the city, he died in the way. Then, this verse was revealed.

Emigration, an Islamic Constructive Instruction

Following the discussion about emigration and those who, as a result of some shortcoming in doing the duty of emigration, yield to any kind of a basement and humiliation, in this verse, the words are earnestly stated upon the quality of emigration.

The subject of emigration has been discussed from two points of view. At first, it has pointed to the good results and effects of emigration in the life of godly people in this world. It says that those who emigrate in the vast land of Allah (s.w.t.), in the way of Allah (s.w.t.), and for the sake of Allah (s.w.t.), will find many secure and bountiful sites. The verse says:

"And whoever migrates in Allah's way, finds much refuge and abundance in the earth…"

Then, it pays to the spiritual aspect of emigration; and points to this fact that if some ones get out of their houses and leave their home with the intention of emigration towards Allah (s.w.t.), and His Apostle, and die before reaching their destination, their reward is with Allah (s.w.t.), and He, the Forgiving, the Merciful, will forgive their faults.

"... and whoever goes forth from his house migrating unto Allah and His Messenger and death overtakes him, his reward is indeed with Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Thus, the emigrants are victorious in both cases.

It is interesting that emigration, not for self protection but for preserving Islam, is an origin of date for Muslims. It forms the foundation of our political, social and propagative events totally. And, in any time and any place, if the same conditions come forth, Muslims are ordained to emigrate.

- 1. Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 153.

- 2. Nur-uth-Thaqalayn. vol. 1, p. 541.

Section 15: To cut short prayer while travelling

Shortening of the Daily prayers while in travel -Prayer while in the battle

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 101

وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُواْ مِنَ الصَّلاَةِ إِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَن يَفْتِنَكُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِنَّ الْكَافِرِينَ كَانُواْ لَكُمْ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا

101. "And when you are journeying in the land, it is not sin for you that you shorten the prayer, if you fear that those who disbelieve afflict you. Verily, the infidels are your manifest enemy."

Next to the former discussion upon Holy struggle and Emigration, the holy Qur'an refers to the subject of a Muslim's prayer when the one is in Journey.

The Qur'anic phrase / darabtum-fil-'ard / ' you go from one place to another', is an implicit declaration of travelling, because a traveller pounds the land under his feet. (This meaning is narrated from Mufrad'at Raqib, an Arabic dictionary)

The Qur'an sometimes applies the sense of 'it is not sin for you' instead of 'obligation '. This verse contains this sense, too.

Curtail worship has not been specified to the aspects of fear alone, but since there is usually fear when a person travels, the phrase 'if you fear' has been mentioned in the verse. Or, since at first the law of curtail worship had been ordained for the circumstances of fear and, afterward, it has been generalized upon every journey, this phrase (if you fear) has been applied here.

Explanations

1. Establishing prayers can never be stopped, but it can have alleviation.

2. Seeing the truth and flexibility is a principle in the Divine law.

3. We should not be inattentive of the enemy even while we are establishing prayers. Policy and religiosity, worship and intelligence are not separate from each other. Our hands should be busy both for prayers and for weapon.

4. Infidelity and faith are in contrast with each other.

"...Verily the infidels are your manifest enemy."

5. It seems that all disbelievers are considered as one force in hostility against you. That is why the Arabic word / 'aduww / 'enemy', mentioned in the verse, is used in the singular form, not in the plural form.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 102

وَإِذَا كُنتَ فِيهِمْ فَأَقَمْتَ لَهُمُ الصَّلاَةَ فَلْتَقُمْ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنْهُم مَّعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُواْ أَسْلِحَتَهُمْ فَإِذَا سَجَدُواْ فَلْيَكُونُواْ مِن وَرَآئِكُمْ وَلْتَأْتِ طَآئِفَةٌ أُخْرَى لَمْ يُصَلُّواْ فَلْيُصَلُّواْ مَعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُواْ حِذْرَهُمْ وَأَسْلِحَتَهُمْ وَدَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوْ تَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَسْلِحَتِكُمْ وَأَمْتِعَتِكُمْ فَيَمِيلُونَ عَلَيْكُم مَّيْلَةً وَاحِدَةً وَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِن كَانَ بِكُمْ أَذًى مِّن مَّطَرٍ أَوْ كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَن تَضَعُواْ أَسْلِحَتَكُمْ وَخُذُواْ حِذْرَكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا

102. "And when you are among them (Muslim forces) and keep up the prayer for them, then let a party of them stand up (in prayer) with you, carrying their arms. Then when they have performed (their) prostrations, let them (continue the second unit solitarily and) take their precaution in your rear, and let another party who have not prayed come and pray with you (from the second unit), and let them take their precautions and their arms; (for) those who disbelieve desire that you should be heedless of your weapons and your baggage, then they would attack you all at once. And it is no sin for you to lay down your arms if you are annoyed with rain or if you are sick, but take your precautions. Verily Allah has prepared a disgraceful chastisement for the infidels."

In the sixth year AH the holy Prophet (S), accompanied some believers, set out towards Mecca. On the way, when they reached the region of Hudaybiyyah, they encountered with Khalid-ibn-Walid supported by two hundred men who had sheltered thereabout and were waiting for hindering the Prophet (S) from arriving in Mecca when Bilal said the prayer call and the prayer was established. Khalid-ibn-Walid devised to profit by the time when all Muslims were busy establishing the evening prayer and to attack them at a single instance.

The verse was revealed and informed the Prophet (S) of the plot. So, seeing that miracle appeared through divine revelation, Khalid embraced Islam.

In this prayer, after performing the first unit of prayer, the first group stand up and complete the rest of the prayer, but the prayer leader waits a little so that the other group may come and join the second unit of the prayer carrying their weapons.

"And when you are among them (Muslim forces) and keep up the prayer for them, then let a party of them stand up (in prayer) with you, carrying their arms. Then when they have performed (their) prostrations, let them (continue the second unit solitarily and) take their precaution in your rear, and let another party who have not prayed come and pray with you (from the second unit), and let them take their precautions and their arms; (for) those who disbelieve desire that you should be heedless of your weapons and your baggage, then they would attack you all at once…."

Thus, in no condition prayer can be dropped and never a striver is without establishing prayer. There must be weapon in one hand and spirituality in the other.

For the importance of the congregation prayer mentioning only this fact is enough that, when facing the enemy in the battle-field, even one unit of the prayer is to be established either.

It should also be noticed that when two duties come forth with together (i.e. holy struggle and prayer) one must not be sacrificed for the other.

By the way, self-consciousness is always necessary. Even at the time of establishing prayer, Muslims should not be neglectful of the danger of the enemy. So, in no circumstances a striver must be in distance with the protective means. (If he has not any weapon, he should wear armour). It is for the caution that if the enemy attacks he can protect himself until the help comes.

"…but take your precautions."

Yet, since there may necessarily come forth some occasions that it is difficult to carry both the weapons and the protective means with together; when keeping up the prayers, at the end of the above mentioned verse it ordains such:

"… And it is no sin for you to lay down your arms if you are annoyed with rain or if you are sick…"

You should follow acting these instructions and be assured that victory is with you, because:

"…Verily Allah has prepared a disgraceful chastisement for the infidels."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 103

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلاَةَ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِكُمْ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ إِنَّ الصَّلاَةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا

103. "Then when you have finished the prayer, remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining. Then, when you are secure, (from danger) establish the prayer (as usual). Verily the prayer, at fixed times has been enjoined upon the believers."

The Importance of Prayers, a Commandment!

Following the instruction of 'prayer of fear' mentioned in the previous verse, and the necessity of establishing prayer even while you are fighting, it continues saying in this verse:

"Then when you have finished the prayer, remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining. ..."

The purpose of the phrase: 'remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining' may have been the same different warfare positions in which soldiers sometimes use the various weapons designed for wars including the means of shooting. ,

Another attitude indicates that the purpose of this phrase is that in 4 all conditions including: standing, sitting and reclining, whether you are healthy or sick, and even when you are struggling against the enemy, remember Allah. 1

In fact, the above-mentioned verse is a hint to an Islamic important instruction which denotes that: establishing prayers at the appointed times do not mean that a person neglects the remembrance of Allah in other times.

Then the Qur'an informs us that the instruction for the 'prayer of fear' is an exceptional commandment, and as soon as the condition of fear removes the circumstance will be as follows:

"…Then, when you are secure (from danger) establish the prayer (as usual)…"

The secret of all these instructions and recommendations is for the fact that prayer is one of the Divine certain obligations which is enjoined for all dynasties and in all times, because it is not separated from Faith.

However, according to some Islamic traditions, the Arabic word /mauqut/, mentioned in the holy verse, has been rendered into 'a fixed obligatory at an appointed time'. 2

"….Verily the prayer at fixed times has been enjoined upon the believer."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 104

وَلاَ تَهِنُواْ فِي ابْتِغَاء الْقَوْمِ إِن تَكُونُواْ تَأْلَمُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَأْلَمُونَ كَمَا تَأْلَمونَ وَتَرْجُونَ مِنَ اللّهِ مَا لاَ يَرْجُونَ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

104. "And do not flag in pursuit of the enemy. If you suffer pain, then they also suffer, in as you suffer. But you hope from Allah what they do not hope. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. "

The Occasion of Revelation

It is narrated from Ibn Abbas that after the painful events of the Battle of 'Uhud, the holy Prophet (S) stood upon Mount Uhud when Abu Sufyan shouted with a victorious tone; "O' Muhammad! One day we won, but another day!" That is, this very victory that we have is instead of that defeat we suffered in the Battle of Badr." The Prophet (S) told the Muslims to answer him immediately, and they said:

"Never is our situation like yours. Our martyrs are in heaven while your slains are in Hell."

Abusufyan shouted: "We have Al-'Uzza, but you have not it." The Prophet (S) told Muslims to reply that slogan by saying:

"Allah is our guardian but you have no guardian."

Abusufyan, who felt himself weak before that lively Islamic motto, left out the idol 'Uzza and attached the idol called Hubal. He cried: "High be Hubal!"

The Prophet (S) commanded Muslims to condemn the motto of the Age of Ignorance with a stronger and better motto. They would say:

"Allah is the Higher and the Exalted."

Abusufyan, who made no gain from his own different mottoes, cried: "Our trysting-place is the region of Badr-i-Suqra."

Muslims returned from the battle-field while they were seriously annoyed of the painful events in 'Uhud. At that time the verse was revealed and warned them not to flag in pursuit of the pagans, and not to be annoyed of those painful events.

This occasion of revelation teaches us that Muslims should not be neglectful of none of the enemy's styles. They should apply some stronger logics before the logic of the enemies, and some better weapons against their weapons, else, the circumstances may change for the benefit of the enemy.

Therefore, in any time, like our time, instead of regret for the painful events and terrible corruptions that have surrounded Muslims from every side, they should actively set forth and produce some sound and useful books and publications in front of the enemies' evil books and publications.

They should utilize the best and modern propaganda means of the time against the enemy's equipped means of propaganda. To stand against the designs, philosophies, and doctrines that different political, economical and social schools introduce, Muslims must offer the inclusive Islamic designs to all human kind. It is only by this method that they can protect their being and live as a progressive group in the world.

Following the verses concerning the Holy struggle and migration, to stir the spirit of self-sacrifice in Muslims, this verse says:

"And do not flag in pursuit of the enemy..."

This statement is a hint to the fact that to stand against the arrogant enemy, you should preserve the spirit of attack in yourselves, because, psychologically it has an extraordinary effect in knocking down the spirit of the enemy.

Then, it states a clear and living reasoning for this commandment, and says why you may linger while:

"... If you suffer pain, then they also suffer pain as you suffer. But you hope from Allah what they do not hope..."

And, at the end of the verse, the Qur'an emphasizes more and implies that all these annoyances, injuries, efforts and endeavours, and, perhaps, indulgences and negligence are not hidden from the knowledge of Allah. It says:

"... And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Thus, you will see the result of all of them.

- 1. Makhzan-ul-'lrfan, vol. 2, p. 150 & Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 413.

- 2. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 412 and some other commendations.

Section 16: Not to side the dishonest

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 105

Not to take up the cause of the dishonest -the Apostle may pray for his followers-Forgiveness of Allah always there is for those who seek it after evil with the necessary amendment.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللّهُ وَلاَ تَكُن لِّلْخَآئِنِينَ خَصِيمًا

105. "Verily We have sent down the Book to you with that you may judge between people by what Allah has shown (taught) you. And be not an advocate for the treacherous."

Basing on what is recorded in some authentic commentary books, once it happened that, in one of the battles, a Muslim stole a chain mail.

When he was going to be marked by ignominy, he threw the chain mail into the house of a Jew, and then gathered some men saying that the Jewish person was a thief, not that Muslim. The subject was brought to the Prophet (S) and the verse was revealed, announcing such:

"Verily We have sent down the Book to you with the Truth that you may judge between people by what Allah has shown (taught) you..."

In this verse, at first Allah recommends the Prophet (S) that the purpose of sending down this heavenly Book is that these rules of the truth and equity should be practiced among people. It says:

"Verily We have sent down the Book to you with the Truth that you may judge between people by what Allah has shown (taught) you. ..."

Then, it awares the Prophet (S) by saying that:

"... And be not an advocate for the treacherous."

It is cited in Majma'-ul-Bayan (vol. 6, p. 32 Persian translation) that although this verse addresses the Prophet (S), the target is the Ummat of the Prophet (S) not the Prophet himself, because, upon the consensus of Ummat, the Prophet (S) is immaculate from all sins and disgraces.

Therefore, since the revelation of the Qur'an is based on the truth, the judgements should be performed upon the basis of the truth, too, not upon the relations. Thus, in Islam, treating on justice is also necessary even towards a non-Muslim person, (regarding to the occasion of revelation of the verse).

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 106

وَاسْتَغْفِرِ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

106. "And seek forgiveness of Allah. Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

In this holy verse, the Prophet (S) is commanded that he seeks the forgiveness of Allah, for certainly Allah (s.w.t.) is forgiving and l merciful.

Yet, as it was mentioned in the commentary of the previous verse, cited by the author of Majma'-ul-Bayan, that the verse was addressing the Prophet's Ummat, here, too, it means to seek forgiveness for the Ummat, and we know that the Prophet (S) is free from any fault. The verse says:

"And seek forgiveness of Allah. Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 107

وَلاَ تُجَادِلْ عَنِ الَّذِينَ يَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ خَوَّانًا أَثِيمًا

107. "And do not plead on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Verily Allah does not love any who is treacherous, sinful."

The leaders of Islam and Muslims ought to find the treacherous ones and know their plans, so that they can decide on a suitable situation for themselves. However, injustice and treachery unto people is doing wrong to oneself.

Treachery pollutes the society and this social pollution reaches ourselves. Then, pleading a treacherous person is unlawful, and it is considered as participating in the crime and being content with the treachery.

"And do not plead on behalf of those who deceive themselves..."

We should know, of course, that the state of the slight treacheries, which are done unknowingly and gullibly, is different from the state of the treachery of the mischievous conspirators. (The Arabic words / yakhtanun/ (those who deceive), /khawwan/ (treacherous), and /'asima/ (sinful) indicate to a state of permanent treachery.) Then in this verse, it says:

"... Verily Allah does not love any who is treacherous, sinful."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 108

يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَلاَ يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ اللّهِ وَهُوَ مَعَهُمْ إِذْ يُبَيِّتُونَ مَا لاَ يَرْضَى مِنَ الْقَوْلِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطًا

108. "They (the treacherous) hide from people but they hide not from Allah; while He is with them when they hold nightly discourses that do not please Him. And Allah encompasses what they do."

Allah (s.w.t.) blames the treacherous ones in this verse. The verse says they shrink from people that the inward of their deeds be manifested, but they are not ashamed of Allah!

"They (the treacherous) hide from people but they hide not from Allah..."

Allah, the One Who is Omnipresent, is always with them. So, at that time of night, when they are designing some treacherous plans and saying some words that are displeasing unto Him, He is with them and is aware of whatever they do. It says:

"...while He is with them when they hold nightly discourses that do not please Him. And Allah encompasses what they do."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 109

هَاأَنتُمْ هَـؤُلاء جَادَلْتُمْ عَنْهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا فَمَن يُجَادِلُ اللّهَ عَنْهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَم مَّن يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَكِيلاً

109. "(Suppose that) you pleaded for them in this worldly life, but who will plead for them with Allah on the Day of Resurrection, or who shall be their protector?"

In these three holy verses, the Qur'an gives three warnings to three groups:

It tells the judge not to transgress the bounds of right:

"... That you may judge between people by what Allah has shown (taught) you ..." 1

It tells the treacherous one that Allah observes his deeds:

"…He is with them…." 2

In the above verse, it tells the defenders of the treacherous that their efforts will be useless for the Day of Judgement.

"Suppose that) you pleaded for them in this worldly life, but who will plead for them with Allah on the Day of Resurrection.....?"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 110

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا أَوْ يَظْلِمْ نَفْسَهُ ثُمَّ يَسْتَغْفِرِ اللّهَ يَجِدِ اللّهَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

110. "And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his own self; then seeks forgiveness of Allah, shall find Allah Forgiving, Merciful."

The Qur'anic word /su/, in philology, means 'to harm others', too. Thus, the verse refers to both being unjust to people and being cruel to oneself.

"And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his own self..."

The previous verse, criticized the treacherous and protection of the treacherous. Here, in this verse, it states the way of rescue from it. The Qur'an says that gate of the path of return is open to the wrong doers. Now, it is they who should decide and return from doing sin and repent. It says:

"….then seeks forgiveness of Allah, shall find Allah Forgiving, Merciful."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 111

وَمَن يَكْسِبْ إِثْمًا فَإِنَّمَا يَكْسِبُهُ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

111. "And whoever commits a sin, indeed he commits it only against his own self and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Sin, which is a transgression against the bound of Divine law, destroys the inner purity, virtue of the spirit, and justice; and this very effect is the greatest damage. In the system of existence and also in Allah's way of treatment, the result of injustice toward people, soon or late, reaches to our own selves.

"And whoever commits a sin, indeed he commits it only against his own self…."

And, at the end of the verse, it implies that the Lord is both All-Knowing, and is aware of all the deeds of the servants, and is All-Wise, and punishes every wrong doer fitting with whatever the one deserves. It says:

"... and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 112

وَمَن يَكْسِبْ خَطِيئَةً أَوْ إِثْمًا ثُمَّ يَرْمِ بِهِ بَرِيئًا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلَ بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

112. "And whoever commits a fault or a sin, then accuses of it an innocent, he indeed burdens (himself) with the calumny and a manifest sin."

This verse has pointed to the importance of committing the sin of calumny upon some innocent people. It says:

"And whoever commits a fault or a sin, then accuses of it an innocent, he indeed burdens (himself) with the calumny and a manifest sin."

Calumny is a Crime

To denigrate an innocent is one of the most disgraceful actions that Islam has seriously condemned.

It has been narrated from the Prophet of Islam (S) who said: "The one who slander a believing man or woman, or says something about them which is not in him (her), on the Day of Resurrection Allah sets the one on a heap of fire until he (she) comes out (of the responsibility) of what the one has said." 3

Indeed, making current this unjust manner as a custom in a society causes to disturb the order and probity of that society, to pollute the truth unto untruth, the innocent be involved into difficulty and the sinner be saved, and the common confidence be vanished.

- 1. Verse No. 105 of the current Surah.

- 2. Verse No. 108 of the current Surah.

- 3. Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 1, p. 111

Section 17: Secret counsels of the Hypocrites

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 113

Endeavours of the Hypocrites to destroy the Muslims - secret plots of the Hypocrites- Plots against the Apostle doomed to failure

وَلَوْلاَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ مُّنْهُمْ أَن يُضِلُّوكَ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلاُّ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَيْءٍ وَأَنزَلَ اللّهُ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُنْ تَعْلَمُ وَكَانَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمًا

113. "And had it not been Allah's grace on you and His Mercy, a party of them had certainly resolved to lead you astray, but they do not lead astray but their own selves, and they shall not harm you at all. And Allah has revealed to you the Book and the Wisdom, and He has taught you what you did not know, and great is Allah's grace on you."

In some preceding verses, (verse 105), a part of the event of the tribe called Bani-Abiraq was explained. Now, in this verse, another part of that event is referred to. The verse says:

"And had it not been Allah's grace on you and His Mercy, a party of them had certainly resolved to lead you astray...."

By accusing an innocent person and then involving the Prophet (S) in this event, they wanted both to defame the social and spiritual personality of the Prophet (S), and to fulfil their own evil intentions upon an innocent Muslim. But, the Lord, who is the protector of His Messenger, obliterated their plans totally.

Then, the Qur'an says:

"... but they do not lead astray but their own selves and they shall not harm you at all..."

Finally, the Qur'an states the reason of immunity of the Prophet (S) from fault, such:

"... And Allah has revealed to you the Book and the Wisdom, and He has taught you what you did not know....."

And, it concludes the verse by saying:

"...and great if Allah's grace on you."

In the above-mentioned sentence, one of the basic reasons of the subject of inerrancy is shortly pointed out. It implies that Allah has taught the Prophet (S) some knowledge and science that he is saved from any fault and mistake, because knowledge and sciences, especially the knowledge of hidden things and unknown secrets, (in final stage) are the causes of light and inerrancy.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 114

لاَّ خَيْرَ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّن نَّجْوَاهُمْ إِلاَّ مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلاَحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ ابْتَغَاء مَرْضَاتِ اللّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

114. "There is no good in most of their secret conferences, except for him who enjoins charity or goodness or reconciliation between people; and whoever does this, seeking Allah's pleasure, We will give him a great reward."

In the former verses, there was a hint to the mischievous hidden nightly meetings of some hypocrites or the like of them. In this holy verse, the subject is discussed more detailed under the title of 'secret conference'.

The Arabic term /najwa/ 'conspiring whisper', does not mean only: 'the secret whispered words'. It includes any secret and hidden meetings, too.

The holy verse denotes that: there is no goodness in their most private meetings which such people hold secretly, and they are based on some evil plans. It says:

"There is no good in most of their secret conferences....."

Then, in order that it might not be thought that any conspiring and whisper, or secret meeting, is blameworthy and prohibited, a few instances are mentioned at the end of this very verse in the form of exceptions. It says:

"... Except for him who enjoins charity or goodness or reconciliation between people......"

If such conspiring may not be for pretence or dealing hypocrisy but for the purpose of obtaining the pleasure of Allah, the Lord will assign a great recompense for them. The verse says:

"...and whoever does this, seeking Allah's pleasure, We will give him a great reward."

In principle, conspiring and secret whispering, or holding hidden meetings have been introduced in the Qur'an as' Satanic work '. Surah Mujadelah No. 58, verse 10 says:

"Secret counsels are only (the work) of Satan..."

Essentially, if secret conspiring is performed at the presence of a crowd, it may raise the suspicion of men. It can even sometimes create mistrust between friends. That is why it is better not to apply this manner except for the necessary aspects. The philosophy of this ordinance in the Qur'an may also be the very fact.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 115

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيرًا

115. "And whoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has become manifest to him, and follows other than the way of the believers, him We shall turn over to what he has turned to, and We shall expose him to Hell, and an evil destination it is!"

The Arabic term /musaqqah/ means that you put yourself one side and the holy Prophet (S) another side and begin hindering the affairs, and showing hostility by intentional opposition.

Therefore, after the truth being manifest to a person, it is obligatory for the one to obey the Messenger of Allah, and, evidently, opposing him (S) is unlawful.

"And whoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has become manifest to him.... "

However, the Lord does not punish anyone by taking him into Hell without completing the argument.

"... after the guidance has become manifest to him....."

Thus, the result of opposing the Messenger of Allah (S) and the Islamic Ummah is to assume the master ship of other than Allah and falling down into Hell. It says:

"... and follows other than the way of the believers, him We shall turn over to what he has turned to....."

That is, the person follows a way other than the religion of the believing people. In such a case, Allah (s.w.t.) will leave that person to the idols which he relies on and imagines as his shelter and his support in all circumstances.

And, as a recompense of choosing aberration and leaving off the way of guidance, he will be put in Hell to taste his retribution, and it is an evil destination. It says:

"... and We shall expose him to Hell, and an evil destination it is!"

Section 18

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 116

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاء وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا

116. "Verily Allah does not forgive that (anything) be associated with Him, but He forgives less than that to whom He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, has gone astray into far error."

Polytheism is an earnest deep disease. Therefore as long as it has not been rooted out in a person, morals and righteous deeds are not spiritually of avail.

Repentance is the remedy of polytheism. So, a polytheist should come out of the circle of paganism in order to be involved in the forgiveness and Mercy of Allah. The ways toward the forgiveness of Allah are: repentance, pardon, good deed, and avoidance of committing great sins.

"Verily Allah does not forgive that (anything) be associated with Him, but He forgives less than that to whom He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, has gone astray into far error."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 117

إِن يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلاَّ إِنَاثًا وَإِن يَدْعُونَ إِلاَّ شَيْطَانًا مَّرِيدًا

117. "They (the pagans) invoke in His stead but female things (the Idols), and they invoke none but Satan, the persistent rebel."

The previous verse considered the polytheists being in aberration. The reason of it is referred to in the above verse.

The pagans of Mecca used to worship some angels whom they called the daughters of God. That idea was a wrong and deluded thought. The verse says:

"They (the pagans) invoke in His stead but female things (the Idols), and they invoke none but Satan, the persistent rebel."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 118

لَّعَنَهُ اللّهُ وَقَالَ لَأَتَّخِذَنَّ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا

118. "Allah has cursed him (Satan) and he said, most certainly I will take of Your servants an appointed share."

The origin of all adversities and destructiveness of Satan is his being cursed.

"Allah has cursed him (Satan)..."

Satan is the early enemy of man, and it is for this reason that Satan does his utmost possible effort to mislead him. Then, we must be completely aware not to fall into his trap.

"…..and he said, most certainly I will take of Your servants an appointed share."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 119

وَلأُضِلَّنَّهُمْ وَلأُمَنِّيَنَّهُمْ وَلآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ آذَانَ الأَنْعَامِ وَلآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلْقَ اللّهِ وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ الشَّيْطَانَ وَلِيًّا مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ فَقَدْ خَسِرَ خُسْرَانًا مُّبِينًا

119. "And most certainly I will lead them astray and certainly I will arouse desires in them, and certainly I will bid them that they slit the ears of the cattle, and I will certainly command them that they alter the creation of Allah; and whoever takes Satan for a guardian rather than Allah, has indeed suffered a manifest loss. "

Satan has sworn to persuade some programs

1. He has said that he would take an appointed share from Allah's servants:

"... and he said, most certainly I will take of Your servants an appointed share..."

Satan knows that he has not the authority of leading all the servants of Allah astray. There are only the persons who indulge in their desires, and the people of weak faith and weak will who submit to Satan.

2. Therefore, the second thing that he has promised to do upon human beings is that he says:

"And most certainly I will lead them astray ..."

3. Then, he says:

"... and certainly I will arouse desires in them...."

4. Satan says that he will invite the servants of Allah to superstitious acts, including the following action:

"... and certainly I will bid them that they slit the ears of the cattle...."

This action refers to one of the disgraceful deeds of the Age of Ignorance. It was customary among the idol worshippers that they would split the ears of some certain cattle, or they cut their ears utterly. They believed that it was forbidden to ride on them and, thus, they took no benefit of them.

5. What Satan says in this stage is an irreparable damage that he causes against the basis of the prosperity of man. Satan says:

"...and I will certainly command them that they alter the creation of Allah..."

This sentence shows that Allah has settled monotheism and any other admirable attributes in the first nature of man, but some Satanic temptations and low desires deviate man from the straight path and lead him astray.

And, at the end of the verse, it refers to a general principle when it says:

"... and whoever takes Satan for a guardian rather than Allah, has indeed suffered a manifest loss."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 120

يَعِدُهُمْ وَيُمَنِّيهِمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلاَّ غُرُورًا

120. "He promises them and fills them with (vain) desires, and Satan does not promise them except delusion."

When the verse of forgiveness of sins was revealed from the origin of Allah (Surah 'Ale-Imran. No. 3 verse 135), 'Iblis gathered his supporters by a cry and told them that all their efforts would result no avail when a person repented.

Each one of them said something about it, and one of the Satans said: "Whenever a person decides to repent, I will entangle him with vain desires and promises, so that he delays his repentance. Then, Iblis was contented. 1

"He promises them and fills them with (vain) desires, and Satan does not promise them except delusion."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 121

أُوْلَـئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَلاَ يَجِدُونَ عَنْهَا مَحِيصًا

121. "These are they whose abode is Hell, and they will find no refuge there from."

Hell will be an eternal place for some people and they will remain there forever.

"These are they whose abode is Hell....."

Being attentive to the fact that all misfortunes can, more or less, be avoided of but the punishment of the Hereafter which will be unavoidable, and also that there will be no return in Hereafter. Then, it is better to return from evil actions before passing away.

"... and they will find no refuge there from."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 122

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا وَعْدَ اللّهِ حَقًّا وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللّهِ قِيلاً

122. "But (as for) those who believe and do righteous deeds, shortly we will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow. Therein they will abide forever. Allah's promise is the truth, and who is truer of word than Allah? "

We recited in the previous verses that: whoever takes Satan for a guardian rather than Allah has indeed suffered a manifest loss; and, Satan promises them and fills them with desires, and Satan does not promise them except delusion. Here, comparing them, the Qur'an states the fate of the believing persons. It says:

"But (as for) those who believe and do righteous deeds, shortly we will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow. ..."

This bounty is not like the fleeting and transitory bounties of this world, but:

"... Therein they will abide forever..."

This promise is not alike with the false promises of Satan, but it is a true promise from the side of Allah:

"…Allah's promise is the truth…."

It is evident that none can be truer in speech than Allah, because breach of promise is either for inability or ignorance or need, all of which are far from His Holy presence. It says:

"... and who is truer of word than Allah?"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 123

لَّيْسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمْ وَلا أَمَانِيِّ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ مَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا يُجْزَ بِهِ وَلاَ يَجِدْ لَهُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلاَ نَصِيرًا

123. "It is not your vain desires, nor the vain desires of the people of the Book. Whoever does evil shall be recompensed for it, and, besides Allah, he will find for himself neither a guardian nor a helper."

Muslims were proud of the holy Prophet (S) as the seal of the prophets, and that they are the best Ummah (community). The People of the Book boasted of their background, too. They said that they would not remain in Hell Fire but a few days. This verse was revealed to correct the imagination of both groups, and assigned 'the action of a person' as a document.

Therefore, vain imaginations and baseless hopes must be avoided of. It says:

"It is not your vain desires, nor the vain desires of the people of the Book."

Islam is founded on realities, not on untruth, delusions or desires of individuals. (Untruth, originated from anyone and from any school, is condemned to destruction.)

However, Allah is just and His reward or retribution is based upon the 'action' that individuals perform.

"... Whoever does evil shall be recompensed for it, and, besides Allah, he will find for himself neither a guardian nor a helper. "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 124

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ الصَّالِحَاتَ مِن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ وَلاَ يُظْلَمُونَ نَقِيرًا

124. "And whoever does deeds of righteousness, whether male or female, and is a believer, then these shall enter Heaven and they shall not be dealt with a jot unjustly."

It seems that the Arabic word /naqir/ is taken from the sense of 'pecking', and it is applied for the hole of a date-stone, as if it has been pecked.

In the previous verse the meaning was about 'whoever does evil', and here, in this verse, it is about whoever does deeds of righteousness, the reward or retribution of both is based upon 'deed'.

Thus, the factor of entering into Heaven is 'faith and good deed' not the race or claims or desires (which were mentioned in the previous verse).

All races, colours, nations and classes are equal for enjoying the grace of Allah.

"And whoever does deeds of righteousness ..."

Males and females are equal in reaching the spiritual virtues:

"...whether male or female, and is a believer...."

The reward of a believing good-doer is Heaven; and the righteous deeds are valuable even though they are small.

"... then these shall enter Heaven and they shall not be dealt with a jot unjustly."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 125

وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لله وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ واتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَاتَّخَذَ اللّهُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلاً

125. "And who is better in religion than the one who surrenders himself entirely to Allah while he is righteous and follows the creed of Abraham, the upright one? And Allah took Abraham as a Friend."

In the verse before this verse, the word was upon the fruit of Faith and deed and it implied that merely belonging to a doctrine or a school of thought has no effect. Yet, in order that no misunderstanding arises from the former discussion, in this verse, the preference of the religion of Islam over all religions has been stated by the following sense:

"And who is better in religion than the one who surrenders himself entirely to Allah while he is righteous and follows the creed of Abraham, the upright one? ..."

In this verse, three things have been considered as the criterion of the best creed:

The first thing is the absolute submission before Allah (s.w.t.). The verse says:

"...the one who surrenders himself entirely to Allah..."

The second thing is righteousness. The purpose of that, here, is doing any righteousness by the heart, the tongue, and action.

"….while he is righteous…"

The third thing is to follow the creed of Abraham, the upright. The verse continues saying:

"... and follows the creed of Abraham, the upright one? ..."

Then, at the end of the verse, it reasons its emphasis on the creed of Abraham as follows:

"… And Allah took Abraham as a Friend."

According to the Islamic literature, this rank of Abraham, being chosen as a friend by Allah, was because of his abundant prostrations, feeding the indigent, his midnight prayers, accepting the problems, and his hospitality. 2

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 126

وَللّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّحِيطًا

126. "And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah encompasses all things."

This verse points to the absolute sovereignty of Allah and His domination over all things. It says:

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah encompasses all things."

It refers to the fact that Allah elected Abraham (as) as His friend, never for the reason of His need to him, because Allah (s.w.t.) is free from any want, but for the virtues and the extraordinary conspicuous attributes that Abraham had.

- 1. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, Vol. 1, P. 464.

- 2. At-Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 417.

Section 19: Dealings with Orphans and Women

Equity to the interest of the orphans and women ordained -Reconciliation between husband and wife -Equity among wives, separation of man and wife - Carefulness about the duties enjoined

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 127

وَيَسْتَفْتُونَكَ فِي النِّسَاء قُلِ اللّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِيهِنَّ وَمَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ فِي يَتَامَى النِّسَاء الَّلاتِي لاَ تُؤْتُونَهُنَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُونَ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الْوِلْدَانِ وَأَن تَقُومُواْ لِلْيَتَامَى بِالْقِسْطِ وَمَا تَفْعَلُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِهِ عَلِيمًا

127. "And they ask you for a pronouncement concerning women. Say: Allah pronounces to you concerning them, and what is recited to you in the Book concerning the orphan women to whom you do not give what is appointed for them, while you desire to marry them, and also (concerning) the oppressed children, and that you should deal towards orphans with equity, and whatever of good you do, verily Allah knows it."

In order to defend the rights of women and saving them, we should always follow the instructions of the heavenly leader.

"And they ask you for a pronouncement ..."

Mentioning the defence of women, children, and orphans beside each other in the Qur'an, is a sign of the existence of transgression against them through the length of the history. The support of Allah from the rights of women is an unchangeable pronouncement of Allah.

And, the responses of the Messenger of Allah are the same as the pronouncement of Allah.

".... Say: Allah pronounces to you concerning them...."

Justly treating the orphans is the best sample of the righteous work.

"…and whatever of good you do…"

The Islamic community should raise for establishing justice among orphans.

"... and that you should deal towards orphans with equity ..."

However, you should know that your services for, and your helps upon, the deprived in the society will not be neglected.

"…..verily Allah knows it'."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 128

وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوْ إِعْرَاضًا فَلاَ جُنَاْحَ عَلَيْهِمَا أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ وَأُحْضِرَتِ الأَنفُسُ الشُّحَّ وَإِن تُحْسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا

128. "And if a woman fears ill treatment from her husband, or desertion, there is no sin on the couple if they effect a reconciliation between them, and reconciliation is better but avarice has been made to be present in the (people's) minds, and if you do good and keep from evil, then verily Allah is aware of what you do."

It happened that at the beginning of Islam, a Muslim believer by the name of Rafi'-ibn-Khadij had got two wives. One of them was old and the other was young. He had to divorce the old wife because of some discords that they had.

But before ending the waiting period, he told her that if she desired he could revoke upon condition that she would be patient when he might prefer his young wife, else they should separate after finishing the waiting period. The woman accepted the reconciliation and then this verse was revealed.

The Arabic term /nusuz/ is derived from the root /nasz/ in the sense of: 'an elevated place', which, here, means: 'disobedience'. In verse No.34 from the current Surah, the speech was about the disobedience of the wife, and here the statement is also upon ill treatment.

The Arabic word /Suhh/, when concerning a wife, means: 'avoiding of wearing appropriate clothing and lack of ornamentation'; and when concerning a man, it refers to his avoidance of paying dower sum, necessaries, and the absence of showing affection.

In any case, for the family affairs, the first stage is reconciliation between the couple without the interference of others. If it does not end to peace, others may interfere:

"…if they effect reconciliation between them…"

And it does not matter for a person to remit a right in order to obtain a higher general interest and to make safe the atmosphere in the family.

"….there is no sin…"

The origin of instability in many families is the insularities, envy and avarice that have surrounded human-kind.

"… but avarice has been made to be present in the (people's) minds...."

Renunciation of man from his venereal desires and being careful of justice between his two wives, are among the examples of piety and kindness. If a man remits his own right, and does good and kindness unto his wife, all of these actions are at the presence of Allah.

"...then verily Allah is aware of what you do."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 129

وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُواْ أَن تَعْدِلُواْ بَيْنَ النِّسَاء وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ فَلاَ تَمِيلُواْ كُلَّ الْمَيْلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَالْمُعَلَّقَةِ وَإِن تُصْلِحُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

129. "You will never be able to deal equitably between (your) wives, however much you be eager (to do so); then do not incline with a total inclination (to one) so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect reconciliation and keep from evil, then verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Heavenly Law Has no Contradiction with Natural Disposition

It is natural that a man shows more affection to his young wife than his aged wife. That is why the commandment of Justice is only due to the treatment of man unto his wives, not due to his heartily love.

"You will never be able to deal equitably between (your) wives...."

Now that heartily justice is not possible, then, there should be equity in action.

In Islam, there is no duty beyond the ability of a person. A human being is not usually able to adjust affection, but he is able to apply justice in dealing the affairs.

It is unlawful for a man to leave his wife undecided.

"... then do not incline with a total inclination (to (one) so that you leave her as it were in suspense;

Through reconciliation and piety, both the former shortcomings and the unconscious negligence will be forgiven.

"... and if you effect reconciliation and keep from evil, then verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 130

وَإِن يَتَفَرَّقَا يُغْنِ اللّهُ كُلاًّ مِّن سَعَتِهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ وَاسِعًا حَكِيمًا

130. "Yet if they (should) separate, Allah will enrich each out of His abundance, and Allah is All-Embracing, the Wise."

Next to the former discussion, in this verse it points to this fact that if he continuation of conjugal life is tiresome for the couple and there have come forth some things that the circumstance can never be remediable, they do not have to continue such a marriage and to be prisoner of a bitter family life like that.

They can separate from each other and, without having any fear from their future, they should decide bravely, because in this condition, if they separate, Allah will enrich both of them out of His abundance and Mercy. They can be hopeful to have better spouses and more delightful lives in future.

"Yet if they (should) separate, Allah will enrich each out of His abundance...."

This situation exists, because Allah has a vast inclusive Mercy and abundance, together with Wisdom. It says:

"... and Allah is All-Embracing, the Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 131

وَللّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَإِن تَكْفُرُواْ فَإِنَّ لِلّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَنِيًّا حَمِيدًا

131. "And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and certainly We enjoined those who were given the Book before you, and you (too), that you should be in awe of Allah; and if you disbelieve, then, verily, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy."

The Holy Qur'anic phrase: "And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth...." has occurred two times in this verse and one time in the next verse. This repetition is because of its belief function, in order that we know Allah, the Almighty, is capable in performing His promises in all affairs, and that He enriches the servants (including enriching them in both marriage and divorce).

However, the Power and Sovereignty of Allah is the guarantee of execution for His promises.

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth...."

Allah is Self-Sufficient, and having the possession of what is in the heavens and what is in the earth, He is in need of neither our worship nor our faith.

"…and Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy."

Also, the One Who has Wisdom, Power, and Possession is rightful to have the authority of legislation and recommendation, too.

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and certainly We enjoined those who were given the Book before you, and you (too), that you should be in awe of Allah; and if you disbelieve, then, verily, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 132

وَلِلّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ وَكِيلاً

132. "And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah is sufficient as a Protector."

For the third time, it emphasizes in this verse that:

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth…"

Then, it continues the statement denoting that He himself protects and runs them all. It says:

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah is sufficient as a Protector."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 133

إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ وَيَأْتِ بِآخَرِينَ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلَى ذَلِكَ قَدِيرًا

133. "If He pleases, He can remove you, O' people! and bring others; and Allah is powerful over that."

Next to the meaning in the previous verse, it continues to imply that it is no problem for Allah (s.w.t.) that He vanishes you and substitutes you some other people who will be more receptive and more decided in the path of His obedience. And Allah (s.w.t.) is powerful to accomplish this action. The holy verse says:

"If He pleases, He can remove you, O' people! and bring others; and Allah is powerful over that."

When this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (S) struck his hand over the back of Salman Farsi and said:

"These people are Iranians (non-Arabs from Persia)." 1

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 134

مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ثَوَابَ الدُّنْيَا فَعِندَ اللّهِ ثَوَابُ الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا

134. "Whoever desires the reward of this world, then with Allah is the reward of this world and the Hereafter and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

There are some believers who can ask Allah the reward of this world and the reward of the coming world, and enjoy of the bounties of both lives. If they suffice only to this world, and pursue the material interests when accomplishing the Holy Struggle and righteous deeds, they are in a serious error. The Qur'an says:

"Whoever desires the reward of this world, then with Allah is the reward of this world and the Hereafter and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

- 1. Majma'-ul-Bayan, vol. 3, p. 122 (Arabic version)

Section 20: Equity to everyone -The Jewish Hypocrisy Condemned

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 135

Firmness in equity, fair play and faith enjoined, coveting for worldly goods; forsaking truth is due to weakness in faith.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاء لِلّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَى أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالأَقْرَبِينَ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقَيرًا فَاللّهُ أَوْلَى بِهِمَا فَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ الْهَوَى أَن تَعْدِلُواْ وَإِن تَلْوُواْ أَوْ تُعْرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا

135. " O' you who have Faith! be maintainers of justice (and) witnesses for Allah's sake, though it be against your own selves or (your) parents or near relatives; whether the one be rich or poor, Allah is closer to them both, Therefore do not follow any passion so that you can deal justly; and if you swerve or decline (the right), then verily Allah is aware of what you do."

Social Justice

Following the instructions that were pointed out through previous verses about the execution of justice upon orphans and wives, here in this verse, the statement is upon a basic principle and a general law. It is about the execution of justice in all aspects and without any exception. It says:

"O' you who have Faith! be maintainers of justice …."

That is, you should accomplish justice so that you might not have the least inclination toward any side.

Then, to emphasize the matter, the verse refers to the subject of bearing witness. It recommends upon affairs concerning the witnesses, in particular, and that you should put aside all circumspections and bear witness rightfully for the sake of Allah, even if it is against you or your parents or your near relatives. It says:

"… (and) witnesses for Allah's sake, though it be against your own selves or (your) parents or near relatives;

It can be understood from this holy phrase that it is possible for relatives to bear witness for or against each other when they observe the principles of justice.

Then, it points to other factors of perversion from the principle of justice. It implies that neither the wealth of the rich nor the emotions arisen from the poverty of the poor should hinder to bear witness rightfully.

It is because Allah is more aware of the condition of the person against whom the rightful attestation is performed whether the one is rich or poor. Therefore, neither the possessors of wealth and force can damage the rightful witnesses when there is the support of Allah, nor the poor remain hungry when justice is executed. The verse says:

"…whether the one be rich or poor, Allah is closer to them both…."

Again, to emphasize on the matter, it instructs us not to follow our desires, because, in that case, there come forth some barriers for executing justice.

"…Therefore do not follow any passion so that you can deal justly…"

This sentence clearly leads us to the fact that the origin of transgressions and cruelties is carnal desires. Thus, if a group of people be not the followers of carnal desires, injustice and cruelty may not be found among them.

For the importance that there lies in the execution of justice, it emphasizes again on this commandment. It indicates that if you hinder the right from reaching the rightful person, or pervert the right, or turn aside from the right when it becomes clear to you, Allah is well aware of what you do. It says:

"… and if you swerve or decline (the right), then verily Allah is aware of what you do."

The above verse makes completely manifest the extraordinary attention of Islam to the subject of social justice in whatever form and in whatever case it may be. The application of different emphasis mentioned in these sentences shows how much Islam is sensitive for this important social subject among humankind.

But, unfortunately, there is a long distance between the action of Muslims and this excellent Islamic commandment! This very fact, of course, is one of the secrets of their retardation.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 136

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ آمِنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِيَ أَنزَلَ مِن قَبْلُ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِاللّهِ وَمَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا

136. "O' you who have Faith believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book which He has sent down unto His Messenger, and the Book (S) which He has sent down a foretime; and whoever disbelieves in Allah and His angels and His Messengers and the Last Day, has indeed gone astray into far error."

The meaning of the verse may be such: O' you who have faith! Go a step further; or, be firm in your faith forever.

A believer should elevate himself to a higher degree of faith every day, since there are degrees in faith.

"O' you who have Faith! Believe..."

In this regard, Surah Muhammad, No.47, verse 17 says:

"And those who avail of the guidance, He adds unto them guidance..."

And, Surah Al-Fath No.48 verse 4 says:

"... that they might add further faith to their faith…."

However, disbelief, in some heavenly Books and some prophets is the same as disbelief in all.

"... Believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book which He has sent down unto His Messenger, and the Book(S) which He has sent down a foretime; and whoever, disbelieves in Allah and His angels and His Messengers and the Last Day, has indeed gone astray into far error. "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 137

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ آمَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ ازْدَادُواْ كُفْرًا لَّمْ يَكُنِ اللّهُ لِيَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ وَلاَ لِيَهْدِيَهُمْ سَبِيلاً

137. "Verily those who believed, then disbelieved, again believed, and again disbelieved, then increased in (their) disbelief, Allah will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to the (right) way."

Formerly a verse similar in meaning to this holy verse was detailed, saying that the repentance of such persons is not accepted and they are the real misguided ones. Also, Surah 'Ale-Imran, No.3 Verse 90 in this field says:

"Verily those who disbelieve after their belief, then increase in infidelity; their repentance will never be accepted; and these are they who are astray."

There are some people who change their features every day. This is either for the lack of research in Truth and religion, or it is a plot in order to weaken the belief of the believers. Surah 'Ale-Imran, No.3 Verse 72 also manifests this plan by stating that they believed at the opening of (the day, and disbelieved at the end of it, with the purpose that they might weaken the Muslims in their Faith.

The clear example of the content of this verse is the persons such as Shabth-ibn-Rib'i whose instability can be, illustrated as follows:

He became Muslim but, after the death of the Prophet (S), he disbelieved. After that, he repented and joined to the adherents of Ali (as). Later, he changed to be the commander of Kharijites. Again he repented and went on to be as an adherent of Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Husayn (as).

He wrote an invitation letter to Imam Husayn (as) but he showed his disloyalty to Muslim-ibn-' Aghil in Kufa (an-ancient city, in Mesopotamia). He accepted to be the commander of Yazid's troop in Karbala, and built a mosque in Kufa as a sign of gratitude for the slain of Imam Husayn (as). The verse says:

"Verily those who believed, then disbelieved, again believed, and again disbelieved, then increased in (their) disbelief, Allah will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to the (right) way."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 138

بَشِّرِ الْمُنَافِقِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

138. "Announce to the hypocrites that they shall have a painful chastisement."

When the Qur'anic word / bisarat / 'glad tidings' is used for punishment, it is either as a mockery due to their baseless vain thoughts, or for the sake that the Arabic term / bisarat / which is originally derived from the Arabic word / busr / in the sense of 'face', has a vast meaning. It concludes any news that affects on the face and usually makes it happy or sad.

The verse says:

"Announce to the hypocrites that they shall have a painful chastisement."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 139

الَّذِينَ يَتَّخِذُونَ الْكَافِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاء مِن دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَيَبْتَغُونَ عِندَهُمُ الْعِزَّةَ فَإِنَّ العِزَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعًا

139. "(Hypocrites are) those who take the disbelievers for (their) friends instead of the believers -do they seek glory in them? - Then, verily, all glory belongs to Allah."

In this holy verse, the hypocrites are characterized as follows:

"(Hypocrites are) those who take the disbelievers for (their) friends instead of the believers…."

Then the Qur'an inquires what their purpose is from this choice. Do they really want to obtain a credit and honour for themselves by making friends with them? They should know that honour and glory totally belongs to Allah, because glory always originates from 'knowledge' and 'power'. Therefore, those whose knowledge and power is little are not in a position that they can be the origin of glory.

"...do they seek glory in them? -Then, verily, all glory belongs to Allah."

This verse warns all the Muslims not to seek for the disbelievers' glory in all aspects of life, irrespective of: economical glory, cultural glory, political glory, and the like of them, in making friends with the enemies of Islam.

Whenever their interest requires, they immediately leave out their own most intimate allies and refer to their own affairs, so that as if they have never been acquainted with each other. The present era is a clear witness to this fact.

(So, in the foreign policy, we must not seek our glory in attachment with pagans.) We recite in Munajat-Sha'baniyyah:

"O' Lord! my abundance and my deficiency is in Your hand, not in the hand of other than You".

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 140

وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ آيَاتِ اللّهِ يُكَفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلاَ تَقْعُدُواْ مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى يَخُوضُواْ فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا مِّثْلُهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَالْكَافِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا

140. "And He has already revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the revelations of Allah being disbelieved and made mock of, do not sit with them until they engage in some other discourse, otherwise you would be like them. Verily Allah will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers all together in Hell."

Surah Al-'An'am, No.6, verse 68 contains a similar meaning to that of this holy verse. It addresses the Messenger of Allah (S) and says:

"And when you see those who enter into false discourses about Our Signs, withdraw from them until they enter into a discourse other than that... "

In that verse, the addressee is the Prophet (S), while in the above-mentioned verse, the Qur'an addresses people in general.

Explanations

1. A person should not usually be inattentive when confronting the false discourses of others, (since, being silent or inattentive where a sin is being committed, is sinful.)

"...do not sit with them until they engage in some other discourse ..."

2. "You may either alter the evil environment, or come out of it."

"….do not sit with them…"

3. It is not enough to abandon committing sin only; but we should cause the performance of sin to be stopped totally. Mere being straight is not enough; the perversion of others should be hindered of, too.

4. It is not allowed to be silent in front of sin under the pretext of freedom of speech, negligence, good morals, easy circumstances, courtesy, civility; shame, and so on.

5. The person who is content with the sin of others has a share of that sin.

"...otherwise you would be like them…"

6. To be silent in front of the idle talks of the infidels is a kind of hypocrisy.

7. Companionships of this world result the companionship of the next world.

"… Verily Allah will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers all together in Hell."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 141

الَّذِينَ يَتَرَبَّصُونَ بِكُمْ فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمْ فَتْحٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ قَالُواْ أَلَمْ نَكُن مَّعَكُمْ وَإِن كَانَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ نَصِيبٌ قَالُواْ أَلَمْ نَسْتَحْوِذْ عَلَيْكُمْ وَنَمْنَعْكُم مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَاللّهُ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَن يَجْعَلَ اللّهُ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ سَبِيلاً

141. " (The hypocrites are) those who wait and watch about you; then if there be a victory for you from Allah, they say: 'Were we not with you? ' But if the disbelievers get a share, they tell (them): 'Did we not help you win, and held off the believers from you ?' Therefore, Allah shall judge between you on the Day of Judgement, and Allah will by no means give the disbelievers a way (of success) against the believers. "

The Qualities of Hypocrites

This verse and some verses after that point to some other qualities of the hypocrites and their incoherent thoughts. The verse describes the hypocrites as those who always want to make profit from any incident.

If you gain the victory, they quickly show themselves in the row of the believers and say whether they were not with you, and their worthy aids were not helpful in your victory. Therefore, they claim to have a share in its all spiritual and material incomes. The verse says:

"(The hypocrites are) those who wait and watch about you; then if there be a victory for you from Allah, they say: 'Were we not with you? ..."

But, if the enemies of Islam obtain a part of this victory, the hypocrites immediately approach them and express their consent to them about that victory. They say that it was they who encouraged them to combat with Muslims without showing any sign of resignation; therefore they have a share in that victory. The verse says:

"... But if the disbelievers get a share, they tell (them): 'Did we not help you win, and held off the believers from you?'….."

Thus, this group of hypocrites, by their own particular misusing opportunities, sometimes come toward the believers and sometimes approach the disbelievers, and spend their lives in double-dealing.

Yet, the Qur'an manifests their fate with stating a short phrase. It implies that finally there will come a day that the curtains will be removed, the masks will be taken off and their real ugly faces will be seen. Yet, it is true when it says:

"...Therefore, Allah shall judge between you on the Day of Judgement ..."

And, in order that the true believers should not be afraid of them, at the end of the verse it adds:

"...and Allah will by no means give the disbelievers a way (of success) against the believers."

This part of the verse means that the disbelievers not only from the point of logic but also from the point of political, martial, cultural, and economical aspects will not really overcome the believers.

So, if we see their victory with our own eyes in different fields against Muslims, it is for the reason that many of Muslims are not true believers.

They have neither the unity nor Islamic brotherhood among them, nor the knowledge and necessary awareness which Islam has counted necessary for all from birthday until the moment of death. Then, when they are like that, consequently, they have remained like this.

Section 21: Fate of the Hypocrites

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 142

Deceitfulness of the hypocrites -Friendship with the enemies - Fate of the hypocrites

إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يُخَادِعُونَ اللّهَ وَهُوَ خَادِعُهُمْ وَإِذَا قَامُواْ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ قَامُواْ كُسَالَى يُرَآؤُونَ النَّاسَ وَلاَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً

142. "Verily the hypocrites seek to trick Allah, but He is tricking them. And, when they stand up for prayer they stand up lazily; showing off to the people, and they do not remember Allah save a little."

The purpose of 'the hypocrites seek to trick Allah', perhaps, is the same expression of Faith by them and playing with the commandments of Allah. And, as Imam Rida (as) says: since Allah gives the retribution of their trick, this divine retribution is called 'trick'.

"Verily the hypocrites seek to trick Allah, but He is tricking them. ..."

However, they are far from Allah and, consequently, they do not enjoy telling Allah their secrets and praying for their needs. That is why when they stand for prayer they are thoroughly full of listlessness and laziness. It says:

"...And, when they stand up for prayer they stand up lazily...."

The hypocrites, in fact, do not believe in Allah and His magnificent promises. Then if they worship or do a righteous deed, it is also for showing off to people, not for the sake of Allah.

"...showing off to people ..."

So, if they sometimes recite the name of Allah or remember Him, it is not done sincerely and knowingly. Supposing that it is, might be, it is very little. It says:

"...and they do not remember Allah save a little."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 143

مُّذَبْذَبِينَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ لاَ إِلَى هَـؤُلاء وَلاَ إِلَى هَـؤُلاء وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ سَبِيلاً

143. "(The hypocrites are) swaying between this (infidelity and Faith) neither towards these (believers) nor towards those (infidels); and whoever Allah leaves to go astray, never then shall you find for him a way."

The Arabic word /taẓabẓub/ philologically means: 'to be moved to and fro, as anything suspended in the air'. 1

Therefore, the hypocrites do not have a firm thing to rely on, and they sway between this and that, like a thing which is suspended in the air and moves by the movement of a wind. They depend on others, so they wander without having any proper aim.

"(The hypocrites are) swaying between this (infidelity and Faith) neither towards these (believers) nor towards those (infidels); "....

Also, they have not tranquillity and peace, because they must always change their own position to a new one and hurriedly make immediate decisions.

And, to conclude, the hypocrites are stray, and have incurred the wrath of Allah. The verse continues saying:

"….and whoever Allah leaves to go astray, never then shall you find for him a way."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 144

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ الْكَافِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاء مِن دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجْعَلُواْ لِلّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَانًا مُّبِينًا

144. " O' you who have faith! Do not take the disbelievers for friends instead of the believers. Do you desire that you should give Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?"

The believers have not the right of accepting the master ship of the disbelievers. But it is in the case that the hypocrites have a close tie with the disbelievers. The Qur'an introduces the disbelievers as Satans of the hypocrites:

"...when they are alone with their evil ones ..." 2

And they are as brethren of the hypocrites:

"...those who have become hypocrites? They say to those of their brethren who disbelieve..." 3

The senses mentioned in Surah Nisa No.4. Verse 139 and 141 are also indications to the quality of the connection between the hypocrites and the disbelievers.

Explanations

1. 'Tawalla' (take for friends) and 'Tabarra' (dissociate) are parts of the religion.

2. Any communication, friendship, and agreement contraction that results to the loss of Muslims should be avoided of.

3. In current foreign policy, political and economical ties, choices, appointments and disposals or any action which ends to the domination of disbelievers over Muslims is unlawful (Haram) from the point of Islam, and it is rejected.

4. Any Muslim believer who accepts suffer abjectness, has no proof to give Allah for his action.

"Do you desire that you should give Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?"

5. Accepting the master ship of disbelievers does not adapt to Faith. There is no room in a heart for two opposite affections

"O' you who have Faith! ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 145

إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا

145. "Verily the hypocrites are in the lowest stage of the Fire, and never you shall find a helper for them."

There are some unaware Muslims who accept the friendship of the hypocrites. To make clear the situation of the hypocrites, the Qur'an in this verse says:

"Verily the hypocrites are in the lowest stage of the Fire, and never you shall find a helper for them."

It is well understood from this verse that hypocrisy is the worst kind of infidelity from the point of view of Islam, and the hypocrites are the furthest distant people from Allah. So, it is for this reason that their abode is in the worst place and the lowest stage of Hell.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 146

إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصْلَحُواْ وَاعْتَصَمُواْ بِاللّهِ وَأَخْلَصُواْ دِينَهُمْ لِلّهِ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَعَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَسَوْفَ يُؤْتِ اللّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

146. "Except those who repent, and amend and hold fast to (the grace of) Allah and make their religion pure for Allah. These, then, are with the believers; and Allah will grant the believers a great reward."

The way of repentance is open to all, even to the worst ones. Repentance can take a person from the position of 'the lowest stage of the Fire' to 'the Exalted Heaven'. The Qur'an says:

"Except those who repent....."

Human beings are free and can change the way, i.e. they can repent:

"...those who repent....."

Repentance is not only an expression of regret, but it is an inclusive improvability. The verse continues saying:

"...and amend and hold fast (the grace of) Allah and make their religion pure for Allah ..."

Those hypocrites who repent should not feel loneliness for the absence of their fellow-minded, because they find some better colleagues instead of them.

"....these, then, are with the believers… "

Eclecticism in creed and thoughts is forbidden:

".....and make their religion pure for Allah ..."

Then, it is to the believers to receive the true repentant ones and consider them as themselves.

"... these, then, are with the believers and Allah will grant the believers a great reward."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 147

مَّا يَفْعَلُ اللّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَآمَنتُمْ وَكَانَ اللّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا

147. "What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and you believe? And Allah is All-Thankful, All-Knowing."

If you believe and do righteous deeds and, in the meantime, you do not abuse the bounties of Allah, and be grateful for the bounties of Allah, without doubt, there will not be any divine punishment upon you. The verse says:

"What can Allah gain by your punishment if you are grateful...."

Then, in order to emphasize this matter, it adds that the Lord is both aware of your deeds and your thoughts, and is thankful and giver of reward for your righteous deeds. It says:

"...And Allah is All-Thankful, All-Knowing."

In the above-mentioned verse, the subject of 'thankfulness' has occurred before the sense of 'belief '. This precedence is for the fact that as long as a person does not know the bounties and graces of Allah and does not reach the position of gratitude, cannot know Him, Himself (s.w.t.). (Be careful.)

The End of Part Five

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 148

لاَّ يُحِبُّ اللّهُ الْجَهْرَ بِالسُّوَءِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ إِلاَّ مَن ظُلِمَ وَكَانَ اللّهُ سَمِيعًا عَلِيمًا

148. "Allah does not love open utterance of evil in speech except by one to whom injustice has been done, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

In this verse and the verse next to it, a part of the ethical instructions of Islam are pointed out. At first, the verse indicates that Allah does not like that ill-speaking be performed or the vice and disgraceful actions of people be manifested by the speech of others. It says:

"Allah does not love open utterance of evil in speech ..."

As Allah Himself is the Concealer of Faults, He does not love that individuals betray secrets and make manifest the vices of people so that they disgrace them.

Then, the Qur'an refers to some affairs that can be counted as the authority for such betraying secrets and ill-speaking. It says:

"...except by one to whom injustice has been done....."

Such persons are right to defend themselves against the cruelty of transgressors. They can complain of them, criticize them, blame them, and backbite them. They are also right to continue doing that until they get their right and ward off the transgression.

And, as the style of the Qur'an is, in order that some persons do not misuse this exception and do not make manifest the vices of people under the pretext that they have been transgressed, at the end of the verse, it says:

"...And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 149

إِن تُبْدُواْ خَيْرًا أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ أَوْ تَعْفُواْ عَن سُوَءٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا قَدِيرًا

149. "If you do good openly or conceal it or pardon (others) evil, then verily Allah is All-Pardoning, All-Powerful."

Whenever you are in the position of power, and forgiveness has a training effect, do forgive; and wherever silence is abasement, and it strengthens injustice, do shout.

Therefore, vengeance and retaliation is 'legitimate', when remital and forgiveness is 'virtue'. So, it is worthy to pardon when you are powerful. It says:

"....then verily Allah is All-Pardoning, All-Powerful."

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) says:

"When you gain power over your adversary, pardon him as gratitude for being able to overpower him." 4

Verse 150 - 151

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْفُرُونَ بِاللّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيْنَ اللّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَيقُولُونَ نُؤْمِنُ بِبَعْضٍ وَنَكْفُرُ بِبَعْضٍ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً

أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ حَقًّا وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا

150. "Verily those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers, and desire to make division between Allah and His Messengers, and say: 'We believe in some and disbelieve in others', and seek to choose a way in between."
151. "These are, in truth, infidels, and We have prepared for the infidels a disgraceful chastisement."

The Jews and the Christians believed in some prophets and disbelieved in some other ones. This kind of behaviour was because of their foolishly desires and bigotries, and also because of some unreasonable insularity.

The verse says:

"Verily those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers, and desire to make division between Allah and His Messengers, and say: 'We believe in some and disbelieve in others'....."

It should also be attended that the process of messenger ship is the permanent Allah's, way of treatment which are linked together like a chain, and we must believe in this process totally. 5

Therefore, Allah and His messengers are in the same row and there is no separation in between at all. Then, it is forbidden to disbelieve in Allah and the messengers, or to believe in Allah and disbelieve in some Prophets.

Eclecticism and paving a way other than the way of prophets is infidelity.

"..and seek to choose a way in between....."

"These are, in truth, infidels, and We have prepared for the infidels a disgraceful chastisement."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 152

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلَمْ يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ أُوْلَـئِكَ سَوْفَ يُؤْتِيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

152 . "And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no division between any of them, He will grant them their rewards, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

In this verse, the Qur'an points to the position and the fate of the believers. It implies that those who believed in Allah and all His prophets and did not make any separation between them, have proved their own submission and sincerity unto the Truth and also proved to struggle against any bigotry. As for these Allah will bestow their rewards soon. The verse says:

"And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no division between any of them, He will grant them their rewards…..."

And, at the end of the verse, another fact is referred to. It indicates that if this group of the believers had formerly committed such bigotries, divisions, and some other sins, and now have purified their Faith and returned to Allah, He will forgive them.

"...and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

- 1. Sihah-ul-luqat

- 2. Surah Al-Baqarah, No.2, verse 14

- 3. Surah Al-Hashr, No.59, verse 11

- 4. Nahj-ul-Balagha saying No.10

- 5. Due to Imamate, it is necessary to believe in all Imams wholly. Believing in some of them and disbelieving in the rest, or having a pause, is as disbelief in all Imams.

Section 22: Violation of the Covenant by the Jews

Jews Violating the Covenant – Their accusing Jesus and his mother Mary – The truth concerning the Crucifixion of Jesus

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 153

يَسْأَلُكَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ أَن تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْهِمْ كِتَابًا مِّنَ السَّمَاء فَقَدْ سَأَلُواْ مُوسَى أَكْبَرَ مِن ذَلِكَ فَقَالُواْ أَرِنَا اللّهِ جَهْرَةً فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ بِظُلْمِهِمْ ثُمَّ اتَّخَذُواْ الْعِجْلَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ فَعَفَوْنَا عَن ذَلِكَ وَآتَيْنَا مُوسَى سُلْطَانًا مُّبِينًا

153. "The People of the Book will ask you to bring down for them a Book from heaven; and indeed they asked Moses for greater than that, for they said: 'Show us Allah vividly'. So the lightning seized them on account of their injustice. Then they took the Calf (for a god) after the clear signs had come to them; yet We pardoned that; and We gave Moses a clear authority."

The demand of the Jews from the Prophet of Islam (S) was that the Qur'an, like the Torah , should be sent down together, too. But, that demand was nothing save a mere pretext. In Surah Al-'An'am, concerning the matter, Allah says:

"And if We had sent to you a writing on a paper, then they had touched it with their hands, certainly those who disbelieve would have said: 'This is nothing but clear enchantment'." 1

The Qur'an, in the above verse, says:

"The People of the Book will ask you to bring down for them a Book from heaven…..."

The Children of Israel were not seeking for the Truth, otherwise, why did they become the worshippers of the Calf after they had got those abundant miracles?

"...Then they took the Calf (for a god) after the clear signs had come to them….."

Therefore, the continuation of this very verse, in order to console the Prophet, tells him (S) not to be worried about the disbelievers when they do not believe, since there had also been some obstinate persons against all former prophets.

"...and indeed they asked Moses for greater than that, for they said: 'Show us Allah vividly'. ..."

When we become acquainted with the difficulties that other people are involved in, it can sometimes be a remedy over our own pains.

However, it should be noted that rejection of the Truth and aberration in thought brings forth the Wrath of Allah even in this very world.

"... So the lightning seized them on account of their injustice....."

Yet, the prophets had always been supported by Allah.

"...and We gave Moses a clear authority."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 154

وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَهُمُ الطُّورَ بِمِيثَاقِهِمْ وَقُلْنَا لَهُمُ ادْخُلُواْ الْبَابَ سُجَّدًا وَقُلْنَا لَهُمْ لاَ تَعْدُواْ فِي السَّبْتِ وَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُم مِّيثَاقًا غَلِيظًا

154. "And We raised the (Sinai) Mount above them at (the taking of) their covenant and We said to them: 'Enter the door prostrating', and We said to them: 'Do not transgress the Sabbath!' and We took from them a firm covenant."

The verse implies that the Children of Israel, the Jews, did not awaken from the sleep of negligence and did not come down from the mount of pride and obstinacy. It was for that reason that Allah raised the Sinai Mount above them, and in the meanwhile, He took covenant from them.

"And We raised the (Sinai) Mount above them at (the taking of) their covenant…"

The holy verse implies that Allah (s.w.t.) told them to enter the door of Jerusalem in the state of prostration and humility as a sign of repentance from their sins.

Allah also decreed emphatically for them not to work on Saturday and not to transgress, (and not to use the sea-fish that the hunting of which was prohibited for them). Allah (s. w.t.) took serious covenant for all of these things from them. But they fulfilled none of those confirmed promises.

"...and We said to .them: 'Enter the door prostrating', and We said to them: 'Do not transgress the Sabbath!' and We took from them a firm covenant."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 155

فَبِمَا نَقْضِهِم مِّيثَاقَهُمْ وَكُفْرِهِم بَآيَاتِ اللّهِ وَقَتْلِهِمُ الأَنْبِيَاء بِغَيْرِ حَقًّ وَقَوْلِهِمْ قُلُوبُنَا غُلْفٌ بَلْ طَبَعَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهَا بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَلاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً

155. "So, for their breaking their covenant and their disbelief in the Signs of Allah and their slaying the prophets wrongfully and their saying: 'Our hearts are covered', nay! but Allah sealed them for their disbelief, so they do not believe save a few. "

In this verse, the Qur'an points to some other parts of the wrong doings of the Children of Israel, and also those committing offences and hostilities that the Jews performed against the prophets of Allah.

At first, it refers to the breach of promise and disbelief of a group of them, by whom the slaughter of many prophets occurred. It says:

"So, for their breaking their covenant ..."

Following to this breach of promise, they rejected the Signs of Allah and paved the way of opposition.

".....and their disbelief in the Signs of Allah ..."

They did not suffice only to this wrong-doing, but also they set their hands to another great crime. They killed the leaders and the guides of the way of Truth, viz. the prophets. They slew the prophets without having any reason for their action.

".....and their slaying the prophets wrongfully ..."

They were so insolent in committing offences that they mocked the statements of the prophets and they used to explicitly say to them that their hearts were locked so that they hindered them to hear and accept the invitation of the prophets.

".....and their saying 'Our hearts are covered'; ..."

Here, the Qur'an adds a sense that their hearts are sealed totally and no truth penetrates into them, but the reason of that situation is their own infidelity and disbelief. That is why they do not believe in truth, except a small group of them who avoid these kinds of obstinacies and that they pave the path of truth. It says:

"... nay! but Allah sealed them for their disbelief, So they do not believe save a few. "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 156

وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَى مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا

156. "And because of their disbelief and their speaking against Mary a grievous calumny."

The question of calumny against Mary is also referred to in Surah Maryam No.19, verse 27.

The calumny of fornication unto Mary was not only a sin but it was also a calumny of bastardy to Jesus (as) and his incompetence for guidance and leadership. This very sin was the reason of their disbelief unto Jesus (as).

Therefore, calumny is counted in the same row with infidelity, and, consequently, a grievous calumny deserves a grievous chastisement.

"And because of their disbelief and their speaking against Mary a grievous calumny"

However, in an immoral society, there may sometimes happen that the most disgraceful calumnies be attributed to the most immaculate persons.

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 157 - 158

وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلاَّ اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا

بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللّهُ إِلَيْهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا

157. "And because of their saying (in boast): 'Verily we slew Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Allah's Messenger; 'but they did not slay him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them (a likeness of that); and indeed those who differ therein are only in doubt about it, they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and, certainly, they did not slay him."

158. "But Allah took him up unto Himself; and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

They (the Children of Israel) were even proud of slaying Jesus, and they said that they themselves slew Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah. The verse says:

"And because of their saying (in boast): 'Verily we slew Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Allah's Messenger…..."

Perhaps, the sense of 'Allah's Messenger' that they said about Jesus (as) was said mockingly in order to scorn him, while they were not true in their claim. The verse continues saying:

"... but they did not slay him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them (a likeness of that)…"

Then, the Qur'an, as an emphasis on the matter, says:

"....and, certainly, they did not slay him."

Then, the Qur'an, as a separate verse, continues saying:

"But Allah took him up unto Himself ..."

The reason that the Qur'an has emphasized particularly on the subject that Jesus (as) has not been crucified, is for the purpose of perfectly nullifying the superstitious belief of ransom and making ummah (community) free from sin by payment, so that the Christians find rescue in the pledge of their own good deeds not in seeking refuge to the Cross.

We are absolutely certain that both the birth and departure of Jesus from this world occurred abnormally. He (as) was taken up to be a provision for future.

"... and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 159

وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلاَّ لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا

159. "And there is not anyone of the People of the Book but surely believes in him (Jesus) before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness over them."

There are two probabilities in commenting on this verse, each of which is considerable for, some views.

1. The verse says:

"And there is not anyone of the People of the Book but surely believes in him (Jesus) before his death......"

The above-mentioned time is when a person is going to die and his connection with the world becomes weak while it becomes more serious with the world after death. The curtains will be removed from before his eyes and he will see many things of the reality.

It is at this time that his inward eye of seeing the truth will see Jesus (as) and he will surrender before him (as).Those who denied him will believe in him, and those who considered him God, will recognize their error. But it is too late and this belief is of no vail for them. Then, it is better for them to believe just now, when belief is useful for them.

2. The purpose of the verse is that all the People of the Book will believe in Jesus (as) before death. The Jews will accept him for his messenger ship, and the Christians will leave out the god ship of Jesus.

This circumstance will happen, according to the Islamic literature, when Jesus (as) comes down from heaven at the time of the reappearance of Hadrat Mahdi (may Allah hasten his glad advent) and establishes prayer at the back of him.

The Jews and Christians will see him and will believe both in him (as) and Imam Mahdi (May Allah hasten his glad advent). So, it is clear that, at this time, Jesus, whose religion relate to the former times has to follow the present creed, i.e. Islam, the executor of which is Mahdi (May Allah hasten his glad advent).

Basing on the recorded Islamic traditions, at the time of Mahdi's rightful government, the security will be so much so that wolf and sheep, lion and cow, and other savage animals will graze in the same pasture. The security of life, wealth and honour will be found in the world thoroughly. There will be no cruelty and transgression anywhere, and justice will cover the whole world of existence.

However, at the end of the verse, it says:

"... and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness over them."

The objective meaning of the 'witness of Jesus against them' is that he (as) will bear witness that he has preached the messenger ship but he has never invited them to his own divinity and god ship. On the contrary, he has invited them to the Divinity of Allah. 2

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 160

فَبِظُلْمٍ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ هَادُواْ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ طَيِّبَاتٍ أُحِلَّتْ لَهُمْ وَبِصَدِّهِمْ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ كَثِيراً

160. "And for the injustice from those of the Jews We did forbid them those good things which had been made lawful for them (before), and for their much hindering (people) from the path of Allah."

Perhaps, the objective meaning of the good things that became forbidden for them is the same things which are mentioned in Surah Al-'An'am. No.5. verse 146. It says:

"And to those who were Jews We made unlawful every animal having claws, and of oxen and sheep "....

This very prohibition is also found in the present Torah. (Leviticus, Chapter 11)

Explanations

Injustice is the preparation for deprivation from bounties.

Sometimes, some economical deprivations and material straitened circumstances are signs for the wrath and retribution of Allah.

"And for the injustice from those of the Jews We did forbid them those good things which had been made lawful for them (before)..."

Hindering people from the path of Allah, in any form it may be, (including: distortion, concealment, innovation, corruption, and deviation), is the cause of deprivation.

"…and for their much hindering (people) from the path of Allah"

In fact, the main punishments will be given in Hereafter, yet the worldly retributions are for awareness. They are as penalty for the evil doers and as trial for the good doers.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 161

وَأَخْذِهِمُ الرِّبَا وَقَدْ نُهُواْ عَنْهُ وَأَكْلِهِمْ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

161. "And (for) their taking usury when indeed they were forbidden from it, and (for) their devouring the property of people unrightfully, and We prepared for the disbelievers from among them a painful chastisement."

The prohibition of usury is also mentioned in the present Torah (Deuteronomy, Chapter 23, and No. 19 & 20):

19. Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of anything that is lent upon usury:

20. Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou set test thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Usury seems to be the source of profit and the factor of happiness, but it is the cause of deprivations and punishments.

All heavenly religions are sensitive, and have words, due to the material and financial connections between human-beings and also due to their gains and expenditures.

As long as injustice, usury, and living on unlawful money have not set a person in the course of infidelity, it is easy for him to return to the right path, otherwise the sins may become the cause of infidelity, and infidels are involved in punishment.

"And (for) their taking usury when indeed they were forbidden from it, and (for) their devouring the property of people unrightfully, and We prepared for the disbelievers from among them a painful chastisement."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 162

لَّـكِنِ الرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَالْمُقِيمِينَ الصَّلاَةَ وَالْمُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ أُوْلَـئِكَ سَنُؤْتِيهِمْ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

162. "But those firmly rooted in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you and what has been revealed (to the messengers) before you, and the establishers of prayer and the givers of poor-rate, and the believers in Allah and the Last Day. Upon these We shall give a great reward."

In this verse, a great fact is referred to, on which the Holy Qur'an has repeatedly emphasized. This fact is that the reproach and reprimanding of the Qur'an upon the Jews has never had an aspect of racial or tribal combat.

Islam reproaches no race as a 'race', but it blames and reprimands the filthy and deluded persons. That is why this verse separates the believers and virtuous ones from among the Jews as an exception and admires them when it gives them the glad tidings of a great reward. The Qur'an says:

"But those firmly rooted in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you and what has been revealed (to the messengers) before you, and the establishers of prayer and the givers of poor-rate, and the believers in Allah and the Last Day. Upon these We shall give a great reward."

The proof for this meaning is the fact that at the time of the advent of the Prophet of Islam (S), when some of the prominent people of the Jews saw the reasons of his rightfulness, embraced Islam and defended it heartily. These persons were respected by the Prophet of Islam (S) and other Muslim members.

- 1. Surah, Al- 'An'am, No.6, verse 7

- 2. Nur-uth-Thaqalayn, vol. 1, p. 572

Section 23: The Qur'an testified in the previous heavenly Books

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 163

Heavenly Books were revealed to the previous messengers - The disbelievers -The truth about the personality of Jesus

إِنَّا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ كَمَا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى نُوحٍ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ مِن بَعْدِهِ وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأَسْبَاطِ وَعِيسَى وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُونُسَ وَهَارُونَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا

163. "Verily We revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him, and We (also) revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isac and Jacob and the Tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron, and Solomon, and We gave David the Psalms."

The names of twenty-five prophets of Allah have been mentioned, in the Qur'an. Eleven names of these prophets are referred to in the verse under discussion, and the rest of them are: 'Adam, Andreas, Hud, -Salih, Lot, Yusuf (Joseph), Shu'aib (Jethro), Thilkafl, Moses, Elyas (Elija), Yasa' (Elisha), Zakaria (Zachariah), Yahya (John), and 'Uzair (Ezra).

Some Islamic recorded traditions denote that whatever had been revealed to the former prophets (as) were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S), too. 1

The Qur'anic term /'asbat/ is a title for those prophets who are the children of Ya'qub (Jacob).

The word /zabur/ in philology means 'book', but, as a technical term, it is used for David's Book. Psalms of David can be found in the Books of the Old Testament. This book contains 150 Chapters, each of which is a Psalm. (p.p. 606 to 681 of the Holy Bible). Here is the verse:

"Verily We revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him, and We (also) revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isac and Jacob and the Tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonoh and Aaron, and Solomon, and We gave David the Psalms."

Allah sent down revelations to all prophets one after another. But here, in this regard, before mentioning the names of some other prophets, Allah says:

"We revealed to you.”

This precedence may be for the superiority of the holy Prophet's rank. .

Explanations

1. In the history of man, revelation and Messenger ship has been an unalterable process and rule.

2. In revelation both aim, and style, and the generality of the content, and the origin of them, wholly is the same; and that origin is Allah.

"Verily We revealed ..."

3. The divine revelations unto the prophets have repeatedly occurred in the history. Yet, why do the opponents of prophet hood not accept the Prophet of Islam (S) and do differ between him and other prophets? (Such people are certainly astray).

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 164

وَرُسُلاً قَدْ قَصَصْنَاهُمْ عَلَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَرُسُلاً لَّمْ نَقْصُصْهُمْ عَلَيْكَ وَكَلَّمَ اللّهُ مُوسَى تَكْلِيمًا

164. "And earlier (there were) messengers We have already told you of, and messengers We have not told you of; and Allah spoke directly unto Moses a (peculiar) speech."

Suras Hud (No.11) and Al-'Anbiya (No.21), comparing other Suras of the Qur'an, are more inclusive in stating the stories of the prophets. In regard to learning good qualities, acquainting oneself with the history of the lives of prophets is so useful for men that Allah (s.w.t.) has paid to it, too. It says:

"....messengers We have already told you of....."

The history of prophets, of course, is more abundant than what has been mentioned in the Qur'an. Neither the length of the life of a person is enough to listen to the whole history, nor is listening to the whole history necessary.

But listening to it should be as much as to take example and to take lesson from it. This very thing shows that the Qur'an is a Book of guidance and teaching, not a Book for telling stories.

"... and messengers We have not told you of ..."

However, the styles of receiving revelations are different, inspiration in heart, or sending down the angel, or revealing from behind the (curtain), and all prophets had been the addressee of Allah (s.w.t.), but among them only Moses (as), as his epithet, was entitled /kalim-ul-lah/ ' The Interlocutor of Allah'.

"... and Allah spoke directly unto Moses a (peculiar) speech."

This title was given to Moses (as) maybe for the reason that it was necessary for him to communicate repeatedly with Allah in order to struggle and work hard against Pharaoh, or against obstinacy and stubbornness of the Children of Israel.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 165

رُّسُلاً مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلاَّ يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى اللّهِ حُجَّةٌ بَعْدَ الرُّسُلِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا

165. "(We sent) messengers as givers of glad tidings and as warners, so that people might have no argument against Allah after the (invitations of) the messengers, and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

This verse expresses the words of prophets' invitation and the method of their effort, together with the purpose of the mission of prophets to prophet hood.

The method of the work of prophets is based on two pivots: 'glad tidings' and 'warning'.

"(We sent) messengers as givers of glad tidings and as warners, so that people might have no argument against Allah after the (invitations of) the messengers, and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

The philosophy of the mission of prophets is Allah's 'completing the argument' for humankind so that they cannot say that they had not any leader or guide.

It is necessary to mention that from the point of personal epithets, background of life, social, political, genealogical, and physical situation, and also from the point of having miracles, clear statements, and being aided by hidden helps, prophets should be in a state that no one be able to object any things of theirs.

And, since 'Allah is the Mighty, the Wise', none has any proof against Him, as the Qur'an states:

"Say: ' Then Allah's is the conclusive argument;'..." 2

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 166

لَّـكِنِ اللّهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ أَنزَلَهُ بِعِلْمِهِ وَالْمَلآئِكَةُ يَشْهَدُونَ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ شَهِيدًا

166. "But Allah bears witness to what He has sent down to you that He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels (also) bear witness; and Allah is Sufficient as witness."

This very fact that the high standard of knowledge of the Qur'an has been delivered by an illiterate person in an environment full of ignorance and enmity, and that it changed the state of people from dispersion to unity, from avarice to donation, from paganism to theism, from ignorance to knowledge, and from descent to spiritual ascent so that they reached to the condition of formation of 'the Islamic Ummah', is an evidence for Allah's grace (s.w.t.) toward the holy Prophet (S) and for His favour to his religion.

That is why the best shelter and the source of hope in all prophets has been the support and aid of Allah.

"But Allah bears witness to what He has sent down to you ..."

By the way, the origin of revelation is the infinite knowledge of Allah. So, with the advance of science, every day some parts of the Qur'anic wisdom will be manifested.

"...that He has sent it down with His knowledge. ..."

It should be regarded that if there are some obstinate sinful persons in some corners of the world who seek pretexts, in spite of that, there are all the pure knowledgeable angels in the world of existence who bear witness alongside the Holiness of Allah. It says:

"... and the angels (also) bear witness; and Allah is Sufficient as witness."

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 167 - 169

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ قَدْ ضَلُّواْ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَظَلَمُواْ لَمْ يَكُنِ اللّهُ لِيَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ وَلاَ لِيَهْدِيَهُمْ طَرِيقاً

إِلاَّ طَرِيقَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا وَكَانَ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللّهِ يَسِيرًا

167. "Verily, those who disbelieve and hinder (people) from the way of Allah, have gone astray far away (from felicity)."

168. "Verily, those who disbelieve and act unjustly, it is not for Allah to forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way."

169 . "Except the way to Hell, to abide therein forever and that (retribution) is easy for Allah."

In the first verse of the above verses, the phrase 'have gone astray far away (from felicity)' denotes to the intensive stray of the disbelievers. Infidelity is an aberration, and hindering others from Faith is another one!

Disbelief is a deviation, while a disbeliever considering oneself rightful, is a deviation greater than that. Disbelief in a person is injustice to his own self, while hindering others from the right path is injustice unto generation, in the history.

"Verily, those who disbelieve and hinder (people) from the way of Allah, have gone astray far away (from felicity)."

The objective meaning of the phrase 'act unjustly', mentioned in verse No.168, may be in the same sense of hindering others to be guided. Which injustice, in comparison, can be higher than the mental, cultural, and creedal injustice?

"Verily, those who disbelieve and act unjustly, it is not for Allah to forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way."

The most painful chastisement and the most disgraceful senses have been appointed against those pagans who hinder the message of truth to reach the ears of the truth-seekers by different kinds of propagations, accusations and Intimidations.

The lack of forgiveness, the lack of guidance, to be counted among those who abide in Hell forever and the like of them is the fruit of the indecency of their deeds.

"Except the way to Hell, to abide therein forever and that (retribution) is easy for Allah"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 170

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءكُمُ الرَّسُولُ بِالْحَقِّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَآمِنُواْ خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ وَإِن تَكْفُرُواْ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

170. "O' mankind! the Messenger has came to you with the truth from your Lord; then believe (in him), it is good for you And if you disbelieve, still, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

The invitation of Islam is an invitation to all humankind throughout the world. The verse says:

"O' mankind!...."

The means of the spread of this invitation, and the weapon of the prophets for the aim, has been its rightfulness.

"... with the truth from your Lord...."

Before the advent of the holy Prophet (S), the People of the Book, and even the pagans, were waiting for a prophet to come.

When the same prophet came, they should believe in him and they would know that believing in him is beneficial for the people themselves. So, they might not hold Islam under obligation for their belief in it, but Allah has conferred a favour upon them for that He has guided them.

"...then believe (in him), it is good for you…."

Neither the disbelief of people incurs a loss to Allah, nor does their belief bring a gain for Him.

".. And if you disbelieve, still, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth…."

Allah knows that the felicity of people lies in following the path of prophets, and His Wisdom requires sending prophets.

"... and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 171

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ تَغْلُواْ فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِلاَّ الْحَقِّ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَى مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِّنْهُ فَآمِنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ ثَلاَثَةٌ انتَهُواْ خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ إِنَّمَا اللّهُ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ سُبْحَانَهُ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَات وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ وَكِيلاً

171. "O' People of the Book! do not exaggerate in your religion, and do not say upon Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His Word that He cast unto Mary and a Spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and do not say (Allah is) a Trinity. Desist! it is good for you; verily Allah is only one God. Far be it from His Glory that there be for Him a son; to Him belongs whatever is in heavens and whatever is in the earth; and Allah is sufficient as a Protector."

Adapting to the contents of the previous verses which were about the People of the Book and pagans, in this verse the Qur'an has pointed to one of the most important deviations of the society of the Christians, i.e. trinity or believing in three foldness ( the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit). In a short and reasonable sentence, it tells them to avoid this great aberration.

At first, it warns them that:

"O' People of the Book! do not exaggerate in your religion, and do not say upon Allah save the truth. ..."

The subject of exaggeration about the religious leaders has been one of the most important origins of deviation in heavenly religions. For this reason, Islam has treated with a severe strictness against Extremists, 'Qalat'. So, in Islamic jurisprudence, Qalat have been introduced as the worst infidels.

Then the verse hints to some points where each of which is as a reason for the nullification of trinity, and divinity of Jesus (as). They are as follows:

1. Jesus (as) was but a son of Mary:

"... The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary....."

This phrase indicates that Jesus, similar to every other human being, was in the womb of his mother, and passed the foetal course. Like any other members of men, he was born, sucked milk and grew up in the bosom of his mother.

In other words, all the human qualities existed in him (as). How can such a person, who is object to the laws of nature and the changes of the world of matter, be a God without beginning and without end.

2. Jesus was the messenger of Allah and he was sent by Him. This rank does not fit with his divinity:

"...was only a messenger of Allah....."

3. Jesus was the 'word' of Allah that He cast unto Mary. This meaning is for hinting to the fact that Jesus was a creature of Allah. In the same manner that 'words' are His creatures, all the things of the world of creation are creatures of Allah, too.

4. Jesus is a 'spirit' that has been created by Allah (s.w.t.). This expression that has been mentioned in the Qur'an for the creation of 'Adam or, in another sense for the creation of humankind, points to that spirit which Allah created and set in the selves of human beings, in general, and in Jesus and prophets, in particular.

"…and a Spirit from Him…"

Next to stating this meaning, the Qur'an says:

"... So believe in Allah and His messengers, and do not say (Allah is) a Trinity. Desist! it is good for you....."

Here, the Qur'an emphasizes on the unity of Allah once more and says:

"... verily Allah is only One God. ..."

This phrase means that you believe in oneness of God, and yet in the meantime, you accept trinity. But if Allah had a child, the child would be like Him, and, in this case, oneness of God is meaningless.

How can Allah have a child while He is far from being in need of the deficiency of wife and child, and from the deficiency of body and of being a body?

"... Far be it from His Glory that there be for Him a son....."

Besides that, He is the possessor of what is in the heavens and the earth. They are all His creatures and He is the Creator of them all. And, Muses (as) is one of these creatures.

"...to Him belongs whatever is in heavens and whatever is in the earth....."

How can an exceptional case be assumed for Him? Can a slave and a creature be both the child and the creator of his possessor! Allah not only is the Creator and the Possessor of them but also is a controller, protector, sustainer, and guardian of them. And, He is sufficient to direct and guard them.

"...and Allah is sufficient as a protector."

Basically, how is the Lord in need of a child, the One Who is without beginning and without end, and Who is in charge of the guardianship of all creatures from beginning to the end? Is He like us, the mortals, to demand a child in order to substitute that child after His death?

- 1. Nur-uth-Thaqalayn, vol. 1, p. 572

- 2. Surah Al-'An'am, No 6, verse 149

Section 24: Messengership of Jesus -Law of Inheritance

Jesus only a servant of Allah and His Messenger -The manifest proof from Allah and the Divine Light -The Law of Inheritance further detailed.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 172

لَّن يَسْتَنكِفَ الْمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبْداً لِّلّهِ وَلاَ الْمَلآئِكَةُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ وَمَن يَسْتَنكِفْ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيَسْتَكْبِرْ فَسَيَحْشُرُهُمْ إِلَيهِ جَمِيعًا

172. "Never would Messiah disdain to be a servant of Allah, nor would the near-stationed angels; and whoever disdains His service, and prides, He will gather them all soon to Him."

Jesus himself declares that he is the servant of Allah. Why do you know him the Allah's child? Be not more royalistic than the king. The holy verse says:

"Never would Messiah disdain to be a servant of Allah...."

The one who is a worshipper cannot he an object of worship. Concerning this matter, Imam Rida (as) told Jathliq, the leader of the Christians:

"All the qualities of Jesus were good save that he was not a good worshipper."

Jathliq became inconvenient and said that Jesus did the best worship. Imam (as) enquired:

"Whom did he worship?"

Jathliq said nothing, 1 since he understood that the purpose of Imam (as) was to teach that a 'worshipper' could not be an 'object of worship', and 'God '.

Near-stationed angels (including' Ruh-ul-Ghudus', Holy Spirit) also do worship Allah, why do you count Holy spirit one of the three gods?

"…nor would the near-stationed angels...."

The main cause of leaving worship is usually pride. Then, when the spirit of haughtiness comes, it brings forth all kinds of danger at its back.

"….and whoever disdains His service, and prides…"

If Jesus and the near stationed angels worship Allah, why do we not worship Him?

However, the return of all human beings is unto Allah. So, we should be in awe of the Hereafter and be not haughty.

"…He will gather them all soon to Him…"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 173

فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ اسْتَنكَفُواْ وَاسْتَكْبَرُواْ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلُيمًا وَلاَ يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلاَ نَصِيرًا

173. "Then, as for those who believe and do righteous deeds, He will pay them their rewards fully and will bestow them more out of His Grace, and as for those who disdain and pride, He will punish them with a painful chastisement. And they will not find for themselves, besides Allah, any guardian or helper."

The Way to Felicity Is both Faith and Good Deed

Faith stands first and then there comes forth good deed. Yet they are both together. Deeds without faith and faith without deeds do not cause felicity and Heaven for you. The verse says:

"Then, as for those who believe and do righteous deeds. ..."

If you wish to be godly, pay the complete wage to the workers who work for you and even with a little more.

"...He will pay them their rewards fully and will bestow them more out of His Grace....."

Without having true faith and righteous deeds, you must not expect any intercession from the prophets.

"...and as for those who disdain and pride, He will punish them with a painful chastisement. And they will not find for themselves, besides Allah, any guardian or helper."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 174

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءكُم بُرْهَانٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا

174. "O' mankind! there has come for you a (firm) proof from your Lord and We have sent down to you a manifest light."

Basing on the Islamic literature, the purpose of the Qur'anic phrase 'a (firm) proof', in this verse, is the Prophet himself (S), and the purpose of 'a manifest light' is the Qur'an. 2

The Prophet of Allah, indeed, is the proof of his religion, because such a book and knowledge has been introduced by an illiterate person that the more the time progresses and sciences develop, the rightfulness of the religion and the depth of its teachings will become clearer.

Explanations

1. Islam talks to all peoples, all generations, and all periods. Its message is worldly.

"O' mankind! ..."

2. The Qur'an is a book of reasoning, guidance and light.

"... and We have sent down to you a manifest light."

3. Sending light and proof is from among the signs of Allah's Lordship.

"... there has come for you a (firm) proof from your Lord ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 175

فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَاعْتَصَمُواْ بِهِ فَسَيُدْخِلُهُمْ فِي رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَيْهِ صِرَاطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا

175. "Then as for those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him, shortly He will admit them to Mercy from Him and Grace; and will guide them toward Himself through a straight way."

The objective meaning of the above-mentioned holy phrase: 'and hold fast to Him' may be holding fast to the godly saints and leaders which works as a barrier against dispersion and division. It is cited in 'Jami'ah Supplication' thus:

"...the person who holds fast to you, he has verily held to Allah. ..."

It was pointed out in the two previous verses that the means of receiving the grace and favour of Allah should be faith and good deeds, while, in this verse, the means is faith and holding fast to Allah. This shows that 'faith and holding fast to Allah ' is the same as faith and good deeds. These two meanings have frequently been mentioned beside each other in the Qur'an.

"Then as for those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him, shortly He will admit them to Mercy from Him and Grace....."

Therefore, the straight way, or the way of guidance, is the way which leads man to Allah. It says:

"...and will guide them toward Himself through a straight way."

This fact should also be noted that according to the Islamic authentic narrations, the Qur'anic' phrase 'straight way' has been rendered into Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) and Ahlul-Bayt (as). 3

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 176

يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ قُلِ اللّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِي الْكَلاَلَةِ إِنِ امْرُؤٌ هَلَكَ لَيْسَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ وَلَهُ أُخْتٌ فَلَهَا نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ وَهُوَ يَرِثُهَا إِن لَّمْ يَكُن لَّهَا وَلَدٌ فَإِن كَانَتَا اثْنَتَيْنِ فَلَهُمَا الثُّلُثَانِ مِمَّا تَرَكَ وَإِن كَانُواْ إِخْوَةً رِّجَالاً وَنِسَاء فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ الأُنثَيَيْنِ يُبَيِّنُ اللّهُ لَكُمْ أَن تَضِلُّواْ وَاللّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

176. "They ask you for a pronouncement. Say: Allah pronounces to you concerning the Kalalah (paternal, or paternal and maternal, brother and sister). If a man dies and he has no offspring, but he has a sister, for her shall be half of what he leaves; and he shall inherit from her (wholly) if she has no offspring; but if there be two (sisters), then they shall have two-thirds of what he leaves; and if there be (some) brothers and sisters, then for the male shall be the like of the shares of two females. Allah, makes clear (the laws) to you, lest you should go astray, and Allah is All-Knowing of all things."

Occasion of Revelation

It is narrated from Jabir-ibn-'Abdillah Ansary who said that once he was seriously ill. The holy Prophet (S) went to visit him in his house where he (S) made ablution and besprinkled Jabir with some drops from the water of his ablution (as a remedy). Abdillah, who was thinking of his death, told the holy Prophet (S):

"My heirs are my sisters. How is their heritage?"

Then, this verse, which is called 'the verse of duties', was revealed and made the standard of their inheritance clear.

Some commentators of the Qur'an believe that this holy verse is the last verse that was revealed to the holy Prophet (S) about the commandments of Islam.

This verse states the amounts of the inheritance of brothers and sisters. As it was mentioned in the commentary upon the beginning verses of this Surah, verse 12, there are two verses in the Qur'an revealed upon the inheritance of brothers and sisters.

One of them is the very verse 12 which speaks about the maternal brothers and sisters, and the second one is the verse under discussion which is about the parental sisters and brothers or about only paternal brothers and sisters. It says:

"They ask you for a pronouncement. Say: Allah pronounces to you concerning the Kalalah (paternal, or paternal and maternal, brother and sister). ..."

Then, the Qur'an points to a few commandments as follows:

1. The verse says:

"... 1f a man dies and he has no offspring, but he has a sister, for her shall be half of what he leaves....."

2. It continues the statement that: if a woman dies and she has no child but she has one brother (a parental brother or a mere paternal brother) all his heritage belongs to that one brother. It says:

"...and he shall inherit from her (wholly) if she has no offspring; ..."

3. If a person dies and there remain two sisters after his death, they shall have two-thirds of what he leaves; ..."

"...but if there be two (sisters), then they shall have two-thirds of what he leaves ..."

4. If the heirs of the dead are several brothers and sisters (more than two), they divide the whole inheritance among themselves so that the share of a brother is the like of the shares of two sisters.

"... and if there be (some) brothers and sisters, then for the male shall be the like of the shares of two females....."

At the end of the verse, the Qur'an remarks that Allah states these facts for you so that you should not go astray and pave the path of felicity. (Surely the way that Allah shows is a true and correct way), because He is All-Knowing of all things. It says:

"..Allah, makes clear (the laws) to you, lest you should go astray, and Allah is All-Knowing of all things."

However, Surah An-Nisa’' has begun with the family discussions, and has ended with the family affairs, too.

- 1. Manaqib by Ibn-i-Shahr Ashub, vol. 4, p. 352

- 2. At- Tafsir-u-Safi, vol. 1, p. 475

- 3. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 429; & Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 486

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Chapter 5, Introduction

Introduction to the Surah

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In The Name of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful

This Surah has been called Al-Ma'idah (the food), because of the invocation of Jesus (as) that he asked for the descent of heavenly food, mentioned in this Surah, verse 114.

The Arabic term /Ma'idah/ originally is used for a tray with food inside.

Surah Al-Ma'idah contains 120 verses, and, comparing all Suras of the Qur'an, the most frequency of the phrase 'O' you who have Faith!' has occurred in this Surah. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, No.2, this phrase has been repeated eleven times, but in this Surah it has been recited 16 times.

The subject matters referred to in this Surah are questions such as: master ship and leadership, rejecting the belief of trinity in Christians, fulfilling the promise, testifying with justice, prohibition of murder, some commandments upon edibles, ablution, dry ablution, social justice, and so on.

Since it is the last Surah which was revealed, at the beginning of the Surah it enjoins to fulfilling all the promises and pledges by the phrase: 'fulfil the promises '.

Section 1: General Discipline

Fulfilment of covenants -Obligations relating to Pilgrimage -Regulations regarding food -Perfection of the Faith -Islam chosen to be the Religion - Dealings with the non-Muslims.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 1

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَوْفُواْ بِالْعُقُودِ أُحِلَّتْ لَكُم بَهِيمَةُ الأَنْعَامِ إِلاَّ مَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ غَيْرَ مُحِلِّي الصَّيْدِ وَأَنتُمْ حُرُمٌ إِنَّ اللّهَ يَحْكُمُ مَا يُرِيدُ

In The Name of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful

1. "O' you who have Faith! Fulfil the contracts (made by you or people). The four-footed animals are lawful to you (for food) except those which will be recited unto you, pilgrim garb, and while you are in deem not game permitted to be hunted. Verily Allah decrees whatever He intends."

Muslims should earnestly fulfil any covenant and every kind of contract that they have made. These covenants are irrespective of the recorded contracts and the oral contracts, whether they are political, economical, social, and both with authorative and weak people, friend or enemy.

The Holy Qur'an enjoins Muslims that the contracts with pagans should be fulfilled, too. Surah At- Taubah, No.9. verse 4 says:

"... so fulfil their contract ...".

According to a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as), recorded in Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 162 even the fulfilment of agreements with the sinners is necessary.

These covenants may be with Allah (s.w.t.) (like vows and promises), or with people who can be an individual or a group, young or old. The contracts may be with the countries in neighbourhood, or those of international formation.

However, as in the same manner that breach of promise and iniquity is the secret of deprivations,1 fulfilling the promises is the cause of gains and enjoyments.

And it ought to be noted that the heavenly Books are also Allah's covenants to which should we be loyal and fulfil them entirely. The Old Testament (the Torah), the New Testament (the Evangel) and the Present Testament (the Qur'an) all are referred to in the Islamic literature. In a tradition, Imam Sadiq (as) said:

"Al-Qur'an is the covenant of Allah unto His people…." 2

However, faith is the basis of fulfilling the promises and vows. The holy Prophet Muhammad (S) said:

"There is no religion for the person who does not fulfil his promise."

If the agreements and promises be not kept, the basis of the society and common confidence will fail, and, at that line, disorder comes forth.

"O' you who have Faith! fulfil the contracts (made by you or people). ..."

Then, following the ordinance of fulfilling the promise, which involves the entire ordinances and divine covenants, the Qur'an states a number of Islamic ordinances. At first, it refers to the meat of some animals that can be lawful. It says:

"...The four-footed animals are lawful to you (for food) ..."

But, in this ordinance, it has excepted the meat of two animals to be lawful. It says:

"...except those which will be recited unto you, and while you are in pilgrim garb, deem not game permitted to be hunted. ..."

And Allah is wilful to decree whatever ordinance He pleases, since He is Omniscient and 'Omni competent. This means that He decrees whatever ordinance which is good for the servants, and His Wisdom requires it.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 2

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تُحِلُّواْ شَعَآئِرَ اللّهِ وَلاَ الشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَلاَ الْهَدْيَ وَلاَ الْقَلآئِدَ وَلا آمِّينَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرِضْوَانًا وَإِذَا حَلَلْتُمْ فَاصْطَادُواْ وَلاَ يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ أَن صَدُّوكُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ أَن تَعْتَدُواْ وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الْبرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

2. "O' you who have Faith! do not profane Allah's Monuments, nor the sacred month, nor the offering, nor the sacrificial animals with garlands, nor those going to the Sacred House seeking the grace and pleasure of their Lord. And when you are free from the pilgrim garb (and acts of Umrah), then (you can) hunt. And let not hatred of a people (once) hindered you from the sacred Mosque move you to commit aggression. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression; and be in awe of Allah (for), verily, Allah is severe in penalty."

Eight Divine Ordinances in a Verse

In this verse, several Islamic magnificent ordinances, among the latest ordinances that were revealed to the Prophet (S), are referred to. All of these ordinances, or most of them, are related to Hajj pilgrimage and visiting the Sacred House:

1. At first it addresses the believers and enjoins them not to violate the sanctity of the symbols of Allah and not to consider their prohibition as lawful. It says:

"O'you who have Faith! do not profane Allah's Monuments....."

2. Keep the sanctity of the sacred months and refrain from fighting in these sacred months.

"...nor the sacred month....."

3. Do not consider lawful the offering and the sacrificial animals which you bring for Hajj, whether they are with garlands or without garlands, and let them reach the place of sacrifice and then they can be sacrificed there.

4. All the pilgrims to the Sacred House should be enjoyed a complete freedom in the rites of this Islamic great duty. In this work, there is not any privilege between nations, individuals, races, and languages.

Therefore, you must not bring into trouble those who set out for visiting the Sacred House and seeking the grace and pleasure of Allah, or even for obtaining some commercial gains, whether they are friends or enemies of yours. When they are simply Muslims and are called as pilgrims of the Sacred House, they are in immunity.

5. The prohibition of hunting, in Hajj performances, is limited to the time of wearing pilgrim garment. Thus, when you come out of pilgrim garment while performing the rites of Hajj or Umrah, hunting is allowed for you.

"... And when you are free from the pilgrim garb (and acts of Umrah), then (you can) hunt...."

6. If in the course of Hudaybiyyah pagans hindered you from going into the Sacred House and did not allow you to perform the concerning sacred rites of the Pilgrimage, this happening should not cause you to renew the old hostilities after they becoming Muslims, and hinder them from going into the Sacred House.

"... And let not hatred of a people (once) hindered you from the sacred Mosque move you to commit aggression. ..."

A general law can be extracted from this statement. This law is that never should Muslims be malicious and revenge the incidents that happened in old times.

Then, in order to complete the former discussion, the holy verse continues saying:

"..And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression....."

The Arabic term /birr/ has a vast meaning, including: having faith in: Allah, Resurrection, prophets, heavenly Books, and angels. The word also means: helping the deprive in the society, fulfilling the contracts properly, being patient in affairs, and helping in righteousness.

For example, if the act of studying and learning is a work of righteousness, its facilities, such as: building schools, libraries, laboratories, providing books, vehicles, training teachers, encouraging both teachers and students, etc, all are the examples of 'helping in righteousness'.

There are many traditions in Islamic literature in which we have been instructed to helping in goodness and assisting the oppressed and the deprived, and we have also been prohibited from assisting the oppressors. Here, we mention only a few of them as a blessing:

Helping a Muslim believer, in comparison, is better than performing one month recommendable fast and spiritual retreat. (Wasa'il-ush- Shi'ah, vol. 11, p. 345)

Imam Sadiq (as) said:

"Whoever steps forth for helping others, has the reward equal to a striver in the Holy War." (Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 8, p. 586)

He (as) also said:

"And whoever assists a transgressor, he himself is as a transgressor." (Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 11, p. 345)

We have also been enjoined even not to help a transgressor in building a mosque. (Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol 12 p. 130)

We ought not to sell grapes to the maker of wine, not to give weapon to a tyrant, not to allow a plotter to act, not to give vehicles to Taghuto to Mecca, not to tell the secrets to the persons with little capacity, and not to smile to a sinner.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 3

حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالْدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلاَّ مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ وَمَا ذُبِحَ عَلَى النُّصُبِ وَأَن تَسْتَقْسِمُواْ بِالأَزْلاَمِ ذَلِكُمْ فِسْقٌ الْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن دِينِكُمْ فَلاَ تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِ الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينًا فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ فِي مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍ لِّإِثْمٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

3. "Forbidden to you (for food) are carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, what has been (slaughtered) in the name of any other than that of Allah, and the beast strangled, beaten to death, killed by a fall, the gored to death by a horn, and that which a wild beast has begun to eat, (all are unlawful), except what you slaughter (in accordance with the prescribed law). And (also forbidden is to you) what has been slaughtered before idols, or that you divide by the arrows; (all) that is ungodliness. Today those who disbelieve have despaired of your religion, so do not dread them but dread Me. Today have I perfected your religion for you, and completed My favour on you, and I have chosen for you Islam as a religion. But, whoever is helplessly forced by hunger, without inclining to sin, (can enjoy the forbidden food), then verily Allah is forgiving, Merciful."

At the beginning of this Surah, there was a statement which pointed out to the meat of the beast being lawful for eating, except what would be said thereafter. This verse, in fact, is the explanation upon the same exceptions. Here, there are eleven things which have been ordained to be prohibited.

At first, it says:

"Forbidden to you (for food) are carrion, bloods, the flesh of swine, what has been (slaughtered) in the name of any other than that of Allah, the beast strangled....."

The meat of this kind of beast is forbidden to be eaten, whether the action is done spontaneously, or by the beast, or by a person.

It had been customary at the Age of Ignorance that sometimes the animal was put between two sticks or two branches of a tree, and then it was pressed thereby so much so that it died. After that, the meat of such animal was consumed by them. It is also forbidden in Islam to eat the meat of the animals which are tortured, or beaten to death, or die because of a disease.

"... beaten to death, killed by a fall, the gored to death by a horn ..."

It is cited in At-Tafsir-ul-Qurtubi that it was a custom among some Arabs that, for the sake of idols, they would beat a few sorts of animals until they died. They considered that action a kind of worship.

The verse also continues saying:

"...and that which a wild beast has begun to eat, (all are unlawful) ..."

Then, following the prohibition of the aforementioned items, the Qur'an implies: if, before that those animals die, they can be taken and slaughtered in accordance with the Islamic laws, and sufficient blood comes out of their bodies, they will be lawful. The verse says:

"...except what you slaughter (in accordance with the prescribed law). ..."

At the Age of Ignorance, some idol worshippers had settled some pieces of stone around Ka'bah which had had no special form or shape. They called them /nusub/ and they sacrificed animals before them and poured some blood of the sacrificial animal over the idols.

The only distinguished difference between these stones and idols was that idols had a special shape and face, but /nusub/ had not. In the verse under discussion, Islam has forbidden eating the meat of such animals, and says the animals which are slaughtered on the idols or before them are all forbidden for you to eat.

"….And (also forbidden is to you) what has been slaughtered before idols…"

It is clear, of course, that the prohibition of this kind of meal has a moral and spiritual aspect, not a bodily and material one,

Another kind of animal which the verse points out as unlawful, are those which are killed and divided in the form of lottery, The action was in this manner that: ten persons among themselves laid a bet and bought an animal to kill, Then they put ten arrow shafts in a bag, on seven of them was written 'gainer', while on the rest was written' loser'.

They took those shafts out of the bag as the manner of lottery one after another by the name of the ten people. Those for whose names the seven 'gainers' came out, had a share of meat without paying anything; but those three persons, for whose names the three 'losers' were given, had to pay one- third of the price of the animal without having a share of its meat.

These arrow shafts were called /'azlam/. Islam prohibited eating such meat. It was not for the reason that the meat itself was unlawful, but for the reason that it had a form of gambling and lottery. So, it says:

"….or that you divide by the arrows…"

It is evident that the prohibition of gambling, and the like of it, is not allocated to the meat of animals, but when it is done on a thing, it is forbidden, because it is a place where all unexpected social harms and superstitions can be assembled.

Then, finally, in order to emphasize more on the prohibition of all these deeds, it says:

"….. (all) that is ungodliness…"

Moderation in the Usage of Meat

From the totality of the above discussions, as well as other Islamic literature, it is understood that the style of Islam in consuming kinds of meat, like its other commandments, is a perfectly moderate style.

That is, neither it is like the people of the Age of Ignorance, who consumed the meat of lizard, carrion, blood, and the like of them or like many people of the West who, today, do not remanciate eating even the meat of crabs and some worms, nor it is like some Hindus, who believe that eating meat is absolutely forbidden.

Thus, Islam ordains that the meat of those animals which contains pure nutriment and is not hatred, to be lawful (halal), and, by giving some conditions for the usage of some kinds of meat, has rejected the styles of excess and defect.

Next to the statement of the above-mentioned ordinances, there are also two expressive phrases mentioned in the verse under discussion. At first, it says:

"... Today those who disbelieve have despaired of your religion, so do not dread them but dread Me. ..."

Then, it continues saying:

"... Today have I perfected your religion for you, and completed My favour on you, and I have chosen for you Islam as a religion. ..."

Which day is the day of the perfection of religion? What is the purpose of the word' today' which has been repeated in the couple of above sentences?

The answer to the first question is: "The Day of Ghadeer Khumm." This fact has been cited by Shi'ite commentators in their books, in the case that many traditions referred to by the scholars of both great sects of Islam.

Sunnites and Shi'ites confirm it, and it completely fits with the contents of the verse. That day was the day when the Prophet of Islam (S) formally assigned Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) as his successor.

It was on that day that Islam reached its final perfection and pagans sank deep inside the waves of their despair. They expected Islam to be subsistent in person and, by diminishing the Prophet (S), the circumstances would change to the former state, so that Islam could gradually vanish.

But when they observed that a man was elected as the successor of the Prophet and people paid allegiance to him who, next to the Prophet (S), was peerless among Muslims from the point of knowledge, virtue, power, and justice, despair and hopelessness, due to the future of Islam, surrounded them, and they found that it was a fixed and permanent religion.

An interesting point, which must be paid attention to here, is that the Qur'an in Surah An-Nur No.24, verse 55 says:

"Allah has promised to those of you who believe and do good that He will most certainly make them rulers in the earth as He made rulers those before them, and that He will most certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them and that He will certainly, after their fear, give them security in exchange…."

In this verse, Allah says that He will establish for them on the earth the religion which He has chosen for them.

Regarding the fact that Surah An-Nur has been revealed before Surah Al-Ma'idah, and noting that the sentence "and chosen for you Islam as a religion," which has been revealed in the verse under discussion upon the master ship of Ali (as), we deduce that Islam will be firmly established and grounded on the earth when it be combined with 'mastership', because this is the very Islam that Allah has chosen and has promised those who believe to establish it firmly on the earth.

In other more clear words, Islam will be a world-wide religion in the case that it be not separated from the subject of love of Ahlul-Bayt /wilayah/ (the loyalty or allegiance to the Imams).

Another matter that can be deduced from the combination of Surah An-Nur, verse 55 with the verse under discussion is that: in the former verse three promises have been given to the believers. The first is that they be made rulers in the earth. The second is security and peace for the worshippers of the Lord; and the third is the establishment of a religion that Allah has chosen.

Those three promises were actually done on the day of Ghadeer Khumm (18th Zul-Hijjah) when the verse:

"... Today have I perfected your religion for you ..."

was revealed, because the perfect complete example of a believing person with good deed meant Ali (as), the one who was assigned as the successor of the Prophet (S). It was then that with the meaning of:

"Today those who disbelieve have despaired of your religion ..."

Muslims were set in a relative security and peace; and also with the meaning of '...and chosen for you Islam as religion', the chosen religion of the Lord was established among Muslims." 3

At the end of the verse, it has returned again to the discussion of the sorts of prohibited meat and expresses the ordinance of the case of exigency. It says:

"... But, whoever is helplessly forced by hunger, without inclining to sin, (can enjoy the forbidden food), then verily Allah is forgiving, Merciful."

Explanations

1. The firmness of the religious school depends on a correct leadership. So, with its existence, all the infidels became hopeless at that time.

2. If the leader of the day of Ghadeer (and wilayah) exists in the society, Muslims must not have any fear.

3. The most important window of the hope of infidels was the departure of the Muslims' leader (S). By the assignment of Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) for the leadership, that window was closed. However, the religion without having a leader is not complete.

4. The infidels, without the leader of Ghadeer, have many hopes and with that leader being appointed, they become hopeless. Then all infidels are on one side and 'Ali-ibn-' Abi-Talib is on another side.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 4

يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا أُحِلَّ لَهُمْ قُلْ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ وَمَا عَلَّمْتُم مِّنَ الْجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَهُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ اللّهُ فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا أَمْسَكْنَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَاذْكُرُواْ اسْمَ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ

4. "(O' Muhammad!) they ask you what has been made lawful for them. Say: 'Good things have been made lawful for you; and such hunting creatures as you teach, training them as hounds, and teaching them of what Allah has taught you, then eat what they seize for you and mention Allah's Name over it. And be in awe of Allah; verily Allah is swift in reckoning."

Occasion of Revelation

There are several occasions of revelation mentioned upon this verse, the most appropriate of which is as follows:

Two companions of the holy Prophet (S) by the names of Zayd-ul-Khayr and 'Uday-ibn-Hatam, once went to him (S) and said that they were among a group who used to hunt with falcons and hunting-dogs.

Those hunting-dogs would take the animals whose meat was lawful (for eating). Some of the animals would be fetched alive and killed by them, but some others would be killed by the hunting-dogs, before they had opportunities to kill them according to the Islamic law.

They asked that while they knew that the meat of carrion was unlawful for them to eat, what their duty was to do. Then, the verse was revealed and answered them.

A Lawful Hunting

Following the commandments stated in the previous couple of verses upon the lawful and unlawful sorts of meat, another part of that subject is referred to in this verse, and, as an answer to their question, the Divine revelation says:

"(O' Muhammad!) they ask you what has been made lawful for them. Say: 'Good things have been made lawful for you…."

This means that what Islam has ordained as unlawful are among malignant and impure things. Thus, never the Divine law prohibits a pure animal which has naturally been created for the usage and utility of human beings.

Then, the verse refers to the hunting when it says:

"…..and such hunting creatures as you teach, training them as hounds, and teaching them of what Allah has taught you...."

Therefore, the animals that hunting-dogs bring for you should be killed according to the law of Islam when they are alive. But, if the hunts die before the dogs can reach them, they are lawful (halal), although they are not slaughtered.

At the end of the verse, it points to two other circumstances of the conditions of such hunt being lawful, saying:

"….then eat what they seize for you…"

Thus, if the hunting-dogs have accustomed themselves to eat a portion of their own hunt and leave another portion, such hunt is not lawful. In fact, such a dog has neither been trained, nor what it leaves can be as an aspect of the Qur'anic word /'alaykum/ (for you), for the dog has hunted the animal for itself.

The second condition is:

"…and mention Allah's Name over it...."

Then, in conclusion, in order that all these godly commandments be observed, it says:

".... And be in awe of Allah; verily Allah is swift in reckoning."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 5

الْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ وَطَعَامُ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلُّ لَّهُمْ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ وَلاَ مُتَّخِذِي أَخْدَانٍ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِالإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

5. "Today (all) good things have been made lawful for you, and (also) the food of those who have been given the Book is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And (so are) the chaste women from the believers and the chaste women from those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful for you) when you give them their dowries taking them in marriage, not fornicating, nor taking them for paramours in secret. And whoever denies the faith, his work indeed is vain, and he will be of the losers in the Hereafter."

Consuming Food of the People of the Book and marrying them

In this verse, which is the supplementary of the former verses, the Qur'an says:

"Today (all) good things have been made lawful for you, and (also) the food of those who have been given the Book is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them....."

The objective meaning of the phrase: "...the food of those who have been given the Book..." is something other than the meat of animals slaughtered by them.

It is narrated in a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) who, on commenting this verse, said:

"The purpose of 'the food of those who have been given the Book' is cereals and fruits, not their slaughtered (animals), since they do not recite the Name of Allah when they slaughter (them)."

Marrying with Non-Muslim Women

After referring the lawfulness of the food of the People of the Book, this verse speaks about the marriage of the immaculate women from among, Muslims and the People of the Book. It says:

"... And (so are) the chaste women from the believers and the chaste women from those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful for you) when you give them their dowries taking them in marriage ..."

Then the verse adds the statement:

"...taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating, nor taking them for paramours in secret...."

In fact, this part of the verse decreases also some restrictions which had existed before upon the marriage of Muslims with non-Muslims, and, thereby, it authorizes their marriage with the women of the People of the Book under some conditions. More details about this subject should be studied in the Islamic jurisprudent books.

This fact should also be said that in this world of today that many of customs of the Age of Ignorance have been revived in different forms, this sort of thought has also come into being that: there is no objection for single men or women to take paramours. It has appeared not only in a hidden form, similar to that manner that existed in pre-Islamic era of Ignorance, but also manifestly.

The world of today, from the point of sexual libertinism, indeed, has gone beyond what had existed in the Age of Ignorance.

At that time, they considered only taking paramours in secret permissible, while these recent people know its manifest form unobjective, too, so that, with ultimate impudence, they re even proud of it.

This shameful custom, which can be counted a manifest obscene act, is one of the inauspicious presents which has been brought from West to East and has proved to be the origin of many misfortunes and crimes.

In view of the fact that the above-mentioned facilities upon association with the People of the Book and marrying their women may be misused by some persons and, they, knowingly or unknowingly, may be driven towards them, at the end, the verse warns the Muslims, saying:

"... And whoever denies the faith, his work indeed is vain, and he will be of the losers in the Hereafter."

This statement implies that these facilities, besides bringing some relief into your life, should work as a cause of influence and development of Islam among foreigners. It should not cause, of course, that you may be influenced by it and leave your own religion. If it happens, your chastisement will be very hard and heavy.

- 1. The reference is Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, verse 160, and Surah Al-An'am, No.6, verse 146

- 2. Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 16, p. 144; & vol. 69, p. 198

- 3. Inside the verse of prohibition sorts of forbidden meat of carrion were mentioned in order that they be protected from the perversion of opponents. Just like a person who puts his jewels inside other ordinary goods to be protected from being taken away.

Section 2: Special cleanliness for Prayer -Equity enjoined

Prescribed cleanliness for prayer -Equity and piety enjoined -To fear Allah alone and not the enemies

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 6

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلاةِ فاغْسِلُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُواْ بِرُؤُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَينِ وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُواْ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاء أَحَدٌ مَّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لاَمَسْتُمُ النِّسَاء فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاء فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ مَا يُرِيدُ اللّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَـكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهَّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

6. "O' you who have Faith! when you stand up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe a part of your heads and your feet up to the ankles; and if you are polluted, then perform a total ablution; and if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the privy, or you have touched the women and you can find no water (for ablution or major ritual ablution), then betake yourselves to clean soil and wipe a part of your faces and your hands with some of it. Allah does not intend to put on you any difficulty, but He intends to purify you, and to complete His favour upon you in order that you might be thankful."

In the former verses there were different statements mentioned about 'bodily purification and some material bounties'. This verse has pointed to the 'soul purification' and what causes the purification of the self of Man.

Here, a notable amount of the ordinances upon ablution, major ritual ablution and dry ablution have been referred to, which are effective in soul purification. At first, it addresses the believing people and states the ordinances of ablution as follows:

"O' you who have Faith! when you stand up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe a part of your heads and your feet up to the ankles...."

Thus, only that part of the hand that has been mentioned in the verse must be washed. But its manner in the practice of the Prophet (S) that has been conveyed to us by Ahlul-Bayt (as) denotes that the elbows must be washed down to the fingers.

Then, the verse pays to the ordinance of the major ritual ablution y when it says:

"...and if you are polluted, then perform a total ablution..."

It is clear that the objective meaning of the phrase: ' then perform a total ablution' is to wash the whole body thoroughly.

The Arabic term /junub/ philologically means 'something goes away'. So, a person in a state of ritual impurity is called /junub/ for the reason that the one must avoid doing actions such as: establishing prayers, staying in a mosque and the like of them while the person is in that state.

By the way, when the Holy Qur'an in this verse enjoins the persons in the state of ritual impurity to perform a major ritual ablution for establishing prayers, it is understood that the major ritual ablution substitutes ablution.

Then, the verse continues its words referring to the statement of the ordinance of 'dry ablution' for the person who gets up and intends to keep prayers. It says:

"...and if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the privy, or you have touched the women and you can find no water (for ablution or major ritual ablution), then betake yourselves to clean soil ..."

Next to this statement, the style of performing dry ablution is shortly stated. It says:

"...and wipe a part of your faces and your hands with some of it…"

And, to make it clear that there has been no restriction in the previous commandments when all of them have been legitimated for the sake of some considerable expediency, at the end of the verse, it says:

"... Allah does not intend to put on you any difficulty, but He intends to purify you, and to complete His favour upon you in order that you might be thankful."

Indeed, the statements mentioned in the above holy verse once more emphasizes on this fact that all divine commandments and Islamic enjoinments are assigned for the sake of people and for the protection of their rights.

There has been no aim other than that. By these instructions, Allah intends people provide both spiritual and bodily purification for themselves.

However, the final sentence of the, holy verse convey a general law. It denotes that the divine ordinances, in no aspect, are in the form of difficult proposals, or onerous duties.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 7

وَاذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَمِيثَاقَهُ الَّذِي وَاثَقَكُم بِهِ إِذْ قُلْتُمْ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

7. "And remember Allah's favour on you and His covenant with which He has bound you, when you said: 'We heard and we obeyed '. And be in awe of Allah, surely Allah is aware of what is in the breasts."

Divine Convictions

In this verse, the Qur'an attracts the attention of the Muslims to the importance o the endless bounties of Allah, the most magnificent of which is faith and guidance. It says:

"And remember Allah's favour on you ..."

What favour is greater than that Muslims obtained all kinds of merits, honours and effective possibilities owing to Islam? Islam caused a group of people who had been before dispersed, ignorant, blood-thirsty immoral, and corrupter to change into a society who became organized, united, and intelligent, with abundant material and spiritual privileges and possibilities.

Then, the holy verse reminds them the covenant that they have compacted with Allah, and says:

"...and His covenant with which He has bound you, when you said: ' We heard and we obeyed..."

This verse can be a hint to, all the genetic and divine covenants, (the covenants that Allah has bound Man through primordial nature, or those- that the holy Prophet (S) has bound Muslims with in different circumstances.

Basing on many Islamic authentic traditions, the objective meaning of 'covenant', mentioned in the verse under discussion, is the master ship of Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as). It is the covenant that the Prophet (S) took from them in Ghadeer Khumm, on the day of Farewell Pilgrimage, and they accepted it, too. 1

To emphasize on this meaning, at the end of the verse, the Holy Qur'an says:

"...and be in awe of Allah, surely Allah is aware of what is in the breasts."

It is also narrated from Imam Baqir (as) who said that the holy Prophet (S) stated both the prohibited things and the essentiality of master ship of Ali (as) during Farewell Pilgrimage. 2

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 8

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّامِينَ لِلّهِ شُهَدَاء بِالْقِسْطِ وَلاَ يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَى أَلاَّ تَعْدِلُواْ اعْدِلُواْ هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

8. " O' you who have Faith! be always up rite for Allah, bearers of witness with justice, and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Act equitably, that is nearer to piety, and be in awe of Allah; verily Allah is well aware of what you do."

An Earnest Invitation unto Justice

This verse invites to establishment of justice. At first, it addresses the believers and says:

"O' you who have Faith! be always up rite for Allah, bearers of witness with justice...."

After that, the verse points to one of the factors of deviation from justice, and warns Muslims as such that tribal hatreds and hostilities, or personal accounts, should not stand as a barrier in the way of the execution of justice and should not cause transgression over the rights of others, because justice is something beyond all of them. It says:

"...and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably....."

For the importance of the matter, it emphasizes on the subject of justice once more and says:

"…Act equitably, that is nearer to piety....."

And, since justice is the most important element of piety and righteousness, for the third time, it adds as an emphasis that:

"... verily Allah is well aware of what you do."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verses 9 - 10

وَعَدَ اللّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا أُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ

9. "Allah has promised those who believe and do good deeds that they will have forgiveness and a great reward."

10. "And (as for) those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs (revelations), these are the companions of Hell."

Allah's way of treatment is such that, in the Qur'an, next to the statement of some particular commandments, in order to emphasize and complete them, He points to some general laws and principals. So, here, in verse 9, to emphasize on the subject of the execution of justice and rightfully bearing witness, it says:

"Allah has promised those who believe and do good deeds that they will have forgiveness and a great reward."

In contrast with the above-mentioned group, there are those who reject Allah and deny His Signs, i.e. the verses of the Qur'an. Such people will be in Hell. It says:

"And (as for) those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs (revelations), these are the companions of Hell."

It is worthy of attention that the phrases: 'forgiveness' and 'a great reward' are referred to in the verse as a promise of Allah (s.w.t.) where it says: "Allah has promised ..." while the 'retribution of Hell' has been mentioned as a result of 'deeds '.

The verse implies that those who have deeds such as so and so, will have a fate so and so. In fact, this meaning is a hint to the grace and favour of Allah (s.w.t.) regarding the rewards in the Hereafter which will never be paralleled with the insignificant deeds of the mortals in this world.

Also, the chastisements in the coming world have no aspect of vengeance, but they are the fruit of the evil deeds of human beings in the present world.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 11

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ هَمَّ قَوْمٌ أَن يَبْسُطُواْ إِلَيْكُمْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَكَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنكُمْ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ

11. "O' you who have Faith! remember Allah 's favour on you when a (hostile) people were minded to stretch against you their hands, but He withheld their hands from you; and be in awe of Allah, and on Allah let the believers rely. "

The opinions are divided on that which happening this verse was revealed for. Yet, it can be considered for all the instances that Muslims have relied on Allah and have victoriously rescued when confronting the evil attempt or attack of the enemy.

Still, the remembrance of the bounties of Allah (s.w.t.) is a kind of thanksgiving. It takes away pride and negligence from man and increases, his love to the Lord.

"O' you who have Faith! remember Allah's favour on you when a (hostile) people were minded to stretch against you their hands, but He withheld their hands from you; and be in awe of Allah, and on Allah let the believers rely."

Explanations

1. Repelling the harms of the enemy is among the most important favours of Allah.

2. Absorb the grace of Allah to yourself and repel the harm of the enemy through piety, Faith and relying on Him. (Similar to the condition that Allah leaves the enemy to predominate over persons, because of their committing sins, the same is to attentive to Him that causes the harms of enemies to be removed)

- 1. At- Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p, 454

- 2. Tafsir-i-Jawami'-ul-Jami', vol. 2, p. 44

Section 3: The Covenants with the Jews and the Christians

The covenants with the Jews -The covenants with the Christians - The actual position of Jesus

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 12

وَلَقَدْ أَخَذَ اللّهُ مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَبَعَثْنَا مِنهُمُ اثْنَيْ عَشَرَ نَقِيبًا وَقَالَ اللّهُ إِنِّي مَعَكُمْ لَئِنْ أَقَمْتُمُ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتَيْتُمُ الزَّكَاةَ وَآمَنتُم بِرُسُلِي وَعَزَّرْتُمُوهُمْ وَأَقْرَضْتُمُ اللّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا لَّأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَلأُدْخِلَنَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ فَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ مِنكُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاء السَّبِيلِ

12. "And certainly Allah made a covenant with the Children of Israel, and We raised among them twelve chiftains, and Allah said: 'Verily I am with you, if you keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and believe in My messengers and assist them and lend Allah a kindly loan, I will most certainly cover your evil deeds and I will certainly cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow; but whoever among you disbelieves after that, has indeed strayed from the right path."

The chiefs of the Israelites were twelve persons. The ministers of Moses (as) and the custodians of the twelve tribes were from among them. It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) who, in a tradition, said:

"The vicegerents after me are twelve. They the Israelites"1.

The attempt of the opponents of Ahlul-Bayt (as) is in vain when they try to adapt this figure to Orthodox Caliphs, Umayyid Caliphs, and the Caliphs of Abbasids, though it adapts to neither of them.

There are, of course, many traditions recorded which denote that the Prophet himself (S) mentioned the names of these twelve persons. According to his statement recorded in a tradition2 the first of them is Ali-ibn-Abi talib and their last one is Hadrat Mahdi (May Allah hasten his auspicious advent).

The Arabic phrase: /'azzartumuhum/ is derived from the word /'azzara/ which means: 'to assist with honour'. Therefore, the Arabic term /ta'zir/ refers to a kind of assistance to the sinner in abandoning the crime. That is why those Islamic punishments have the function of education rather than vengeance.

The Qur'anic phrase /sawa'-us-sabil/ means the middle way that swerving from which is going towards aberration and fall.

Explanations

1. Allah is with us when we observe some conditions including: prayers, poor-rate, belief in Truth, assisting prophets, and giving charity. So, if we leave them, the Grace of Allah will be ceased.

2. Prayer, poor-rate, and charity have existed in all the Divine religions. However, performing obligations alone is not enough, but following the totality of obligatory and recommended deeds, without approaching the prohibited things, is effective.

3. Prayer, poor-rate, and charity are meaningful when they are accompanied with leadership and master ship -with the acceptance of master ship of the whole prophets, not a part of them.

4. There is no room for the sinners in Heaven. Purification is first, and then being admitted to enter into it.

5. The only way to the forgiveness of Allah, is Faith and righteous deeds.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 13

فَبِمَا نَقْضِهِم مِّيثَاقَهُمْ لَعنَّاهُمْ وَجَعَلْنَا قُلُوبَهُمْ قَاسِيَةً يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِ وَنَسُواْ حَظًّا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُواْ بِهِ وَلاَ تَزَالُ تَطَّلِعُ عَلَىَ خَآئِنَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنْهُمُ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاصْفَحْ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

13. "So, for their breaking their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They alter the words (of Allah) from their places and they have neglected a part of what they were admonished with, and you shall always discover treachery in them save a few of them. Yet forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds); verily Allah loves the good-doers."

In the first verse of this Surah, the fulfilment of contracts was referred to. In the previous verse, the covenant of Allah (s.w.t.) with the Israelites, and the heedlessness of those people unto the Divine covenant, was pointed out.

In the current verse, the effects of breaching promise are stated. Therefore, this Surah has been entitled 'the covenant' too. However, the contents of the verses, as a whole, also warn about a great breach of promise.

Breach of promise causes deprivation from Allah's grace.3 It is also an origin of the appearance of hard-heartedness in persons.

The Israelites have always been treacherous. They used to pervert the religion of Allah, therefore, they encountered with punishment. The verse says:

"So, for their breaking their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They alter the words (of Allah) from their places and they have neglected a part of what they were admonished with, and you shall always discover treachery in them save a few of them. Yet forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds); verily Allah loves the good-doers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 14

وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّا نَصَارَى أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَهُمْ فَنَسُواْ حَظًّا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُواْ بِهِ فَأَغْرَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاء إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَسَوْفَ يُنَبِّئُهُمُ اللّهُ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ

14. "And of those who say: 'We are Christians' We did take their covenant, but they (also like Israelites) have neglected a part of what they were admonished with. Therefore We have stirred up among them enmity and hatred till the Day of Resurrection; and soon Allah will inform them of what they have been doing."

In the previous verse, the words were about the breach of promise among the Children of Israel. Now, in this verse, the statement is upon the breach of promise among the Christians. That verse introduced almost all the Israelites as breachers of promise, (except a few of them). But, in this verse, from the beginning, it separates a part of the Christians as breachers of promise when it says:

"….of those who say: 'We are Christians' …"

This shows that the number of the deluded people among the Jews is larger than those among the Christians.

"And of those who say: 'We are Christians' We did take their covenant, but they (also like Israelites) have neglected a part of what they were admonished with. Therefore We have stirred up among them enmity and hatred till the Day of Resurrection; and soon Allah will inform them of what they have been doing."

Explanation

The Qur'anic term /nasara/ (Christians), mentioned in this holy verse, is the plural form of the word /nasrani/, and, therein, the Christians are entitled /nasara/ since the helpers and companions of Jesus (as) used to say:

"...We are helpers (in the cause) of Allah. ..." 4

Therefore, we must take an example by the bitter results emerged from breach of promise that other people had suffered. The verse indicates that Allah took covenant from the Christians, but since they neglected it they encountered the infliction of Ahzab.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 15

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ قَدْ جَاءكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيراً مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ قَدْ جَاءكُم مِّنَ اللّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَابٌ مُّبِينٌ

15. "O' People of the Book! Indeed Our Messenger has come to you, expounding to you much of what you have been hiding of the Book, and overlooking much. Indeed there has come to you, from Allah, a Light and a clear Book."

Islam is a world-wide religion which invites the followers of all religions to the Truth and to itself. Islam is the simplest and the most conceivable religion among all religions.

Hence, do take care not to be despair of guiding and inviting people towards the Truth, and do invite the People of the Book too, though they are breachers of promise. The manifestation of the concealed matters is a sign of knowledge of hidden things, and it is also one of the ways of knowing the holy prophet.

"O' People of the Book! Indeed Our Messenger has come to you expounding to you much of what you have been hiding of the Book, and overlooking much. ..."

However, the world of humanity with the absence of the Qur'an is surely dark.

"...Indeed there has come to you, from Allah, a Light and a clear Book."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 16

يَهْدِي بِهِ اللّهُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَهُ سُبُلَ السَّلاَمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنِ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

16. "With it Allah guides whoever follows His pleasure into the ways of safety, and He brings them out of darkness towards the Light by His Will, and guides them to a right path."

The Arabic term /salam/ (peace) is one of the Names of God (His Attributes). In this regard, the Holy Qur'an says:

"He is Allah, there is no god save He; the king, the Holy, the Peace..." 5

Paradise has also been called 'Dar-us-Salam' (the house of peace). So, guiding towards the ways of peace and safety can be rendered into 'the way of Allah (s.w.t.) and Paradise'. The person who wants to reach these two, should go via /subul-as-salam/, 'the ways of safety', which is specific to the followers of 'Truth'.

The concept of /salam/ (peace, safety) includes the peace of individuals and society, family members and off springs, thought and soul, and, even, the peace of honour.

Only those people are guidable who try to obtain the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.). Then, those who try to gain the ranks and the wealth of this fleeting world, and also follow their low desires and do revenge, are not guidable.

Certainly, all the ways toward safety and prosperity are found in gaining the pleasure of Allah. So, whoever tries to please other than Him, is in aberration.

However, all the various secondary ways towards the Truth, lead to the main unity. 'The ways of safety, end to the Straight Way. Hence, all those who, by performing different good accomplishments, in variety of conditions, try to gain the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.), reach to one single proper way.

"With it Allah guides whoever follows His pleasure into the ways of safety, and He brings them out of darkness towards the Light by His Will and guides them to a right path."

However, the Qur'an is the best remedy and it can save its followers from any darkness - the darkness of dubious things, lusts, superstitions, crimes, agitations, and so on.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 17

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَآلُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قُلْ فَمَن يَمْلِكُ مِنَ اللّهِ شَيْئًا إِنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُهْلِكَ الْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَأُمَّهُ وَمَن فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا وَلِلّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاء وَاللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

17. "Indeed, they have disbelieved who said: 'Verily Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary '. Say: 'Who can hold anything against Allah, if He intends to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone, on the earth? And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth .and whatever is between them two. He creates what He pleases; and Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

Christians have some groundless claims about Allah to which the Qur'an hints:

1. Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost). The Qur'an says:

"... do not say (Allah is) a Trinity ..." 6

2. The Lord of creation, one of the three gods (the Father) whom the Qur'an rejects:

"...who say: " .Verily Allah is the third of the three, '..." 7

3. Saying that God, Jesus and the Ghost are the same, upon which, this verse is a rejection.

The Qur'anic phrase:

"....He creates what He pleases; ..."

mentioned in the above verse, refers to the creation of Jesus (as) without a father, and the creation of Adam without parents.

Islam disagrees infidelity, idolatry, and superstition in whatever ideology they may be.

If Jesus is God, then how was he slain (as you believe), and did the cross become the sign of oppression? God is an Essence that cannot be attempted against.

"Indeed, they have disbelieved who said: 'Verily Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary '. Say: 'Who can hold anything against Allah, if He intends to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone, on the earth? And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth .and whatever is between them two. He creates what He pleases; and Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 18

وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ وَالنَّصَارَى نَحْنُ أَبْنَاء اللّهِ وَأَحِبَّاؤُهُ قُلْ فَلِمَ يُعَذِّبُكُم بِذُنُوبِكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بَشَرٌ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاء وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاء وَلِلّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَإِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ

18. "And the Jews and the Christians say: 'We are the sons of Allah and His beloved ones.' Say: ' Why does He then punish you for your sins?' Nay, you are mortals of those He has created. He forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth (and whatever is between them two, and unto Him is the ultimate return (of all)."

It is cited in the commentary of the Qur'an by Fakhr-i-Razi that some of the Jews said: "We are the sons of Allah and his beloved" when the Messenger of Allah invited them to embrace Islam. 8

The Jews and the Christians did not consider themselves the real sons of God, but they imagined a kind of formal adoption for themselves. The Arabic phrase /abna'-ul-lah/ (the sons of Allah) is an implicit, declaration of their undue expectation and extravagance in ambitions.

This fact should also be mentioned that in Islam racial superiority, privilege demanding, knowing right only themselves and their own party, and applying 'relationship instead of regulations' totally are forbidden.

Another fact is that neither any person nor a nation nor a race should absolutely be assured of the forgiveness of Allah, nor despaired of His favour. But, the bold Jews, with those crimes they committed, in spite of having those abundant Divine signs, still knew themselves the specific friends of Allah.

Slaying prophets, concealing the glad tidings upon the advent of the Prophet of Islam (S), breach of promises, perverting the heavenly Books, being afraid of entering the city, worshipping the Calf, seeking for excuses, gluttonies, and being impatient regarding the uniformity of their food (Manna and Salwa) are some examples of their crimes.

Also, for the wrath of Allah upon them, there are some examples of divine retribution such as moving the mount from its place, being wandered for forty years, transformation and humiliation. The verse says:

"And the Jews and the Christians say: 'We are the sons of Allah and His beloved ones.'

Say: ' Why does He then punish you for your sins?' Nay, you are mortals of those He has created. He forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth (and whatever is between them two, and unto Him is the ultimate return (of all)."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 19

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ قَدْ جَاءكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ عَلَى فَتْرَةٍ مِّنَ الرُّسُلِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا جَاءنَا مِن بَشِيرٍ وَلاَ نَذِيرٍ فَقَدْ جَاءكُم بَشِيرٌ وَنَذِيرٌ وَاللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

19. "O' People of the Book! Indeed or Messenger has come to you to explain (things) to you after a cessation of the (mission of the) messengers, lest you say: There did not come unto us any giver of glad tidings nor any warner '; but, indeed, there has come to you a giver of glad tidings and a warner; and Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

The intermission between the time of Hadrat Messiah (Jesus Christ) (as) and the advent of Prophet Muhammad (S) lasted about six hundred years. During the time when there exists not an appointed Divine prophet, the globe is not empty of Allah's Authority, because the prophets' successors have always existed.

As the words of Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) indicates, the earth never lacks godly authority whether he has power, or not, because the way of Allah should not be concealed for those who want to pave it9.

Hence, the existence of the time of intermission between coming one prophet after the former does not mean that people are left alone to themselves.

"O' People of the Book! Indeed Our Messenger has come to you to explain (things) to you after a cessation of the (mission of the) messengers, lest you say: 'there did not come unto us any giver of glad tidings nor any warner'; but, indeed, there has come to you a giver of glad tidings and a warner; and Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

By the way, the intermissions, whether they are long or short, are certainly useful in the system of divine educational arrangements. There are several examples of this meaning in the length of the history of prophets.

For instance; the separation of Moses (as) from people, the spiritual retirement of prophets, the cease of revelation unto the Prophet Muhammad (S), and minor occultation and major occultation are some distinguished references for the idea.

- 1. Musnd Imam Ahmad-ibn-Hunbal, vol. 1, p. 398 and many other books

- 2. Yanabi'-ul-Mawaddah. p. 117

- 3. Surah At-Taubah, No.9, verse 77 denotes that breach of promise consequences to hypocrisy.

- 4. Surah As-Saff, No. 61, verse 14

- 5. Surah Al-Hashr, No.59, verse 23

- 6. Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, verse 171

- 7. Surah Al-Ma'idah, No. 5, verse 73

- 8. This claim is also mentioned in the Book of John, one of the books of the New Testament, Chapter 8, and No.41

- 9. Nahjul-Balagha, saying No.147

Section 4: The Israelites breaking the Covenant

People of Moses commanded to march into the Holy Land - the people's refusal to act -the punishment

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 20

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَى لِقَوْمِهِ يَا قَوْمِ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَعَلَ فِيكُمْ أَنبِيَاء وَجَعَلَكُم مُّلُوكًا وَآتَاكُم مَّا لَمْ يُؤْتِ أَحَدًا مِّن الْعَالَمِينَ

20. "And (remember) when Moses said to his people: 'O' my people! remember the favour of Allah upon you when He raised prophets among you and made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to anyone else in the world. "

The remembrance of divine bounties is the motive of love, gratitude, and worship. Now, the greatest bounties given by Allah (s.w.t.) are: the bounty of prophecy, the bounty of government and power, and the bounty of freedom.

For the invitation of people, the factor of emotion in populations should be utilized. That is why we ought to make them prepared through reminding them the favours of Allah (s.w.t.) before inviting them to action and assistance.

One of the responsibilities of prophets (as) is reminding people of Allah's favours.1

"...remember the favour of Allah ..."

However, we must take an example from the history of the past.

After enjoying the peculiar favour of Allah and reaching authority, the people of Moses inflicted with humiliation and wretchedness because of opposing the command of Allah.

The verse is recited as follows:

"And (remember) when Moses said to his people: 'O' my people! remember the favour of Allah upon you when He raised prophets among you and made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to anyone else in the world."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 21

يَا قَوْمِ ادْخُلُوا الأَرْضَ المُقَدَّسَةَ الَّتِي كَتَبَ اللّهُ لَكُمْ وَلاَ تَرْتَدُّوا عَلَى أَدْبَارِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا خَاسِرِينَ

21. "O' my people! enter the holy land which Allah has ordained for you and do not turn your backs, for then you will return (Us) losers."

In this verse, the Qur'an states the process of the arrival of the Children of Israel into the holy land as follows:

Moses (as) told his people to arrive the holy land which Allah (s.w.t.) had assigned for them, and as for that arrival, they should not afraid of its difficulties. They were enjoined not to refrain from any self -sacrifice, because had they turned on their backs, they would have been of the losers. The Qur'an from the tongue of Moses says:

"O' my people! enter the holy land which Allah has ordained for you and do not turn your backs, for then you will return (Us) losers."

The objective meaning of the Qur'anic phrase /'ard-al-muqaddas/ (the holy land) is either the whole region of ancient Shamat (Syria, Jordan, Palestine, etc.), or Jerusalem.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 22

قَالُوا يَا مُوسَى إِنَّ فِيهَا قَوْمًا جَبَّارِينَ وَإِنَّا لَن نَّدْخُلَهَا حَتَّىَ يَخْرُجُواْ مِنْهَا فَإِن يَخْرُجُواْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّا دَاخِلُونَ

22. "They (Israelites) said: 'O' Moses! verily there is a very arrogant race in it, and verily, we will never enter it until they get out from it. So if they get out from it, then certainly, we will enter."

The Arabic term /jabbar/ is derived from /jabr/ with the meaning of 'improving something accompanied with force and pressure'. Yet, the term has been applied with both of these meanings: 1) to compensate, 2) power, might, overcome. The Qur'anic word /jabbar/ has been used as a title or an appellation for Allah (s.w.t.) with both of the above two meanings.

The phrase /qaum-an-jabbarin/ (a very arrogant race), mentioned in the above verse, refers to the people of the very tribe of 'Amaliqah from the Semitic race who were living in Sinaie desert located in the north of old Arabia. They ('Amaliqah tribe) invaded Egypt and ruled there for five hundred years. 2

However, the existence of some corrupted people somewhere cannot be a reason for eligible persons that they retire. Enemy should be sent out. We ought not to wait until the enemy himself goes out.

"They (Israelites) said: 'O' Moses! verily there is a very arrogant race in it, and verily, we will never enter it until they get out from it. So if they get out from it, then certainly, we will enter."

Mere pleasure-seeking is prohibited in Islam. We must act and ask Allah to help us to send out the enemy.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 23

قَالَ رَجُلاَنِ مِنَ الَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِمَا ادْخُلُواْ عَلَيْهِمُ الْبَابَ فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمُوهُ فَإِنَّكُمْ غَالِبُونَ وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَتَوَكَّلُواْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

23. "Two men of those that feared (Allah) whom Allah had blessed, said: 'Enter against them by the gate! for when you have entered it, you will certainly be victorious. So, upon Allah should you rely if you are believers."

As the Qur'anic commentary books indicate, those two men, who are mentioned in the verse, were from among those twelve chiefs of the Israelites. They were called Yusha'-ibn-Nun (Joshua, the son of Nun), and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, whose names are mentioned in the Torah, Numbers.3 The verse says:

"Two men of those that feared (Allah) whom Allah had blessed, said: 'Enter against them by the gate! for when you have entered it, you will certainly be victorious. ..."

By the way, fearing God is a cause for absorbing the favours of Allah (s.w.t.) and His bounties. So, the one who is in awe of Allah (s.w.t.), does not fear any other might, and therefore, he must rely only on Allah.

"... So, upon Allah should you rely if you are believers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 24

قَالُواْ يَا مُوسَى إِنَّا لَن نَّدْخُلَهَا أَبَدًا مَّا دَامُواْ فِيهَا فَاذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَرَبُّكَ فَقَاتِلا إِنَّا هَاهُنَا قَاعِدُونَ

24. "They said: 'O' Moses! we shall never enter it at all, so long as they (the arrogant) are in it. Go, therefore, you and your Lord, and fight you both! Verily we will stay here sitting."

Mecca and Jerusalem are both holy lands. When Moses (as) told his people to enter it and struggle against enemy, they made a pretext and offended against his command.

But, in the sixth year A.H., when the Muslims, accompanied with the holy Prophet (S), went toward Mecca in order to perform the rites of Umrah (lesser Pilgrimage), they would invade the city vigorously if there were not the hindrance of the Messenger of Allah (S).

It was in this journey that the agreement of 'Hudaybiyyah peace' was made. Yes, both those two peoples reached to the gates of two sacred cites while one of them were so coward that refused the command of their prophet, and the others were so brave that were eager to participate in the holy struggle.

"They said: 'O' Moses! we shall never enter it at all, so long as they (the arrogant) are in it. Go, therefore, you and your Lord, and fight you both! Verily we will stay here sitting."

The Children of Israel have been the example of the groups who are known for their impoliteness, seeking for excuses, feebleness, and loving comfort.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 25

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لا أَمْلِكُ إِلاَّ نَفْسِي وَأَخِي فَافْرُقْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ

25. " He (Moses) said: ' O' my Lord! I have power over none but myself and my brother , therefore make a separation between us and these rebellious people."

This verse denotes that Moses (as) became completely disappointed from that crowd of people. He (as) supplicated and asked Allah his separation from them, so that they would see the fruit of their deeds and try to improve themselves. He said:

"...' O' my Lord! I have power over none but myself and my brother, therefore make a separation between us and these rebellious people."

Of course, the action that the Children of Israel did was almost a kind of disbelief. They manifestly rejected the command of their prophet. If we recite that the Qur'an has qualified them as 'rebellious people', it is because the Arabic word /fasiq/ has a vast scope of meaning which envelops any departure from the institution of worship and servitude.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 26

قَالَ فَإِنَّهَا مُحَرَّمَةٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً يَتِيهُونَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَلاَ تَأْسَ عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ

26. "He (The Lord) said: 'So it (the Holy Land) will surely be forbidden to them for forty years that they will wander about in the earth, therefore do not grieve for the rebellious people."

The Arabic term /yatihun/ is derived from the word /tayaha/ with the sense of 'wander'. But, in the lapse of time, the word /tiyah/ was applied for the plain of Sinai. It has also been called to the place where that group of people (the Israelites) lived for forty years without having the material and spiritual merits of the ground.

"He (The Lord) said: ' So it (the Holy Land) will surely be forbidden to them for forty years that they will wander about in the earth therefore do not grieve for the rebellious people."

The story of the disobedience of the Children of Israel and the Divine Wrath, and their wandering state in Tiyah is mentioned in the Old Testament, Numbers, Chapter four.

According to a tradition stated by Imam Baqir (as), after wandering for forty years and losing Moses and Aaron (as), the Israelites entered the zone by a martial attack, and their seeking comfort had no result for them but retardation and wandering.

Imam Baqir (as) has said that there will occur a similar situation for Muslims, like what happened for the Children of Israel.

Explanations

1. The recompense of showing shortcoming and despicableness, and also that of disobedience from the commandment of Alah, and escaping from the Holy Struggle, is such deprivations and vagrancies.

2. Wandering-state is a kind of punishment for the evildoers, while having the merit of light and discrimination is a kind of present for the righteous ones.

- 1. Some of the specific bounties given to the Children of Israel are: crossing the Nile, the movement of Tur Mount, Manna and Salwa coming down from heaven, the water of twelve springs, and so on.

- 2. Encyclopaedia, by Farid Wajdi

- 3. The Old Testament, Numbers, Chapter 14, No 6 and 9.
6. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes.

7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying the land which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

8. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

9. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us; their defence departed from them and the LORD is with us; fear them not.

Section 5: Jews warned against their wicked plots

Cain's aggression -The Israelites warned -Punishment for those who war on the Apostle (Muhammad).

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 27

وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ابْنَيْ آدَمَ بِالْحَقِّ إِذْ قَرَّبَا قُرْبَانًا فَتُقُبِّلَ مِن أَحَدِهِمَا وَلَمْ يُتَقَبَّلْ مِنَ الآخَرِ قَالَ لَأَقْتُلَنَّكَ قَالَ إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

27. "(O' Prophet!) Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam when they offered each a sacrifice, hut it was accepted from one of them and was not accepted from the other, (The one) said: 'I shall certainly slay you,' (The other) said: 'verily Allah accepts only from the pious ones."

The objective meaning of 'reciting the truth', maybe, is an indication to the idea that the explanation of this event has been distorted in the Torah and it has been combined with superstitions; hence, what is stated in the Qur'an is the 'truth'.

"(O' Prophet!) Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam, when they offered each a sacrifice, hut it was accepted from one of them and was not accepted from the other, (The one) said: 'I shall certainly slay you.'…"

In Islamic literature and in the Torah, (Genesis, Chapter 4, No.3 to12),1 it is recorded that Abel was a shepherd and he offered his best lamb as the sacrificial animal. But, Cain who was a farmer brought the worst part of his agricultural product to sacrifice. The Qur'an also says:

"You will never attain righteousness unless you spend out of what you love..." 2

Therefore, the main principle is striving to draw near to Allah, no to simply sacrifice. Whatever the sacrificial thing may be, the criterion o the acceptance of deeds is piety.

"…'verily Allah accepts only from the pious ones '."

Also, we must know that the expansion of envy stretches forth up to slaying one's brother; so, we must avoid this quality.

".... (The one) said: I shall certainly slay you,'... "

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 28

لَئِن بَسَطتَ إِلَيَّ يَدَكَ لِتَقْتُلَنِي مَا أَنَاْ بِبَاسِطٍ يَدِيَ إِلَيْكَ لَأَقْتُلَكَ إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللّهَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ

28. "1f you stretch out your hand toward me to slay me, I am not one to stretch out my hand toward you to slay you. Verily, I fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds."

When confronting a jealous person, you ought to speak with him in a calmly manner, so that you can extinguish the fire of jealousy in him with the calmness of your speech. Thus, one of the ways of 'forbidding from doing evil' is that you assure the evil-doer that you will not transgress him in any way.

Abel did not intend to commit homicide. This does not mean that he might not defend himself either, (since submitting to a murderer's will do not adapt to piety).

"1f you stretch out your hand toward me to slay me, I am not one to stretch out my hand toward you to slay you. ..."

By the way, refraining from murder because of the awe of Allah (s.w.t.) is a value, not because of disability and weakness. However, piety and God-fearing is the restraining factor from committing sin and transgression in the most sensitive circumstances.

"... Verily, I fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verses 29 - 30

إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَن تَبُوءَ بِإِثْمِي وَإِثْمِكَ فَتَكُونَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّارِ وَذَلِكَ جَزَاء الظَّالِمِينَ

فَطَوَّعَتْ لَهُ نَفْسُهُ قَتْلَ أَخِيهِ فَقَتَلَهُ فَأَصْبَحَ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

29. "Verily I desire that you should bear my sin and your (own) sin, and so you would be of the inmates of the (Hell) Fire, and this is the recompense of the unjust."

30. "Then his soul (through temptation of envy) facilitated to him the murder of his brother. So he murdered him, and thus became one of the losers."

Abel did not want to carry the burden of another person's sins; hence he did not take action on slaying his brother and shedding blood. Besides, he put the burden of his own sins on the killer's shoulder.

Imam Baqir (as) in a tradition said: "Whoever kills a believer intentionally, Allah records all the sins upon the killer and make the slain free from them; and this is Allah's word:

"Verily I desire that you should bear my sin and your (own) sin, and so you would be of the inmates of the (Hell) Fire, and this is the recompense of the unjust."

This verse does not mean, of course, that silence before a tyrant with the hope that he carries the responsibility of our sins is proper.

One of the styles of 'forbidding from doing evil' is attracting the attention of a transgressor to the fact that besides the retribution of his own cruelties, he should suffer the burden of the sins of the oppressed, too, and his punishment will be added.

However, the pure nature of man dislikes homicide, but the despotic soul makes a parade of this action and persuades him to murder.

"Then his soul (through temptation of envy) facilitated to him the murder of his brother. So he murdered him, and thus became one of the losers."

Thus, we ought to know that the faith in Resurrection has been a part of the fundamental creed of human beings on the earth, and the very faith keeps a person from homicide and other crimes.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 31

فَبَعَثَ اللّهُ غُرَابًا يَبْحَثُ فِي الأَرْضِ لِيُرِيَهُ كَيْفَ يُوَارِي سَوْءةَ أَخِيهِ قَالَ يَا وَيْلَتَا أَعَجَزْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِثْلَ هَـذَا الْغُرَابِ فَأُوَارِيَ سَوْءةَ أَخِي فَأَصْبَحَ مِنَ النَّادِمِينَ

31. "Then Allah sent a raven digging up the ground to show him (the murderer) how he should cover the dead body of his brother. He said: 'Woe unto me! Am I unable to be like this raven and cover the corpse of my brother?' So he became one of the remorseful."

It is narrated in a tradition that Imam Sadiq (as) said that when Cain killed his brother, he left him in the desert, because he did not know what to do. Soon after that the sawage rushed toward the corpse of Abel.

At that time, as the Qur'an says, Allah sent a raven to dig up the land and, by hiding the dead body of another raven, or by concealing a part of its own prey, (as it is the habit of a raven) showed Cain how to hide the corpse of his brother in the ground.

The verse says:

"Then Allah sent a raven digging up the ground to show him (the murderer) how he should cover the dead body of his brother. ..."

Next to that statement, the Qur'an adds that at that moment Cain became worried of his own negligence and cried:

"... 'Woe unto me! Am I unable to be like this raven and cover the corpse of my brother?'..."

Yet, finally he felt sorry about what he had done, but that regret was not a reference for his repentance from the sin.

"...So he became one of the remorseful."

The Prophet of Islam (S) is narrated that he has said:

"No blood of a person is shed unjustly unless there is a portion of its responsibility upon (Cain) the son of Adam who was the first homicide as a custom." 3

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 32

مِنْ أَجْلِ ذَلِكَ كَتَبْنَا عَلَى بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنَّهُ مَن قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَلَقَدْ جَاءتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا بِالبَيِّنَاتِ ثُمَّ إِنَّ كَثِيراً مِّنْهُم بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فِي الأَرْضِ لَمُسْرِفُونَ

32. "For this reason We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever slays a human being for other than manslaughter or mischief in the earth, it is as he had slain mankind as a whole; and whoever saves a life (from death), it is as if he had saved mankind as a whole. And certainly Our messengers came to them with clear evidences; then verily, even after that, many of them became prodigals in the earth."

The Oneness of Human Beings

Next to the statement of the story of the Children of Adam, there has been mentioned a general conclusion in this holy verse which fits with humanities. At first, it says:

"For this reason We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever slays a human being for other than manslaughter or mischief in the earth, it is as he had slain mankind as a whole; ..."

How is it that slaying a human being is equal to slaying all human beings and saving a person is equal to saving all human beings? To answer this question, it is only possible to say that in this verse, the Qur'an has referred to a social and training fact.

The person, who slays an innocent human being, has such a preparation, in fact, to kill some other innocent persons, too. This person is, indeed, a homicide whose prey is innocent human beings. And, we know that there is no difference between the innocent persons from this point of view.

On the other hand, the person who, because of having the quality of philanthropy and human emotions, saves another person from death has such a preparation to perform this sympathetic action unto any other human beings.

So, regarding the fact that the Qur'an has applied the phrase: /fa-ka-'anna-ma/ (it is as it), it seems that although the life and death of a person is not equal to the life and death of a society, it has a likeness to it.

Again, it can be said that in potency, there is a capability in any person to bring a great society, or a new generation, into existence. Hence, annihilating a human being sometimes results to the effacement and murder of a generation.

It is worthy to note that once someone asked Imam Sadiq (as) about the commentary of this verse when he (as) answered: "The purpose of the words: 'to slay' and 'to save from death', which have been referred to in the verse, is saving from a fire accident, a whirlpool, and the like.

Then he (as) kept silent and after that he added: "A greater interpretation of this verse is that a person invites another one to the path of right or wrong and the one accepts that invitation."

At the end of the verse, the Qur'an hints to the manner of breaking law among the Children of Israel. It says:

"... And certainly our messengers came to them with clear evidences; then verily, even after that, many of them became prodigals in the earth."

The Arabic term /'israf/ has a vast scope of meaning in lexicon which envelops any transgression and exceeding the limits. Yet, it is often used for remittals, expenditures and expenses.

Explanations

1. The members of human beings originate from a common truth and have a single soul, so that they are similar to the limbs of a body. Therefore, slaying a person is the same as killing all humankind.

2. The act of evaluating deeds relates to the motives and aims. Slaying a person with the intention of transgression, is putting a society into death; while killing under the title of retaliation is counted as the life of the society.

3. The death and life of a person is sometimes effective in the death and life of a society. Similarly, sometimes the individual murders prepare the ground for some massacres.

4. The sign of a living society is helping the needy and saving the souls or lives.

5. Suicide, and even abortion, is one of the examples of 'homicide', which is unlawful.

6. Transgressing against the rights of an individual is a threat to the security of the society.

7. The managers of the professions like physicians, nurses, fire-extinguishers, reinforces, makers of medicine, etc, whose job is securing the lives of human beings, should know the position and value of their own profession.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 33

إِنَّمَا جَزَاء الَّذِينَ يُحَارِبُونَ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَسَادًا أَن يُقَتَّلُواْ أَوْ يُصَلَّبُواْ أَوْ تُقَطَّعَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم مِّنْ خِلافٍ أَوْ يُنفَوْاْ مِنَ الأَرْضِ ذَلِكَ لَهُمْ خِزْيٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَلَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

33. "The only recompense of those who make war against Allah and His messenger, and strive to make mischief in the land, is that they should be killed or crucified, or their hands and their feet be cut off from opposite side or they be banished from (their) land. This is degradation for them in the world, and in the Hereafter, they will have a grievous chastisement."

Upon the occasion of revelation of this verse, it is cited that a group of pagans came into Medina and then they became Muslim.

They were tired and sick; therefore, the Prophet (S) ordered that they would be taken in a good climate region outside Medina where they were permitted to enjoy the milk of the alms-tax camels therein.

When they gained their health, they took the Muslim shepherds, who were living thereabout, and cut off their hands and feet, blinded their eyes, and plundered the camels. They left out Islam, too.

The Messenger of Allah (S) ordered that they would be captured and be treated with the same manner as they had done upon the shepherds. Then, in this circumstance the above-mentioned verse was revealed.

These retributions, which are mentioned in the verse under discussion, are counted 'rights of Allah' and they are not forgivable and changeable. (Atyab-ul-Bayan)4

However, in order to improve the society, not only admonishment and, guidance are necessary, but weapon and severe revolutionary treatment are needed. (The words in the previous verse were some educational messages and warnings unto the murderer. Now, in this verse, the statement is upon the punishment of the one who fights against Allah and makes mischief.)

The notable point here is that fighting against the servants of Allah, the same as fighting against Allah. So, the one who stands against people, is like that he has stood against Allah.

Therefore, there have been decreed several kinds of punishment for lose who disturb the security of the society. These punishments are: execution, banishment, cutting off the hand and the foot, and to hang such wicked persons.

In the meantime, Islamic punishments are accompanied with justice. Since corruptions and the qualifications of the mischief -makers are different; the retributions are not the same, either. If the mischief has been committed tragically, its punishment is slaughter.

But, if it is superficial, its retribution is banishment. Concerning such punishments, this fact is understood from the Islamic traditions that the retribution of homicide is execution; the retribution of terrorizing is banishment, the retribution of larceny is cutting off the hand and the foot; the retribution of murder and robbery (with arm) is cutting off the hand and the foot and being hanged. (At- Tafsir-u-Safi)

Also, it is cited in Usul-i-Kafi that one of the meanings of the phrase 'be banished from their land' (mentioned in the verse) is throwing such a person in the sea. (Al-Kafi, vol. 7, p. 267)

Explanations

1. The responsibility of the government and rulers is to protect the security of the society in cities, villages, roads, and so on.

2. Those opponents of the master ship of the Messenger of Allah(S) whose intention is destruction and who fight against the godly system, should be dispersed.

3. Those who rise against the Muslims leader, or against the Islamic government, are among 'those who make war against Allah'. (At- Tafsir fi-Zilal-il-Qur'an)

4. Imam Rida (as) said: "The length of the time of banishment for the mischief-maker is one year. The place of banishment should be announced to people in order that they break their communication with the banished person, and stop bargaining, holding familiar intercourse, and marriage with him." (Tafsir-i-Nur-uth-Thaqalayn)

5. According to a verse of the Qur'an,5 a usurer is also counted among 'those who make war against Allah', since such a person disturbs the economic security in the society.

Also, as some Islamic traditions indicate, disgracing a Muslim believer is considered as fighting against Allah. 6

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 34

إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ تَابُواْ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَقْدِرُواْ عَلَيْهِمْ فَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

34. "Except those who repent before you have power over them. So know you that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

The repentance of a mischief-maker and a person who fights against the command of Allah (s.w.t.) deserves only the retribution of threat and terrorizing, not the retribution of murder and theft. That is, repentance is effective in' the right of Allah' not in 'the right of people', because the right of people depends on the content of the possessor (S) of the right. Thus, the account of the person who fights against the command of Allah (muharib) is different from that of a murderer and thief.

In the meantime, the gate of repentance is open to everyone. Yet, that repentance is worthy when it is done before capturing the criminal and confronting the court. It should also be done consciously and wilfully, without any compulsion. (Also, repentance for other sins is accepted before death).7

However, the Divine punishment has the aspect of training and improving upon the individuals and the society, not as revenge. Therefore, the repentance of a sinner is efficacious. The verse says:

"Except those who repent before you have power over them. So know you that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

- 1. 3. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4. And Abel, he also brought of the first lings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.

5. But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his

countenance fell.

6. And the LORD said, Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen?

7. If thou doest well, shall thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

8. And Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.

9. And the LORD said unto Cain. Where is' Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not; Am I my brother's keeper?

10. And He said. What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.

11. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

12. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

- 2. Surah 'Ale-'Imran, No.3, verse 92

- 3. Musnad Ahmad Hanbal, recorded in Tafsir-i-fi-Zalal, vol. 2, p. 703

- 4. It is cited in Al-Mizan that the choice of one retribution out of these four retributions is up to the leader of Muslims. So, even when the possessors of the blood of the slain remit, one of the retributions must be executed.

- 5. Surah Al-Baqarah, No: 2, verse 219

- 6. Bihar-ul-'Anwar, vol. 5, p. 283

- 7. The Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, verse 18

Section 6: Penal Regulations against Offenders

To seek means to approach Allah -To strive in the way of Allah - Hypocrisy of the Jews.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 35

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَابْتَغُواْ إِلَيهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

35. "O' you who have Faith! Be in awe of Allah, and seek the means (of nearness) to Him; and strive hard in His way, that you may be prosperous."

Imam Amir-ul-mu'mineen Ali (as) has said that the best means by which seekers of nearness to Allah, seek nearness, is the faith in Allah and His Messenger, striving in His way, (to believe) in the expression of Divine purification, the establishment of performance of Hajj (pilgrimage) of the House (i.e. Ka'bah) and' Umrah ' (lesser pilgrimage), regard for kinsfolk, almsgiving secretly and openly, and extending benefits (to people). 1

Therefore, in order to reach felicity, we must both stop committing sins and perform kinds of worship.

In the meantime, doing goodness are wholly the means toward felicity, if we ourselves do not waste them through our own sins.

However, Ahlul-Bayt (as) are the very firm cord and means of nearness to Allah (s.w.t.).

In Islamic literature, narrated from the Immaculate ones (as), the term /wasilah/ (means), mentioned in this verse, has been rendered into Imam (as) (At-Tafsir-u-Safi). In this regard, it is also cited in some traditions: "They are the firm cord and the means to Allah (s.w.t)." (At- Tafsir-u-Safi)

Supplication is a subject about which there has been cited in the books of many Sunnite scholars, such as: Sawa'iq, by Ibn- Hajar; Sunan-i-Bihaqi; Sahih-i-Darami; and also in Wafa'-ul-Wafa, vol. 3, p. 1371. Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, verse 64, Surah Yusuf, No.12, verse 97, and Surah At-Taubah, No.9, verse 114 can be taken as some authentic references for supplication, too.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verses 36 - 37

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوْ أَنَّ لَهُم مَّا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا وَمِثْلَهُ مَعَهُ لِيَفْتَدُواْ بِهِ مِنْ عَذَابِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ مَا تُقُبِّلَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَخْرُجُواْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنْهَا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّقِيمٌ

36. "Certainly those who disbelieve, if they had what is in the earth all together and the like of it with it, to ransom themselves with it from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them, and for them there will be a painful chastisement."
37. "They would desire to get out from the Fire but they shall not get out of it, and for them there is a permanent chastisement."

To pursue the subject matter of the previous verse in which the believers are enjoined upon piety, holy struggle, and preparing the means, this verse, as the statement of reason for that commandment, points to the fate of unbelieving and filthy persons when it says:

"Certainly those who disbelieve, if they had what is in the earth all together and the like of it with it, to ransom themselves with it from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them, and for them there will be a painful chastisement."

The only possible way to delivery is through Faith, piety, struggle, and good deeds.

Then, in the second verse (verse 37), the perpetuity of this retribution is referred to. It says:

"They would desire to get out from the Fire but they shall not get out of it, and for them there is a permanent chastisement."

However, in the Hereafter, all the ways of deliverance are shut to the unbelievers. They enjoy neither the grace of Allah, since it is specific to the pious ones, nor the intercession, because it relates only to those with whom Allah is pleased. There is no death therein for the disbelievers. They are permanently alive in the Fire of Hell, and their request for death is not accepted.

The person who does not come out from darkness of ignorance and , infidelity in this world, where he has so many clear reasoning and guidance, will not come out of Hell in the Hereafter.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 38

وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُواْ أَيْدِيَهُمَا جَزَاء بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَالاً مِّنَ اللّهِ وَاللّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

38. "As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands as a recompense for what they have earned. It is an exemplary punishment from Allah; and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

In this verse, at first, the Qur'an refers to the male thief and then to the female thief. But in Surah An-Nur, verse 2, where the ordinance of fornication has been stated, at first, the Qur'an refers to the 'adulteress' and then to the 'adulterer'.

The reason of it may be the fact that the function of man in theft is more effective than that of a woman, and in fornication the function of the woman is more effective.

"As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands as a recompense for what they have earned. It is an exemplary punishment from Allah; and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

About one thousand years ago, it happened that the Late Sayyid Murtada 'Alam-ul-Huda, a well-known Muslim scholar, once was asked why the hand, which deserves five hundred 'mithghal' (a weight equivalent to 5 grams) gold as 'compensation for an injury', should be cut off because of the theft of one fourth 'mithghal' gold.

He answered: "Trustworthiness promotes the value of the hand, and treachery decreases its value."

According to some Islamic traditions, the standard of cutting off the hand, for this compensation, is four fingers, so that the thumb and palm should be left safe. The amount of finance for which the hand of a thief must be cut off is at least equivalent to the price of one fourth mithghal gold.

That wealth should have been kept in a protected place, not in a common place like an inn, a public bath, a mosque and the like. The wealth ought to be given back to its owner, too, after the execution of the legal decision. Also, the thief should be aware of the law of cutting off the hand.

Otherwise, his/her hand will not be cut off. Again, the hand of a thief will not be cut off if the thief steals the wealth of his/her partner, or steals some food stuff under necessity in the years of scarcity, and the like.

Similarly, the hand of a thief will not be cut off when the theft is done by a father from his child's property, a slave from his master's wealth, a mad and a person not arrived at puberty, or the one who had thought he had the right of taking the property. There are, of course, some other retribution in all these conditions wherein the hand will not be cut off.

The holy Prophet (S) in a tradition said that the worst kind of larceny is stealing from prayer and performing its bowing and prostration imperfect.2 In the statements of some Islamic saints, it has also been protested why it happens that some Muslims commit larceny in the holy phrase: /bismillah.-ir-rahman-ir-rahim/ when they recite Surah Al-Hamd.

Cutting off the hand is for the first stage of theft. For the second time, the left leg will be cut off. For the third time, the retribution is life imprisonment, and annihilation is for the fourth time. 3

Explanations

1. To cut off the hand is the only heavy withholding compensation and retribution of theft.

2. In executing Allah's bounds, we must not be affected by sympathy and kind feelings.

3. Besides cutting off the hand, the thief is responsible for the property, too.

4. The execution of these ordinances needs: rule, force, system, and organizations. Thus, Islam is a religion of government and policy.

5. Poverty is not all excuse or permission for larceny. Islam, before cutting off the hand, emphasizes on the importance and necessity of job and running the lives of the poor by the way of Muslim public treasury, near relatives, loan without interest, cooperation, and the like. 4

6. The Divine retributions are not counted as revenge, but they are to be as withholding.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 39

فَمَن تَابَ مِن بَعْدِ ظُلْمِهِ وَأَصْلَحَ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ يَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

39. "But whoever repents after his inequity and makes amend (his evil deeds), then surely Allah turns to him (mercifully), verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

In Islam, punishments are set beside guidance, godly training, and invitation. Through previous verse, the retribution of a thief was stated. Here, in this verse, there exists the invitation to repentance unto Allah, forgiving, and the improvement of one's own vices, which causes that Allah returns His grace and mercy to the servant.

For the wrong-doers the gate of returning and improvement is always open. This gate is the very repentance. It should also be regarded that repentance is not only an inner regret, but it must be accompanied with the amends of the past corruptions.

If a thief repents (before being captured and being sent to the court) and gives back the property, he will be forgiven both in the world and the Hereafter. But, when it is after that he is captured, the religious punishment will be fulfilled and the function of repentance is only for the Hereafter.

The verse says:

"But whoever repents after his inequity and makes amend (his evil deeds), then surely Allah turns to him (mercifully), verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 40

أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللّهَ لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ يُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاء وَيَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاء وَاللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

40. "Do you not know that to Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases and forgives whom He pleases, and verily Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

Allah is not in need of the repentance of servants, because all the existence belongs to Him. So, the sinners and the corrupters should know that there is no way for them to flee, and they ought to return to Allah.

"Do you not know that to Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases and forgives whom He pleases, and verily Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 41

يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ لاَ يَحْزُنكَ الَّذِينَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْكُفْرِ مِنَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَلَمْ تُؤْمِن قُلُوبُهُمْ وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ هِادُواْ سَمَّاعُونَ لِلْكَذِبِ سَمَّاعُونَ لِقَوْمٍ آخَرِينَ لَمْ يَأْتُوكَ يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ مِن بَعْدِ مَوَاضِعِهِ يَقُولُونَ إِنْ أُوتِيتُمْ هَـذَا فَخُذُوهُ وَإِن لَّمْ تُؤْتَوْهُ فَاحْذَرُواْ وَمَن يُرِدِ اللّهُ فِتْنَتَهُ فَلَن تَمْلِكَ لَهُ مِنَ اللّهِ شَيْئًا أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُرِدِ اللّهُ أَن يُطَهِّرَ قُلُوبَهُمْ لَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا خِزْيٌ وَلَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

41. "O' Messenger! Let not those who hasten in infidelity grieve you, from among those who (hypocritically) say with their mouths: ' We believe', but their hearts do not believe, and from among those of the Jews who listen for (the sake of) lying, listen (with a spy manner) for other people who have not come to you. They distort the (heavenly) words from their places, saying: 'If you are given this, take it, and if you are not given this, beware! (be aloof) '; and whomever Allah desires to punish, you cannot avail him anything with Allah. Those are they whose hearts Allah does not desire to purify; there is a degradation for them in the world, and in the Hereafter, they will have a grievous chastisement."

Prophets Are Sympathetic unto the Misguided

The hypocrites and the Jews pursue the same goal. Their goal is the perversion of religion (Islam). Disbelievers have always some secret agents of influence and spies amongst Muslims. Therefore, religious preachers ought not to consider all their audience as well-intentioned listeners.

In the meantime, the hypocrites not only have the worldly misfortunes (including: to hear lies, to spy, to pervert the facts, to claim faith for benefits), but also the great punishment of the Hereafter waits for them.

However, we must submit to the Truth and commandments of Allah entirely; and do not accept only the religious legislations that correspond to our desires.

The verse says:

"O' Messenger! Let not those who hasten in infidelity grieve you, from among those who (hypocritically) say with their mouths: ' We believe', but their hearts do not believe, and from among those of the Jews who listen for (the sake of) lying, listen (with a spy manner) for other people who have not come to you. They distort the (heavenly) words from their places, saying: 'If you are given this, take it, and if you are not given this, beware! (be aloof) '; and whomever Allah desires to punish, you cannot avail him anything with Allah. Those are they whose hearts Allah does not desire to purify; there is a degradation for them in the world, and in the Hereafter, they will have a grievous chastisement."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 42

سَمَّاعُونَ لِلْكَذِبِ أَكَّالُونَ لِلسُّحْتِ فَإِن جَآؤُوكَ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم أَوْ أَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَإِن تُعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ فَلَن يَضُرُّوكَ شَيْئًا وَإِنْ حَكَمْتَ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُمْ بِالْقِسْطِ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ

42. "(They are) listeners to (any) lie, and devour the unlawful; therefore, if they come to you, judge between them or turn away from them; and if you turn away from them, they will harm you nothing; and if you judge, judge between them with equity; verily Allah loves the just."

Some of the Jews, who had committed adultery, came to the Prophet (S) to judge. They hoped to escape from the retribution of stoning, which exists in the religion of the Jews,5 while the Islamic law for the adulterer is stoning, too. When they saw that the ordinance of Islam was the same as it was in their own religion, they did not accept it.

The Arabic term /suht/, used in this verse, according to the Islamic traditions, means: 'bribery and the gifts given for the fulfilment of an affair. It also means: 'destruction' or 'the thing which causes destruction'.

The verse says:

"(They are) listeners to (any) lie, and devour the unlawful; therefore, if they come to you, judge between them or turn away from them; and if you turn away from them, they will harm you nothing; and if you judge, judge between them with equity; verily Allah loves the just."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 43

وَكَيْفَ يُحَكِّمُونَكَ وَعِندَهُمُ التَّوْرَاةُ فِيهَا حُكْمُ اللّهِ ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّوْنَ مِن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ وَمَا أُوْلَـئِكَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ

43. "And how do they (the Jews) make you a judge, while with them is the Torah, wherein is Allah's judgement? Yet they turn away after that, and those are not believers."

Again, this verse follows the subject of the Jews seeking judgement from the Prophet (S), which was referred to in the previous verse. It surprisingly says:

"And how do they (the Jews) make you a judge, while with them is the Torah, where in Allah's judgement? ..."

It should be noted that the aforementioned decree (i.e. the decree of stoning the man and the woman who have committed adultery) is found in the present Torah, Deuteronoms, Chapter 22, No 21-26.

The verse continues saying:

"...Yet they turn away after that, and those are not believers."

- 1. Nahjul-Balagha, Sermon 110

- 2. Bihar-ul-'Anwar, vol. 84, p. 257; & Musnad-Ahmad-ibn-Hanbal, vol. 3, p. 56

- 3. Majma'-ul-Bayan, vol. 3, p.192

- 4. Fi-Zalal-il-Qur'an, vol. 2, p. 716

- 5. The Torah, Deuteronomy, Chapter 22, No.21-26

Section 7: Relation of the Quran to the previous heavenly Books

Evidence from Torah - The Evangel and its evidence – The Qur'an's confirming the previous heavenly books – Now the Qur'an to be followed

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 44

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُواْ مِن كِتَابِ اللّهِ وَكَانُواْ عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاء فَلاَ تَخْشَوُاْ النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلاَ تَشْتَرُواْ بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلاً وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

44. "Verily We have sent down the Torah, wherein is guidance and light, by which the prophets, who submitted themselves (to Us), judged for those who were Jews, and (so did) the rabbis and the scholars (of divinity of the Jews) in accordance with what they were entrusted with the Book of Allah, and they were witnesses thereof. Therefore, do not dread the people, and dread (opposing) Me; and do not sell My Signs for a little price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has sent down; those are they that are the infidels."

Separate from confessing upon the falsification of the Torah and the Bible, the originality of the heavenly Books should be admired and glorified.

It is true that the Torah was revealed to Moses (as) and the Evangel was revealed to Jesus (as), yet they have been accepted by all the prophets and the saints after them. They wholly practiced according to the ordinances of those Books.

Thus, prophets have no commandment from their ownselves, save that they are surrended to the commandment of Allah. Then, when the prophets are surrended to the commandment of Allah, why should we not?

Islam is the religion of all. The prophets of the Israelites have been qualified with 'submission' not with Judaism and Christianity.

And, in general, the scholars of every nation are responsible for the execution of the commandments of the Lord among people. Therefore, guardianship of the jurisconsult has evidences in all religions.

"... by which the prophets who submitted themselves (to Us) judged ..."

Explanation

The Qur'anic word /rabbani/ is derived from /rabban/ which means: 'trainer'. As some other philologists have rendered, the person qualified with /rabbani/ is someone who has adjoined 'the Lord of the worlds' and does not rest with other than Him. Such a person has become godly and has assumed the responsibility of people.

The Arabic term /hibr/ means: 'the effect of a good action', since scholars are the source of benevolence in the society, they are called /hibr/ the plural of which is /ahbar/.

"Verily We have sent down the Torah, wherein is guidance and light, by which the prophets, who submitted themselves (to Us), judged for those who were Jews, and (so did) the rabbis and the scholars (of divinity of the Jews) in accordance with what they were entrusted with the Book of Allah, and they were witnesses thereof Therefore, do not dread the people, and dread (opposing) Me; and do not sell My Signs for a little price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has sent down; those are they that are the infidels."

It is narrated from Imam Ali (as) who has said: "I am the trainer of this community". Imam Sadiq (as) also said: "Rabbaniun are the very Imams from Ahlul-Bayt."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 45

وَكَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فِيهَا أَنَّ النَّفْسَ بِالنَّفْسِ وَالْعَيْنَ بِالْعَيْنِ وَالأَنفَ بِالأَنفِ وَالأُذُنَ بِالأُذُنِ وَالسِّنَّ بِالسِّنِّ وَالْجُرُوحَ قِصَاصٌ فَمَن تَصَدَّقَ بِهِ فَهُوَ كَفَّارَةٌ لَّهُ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

45. "And We prescribed for them in it that: a life is for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds (there shall be) retaliation. But whoever remits it, it shall be an expiation (of his sins) for him; and whoever does not judge by what Allah has sent down, those are they that are the unjust."

Retaliation and Remittal

This verse explains another part of the ordinances concerning crimes and the bounds of Allah in the Torah. It denotes that Allah has assigned the law of retaliation in the Torah so that if a person intentionally murders an innocent one, the owners of blood can retaliate instead and execute the murderer.

"And We prescribed for them in it that: a life is for a life....."

If a person injures another one's eye and destroys it, the injured can also destroy the person's eye:

"...an eye or an eye ..."

He is also permitted to cut his nose instead of his own nose:

"....a nose or a nose ..."

Instead of cutting an ear, the one can cut one ear of his:

"...an ear or an ear ..."

And, if a person breaks the tooth of another person, he can break the criminal's tooth, too. It says:

"…a tooth for a tooth…"

In general, every person who injures or wounds another person, it can be retaliated:

"…and for wounds (there shall be) retaliation. ..."

Therefore, the ordinance of retaliation should be done justly and without considering any difference from the point of race, social level, tribe, and personality.

But, in order that nobody imagines that Allah has decreed the law of retaliation as a compulsory rigid duty, immediately next to this ordinance, it adds:

"….But whoever remits it, it shall be an expiation (of his sins) for him…"

That is, as much as he has remitted in that regard, Allah will remit out of his sins for him.

And, at the end of the verse, it says:

".... and whoever does not judge by what Allah has sent down, those are they that are the unjust."

What an unjust is greater than that we be entangled with some false affections and feelings, and dispense with the murderer absolutely by the excuse that a blood should not be washed out by a blood!

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 46

وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَى آثَارِهِم بِعَيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةً لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

46. "And following them We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming that which was before him of the Torah , and We gave him the Evangel in which was guidance and light, and confirming what was before it of the Torah, and a guidance and an admonition for the pious ones. "

Following the verses concerning the Torah, this verse refers to the condition of the Evangel. It denotes that next to the former prophets, Allah sent Jesus. He (as) confessed the rightfulness and legitimacy of the Torah. The signs of Jesus (as) were completely adapted to those which were given in the Torah. It says

"And following them We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming that which was before him of the Torah...."

Then, it adds:

"... and We gave him the Evangel in which was guidance and light...."

The acceptance of these two Books as 'light' by the Qur'an, is an indication to the original Torah and the original Evangel.

The verse emphasizes once more on this fact that not only Jesus, the son of Mary, confirmed the Torah, but also the Evangel, the heavenly Books, is a confirmation to the Torah. It says:

"...and confirming what was before it of the Torah....."

Then, the holy Qur'an concludes the verse thus:

"...and guidance and an admonition for the pious ones"

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 47

وَلْيَحْكُمْ أَهْلُ الإِنجِيلِ بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فِيهِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

47. "So the people of the Evangel should judge by what Allah has sent down in it, and those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down, those are they that are the evil-doers."

Those Who Do not Judge on the Divine Law

After referring to the revelation of Evangel in the former verses, in this verse the Qur'an says:

"So the people of the Evangel should judge by what Allah has sent down in it...."

The objective meaning of this statement is that: after the revelation of Evangel to Jesus (as), Allah ordered the followers of it to act accordingly and judge by what He had sent down in it.

Then, at the end of the verse, it emphasizes again and says:

"... and those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down, those are they that are the evil-doers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 48

وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا وَلَوْ شَاء اللّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَـكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُم فَاسْتَبِقُوا الخَيْرَاتِ إِلَى الله مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ

48. "And We have sent down unto you the Book with the truth, confirming that which was before it of the Book and as a guardian over it. Therefore judge between them by what Allah has sent down and do not follow their vain desires against the truth that has come to you; for every one of you We appointed a law and a (clear) way. And if Allah had pleased, He would have made you (all) a single community, but He might try you in what He has given you. Therefore strive you excelling one another in virtuous deeds; unto Allah is the return of you all, and then He shall inform you of that in which you used to differ."

After pointing to the Books of the former prophets, there is an indication in this verse to the situation of the Qur'an, the signs of which adapt to what has been recorded in the former heavenly Books. At first, it says:

"And We have sent down unto you the Book with the truth, confirming that which was before it of the Book and as a guardian over it. ..."

Fundamentally, all the heavenly Books are paralleled in principles, and their pursue is the same goal, i.e. training and improving the human race.

Then it commands that since it is such,

"...Therefore judge between them by what Allah has sent down...."

Next to that, it adds not to follow those who intend to adapt the Divine ordinances to their own desires. It says:

"...and do not follow their, vain desires against the truth that has come to you…"

To complete this discussion, it says:

"...for every one of you We appointed a law and a (clear) way...."

Then, it continues saying about the power of Allah (s.w.t.) and that He might try you in order that your different talents be trained. The holy verse says:

"... And if Allah had pleased, He would have made you (all) a single community, but He might try you in what He has given you. ..."

Finally, the Qur'an addresses all the nations and races and invites them all that instead of spending their powers and capacities in conflicts and discords, they should pay to doing good. It says:

"...Therefore strive you excelling one another in virtuous deeds....."

Then, it points to the reason of that righteous work, and says:

"... unto Allah is the return of you all, and then He shall inform you of that in which you used to differ."

Explanation

The Arabic term /Sir'ah/ means: 'law, a way which leads to water'; and the meaning of the term /minhaj/ is: 'a clear way'. Ibn-Abbas has said that: /Sir'ah/ means: 'the ordinances that have come in the Qur'an, but /minhaj/ is that which has come in the practice of the Prophet (S). (Mufradat Raqib)

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 49

وَأَنِ احْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءهُمْ وَاحْذَرْهُمْ أَن يَفْتِنُوكَ عَن بَعْضِ مَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ إِلَيْكَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللّهُ أَن يُصِيبَهُم بِبَعْضِ ذُنُوبِهِمْ وَإِنَّ كَثِيراً مِّنَ النَّاسِ لَفَاسِقُونَ

49. "So judge between them by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their vain desires, and beware of them lest they beguile you from part of what Allah has sent down to you. But if they turn back, then know that Allah desires to afflict them for some of their sins, and surely, many of the people are evil-doers."

Occasion of Revelation

It has been narrated from Ibn-Abbas that a group of the great men of the Jews once plotted and decided to go to the Prophet Muhammad (S) with the hope that they might be able to change him from his creed.

With this planning they came to the Prophet (S) and said: "We are the wealthy and the learned men of the Jews. If we follow you, other Jewish people also will imitate us. But, there is a conflict between us and another group (about a murder or something else).

If you judge in this conflict for our benefit, we will believe in you." The Prophet (S) refrained from such a judgement (which was not just), and the above verse was revealed.

In this verse, Allah emphasizes again on the judgement of His Messenger and says:

"So judge between them by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their vain desires....."

Then, He warns the Prophet (S) about their plot by saying:

"...and beware of them lest they beguile you from part of what Allah has sent down to you….."

Then, the statement continues saying:

"... But if they turn back, then know that Allah desires to afflict them for some of their sins....."

(Finally, at the end of the verse, it implies that if they persist so much on the falsehood, he must not be worried, because:

"...and surely, many of the people are evil-doers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 50

أَفَحُكْمَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ يَبْغُونَ وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ اللّهِ حُكْمًا لِّقَوْمٍ يُوقِنُونَ

50. "Is it then the judgement of (the era of) ignorance that they are seeking? And who is better than Allah in judgement for a people of assured faith?"

The best law is the one whose legislator is qualified with the following conditions:

1. To be aware of all the secrets of the world of existence and those of man, both for the present and future.

2. The Legislator should have no aim of gaining profits.

3. He should not have any fault of any kind, whether intentional or unintentional.

4. He might not be afraid of any power.

These conditions are gathered in Allah. And, who is better than Allah to judge?

That is why those who, having the Divine laws available for them, refer to the laws made by human beings pave the path of paganism and infidelity.

Therefore, any law of man, which contrasts the law of Allah, is considered as the law of pagans. The reason is that these laws of man have been legislated on the basis of vain desires, fears, avarices, ignorance, mistakes, and imaginations.

We must also know that ignorance does not belong to only a period. Whenever people separate from the law of Allah, that time is the period of ignorance.

May Allah protect us all from aberration.

"Is it then the judgement of (the era of) ignorance that they are seeking? And who is better than Allah in judgement for a people of assured faith?"

Section 8: The relation of the Muslims with their opponents

To treat the Jews and Christians as enemies -Only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe, establish prayer and give the poor-rate are the Guardians of the Muslims

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 51

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضٍ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ

51. "O' you who have Faith! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends of each other. And whoever among you takes them for friends, then surely he is one of them. Verily Allah does not guide the unjust people."

To Dissociate from Enemy is the Condition of Faith

Those Islamic governments who have the relation of friendship and accepting the sovereignty of the infidels are counted among them:

"... And whoever among you takes them for friends, then surely he is one of them....."

In foreign relations and policy, master ship and domination of infidels over Muslims is forbidden, because the Holy Qur'an explicitly has absolutely prohibited any domination, of any kind, over Muslims, although it may be under the name of experienced, specialist, expert, attach and tourist. The verse says:

"O' you who have Faith! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends of each other. And whoever among you takes them for friends, then surely he is one of them. Verily Allah does not guide the unjust people."

In the meantime, mentioning the Jews and the Christians in the verse is for giving examples of this meaning, and no master ship of any infidel should be accepted.

It is understood, of course, from some other verses of the Qur'an that enjoying the food staff produced by infidels, which are not from the animal flesh, and bargaining with them are allowed, because none of them is rendered into the sense of accepting the sovereignty of infidels.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 52

فَتَرَى الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ يُسَارِعُونَ فِيهِمْ يَقُولُونَ نَخْشَى أَن تُصِيبَنَا دَآئِرَةٌ فَعَسَى اللّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَ بِالْفَتْحِ أَوْ أَمْرٍ مِّنْ عِندِهِ فَيُصْبِحُواْ عَلَى مَا أَسَرُّواْ فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ نَادِمِينَ

52. "But you will see those in whose hearts is disease hastening towards them, saying: We fear lest a calamity should befall us.' And it may be that Allah brings about a victory or (some) thing from Himself (for the benefit of Muslims), then they will be regretting for what they hid in their selves."

In this verse, the Holy Qur'an points to the pretexts that some sickly people chose for justification of their unlawful relations with the non-Muslim foreigners. The verse implies that those in whose hearts there is sickness persist to take them as their own refuge and their confederate.

Their pretext is that they say they fear that the authority and power be in the foreigners' hand and they be fallen in calamity. Here is the verse:

"But you will see those in whose hearts is disease hastening towards them, saying: We fear lest a calamity should befall us...."

In answer to them, the Qur'an says that just as they think that someday the authority and power may be in the hand of the Jews and the Christians, they should also consider that Allah may bring a victory for the Muslims and they take-the authority and power in their own hand, so that these hypocrites be regretful for what they hid in their hearts. The verse says:

"... And it may be that Allah brings about a victory or (some) thing from Himself (for the benefit of Muslims), then they will be regretting for what they hid in their selves."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 53

وَيَقُولُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَهَـؤُلاء الَّذِينَ أَقْسَمُواْ بِاللّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَانِهِمْ إِنَّهُمْ لَمَعَكُمْ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فَأَصْبَحُواْ خَاسِرِينَ

53. "And those who believe will say: Are these they who swore by Allah with the most forcible of their oath that they were most surely with you?' Their (good) deeds failed and they themselves became losers."

The final fate of the disbelievers is pointed out in this verse. It points to the time when the true believers gain the victory and the act of the hypocrites is made manifest.

Then the believers will surprisingly say whether these hypocrites are the same people who had so many claims and intensively swore that they were with the believers. Why did their final fate become like that? The verse says:

"And those who believe will say: Are these they who swore by Allah with the most forcible of their oath that they were most surely with you?'..."

Then, as a result of the same hypocrisy, all their good deeds became invalid, because they had not originated from a pure intention and a sincere source. That was why they became of the losers both in this world and in other world. It says:

"... Their (good) deeds failed and they themselves became losers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 54

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ مَن يَرْتَدَّ مِنكُمْ عَن دِينِهِ فَسَوْفَ يَأْتِي اللّهُ بِقَوْمٍ يُحِبُّهُمْ وَيُحِبُّونَهُ أَذِلَّةٍ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَعِزَّةٍ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ يُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَلاَ يَخَافُونَ لَوْمَةَ لآئِمٍ ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاء وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

54. "O' you who have Faith whoever of you turns away from his religion (he does not harm Allah, since) soon Allah will bring (forward) a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble towards the believers, stern against infidels, they strive in the way of Allah, and do not fear the scorn of any blamer. This is the grace of Allah; He gives it to whom He desires; and Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

After the statement upon the hypocrites, the words are about some apostates who, according to the prediction of the Qur'an, turn away from this sacred religion.

As a general rule, it warns all the Muslims that if any one of them turns away from his religion he does not harm Allah, His religion, Muslim society, and their rapid process of progression, because He will soon bring forward a group of people to support this religion. The verse itself says:

"O' you who have Faith! whoever of you turns away from his religion (he does not harm Allah, since) soon Allah will bring (forward) a people "....

Then the Qur'an explains the qualities of those who must undertake this great mission, as the followings:

1. They love Allah and think of nothing but His pleasure.

"....whom He loves and who love Him….."

2-3 They are humble and kind unto the believers while they are mighty, stern, and forceful against the enemies and tyrants.

"... stern against infidels....."

4. Striving in the way of Allah is their constant program.

5. The last privilege that the Qur'an enumerates for them is that, in the path of performing the command of Allah and defending the right, they do not fear any reproach of any reproacher.

"... and do not fear the scorn of any blamer. ..."

And, at the end of the verse, it remarks that gaining these privileges, besides their own effort needs the grace of Allah. He bestows it on whomever He desires and finds eligible. For, the extension of His grace and graciousness is very vast, and He (s.w.t.) is aware of those who have competency.

This is the grace of Allah; He gives it to whom He desires; and Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 55

إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ

55. "Verily, verily your guardian (waliyy) is only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor-rate while bowing down (in prayer)."

It has been cited in the occasion of revelation of the above verse that a beggar entered the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah (S) and asked people for a charity. Nobody gave him anything. Ali-Ibn-Abi- talib (as) pointed his finger to him while he was bowing in the prayer, and he (as) remitted his ring to that beggar. In honouring of this remittal, the above verse was revealed.

The explanation of the above event has been narrated by ten people among the companions of the Prophet (S), like: Ibn-Abbas, 'Ammar, Jabir-ibn-' Abdillah, 'Abuthar, 'Anas-ibn-Malik, Bilal, and so on. The scholars of both schools of Sunni and Shi'ah have confirmed this occasion of revelation.

'Ammar- yasir says that it was after the remittal of the ring and the revelation of the holy verse that the Messenger of Allah (S) once said:

"The one upon whom I am master, then this Ali is his master." (Al-Mizan)

The holy Prophet (S) recited this verse in Ghadeer Khumm in order to state the position of Hadrat Ali (as). (As-Safi)

Ali-ibn-Abi- 'talib (s.) himself repeatedly recited this verse for his own rightfulness. (As-Safi)

'Abuthar, who himself witnessed the event, explained what occurred for the people in details in the Sacred Mosque. (Majma'-ul-Bayan). Almost all the authentic commentary books, compiled by both Sunni and Shi'ah commentators, have recorded the event.

The term /waliyy/, mentioned in this verse, does not mean 'friend' and 'helper' here, since friendship and helping refers to all the Muslims, not to those who give charity while bowing down in prayer.

According to the Islamic traditions, the purpose of it is only Ali-ibn-Abi- talib (as), and the application of the plural form of the verb /'amanu/ for a singular subject is for the importance of the one. A similar case is found in the verse of 'mutual cursing' where it says /'anfusana wa 'anfusakum / (ourselves and your selves)

In the meantime, many Islamic scholars and the commentators of the Qur'an have said that the objective meaning of the word /waliyy/, mentioned in the above verse, is /wilayah/ in the sense of: 'guardianship' and 'material and spiritual personal initiative' and 'leadership'.

In particular, this guardianship has been ordered in the same row of the guardianship of the Prophet (S) and the guardianship of Allah, and these three are stated in one sentence.

Thus, this verse is one of the verses that, as a Qur'anic text, indicate to master ship and Imamate of Ali-ibn-Abitalib (as).

Explanations

1. Islam is the religion of both association and disassociation, i.e. attraction and repulsion (polarization).

In the previous verses, the Jews and the Christians were prohibited to be chosen as masters. Here, in this verse, the commandment is that we take and follow Allah (s.w.t.), the Messenger (S), and Ali (as) as our masters.

2. The essence of master ship of Allah, the Messenger, and Hadrat Ali (as) is the same, and it is essentially one in nature as well as in effect. That is why the verse says: /waliyyukum/ (your guardian) in a singular form, not /'aulia'ukum/ (your guardians) in plural form.

3. The terms of prayer and alms-tax (charity) are usually mentioned in the Qur'an beside each other, but, in this verse, they are mixed with together, (giving alms-tax while bowing down in prayer).

4. Those who are not among the performers of prayer and alms-tax have not the right of guardianship and leadership over people.

5. In order to help the deprive, they do not consider even their prayer as a barrier. The mass of Muslims should not be inattentive to a poor so that he leaves them dejected and disappointed.

6. Heeding the created beings, in the cause of Allah, does not harm the sincerity. (Alms-tax while bowing down)

(People minus Allah are Marxism, and Allah minus people is monasticism, but people along side the path of Allah is the method of Islam.)

7. The person who is inattentive to the sigh of the poor should not be your leader and your guardian.

8. Some particular insignificant things (like charity) do not invalidate prayer.

9. The Qur'an has counted the freewill offering (recommendable charity) and the ring even as poor-rate.

"...and pay the poor-rate ..."

10. Guardianship over Muslims belongs firstly to Allah (s.w.t.), secondly to the Prophet (S), and then to the Immaculate Imam and after that to jurisconsult.

11. The best kind of introduction is that in which the qualities and characteristics of a particular person be mentioned and the audience adapt them to its aspect and they themselves find its extension. (The verse, without mentioning the name of Ali (as), has enumerated his qualities and actions.)

"Verily, verily your guardian (waliyy) is only Allah and His Messenger and those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor-rate while bowing down in prayer)."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 56

وَمَن يَتَوَلَّ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ فَإِنَّ حِزْبَ اللّهِ هُمُ الْغَالِبُونَ

56. "And whoever takes for (his) guardian Allah and His Messenger and those who believe (should know that he is victorious, because) surely the party of Allah are Triumphant."

This verse is a complement for the content of the previous verse. It emphasizes and pursues its meaning. It informs the Muslims that those who accept the guardianship of Allah (s.w.t.) and the Messenger (S) and the believing persons whom were referred to in the previous verse, will become victorious, because they will be involved in the party of Allah , and the party of Allah are indeed the victors.

The verse says:

"And whoever takes for (his) guardian Allah and His Messenger and those who believe (should know that he is victorious, because) surely the party of Allah are Triumphant."

(In this verse, there is another frame of reference upon guardianship, to which was referred in the previous verse. The application of the phrase /hizbullah/ (the party of Allah) and its 'triumph' relates to the Islamic government, not to a simple and ordinary friendship.

This itself indicates that the term /wilayah / in the verse leads to the sense of guardianship, government, and governorship of Islam and the Muslims. The evidence is that in the meaning of 'the party of Allah' there lies a kind of formation, organization and society for securing the common goals.

Section 9: Mockers

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 57

The Mockers and their fault-finding -Hypocrisy and the mischief of the Jews - The Jews and the Christians enjoined to act up to their own Holy Books.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُواْ دِينَكُمْ هُزُوًا وَلَعِبًا مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَالْكُفَّارَ أَوْلِيَاء وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

57. "O' you who have Faith! do not take those who take your religion in mockery and play, from among those who were given the Book before you and the infidels as guardians; and be in awe of Allah if you are believers."

The worldly retribution of the act of mockery and sacrilege unto the religion of Allah and profanity is rupture of relations. Mocking the religion is a job of disbelievers. So, the condition of having Faith is having the religious zeal and dissociating from the vicious.

Never be afraid of the rupture of relation with pagans, the profaners of the religion. If you have Faith, be in awe of Allah.

"O' you who have Faith! do not take those who take your religion in mockery and play, from among those who were given the Book before you and the infidels as guardians; and be in awe of Allah if you are believers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 58

وَإِذَا نَادَيْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ اتَّخَذُوهَا هُزُوًا وَلَعِبًا ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لاَّ يَعْقِلُونَ

58. "And when you call to prayer they take it in mockery and play. That is because they are a people who do not apply reason."

Following the previous discussion upon the prohibition of friendship with the hypocrites and a party of the People of the Book who mock the commandments of Islam, this verse points to one of their deeds as an evidence. It implies that when the prayer call is recited and the Muslims are called to prayer, the hypocrites and some of the People of the Book mock it. Here is the verse:

"And when you call to prayer they take it in mockery and play....."

This Fact should be noted that 'prayer' is the feature and the sample of the religion. Thus, here, taking prayer in mockery means taking the feature of the religion in mockery. Hence, the prayer call should be recited so that the crowd of Muslims gather and prayer be established quite openly.

In Islamic society, prayer call must be recited loudly and be preached, but it should not be troublesome; of course.

In conclusion, this point is clear that the style of the wise is that they face the affairs logically while the imprudent, those who have not reason, are the makers of mockery. The verse says:

"...That is because they are a people who do not apply reason."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 59

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ هَلْ تَنقِمُونَ مِنَّا إِلاَّ أَنْ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلُ وَأَنَّ أَكْثَرَكُمْ فَاسِقُونَ

59. "Say: 'O' People of the Book! Do you find faults with us (for any reason) except that we have believed in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent down before (the Quran), and that, certainly, most of you are evil-doers'."

Occasion of Revelation

Upon the Occasion of Revelation of the above verse and the verse after that, it has been narrated from Ibn-Abbas that a group of the Jewish people came to the Prophet (S) and asked him to describe his creeds for them.

Then, the holy Prophet (S) said: "I believe in Allah and in what have been revealed to Abraham, Ismael, Issac, Jacob, Moses, Jesus, and all Divine Prophets, and I separate none of them from the others."

They said: "We do not know Jesus and do not accept him as a prophet." Then they added that they knew no religion worse than their religion (the Prophet's religion). It was at that time that this holy verse was revealed and answered them.

In this verse, Allah (s.w.t.) orders Prophet Muhammad (S) to ask the People of the Book why they found faults with them and criticized them for any reason, save that they had believed in Allah (s.w.t.) and submitted to what was sent down to them and to the prophets before them.

The verse says:

"Say: ' O' People of the Book! Do you find faults with us (for any reason) except that we have believed in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent down before (the Quran) ..."

At the end of the verse, there finds a sentence which in fact, is the clarification of the previous sentence. It, from the tongue of Muslims and addressing the People of the Book, denotes that if you object us upon the pure theism and sincere submission we have unto all the heavenly Books, it is because most of you are evil-doers and have polluted with sins.

Thus, since you yourselves are polluted and deluded, then whoever are purified and pave the right path, in your point of view, their manner is blemish.

"...and that certainly, most of you are evil-doers"

Note:

1. Denial of the right and annoying the followers of the right is ungodliness.

2. When encountering the severities of the enemies do not forfeit justice and fairness. Yet, do not consider all of those hostile enemies as equally evil-doers.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 60

قُلْ هَلْ أُنَبِّئُكُم بِشَرٍّ مِّن ذَلِكَ مَثُوبَةً عِندَ اللّهِ مَن لَّعَنَهُ اللّهُ وَغَضِبَ عَلَيْهِ وَجَعَلَ مِنْهُمُ الْقِرَدَةَ وَالْخَنَازِيرَ وَعَبَدَ الطَّاغُوتَ أُوْلَـئِكَ شَرٌّ مَّكَاناً وَأَضَلُّ عَن سَوَاء السَّبِيلِ

60. "Say: 'Shall I inform you of (him who is) worse than that in retribution with Allah?(Worse are those) whom Allah has cursed and brought His wrath upon, and He turned some of whom into apes and swine, and worshippers of Taghut (false deity). They are worse in place (with Allah) and far more astray from the (right) path."

In this holy verse, some perverted creeds and some wrong deeds of the People of the Book, resulted to the inflictions they were faced with, are compared with the situation of the true Muslim believers, in order to make ( clear which of these two groups deserve to be blamed and criticized.

This is, indeed, a logical answer which is used for the stubborn and fanatic persons to become mindful. In this comparison, it addresses the Prophet (S) to tell them whether the person who believes in Allah and the heavenly Books deserves to be criticized and blamed, or the wrong actions of those whose retribution of their deed is worse than that with Allah. The verse says:

"Say: 'Shall I inform you of (him who is) worse than that in retribution with Allah?.."

Then, it explains this subject when it says:

"…(Worse are those) whom Allah has cursed and brought His wrath upon, and He turned some of whom into apes a swine, and worshippers of Taghut (false deity). They are worse in place (with Allah) and far more astray from the (right) path."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 61

وَإِذَا جَآؤُوكُمْ قَالُوَاْ آمَنَّا وَقَد دَّخَلُواْ بِالْكُفْرِ وَهُمْ قَدْ خَرَجُواْ بِهِ وَاللّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكْتُمُونَ

61. "And when they come to you, they say: 'We believe '; while certainly they have entered in with infidelity, and certainly they have gone out with it; and Allah knows best what they were hiding."

In order to complete the discussion about the hypocrites among the People of the Book, in this verse it makes their inner hypocrisy manifest and announces it to the Muslims as such:

"And when they come to you, they say: 'We believe '; while certainly they have entered in with infidelity, and certainly they have gone out with it....."

And, at the end of the verse, it warns them that in spite of all these concealments, Allah is aware of what they hide. It says:

"....and Allah knows best what they were hiding."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 62

وَتَرَى كَثِيراً مِّنْهُمْ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَأَكْلِهِمُ السُّحْتَ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ

62. "And you will see many of them striving with one another to hasten in sin and transgression and their devouring the unlawful. Verily, evil is what they have been doing."

In the previous verse, the words were about their infidel spirit; and, here, the statement is about their ethical, social, and economical corruptions.

In this verse, the Qur'an refers to some other signs of their hypocrisy. As a part of the signs, it says:

"And you will see many of them striving with one another to hasten in sin and transgression and their devouring the unlawful. ..."

That is, they so act in the way of sin and cruelty that as if they go forward unto some honourable goals, and without any shame or modesty, they try to precede one another.

Therefore, preceding in corruption is found in the feature of the society of infidelity and hypocrisy. But, the feature o-f the Islamic society is precedence in good deeds.

Similarly, the main goals and ideal of the hypocrites is: lust, wealth, might, usury, bribery, enmity, and sinfulness.

Worse than that manner is that, they openly show their committing sin and being involved in it.

And, at the end of the verse, in order to emphasize on the indecency condition of their deeds and that they continue to perform them, the holy Qur'an says:

"...Verily, evil is what they have been doing."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 63

لَوْلاَ يَنْهَاهُمُ الرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالأَحْبَارُ عَن قَوْلِهِمُ الإِثْمَ وَأَكْلِهِمُ السُّحْتَ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ

63. "Why do not the learned men and the doctors of law prohibit them (the people) from uttering sinful words and devouring the unlawful? Verily evil is what they have been working."

Then, in this holy verse, the attack is targeted at the learned men of such societies who, by their own silence, encourage them to committing sin; It says:

"Why do not the learned men and the doctors of law prohibit them (the people) from uttering sinful words and devouring the unlawful? ..."

That is, in order to improve an immoral society, the knowledgeable men among them must change their incorrect thoughts and creeds. Thus, the verse shows the style of improving an immoral society to the learned people that they must begin with mental revolution.

And, at the end of the verse, the Qur'an has blamed the indifferent scholars who remain silent and those who abandon 'enjoining right' and 'forbidding wrong' in the same level that it has blamed the evil-doers, where it says:

" ...Verily evil is what they have been working."

Thus, it becomes clear that the fate of those who do not perform the great duty of 'enjoining right and forbidding wrong', especially when they are among scholars and learned ones, is equivalent with the fate of the sinners. They have indeed, a share of their crime.

Ibn-Abbas, the famous commentator, has been narrated from that he used to say: "This verse is the most intensive verse which scorns and blames the undutiful and indifferent scholars."

It is evident that this command does not pertain exclusively to the silent scholars of the Jews and the Christians. It encompasses all the mental leaders and scholars who sit silent at the time that people become polluted with committing sin and go forward in the path of injustice and corruption, because the law of Allah is the same for all human beings.

In a tradition from Imam Ali (as), mentioned in Sermon No.192, we recite that he has said:

" ...because Allah, the Glorified, did not curse the past age except for that they had left off enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong. In fact, Allah cursed the foolish for committing sins and the wise because they gave up refraining others from evils. ..."

In other words, this part of the sermon means that former nations were destroyed for their committing sins and that their wise men did not forbid people from evils. At this time the misfortunes and divine retributions came down over them.

Then, O' people! Beware to do 'enjoining right and forbidding wrong' so that you may not have a similar fate of theirs, either.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 64

وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ يَدُ اللّهِ مَغْلُولَةٌ غُلَّتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَلُعِنُواْ بِمَا قَالُواْ بَلْ يَدَاهُ مَبْسُوطَتَانِ يُنفِقُ كَيْفَ يَشَاء وَلَيَزِيدَنَّ كَثِيراً مِّنْهُم مَّا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ طُغْيَانًا وَكُفْرًا وَأَلْقَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاء إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ كُلَّمَا أَوْقَدُواْ نَارًا لِّلْحَرْبِ أَطْفَأَهَا اللّهُ وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَسَادًا وَاللّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

64. "And the Jews have said: The hand of Allah is tied up! and cursed be they for what they have said. Nay, both His hands (of Power) are (always) spread out. He bestows as He pleases. And what has been sent down to you from your Lord will certainly increase many of them in insolence and infidelity; and We have cast enmity and hatred between them till the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindle a fire for war , Allah extinguishes it. They strive to make mischief in the land; and Allah does not love the mischief makers.

One of the clear examples of the vain statements and sinful words of the Jews, which were generally referred to in the previous verse, has been pointed out in this verse.

Its explanation is that history shows that once the Jews were living in a very powerful state. They were ruling over a vast part of the inhabited world of that era, of which the time of David and Solomon, son of David, can be mentioned as an example. In the time after that, too, their authority continued to be exposed with some changes, of course.

But, with the advent of Islam, the light of the star of their power declined especially in Mecca and Medina.

The Prophet's fights against the Jewish tribes known as Bani-Nadir, Bani-Ghurah, and the Jews of Kheybar caused them to become very weak. At this time, considering their past glory, authority and power, some of them mockingly said that Allah's hand was tied up with chains and would not give them anything.

Since the rest of them (those Jewish people) were content with, them, too; the Qur'an has attributed this qualification to all of them, by saying:

"And the Jews have said: (The hand of Allah is tied up! ..."

In answer to them, and in order to blame and reproach such a wrong belief, at first, Allah says:

"...Be their hands tied up! and cursed be they for what they have said....."

Then, to nullify this unjust opinion, the Qur'an says:

"....Nay, both His hands (of Power) are (always) spread out. He bestows as He pleases. ..."

Allah is neither forced in His affairs, nor is He obliged to the natural phenomena or the momentum of time; but His Will is above everything and effective in all affairs.

Then, it implies that even these verses, that make the secret of their statements and opinions manifest, instead of having a positive effect on them and turning them back from the wrong path, cause many of them to become rather stubborn and also to increase their rebelliousness and faithlessness. The verse says:

"...And what has been sent down to you from your Lord will certainly increase many of them in insolence and infidelity....."

But, for these unjust statements and opinions, that they utter and the obstinacy that they have in the way of disobedience and disbelief, Allah has assigned a heavy chastisement for them in this world. He (s.w.t.) in this verse says:

"...and We have cast enmity and hatred between them till the Day of Resurrection. ..."

And, by the last part of the verse, the Qur'an points to the struggles and efforts of the Jews for kindling the flames of war. It also points to the struggles and efforts of the Jews for kindling the flames of war. It also points to the grace of Allah in protecting and rescuing the Muslims from these annihilating flames, where it says:

"….Every time they kindle a fire for war , Allah extinguishes it…"

And, in fact, this divine incident is one of miraculous aspects of the life of the Prophet (S).

Then, the Qur'an continues saying:

"...They strive to make mischief in the land; and Allah does not love the mischief makers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 65

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ آمَنُواْ وَاتَّقَوْاْ لَكَفَّرْنَا عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلأدْخَلْنَاهُمْ جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ

65. "And if the People of the Book had believed and kept from evil, We would certainly have remitted their sins and We would certainly have made them enter Gardens of Bless."

The Qur'an follows, here, the former criticisms upon the manner and style of the People of the Book. In this verse and the verse next to it as the training principles require, and in order to bring back the mischievous People of the Book to the straight path and admiring that minority of them who did not cooperate with them in their evil deeds, the Qur'an, at first, says:

"And if the People of the Book had believed and kept from evil, We would certainly have remitted their sins ..."

They not only will be forgiven of their sins but also will be admitted into gardens of Paradise which are the centre of kinds of blessings. The Holy Qur'an says:

"...and We would certainly have made them enter Gardens of Bless."!

This meaning refers to the spiritual bounties found in the Hereafter.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 66

وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ أَقَامُواْ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالإِنجِيلَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيهِم مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ لأكَلُواْ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِم مِّنْهُمْ أُمَّةٌ مُّقْتَصِدَةٌ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ سَاء مَا يَعْمَلُونَ

66. "And if they had kept Up the Torah and the Evangel and what was sent down to them from their Lord, they would certainly have had (of the bounties) from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them there are people who are moderate, but (as for) many of them, evil is what they do."

If the followers of heavenly Books other than the Holy Qur'an had submitted to the Qur'an, and had not imagined that surrendering to the Qur'an is the submission of the Children of Israel to Arabs, and had realized that the prophets' principles of teachings are all alike, and that having faith in what was revealed after the Torah and Evangel is a promotion to the higher class of belief not negating the former instructions, then, besides enjoying of the concerning merits in Hereafter, they would have received varieties of bounties in this very world, too.

In the preceding holy verse, the function of Faith in the spiritual felicity of the other life was referred to, but here, in the verse under discussion, its function in the worldly prosperity and economic welfare has been stated. The verse says:

"And if they had kept up the Torah and the Evangel and what was sent down to them from their Lord, they would certainly have had (of the bounties) from above them and from beneath their feet. ..."

In the previous verse, the words were about the belief of the Jews saying that: "The hand of Allah is tied up", while, here, the verse points out that they should refer to the heavenly Books and then judge whether the hand of Allah is tied up or not.

The reason that their glory and might changed into disgrace and degradation as retribution, was for that they turned their backs to the heavenly instructions, not for the restraint of Allah (s.w.t.).

"....Among them there are people who are moderate, but (as for) many of them, evil is what they do."

Section 10: The Christian Deviation from the Truth

Truth to be proclaimed at all cost -The people of the Gospel do not act up to it - The errors which the Christians commit

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 67

يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ وَاللّهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ

67. "O' Messenger! convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the (vice of) people, verily Allah does not guide the unbelieving ones. "

Appointment of the Successor as the Final Point of Prophetic Mission

In this verse, only the Prophet (S) is addressed. It states but his duty. The text of the verse begins with "O' Messenger!" and continues explicitly and emphatically commending him such:

"...convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord...."

Then, for a further emphasis it warns him that if he refrains doing that, (that never might he refrain), he has not conveyed His message to people at all. The verse says:

"...and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message (at all); ..."

After that, the revelation consoles the Prophet (S), as if he was anxious and worried about a particular incident, and tells him not to be afraid of people for performing this duty. It says:

"....and Allah will protect you from the (vice of) people ..."

And, at the end of the verse, as a threat and punishment unto those who reject or deny this peculiar message and pertinaciously blaspheme it, the verse says:

"...Verily Allah does not guide the unbelieving ones."

Truly, what an important subject there existed in the latest months of the Prophet's life that in the above-mentioned verse the lack of its conveyance has been counted equivalent with the lack of messenger ship wholly.

In different books of the scholars of both Sunnite and Shi'ah schools of thought, there are many authentic traditions recorded to say that the above-mentioned verse has been revealed at Ghadeer Khumm about the appointment of the successor for the Prophet (S) and the future fate of Islam and Muslims.1

Ghadeer Khumm in Brief

In the last year of the Prophet's life the rites of Hajjat-ul- Wida' were very gloriously performed at the presence of the Prophet (S).

In this journey, not only the inhabitants of Medina accompanied the holy Prophet (S), but also Muslims of different parts of Arabia took part in the pilgrimage with the Prophet (S) to gain a great historical honour and credit.

The sun of Arabia was showering heat as fire over Mounts and valleys. But the sweetness of this spiritual journey made everything easy for the pilgrims of Mecca. It was nearly noon. The land of Juhfeh and behind it the hot dry deserts of Ghadeer Khumm were showing themselves from a distance.

It was on Thursday in the tenth A.H. (anno Hijira), just eight days after the Day of Sacrifice. Suddenly the Prophet (S) ordered halt to the marching caravan.

The Prophet's Muazzin invited people to noon prayer with a loud voice of 'Allahu-Akbar '. People became ready for prayer while the weather was so hot that men had to put one side of their shoulder-mantles on the ground under their feet and another side of it over their heads when establishing prayer.

When the noon prayer was established, people were going to go immediately into their small tents which they were carrying with them to shelter therein. But the Prophet (S) informed them that everybody should attend to hearken a new Divine message. Then he announced that message through a full described sermon.

Those people who were standing in a distance from the Prophet (S) to listen to his lecture could not see him from behind the crowd.

Therefore, a pulpit was prepared from the seats used at the back of the camels. The holy Prophet (S) mounting the pulpit praised Allah and sought protection from Him. Then he addressed the huge crowd of people and said:

"Soon I am going to depart from among you by accepting the invitation of Allah. I am responsible, and you are responsible, too. How do you bear witness about me? "

The audience shouted saying:

"We bear witness that certainly you have conveyed (the mission of messenger ship), advised (the circumstance of benevolence) and strived (to guide us). May, then, Allah reward you goodness."

Then he (S) questioned:

"Do you not bear witness to Unity of Allah, my messenger ship, the rightfulness of the Day of Resurrection, and raising the dead on that Day?"

The crowd answered: "Yes, We confess." The Prophet (S) said: "O' Lord! Be witness." Again, he (S) said: "O' people! Do you hear me? ..." The audience answered positively, and then a silence dominated throughout the desert, so that there was, heard nothing but the sound of the wind.

The Prophet (S) said:

"Now, look how do you treat with these two weighty and worthy things that I leave among you?"

A voice from among the crowd asked the Prophet (S) what those two worthy things were.

The Prophet (S) immediately said:

"The first is 'the Greater Weight', the Qur'an, whose one end is in Allah's hand and another end is in your hand. Never abandon it lest you might get astray! The second worthy thing is my progeny, my Ahlul-Bayt. And verily Allah, the Subtle, the Aware, informed me that never, never, will these too get separated from each other until they meet me at Heaven. Do not anticipate them both, because you, will be perished; and be not behind-hand of those two, for you will be perished, too."

At that time, people saw that the Prophet (S) was looking round as if he was looking for someone. As soon as he saw Ali (as), he leaned over and took his hand and raised it up so high that the whiteness of their arm-pits appeared.

The entire crowd saw him (as) and recognized him that he is the very ever-victorious officer of Islam. Here, the Prophet's voice became louder and more audible when he said:

"O' people! who is superior (or the Master) among the people to the believers more than their own selves? "

They said: "Allah and the Prophet (S) know better."

The Prophet (S) said:

"Allah is my master, and I am the master over the believers, and I am superior to them more than their own selves (my decision is superior to their decision)."

Then he (S) added:

"To whomever I am the Maula (the master) this Ali is his Maula (the master)."

And he repeated this statement three times, or, as some narrators of the traditions have cited, he repeated it four times.

After stating this commandment, he looked up towards heaven and prayed, saying:

"O' Allah! Be You a friend to him who is a friend to him (Ali) and (Be You) as enemy to him who is enemy to him (i.e. Ali)."

Then he (S) said to the audience:

"Beware that all of you who are present should communicate this news to those who are absent."

The Prophet's sermon was completed while sweat was showering from the faces of the Prophet (S), Ali (as) and all people there because of the heat. Before separating the rows of the pilgrims, Ruh-ul-'Amin (Gabriel) came down and revealed this holy verse to the Prophet (S):

"...This day have I perfected your religion for you and have I completed My bounties on you and am pleased your religion to be Islam. ..." 2

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest upon the perfection of religion and completion of favour, and the Lord became pleased with my messenger ship and Ali's mastership after me."

At this time there arose a sound of pleasure and uproar amongst people, and they congratulated this position to Ali (as). Two people, out of those famous ones in the gathering who felicitated Ali (as), were Abu-Bakr and 'Umar.

It was at the presence of the crowd when they one after another uttered in their Arabic tongue: "Bakhkhin bakhkhin laka yabna Abi-Talib. Asbahta wa amsayta Moulaee wa Maula kulle Mu'minin wa Mu'minah , (Hurrah, Hurrah, O' son of Abu-Talib! You have now become my Maula (master) and the Maula (master) of every believing man and believing woman.)

This report is a brief explanation of the Ghadeer Khumm which has been recorded in the scholars' books of both Sunnie and Shi'ites.

An Explanation

All of the Shi'ite commentators basing on Ahlul-Bayt's traditions, and also as some Sunnite commentators, like Fakhr-i-Razi and the author of Almanar have cited that this verse is related to the mastership (wilayah) of Ali-ibn Abi-Talib and the event in Ghadeer Khumm.

The style of the tone and address of the verse distinguishes this holy verse from the verses before and after it. It is only in this verse throughout the Qur'an that the holy Prophet (S) has been threatened due to the concealment of message.

It announces that if he does not convey that message, it is as if what he has conveyed during all the years of his messenger ship will be reduced to nothing. Therefore, it must be noted what an important message it is which has been stated there and in that manner.

It is a message that, from the point of significance, is equivalent with all the Divine messages of the whole period of his prophet hood and messenger ship. That message is the master ship, Imamate, and leadership of Ali-ibn-Abi- Talib (as) from the side of Allah.

O' Lord! accept us and our children among the true followers of Imam Ali (as) and his progeny (as), and cause us all to be mustered with them on the day of Resurrection.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 68

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَسْتُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ حَتَّىَ تُقِيمُواْ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالإِنجِيلَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَيَزِيدَنَّ كَثِيراً مِّنْهُم مَّا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ طُغْيَانًا وَكُفْرًا فَلاَ تَأْسَ عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

68. "Say: 'O' People of the Book you follow naught (no true religion) till you keep up the Torah and the Evangel and what has been sent down unto you from your Lord; and surely that which has been sent down to you from your Lord (the Qur'an} shall increase many of them in insolence and infidelity. So do not grieve for the unbelieving ones."

It is necessary to believe in all the heavenly Books, and a mere claim of belief is not sufficient. Practice and establishment of action for Faith is indispensable. Thus, the person who does not practise his Faith has no religion.

The personality and value of individuals is estimated by the level of their action on the religious duties.

Infidelity and obstinacy of persons do not harm the Islamic system and ideology, but they themselves incur its harm. Allah is the protector of the religion.

"Say: ' O' People of the Book you follow naught (no true religion} till you keep up the Torah and the Evangel and what has been sent down unto you from your Lord; and surely that which has been sent down to you from your Lord (the Qur'an) shall increase many of them in insolence and infidelity. So do not grieve for the unbelieving ones."

It is evident, of course that the content meaning of this verse is not allocated to the Jews. If the Muslims suffice only to the claim of Islam, too, and do not establish the prophets' principles of training and their own heavenly Book in particular, they will have neither any rank nor value with Allah nor in their own personal and social life. So, they will always be helpless, inferior and defeated.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 69

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَالَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَالصَّابِؤُونَ وَالنَّصَارَى مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

69. "Verily those who believed, and those of the Jews and the Sabians and the Christians, whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day, and worked righteousness - no fear shall be upon them, nor shall they grieve."

The verse relates to the Faith and the deeds of the followers of those religions mentioned in the verse at their own concerning times.

Then, with the advent of a new religion, they should believe in the new Divine law, else the appointment of the successive prophets seems useless. Then, either of the Jews, the Christians, and others should believe in Islam like Muslims and act righteously. It is in that case that they will have neither fear nor any grief.

"Verily those who believed, and those of the Jews and the Sabians and the Christians, whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day, and worked righteousness - no fear shall be upon them, nor shall they grieve."

All the heavenly religions prove that the criterion of felicity is both 'Faith and righteous deed', not the bare claims and names or slogans. Thus, Faith is not separate from action; and tranquillity and security are found due to them both.

Explanation: What is the Objective Meaning of the Sabians?

Some commentators have said that they are a group of people whose religion has been taken from those of the Jews and Christians. Some others have said that they believe in Noah (as) and do not believe in all prophets after him.

But, as Imam Rida (as) has said, the Sabians are some formerly worshippers who repented and believed in both 'The Origin and the End', and did righteous deeds, too.3

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 70

لَقَدْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهِمْ رُسُلاً كُلَّمَا جَاءهُمْ رَسُولٌ بِمَا لاَ تَهْوَى أَنْفُسُهُمْ فَرِيقًا كَذَّبُواْ وَفَرِيقًا يَقْتُلُونَ

70. "Certainly We look a covenant from the Children of Israel and We sent messengers to them. Whenever there came to them a messenger with what their souls did not desire, some of them they would deny and some (of them) they would slay."

In Surah Al-Baqarah No.2 and at the beginning of this current Surah, Al-Ma'idah, there is a hint to the firm covenant that Allah has taken from the Children of Israel. In the above verse, too, this covenant is referred to again.

It implies that Allah took covenant from the Children of Israel to do according to what He sent down. And, He appointed some messengers for them to guide them and to demand the fulfilment of this covenant from them. It says:

"Certainly We took a covenant from the Children of Israel and We sent messengers to them. ..."

Then the verse continues implying that they not only did not do upon this covenant but also whenever a messenger brought a Divine commandment to them which contrasted their wishes and low desires, they committed the worst and the strongest struggle against him. They denied some of these prophets, while they killed those prophets whose influence they could not hinder. It says:

"... Whenever there came to them a messenger with what their souls did not desire, some of them they would deny and some (of them) they would slay."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 71

وَحَسِبُواْ أَلاَّ تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ فَعَمُواْ وَصَمُّواْ ثُمَّ تَابَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ ثُمَّ عَمُواْ وَصَمُّواْ كَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَاللّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

71. "And they (the Jews) imagined that there would be no affliction, so they became blind and deaf (unto the Truth); then Allah turned to them mercifully; but again many of them became blind and deaf; and Allah sees what they do."

In this verse, the vain pride of the Jews is referred to, with those plenty treacheries and violence that they had. The verse says:

"And they (the Jews) imagined that there would be no affliction ..."

As this meaning gas been pointed out in other verses, the Jews considered themselves a superior face, and they remarked that they were the Children of Allah. Finally, this dangerous pride and self-admiration, like a curtain, covered them over their eyes and ears.

So, as a result of it, they became blind for seeing the signs of Allah and, as a deaf, they did not hear the words of right. The verse says:

"... so they became blind and deaf (unto the Truth)....."

But, when they saw some samples of the punishments of Allah, and felt the evil fate of their own deeds they regretted. They, then, repented, because they realized that the divine threats were serious and that they were not a superior race. It was at that circumstance that Allah accepted their repentance. It says:

"...then Allah turned to them mercifully....."

But this recognition and regretful ness did not last long. They again began to be disobedient, violent, obstinate and heedless to the right and justice.

Therefore, the curtains of negligence, which is the result of committing sins, were put over their eyes and ears, so that they became blind again for seeing the signs of truth and deaf again for hearing the words of truth. This status enveloped many of them.

"...but again many of them became blind and deaf...."

And, at the end of the verse, the Qur'an, in a short but expressive phrase, implies that never Allah is heedless of their deeds and He sees all the things that they do. It says:

"... and Allah sees what they do."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 72

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

72. "Certainly they are infidels who say: 'Verily Allah, He is the Messiah, son of Mary;' and the Messiah (himself) said: 'O' Children of lsrael! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Verily whoever associates anything with Allah, then Allah has forbidden to him the Paradise and his abode is the Fire, and there shall be no helpers for the unjust'."

Following the discussions upon the aberrations of the Jews, which were delivered in the former verses, in this verse and the verses next to it, the words are about the deviations of the Christians. At first, it begins with the greatest swerve of Christianity, i.e. God ship of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It says:

"Certainly they are infidels who say: 'Verily Allah, He is the Messiah, son of Mary;'..."

They say so while Jesus (as) himself vividly told the Children of Israel to worship Allah, their Lord. The verse says:

"... and the Messiah (himself) said: 'O' Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord...."

Also, for an emphasis on this subject, and in order to prevent any ambiguity and fault, the words of Jesus continue adding:

"... Verily whoever associates anything with Allah, then Allah has forbidden to him the Paradise and his abode is the Fire...."

And again, for a further emphasis and confirming this fact that polytheism and extremism is a kind of manifest wrongdoing, they were told such:

"...and there shall be no helpers for the unjust '."

What is found in the above-mentioned verse regarding the Messiah (as) persisting on the theme of theism4 is a subject matter which also, adapts to the existing sources of Christianity.5 This very matter is counted among the evidences for the significance of the Qur'an.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 73

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلاَثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـهٍ إِلاَّ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُواْ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

73. "Certainly they disbelieve who say: 'Verily Allah is the third of the three,' while there is no god save the One God; and if they desist not from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those among them who disbelieve."

This fact should be noted that what was referred to in the previous verse was the subject of extremism and unity with Allah. But, in this verse, the Qur'an points to the plurality of gods from the view point of the Christians, viz. three foldness in Divine Unity. It says:

"Certainly they disbelieve who say: 'Verily Allah is the third of the three,'... "

In answer to them the Qur'an decisively says:

"... while there is no god save the One God; ..."

Then, the Qur'an, with a strong and severe tone, emphatically warns them:

"... and if they desist not from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those among them who disbelieve."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 74

أَفَلاَ يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى اللّهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَهُ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

74. "Will they not then turn to Allah and ask forgiveness of Him? And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

This holy verse contains significance to the fact that perverted beliefs should be repented of.

The deviated persons from the straight path should be invited to the right path through the statement of the divine forgiveness and mercy. It can be done by saying that Allah both forgives and bestows His mercy on the servants.

The verse says:

"Will they not then turn to Allah and ask forgiveness of Him? And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. "

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 75

مَّا الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ إِلاَّ رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ وَأُمُّهُ صِدِّيقَةٌ كَانَا يَأْكُلاَنِ الطَّعَامَ انظُرْ كَيْفَ نُبَيِّنُ لَهُمُ الآيَاتِ ثُمَّ انظُرْ أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ

75. "The Messiah, son of Mary, is but a messenger (that) messengers (the like of whom) has passed away before him, and his mother was a truthful woman; they both used to eat food. See how We make the Signs clear for them (people), and see how they are turned away (from the truth)."

Allah introduces three reasons in this verse which prove that Messiah (as) is not God.

1. He (as) has been born and he (as) is son of Mary.

2. There have been some prophets like him, too, and he is not matchless.

"The Messiah, son of Mary, is but a messenger (that) messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him....."

3. Like anybody else, he is in need of food and other necessities, and he gains his strength from food. Therefore he does not possess an absolute power to be God. Whoever needs food cannot be the creator of the food.

These are clear statements of the holy Qur'an that people understand. However, having some privileges, such as miracles and exceptions, do not prove divinity for a person. Other prophets worked miracles, too, Or, Adam had not parents, either.

".... and his mother was a truthful woman; they both-used to eat food. ..."

Allah (s.w.t.) is neither material, nor born, nor necessitous, and He has no place.

"... See how We make the Signs clear for them (people), and see how they are turned away (from the truth)."

By the way, Mary is one of God's saints. The Qur'an honours women and counts Mary 'a truthful woman'. In another verse of the Qur'an, it is said that Mary testified Allah's word and she was of the obedient ones:

" ...and she testified the truth of the words of her Lord, and His Scriptures and she was of the obedient ones." 6

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 76

قُلْ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ مَا لاَ يَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلاَ نَفْعًا وَاللّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

76. "Say: 'Do you worship besides Allah that which possesses for you neither harm nor profit? And Allah -He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."

To complete the former reasoning about Jesus, the Qur'an in this verse remarks to the Christians that they knew that the Messiah was fully in need of what a human being needs. He was not even the possessor of his own harm and his own profit, then how could he be the possessor of their harm and profit? It says:

"Say: 'Do you worship besides Allah that which possesses for you neither harm nor profit..."

That was why Jesus was captured many times by his enemies, or that his friends were involved in some inflictions. So, had not been the Grace of Allah, he (as) could have done nothing.

And, at the end of the verse, the Qur'an warns them not to imagine that Allah does not hear their vain words, or He is not aware of their inside, because He is both Hearing and Knowing.

The verse says:

"... And Allah -He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."!

Explanations

1. For realizing that the path of polytheism is invalid, refer to your own human intellect and sensibility.

2. Except Allah, other gods are incapable even of hearing and knowing your necessities; much less of supplying them.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 77

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ تَغْلُواْ فِي دِينِكُمْ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ أَهْوَاء قَوْمٍ قَدْ ضَلُّواْ مِن قَبْلُ وَأَضَلُّواْ كَثِيراً وَضَلُّواْ عَن سَوَاء السَّبِيلِ

77. "Say: ' O' People of the Book! Do not exaggerate in your religion other than the truth, and do not follow the vain desires of the people who had gone astray a foretime, and led many astray, and went astray from the right path."

In this verse following the manifestation of the fault of the people of the Book in the field of exaggeration about Divine prophets, the holy Prophet (S) is commanded to invite them, with clear reasoning that they formally return from this way. The verse says:

"Say: 'O' People of the Book! Do not exaggerate in your religion other than the truth...."

The exaggeration of the Christians is clear, of course, but the exaggeration of the Jews, who are also involved in those whom the Qur'an addresses to by the phrase: "O' People of the Book! " is probably a hint to the statement they said about prophet Ezra (as) and considered him the son of Allah.

And, since the origin of exaggeration is often following the vain desires of the misguided ones, to complete this meaning, the verse continues saying:

"...and do not follow the vain desires of the people who had gone astray a foretime, and led many astray, and went astray from the right path."

This phrase points to the fact that this meaning is recorded in the history of the Christianity, too. The idea of trinity and exaggeration about Jesus (as) was not mainly found among them in the early centuries of the Christianity.

When the Indian Idolaters, and the like: joined the religion of Christ, they added something from the remaining belief of the former, creed, viz. trinity and polytheism, to the Christianity.

- 1. Some of these books, compiled by both main sects of Islams are as follows:
A)

1. Sunan-i-Ibn-Majih, vol. 1, p. 55,

2. Al-Fada'il, by 'Ahmad-Ibn-Hanbal (handwritten)

3. Khasa'is-un-Nisa'i p.21

4. Al-Kanawal-'Asma', byDulabi, vol. 2, p.61

5. Mushkil-ul-'Athar, by Tahawi, vol. 2, p. 307

6. Al-'Ighd-ul-Farid vol 3 p94

7. Al-'Isti'ab vol 2 p. 460

8. Tarikh-i-Baghdad vol. 7 p.377

9. Mustadrak-ul-Hakim vol. 3 p. 110

10. Tarikh-i-Damishgh, vol. 2, p. 166

11. Tafsir-ul-Hafiz, by Ibn-Kathir, vol. 2, p. 14

B)

1. At-Tara'if, by Ibn-Tawus, p. 140

2. Managhib, by Ibn-Shahr'ashub, vol. 29, p.228

3. The Book of Salim-Ibn-Ghays, p. 111

4. 'Ikmal-ud-Din, by Ash-Shaykh-'us-Sadugh, vol. 1, p. 274

5. Ihtijaj, by Tabarsi, p. 663

6. Bihar-ul-'Anwar, vol. 37, p. 181, tradition 68

7. 'Ighbal-ul-'Ighbal, p. 663

8. Raudatul-wa'izin, vol. 1, p. 89

9. 'Al-Yaghin, p. 343

10. Al-' Adad-il-Ghawiyyah, p. 169

11. 'At-Tahsin p. 578

12. As '- Sirat-ul-Mustaghim, vol. 1, p. 301

13. 'Al-Qadir, by Al-'Allamat-ul-'Amini

14. 'Abaghat-ul-'Anwar, by Al-'Allamah Mir-'Himid Hussayn Al-Lakhunuy (India)

15. 'Ihghagh-ul-Hagh, by Ghadi Nurullah, At-Tusturi; & tens of other books.

- 2. The Qur'an Surah Al-Ma'idah, No 5, verse 3

- 3. Tafsir-i-Atyab-ul-Bayan

- 4. Mark, Chapter 12, No.29, indicates Jesus invites people to theism and says: "... O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord."

- 5. Matthew, Chapter 6, No.24 is also like that. It speaks about one God.

- 6. Surah Al- Tahrim, No 66, verse 12

Section 11: Christian nearness to Islam

The Israelites cursed by David and Jesus for their disobedience and exceeding the limits - Jews' enmity and the Christian friendship of the Muslims -The pious ones among the Christian priests and monks

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 78

لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَى لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ذَلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُواْ يَعْتَدُونَ

78. "Those who disbelieved from among the Children of Israel were cursed by the tongue of David, and of Jesus, son of Mary, that was because they disobeyed and used to transgress."

Hadrat David (as) cursed the Israelites for their offence and violation regarding to holiday on Saturday.

And Hadrat Jesus (as) cursed them, too, for the reason that the Children of Israel, in order to assure their hearts, asked for heavenly food, which was descended by Allah as a result of Jesus' supplication. They ate it but they disbelieved again. Therefore, they incurred the wrath and punishment of Allah. The holy verse says:

"Those who disbelieved from among the Children of Israel were cursed by the tongue of David, and of Jesus, son of Mary, that was because they disobeyed and used to transgress."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 79

كَانُواْ لاَ يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَن مُّنكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُواْ يَفْعَلُونَ

79. "They used not to restrain each other from any dishonour they committed. Certainly evil was that which they were doing! "

The curses of David (as) and Jesus (as) unto the Children of Israel were for the reason that they disobeyed and transgressed. It was also because:

"They used not to restrain each other from any dishonour they committed. Certainly evil was that which they were doing!"

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) who said: "They (the good people of the Children of Israel) did not take part in the (sinful) activities and meetings, but when they saw them (the sinners) they met them with smile to their faces, and association."1

So, the person who is careless toward corruption is cursed by the prophets.

The deed of 'forbidding from doing evil' is not allocated to the religion of Islam, but it had existed in all divine religions.

In the community of the Israelites, mischief had commonly been committed. Then, they were cursed by Allah (s.w.t.) and the Messenger of Allah (S).

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 80

تَرَى كَثِيراً مِّنْهُمْ يَتَوَلَّوْنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَبِئْسَ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لَهُمْ أَنفُسُهُمْ أَن سَخِطَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَفِي الْعَذَابِ هُمْ خَالِدُونَ

80. "You see many of them making friends with those who disbelieve. Surely evil is that which their selves send before for them (as their storage in the Hereafter), and Allah's wrath is on them, and in the chastisement shall they abide."

In this verse, another evidence upon the behaviour of the Israelites is suggested as a cause that they were cursed for. The Children of Israel make friends and master ship with the disbelievers.

So, the acceptance of the master ship of infidels is a cause for bringing forth the wrath of Allah (s.w.t.).

The verse says:

"You see many of them making friends with those who disbelieve. Surely evil is that which their selves send before for them (as their storage in the Hereafter), and Allah's wrath is on them, and in the chastisement shall they abide."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 81

وَلَوْ كَانُوا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالله والنَّبِيِّ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مَا اتَّخَذُوهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء وَلَـكِنَّ كَثِيراً مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ

81. "And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and what was sent down to him, they would not have taken them for friends, but, most of them are evil-doers."

There may be several extensions for the content of this verse. Among them are the followings:

A. If the Jews had really believed in Moses (as) and his Torah, they would never have appointed pagans as their masters. (Tafsir 'Alusi)

B. If infidels and polytheists became Muslims; the Jews would not cooperate with them. (Tafsir-i-Al-Mizan)

C. If the People of the Book, or the hypocrites, or the Muslims believed truly in Allah and the Messenger, they would not appoint pagans as their masters. The reason of it is that Faith does not adapt to infidelity. It is corruption and disbelief that cause them to accept the domination of pagans.

And, generally, whoever violates the bounds of Allah will be a prey of Taghuts (deities) and disbelievers.

The verse says:

"And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and what was sent down to him, they would not have taken them for friends, but most of them are evil-doers."

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 82

لَتَجِدَنَّ أَشَدَّ النَّاسِ عَدَاوَةً لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ الْيَهُودَ وَالَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُواْ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ أَقْرَبَهُمْ مَّوَدَّةً لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ الَّذِينَ قَالُوَاْ إِنَّا نَصَارَى ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ مِنْهُمْ قِسِّيسِينَ وَرُهْبَانًا وَأَنَّهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ

82. "Certainly you will find the most hostile of people to those who believe are the Jews and pagans; and you will certainly find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe are those who say: 'We are Christians.' That is because there are among them priests and monks and because they do not behave proudly."

The good treatment of Najashi, the king of Abyssinia, and the Christians of that country unto the emigrated Muslims has been cited upon the occasion of revelation of this verse.

In the fifth year after the appointment of the Prophet (S) to his mission, a group of Muslims under the management of Ja'far-ibn-'Abi-talib emigrated from Mecca to Abyssinia and became secured from the harm and hurt of the pagans of Mecca with the support of Najashi.

They were secured from the harm of the agents of the pagans there, too. The Jews, even with seeing those abundant miracles and also the good temper of the Prophet (S), did not believe in Islam. They participated in plots against Muslims.

They did breach promises and made mischief, while some Christian bishops in Abyssinia shed tears when they heard the verses of Surah Maryam and adhered those Muslims who were there.

Thus, the Jews are the most obstinate enemies of Islam, and their hostility against Muslims has an ancient and deep root.

But, the Christians, although wrongly believe in trinity, a deviated creed, are more receptive to accept the truth because of the sounder mind they have. They are not of the people of plotting, especially the intellectualities and the preachers among them.

The verse says:

"Certainly you will find the most hostile of people to those who believe are, the Jews and pagans; and you will certainly find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe are those who say: 'We are Christians.' That is because there are among them priests and monk and because they do not behave proudly."

The End of Part Six

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 83

وَإِذَا سَمِعُواْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَى أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُواْ مِنَ الْحَقِّ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ

83. "And when they hear what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognize of the Truth. They say: 'Our Lord! we believe, so write us down with the witnesses (of Truth)."

One of the examples of the Christians' shedding tears is when Ja'far-ibn-'Abi-Talib recited the verses of Surah Maryam for Najashi in Abyssinia. Another example is also when a group of the Christians, accompanying with Ja'far, came into Medina and heard the holy verses of Surah yasin.

"And when they hear what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognize of the Truth. They say: ' Our Lord! we believe, so write us down with the witnesses (of Truth)."

Therefore, as soon as the heartily receptive persons hear the Truth, they will be touched at heart, but the blockhead ones do not move even by seeing it.

The spirit and nature of man is charmed by the Truth. Then, when he reaches his beloved, he sheds the tears of joy.

However, believers should offer a petition for the continuation of their belief and having a good end.

Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verses 84 - 86

وَمَا لَنَا لاَ نُؤْمِنُ بِاللّهِ وَمَا جَاءنَا مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَنَطْمَعُ أَن يُدْخِلَنَا رَبَّنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الصَّالِحِينَ

فَأَثَابَهُمُ اللّهُ بِمَا قَالُواْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَذَلِكَ جَزَاء الْمُحْسِنِينَ

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا أُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ

84. "And what (reason) have we that we should not believe in Allah and in the Truth that has come to us, while we long for our Lord should cause us to enter (the Heaven) with the righteous ones."

85. "Therefore Allah has rewarded them for what they said -Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein shall they abide forever, and that is the reward of the doers of good."

86. "And (as for) those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, these are the inhabitants of the Hell."

Those who, after recognizing the right, bravely and explicitly confess it with truthfulness in action, and do not fear of the atmosphere and co-religionists, are among the best righteous ones. The reason of it is that they have done good t themselves and have saved themselves from the chastisement of Hell Fire, and, by their confession, they have paved the path for others both.

Thus, the reward of Faith is Heaven, and the retribution of disbelief and rejection is Hell.

In the meantime, the objective meaning of the Arabic word /al-haqq/ (the Truth), mentioned in the verse, is: the Qur'an, Islam, and the holy personality of the Prophet (S).

- 1. At-Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 492

Topic Tags:

- Qur'anic Exegesis (Tafsir) [7]

Translator(s):

- Sayyid Abbas Sadr al-'Ameli [6]

Publisher(s):

- Imam Ali Foundation [2]

Person Tags:

- Sayyid Kamal Faqih Imani [8]

Source URL: https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-4

Links
[1] https://www.addtoany.com/share
[2] https://www.al-islam.org/organization/imam-ali-foundation
[3] https://www.al-islam.org/printpdf/book/export/html/29333
[4] https://www.al-islam.org/printepub/book/export/html/29333
[5] https://www.al-islam.org/printmobi/book/export/html/29333
[6] https://www.al-islam.org/person/sayyid-abbas-sadr-ameli
[7] https://www.al-islam.org/tags/tafsir
[8] https://www.al-islam.org/person/ayatollah-sayyid-kamal-faqih-imani-0