Tafsir Ibn Kathir — Al-Baqarah 2:244 – Ali 'Imran 3:74

Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, "Die". And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most men thank not (243)And fight in the way of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (244)Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return (245) The Story of the Dead People Ibn Abu Hatim related that Ibn 'Abbas said that these people mentioned herein, were the residents of a village called Dawardan. 'Ali bin 'Asim said that they were from Dawardan, a village several miles away from Wasit (in Iraq). In his Tafsir, Waki' bin Jarrah said that Ibn 'Abbas commented, أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِن دِيَارِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ (Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death?) that they were four thousand persons who escaped the plague (that broke out in their land). They said, "We should go to a land that is free of death!" When they reached a certain area, Allah said to them: مُوتُوا ("Die.") and they all died. Afterwards, one of the Prophets passed by them and supplicated to Allah to resurrect them and Allah brought them back to life. So, Allah stated: أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِن دِيَارِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ (Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death?) Furthermore, several scholars among the Salaf said that these people were the residents of a city during the time of the Children of Israel. The weather in their land did not suit them and an epidemic broke out. They fled their land fearing death and took refuge in the wilderness. They later arrived at a fertile valley and they filled what is between its two sides. Then Allah sent two angels to them, one from the lower side and the other from the upper side of the valley. The angels screamed once and all the people died instantly, just as the death of one man. They were later moved to a different place, where walls and graves were built around them. They all perished, and their bodies rotted and disintegrated. Long afterwards, one of the Prophets of the Children of Israel, whose name was Hizqil (Ezekiel), passed by them and asked Allah to bring them back to life by his hand. Allah accepted his supplication and commanded him to say, "O rotted bones, Allah commands you to come together." The bones of every body were brought together. Allah then commanded him to say, "O bones, Allah commands you to be covered with flesh, nerves and skin." That also happened while Hizqil was watching. Allah then commanded him to say, "O souls, Allah commands you to return, each to the body that it used to inhabit." They all came back to life, looked around and proclaimed, "All praise is due to You (O Allah!) and there is no deity worthy of worship except You." Allah brought them back to life after they had perished long ago. We should state that bringing these people back to life is a clear proof that physical resurrection shall occur on the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ (Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind,) meaning, in that He shows them His great signs, sound proofs and clear evidences. Yet, وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ (but most men thank not.) as they do not thank Allah for what He has given them with in their worldly life and religious affairs. The story of the dead people (2:244 above) also indicates that no caution can ever avert destiny and that there is no refuge from Allah, but to Allah Himself. These people departed from their land fleeing the epidemic and seeking to enjoy a long life. What they earned was the opposite of what they sought, as death came quickly and instantaneously and seized them all. There is an authentic Hadith that Imam Ahmad reported that 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas said that 'Umar bin Al-Khattab once went to Ash-Sham (Syria). When he reached the area of Sargh, he was met by the commanders of the army: Abu 'Ubaydah bin Jarrah and his companions. They told him that the plague had broken out in Ash-Sham. The Hadith then mentioned that 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf, who was away attending to some of his affairs, came and said, "I have knowledge regarding this matter. I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ say: إِذَا كَانَ بِأَرْضٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِهَا فَلَا تَخْرُجُوا فِرَارًا مِنْه، وإِذَا سَمِعتُمْ به بأَرْضٍ فَلا تَقْدمُوا عَلَيْهِ (If it (the plague) breaks out in a land that you are in, do not leave that land to escape from it. If you hear about it in a land, do not enter it.) Umar then thanked Allah and went back. This Hadith is also reported in the Sahihayn. Abandoning Jihad does not alter Destiny Allah said: وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And fight in the way of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) This Ayah indicates that just as caution does not alter destiny, abandoning Jihad will neither bring the appointed term closer nor delay it. Rather, destiny and the appointed provisions are fixed and shall never be changed or altered, neither by addition nor deletion. Similarly, Allah said: الَّذِينَ قَالُوا لِإِخْوَانِهِمْ وَقَعَدُوا لَوْ أَطَاعُونَا مَا قُتِلُوا قُلْ فَادْرَءُوا عَنْ أَنفُسِكُمُ الْمَوْتَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ((They are) the ones who said about their killed brethren while they themselves sat (at home): "If only they had listened to us, they would not have been killed." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if you speak the truth.")(3:168) Allah said: وَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا لِمَ كَتَبْتَ عَلَيْنَا الْقِتَالَ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنَا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ قُلْ مَتَاعُ الدُّنْيَا قَلِيلٌ وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا - أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ (They say: "Our Lord! Why have you ordained for us fighting? Would that you had granted us respite for a short period?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears Allah, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly even equal to the Fatila (a scalish thread in the long slit of a date stone). Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!")(4:77-78) Abu Sulayman, Khalid bin Al-Walid, the commander of the Muslim armies, the veteran among Muslim soldiers, the protector of Islam and the Sword of Allah that was raised above His enemies, said while dying, "I have participated in so-and-so number of battles. There is not a part of my body, but suffered a shot (of an arrow), a stab (of a spear) or a strike (of a sword). Yet, here I am, I die on my bed just as the camel dies! May the eyes of the cowards never taste sleep." He, may Allah be pleased with him, was sorry and in pain because he did not die as martyr in battle. He was sad that he had to die on his bed! The Good Loan and its Reward Allah said: مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً (Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times?) In this Ayah, Allah encourages His servants to spend in His cause. Allah mentioned this same Ayah in several other parts of His Glorious Qur'an. The Hadith that mentions that Allah descends (every night down on the nearest heaven to us when the last third of the night remains) states that Allah says: مَنْ يُقْرِضُ غَيْرَ عَدِيـمٍ وَلَا ظَلُومٍ (Who would give a loan to He Who is neither poor nor unjust.) Allah's statement: فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً (He may multiply it to him many times), is similar to His statement: مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ (The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills.)(2:261) We will mention this Ayah later on. Allah then said: وَاللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ (And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions),) meaning, 'Spend (in Allah's cause) and do not be anxious.' Certainly, Allah is the Sustainer Who increases or decreases the provisions to whomever He wills among His servants. Allah's wisdom is perfect, and, وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ (and unto Him you shall return.) on the Day of Resurrection.

Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, "Die". And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most men thank not (243)And fight in the way of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (244)Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return (245) The Story of the Dead People Ibn Abu Hatim related that Ibn 'Abbas said that these people mentioned herein, were the residents of a village called Dawardan. 'Ali bin 'Asim said that they were from Dawardan, a village several miles away from Wasit (in Iraq). In his Tafsir, Waki' bin Jarrah said that Ibn 'Abbas commented, أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِن دِيَارِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ (Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death?) that they were four thousand persons who escaped the plague (that broke out in their land). They said, "We should go to a land that is free of death!" When they reached a certain area, Allah said to them: مُوتُوا ("Die.") and they all died. Afterwards, one of the Prophets passed by them and supplicated to Allah to resurrect them and Allah brought them back to life. So, Allah stated: أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِن دِيَارِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ (Did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death?) Furthermore, several scholars among the Salaf said that these people were the residents of a city during the time of the Children of Israel. The weather in their land did not suit them and an epidemic broke out. They fled their land fearing death and took refuge in the wilderness. They later arrived at a fertile valley and they filled what is between its two sides. Then Allah sent two angels to them, one from the lower side and the other from the upper side of the valley. The angels screamed once and all the people died instantly, just as the death of one man. They were later moved to a different place, where walls and graves were built around them. They all perished, and their bodies rotted and disintegrated. Long afterwards, one of the Prophets of the Children of Israel, whose name was Hizqil (Ezekiel), passed by them and asked Allah to bring them back to life by his hand. Allah accepted his supplication and commanded him to say, "O rotted bones, Allah commands you to come together." The bones of every body were brought together. Allah then commanded him to say, "O bones, Allah commands you to be covered with flesh, nerves and skin." That also happened while Hizqil was watching. Allah then commanded him to say, "O souls, Allah commands you to return, each to the body that it used to inhabit." They all came back to life, looked around and proclaimed, "All praise is due to You (O Allah!) and there is no deity worthy of worship except You." Allah brought them back to life after they had perished long ago. We should state that bringing these people back to life is a clear proof that physical resurrection shall occur on the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ (Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind,) meaning, in that He shows them His great signs, sound proofs and clear evidences. Yet, وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ (but most men thank not.) as they do not thank Allah for what He has given them with in their worldly life and religious affairs. The story of the dead people (2:244 above) also indicates that no caution can ever avert destiny and that there is no refuge from Allah, but to Allah Himself. These people departed from their land fleeing the epidemic and seeking to enjoy a long life. What they earned was the opposite of what they sought, as death came quickly and instantaneously and seized them all. There is an authentic Hadith that Imam Ahmad reported that 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas said that 'Umar bin Al-Khattab once went to Ash-Sham (Syria). When he reached the area of Sargh, he was met by the commanders of the army: Abu 'Ubaydah bin Jarrah and his companions. They told him that the plague had broken out in Ash-Sham. The Hadith then mentioned that 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf, who was away attending to some of his affairs, came and said, "I have knowledge regarding this matter. I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ say: إِذَا كَانَ بِأَرْضٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِهَا فَلَا تَخْرُجُوا فِرَارًا مِنْه، وإِذَا سَمِعتُمْ به بأَرْضٍ فَلا تَقْدمُوا عَلَيْهِ (If it (the plague) breaks out in a land that you are in, do not leave that land to escape from it. If you hear about it in a land, do not enter it.) Umar then thanked Allah and went back. This Hadith is also reported in the Sahihayn. Abandoning Jihad does not alter Destiny Allah said: وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And fight in the way of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) This Ayah indicates that just as caution does not alter destiny, abandoning Jihad will neither bring the appointed term closer nor delay it. Rather, destiny and the appointed provisions are fixed and shall never be changed or altered, neither by addition nor deletion. Similarly, Allah said: الَّذِينَ قَالُوا لِإِخْوَانِهِمْ وَقَعَدُوا لَوْ أَطَاعُونَا مَا قُتِلُوا قُلْ فَادْرَءُوا عَنْ أَنفُسِكُمُ الْمَوْتَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ((They are) the ones who said about their killed brethren while they themselves sat (at home): "If only they had listened to us, they would not have been killed." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if you speak the truth.")(3:168) Allah said: وَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا لِمَ كَتَبْتَ عَلَيْنَا الْقِتَالَ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنَا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ قُلْ مَتَاعُ الدُّنْيَا قَلِيلٌ وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا - أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ (They say: "Our Lord! Why have you ordained for us fighting? Would that you had granted us respite for a short period?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears Allah, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly even equal to the Fatila (a scalish thread in the long slit of a date stone). Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!")(4:77-78) Abu Sulayman, Khalid bin Al-Walid, the commander of the Muslim armies, the veteran among Muslim soldiers, the protector of Islam and the Sword of Allah that was raised above His enemies, said while dying, "I have participated in so-and-so number of battles. There is not a part of my body, but suffered a shot (of an arrow), a stab (of a spear) or a strike (of a sword). Yet, here I am, I die on my bed just as the camel dies! May the eyes of the cowards never taste sleep." He, may Allah be pleased with him, was sorry and in pain because he did not die as martyr in battle. He was sad that he had to die on his bed! The Good Loan and its Reward Allah said: مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً (Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times?) In this Ayah, Allah encourages His servants to spend in His cause. Allah mentioned this same Ayah in several other parts of His Glorious Qur'an. The Hadith that mentions that Allah descends (every night down on the nearest heaven to us when the last third of the night remains) states that Allah says: مَنْ يُقْرِضُ غَيْرَ عَدِيـمٍ وَلَا ظَلُومٍ (Who would give a loan to He Who is neither poor nor unjust.) Allah's statement: فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً (He may multiply it to him many times), is similar to His statement: مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ (The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills.)(2:261) We will mention this Ayah later on. Allah then said: وَاللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ (And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions),) meaning, 'Spend (in Allah's cause) and do not be anxious.' Certainly, Allah is the Sustainer Who increases or decreases the provisions to whomever He wills among His servants. Allah's wisdom is perfect, and, وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ (and unto Him you shall return.) on the Day of Resurrection.

Have you not thought about the group of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Musa? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in Allah's way." He said, "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "Why should we not fight in Allah's way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children (families have been taken as captives)?" But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allah is All-Aware of the wrongdoers (246) The Story of the Jews Who sought a King to be appointed over Them Mujahid said that the Prophet (mentioned in the Ayah 2:246 above) is Shamwil (Samuel). Wahb bin Munabbih said: The Children of Israel remained on the straight path for a period of time after Moses. They then innovated in the religion and some of them even worshipped the idols. Yet, there were always Prophets sent among them who would command them to work righteous deeds, refrain from doing evil and who would rule them according to the commands of the Torah. When they (Israelites) committed the evil that they committed, Allah caused their enemies to overwhelm them, and many fatalities fell among them as a consequence. Their enemies also captured a great number of them, and took over large areas of their land. Earlier, anyone who would fight the Israelites would lose, because they had the Torah and the Tabut, which they inherited generation after generation ever since the time of Moses, who spoke to Allah directly. Yet, the Israelites kept indulging in misguidance until some king took the Tabut from them during a battle. That king also took possession of the Torah, and only a few of the Israelites who memorized it remained. The prophethood halted among their various tribes and only a pregnant woman remained of the offspring of Lavi (Levi), in whom the prophethood still appeared. Her husband had been killed, so the Israelites kept her in a house so that Allah may give her a boy, who would be their Prophet. The woman also kept invoking Allah to grant her a boy. Allah heard her pleas and gave her a boy whom she called 'Shamwil' meaning 'Allah has heard my pleas.' Some people said that the boy's name was Sham'un (Simeon), which also has a similar meaning. As that boy grew, Allah raised him to be a righteous person. When he reached the age of prophethood, Allah revealed to him and commanded him to call (his people) to Him and to His Tawhid (Oneness). Shamwil called the Children of Israel (to Allah) and they asked him to appoint a king over them so that they could fight their enemies under his command. The kingship had also ended among them. Their Prophet said to them, "What if Allah appoints a king over you, would you fulfill your vow to fight under his command?" قَالُوا وَمَا لَنَا أَلَّا نُقَاتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِن دِيَارِنَا وَأَبْنَائِنَا (They said, "Why should we not fight in Allah's way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children?") meaning, 'After our land had been confiscated and our children had been taken from us?' Allah said: فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْا إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنْهُمْ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ (But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allah is All-Aware of the wrongdoers) meaning, only a few of them kept their promise, but the majority abandoned Jihad and Allah has full knowledge of them.

And their Prophet said to them, "Indeed Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you." They said, "How can he be a king over us when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth." He said: "Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (247) When the Israelites asked their Prophet to appoint a king over them, he appointed Talut (Saul), who was then a soldier. But, Talut was not a descendant of the house of kings among them, which was exclusively in the offspring of Yahudha (Judah). This is why they said: أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا (How can he be a king over us) meaning, how can he be the king for us, وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ الْمَالِ (when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth?) They said that Talut was also poor and did not have the wealth that justifies him being king. Some people stated that Talut used to bring water to the people, while others stated that his profession was dyeing skins. The Jews, thus, disputed with their Prophet while they were supposed to obey him and to say good words to him. Their Prophet answered them: إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ (Verily, Allah has chosen him above you) meaning, 'Allah chose Talut from amongst you while having better knowledge about him.' Their Prophet stated, "I did not choose Talut to be your king on my own. Rather, Allah has commanded that upon your request." Further: وَزَادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ (...and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature.) meaning, 'Talut is more knowledgeable and honorable than you, and stronger and more patient during combat, and has more knowledge of warfare. In short, he has more knowledge and is stronger than you are. The king should have sufficient knowledge, be fair looking and should have a strong soul and body.' He then said: وَاللَّهُ يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَن يَشَاءُ (And Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills.) meaning, Allah Alone is the Supreme Authority Who does what He wills and no one can ask Him about His actions, while they will be asked (about their actions by Him). This is because Allah has perfect knowledge, wisdom and kindness with His creation. Allah said: وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) meaning, His favor is encompassing and He grants His mercy to whom He wills. He also knows those who deserve to be kings and those who do not deserve it.

And their Prophet said to them: "Verily! The sign of His kingdom is that there shall come to you At-Tabut, wherein is Sakinah (peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sign for you if you are indeed believers (248) Their Prophet then proclaimed, "The sign of the blessings of Talut's kingship over you is that Allah will give you back the Tabut (wooden box) that has been taken from you." Allah said: فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ (wherein is Sakinah from your Lord) meaning, peace (or grace) and reassurance. 'Abdur-Razzaq stated that Qatadah said: فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ (wherein is Sakinah) means grace. In addition, Ar-Rabi' said that Sakinah means mercy. This is also the meaning given by Ibn 'Abbas, as Al-'Awfi narrated. Allah then said: وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَىٰ وَآلُ هَارُونَ (...and a remnant of that which Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) left behind,) Ibn Jarir related that Ibn 'Abbas said about this Ayah: وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَىٰ وَآلُ هَارُونَ (...and a remnant of that which Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) left behind,) Meaning, Moses' staff and the remnants of the Tablets. This is the same Tafsir of Qatadah, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and 'Ikrimah, who added, "And also the Torah." 'Abdur-Razzaq said that he asked Ath-Thawri about the meaning of, وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَىٰ وَآلُ هَارُونَ (...and a remnant of that which Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) left behind,) Ath-Thawri said, "Some said that it contained a pot of manna and the remnants of the Tablets, while some others said that it contained (Moses') staff and two shoes (and refer to 20:12)." Allah then said: تَحْمِلُهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ (...carried by the angels.) Ibn Jurayj stated that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The angels came down while carrying the Tabut between the sky and the earth, until they placed it before Talut while the people were watching." As-Suddi said, "The Tabut was brought to Talut's house, so the people believed in the prophethood of Sham'un (Simeon) and obeyed Talut." The Prophet then said: إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ (Verily, in this is a sign for you) testifying to my truth in what I was sent with, my prophethood, and my command to you to obey Talut, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (if you are indeed believers.) in Allah and the Hereafter.'

Then when Talut set out with the army, he said: "Verily, Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me; and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jalut (Goliath) and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were going to meet Allah, said: "How often has a small group overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave?" And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient)(249) Allah states that Talut, the king of the Children of Israel, marched forth with his soldiers and the Israelites who obeyed him. His army was of eighty thousand then, according to As-Suddi, but Allah knows best. Talut said: إِنَّ اللَّهَ مُبْتَلِيكُم (Verily, Allah will try you) meaning, He will test you with a river, which flowed between Jordan and Palestine, i.e. , the Shari'ah river, according to Ibn 'Abbas and others. He continued, فَمَن شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي (So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me;) meaning, shall not accompany me today, وَمَن لَّمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّي إِلَّا مَنِ اغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةً بِيَدِهِ (and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand.) meaning, there is no harm in this case. Allah then said: فَشَرِبُوا مِنْهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنْهُمْ (Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them.) Ibn Jurayj stated that Ibn 'Abbas commented, "Whoever took some of it (the river's water) in the hollow of his hand, quenched his thirst; as for those who drank freely from it, their thirst was not quenched." Ibn Jarir reported that Al-Bara' bin 'Azib said, "We used to say that the Companions of Muhammad ﷺ who accompanied him on the battle of Badr were more than three hundred and ten, just as many as the soldiers who crossed the river with Talut. Only those who believed crossed the river with him." Al-Bukhari also reported this. This is why Allah said: فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُ هُوَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ قَالُوا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا الْيَوْمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ (So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jalut (Goliath) and his hosts.") This Ayah indicates that the Israelites (who remained with Saul) thought that they were few in the face of their enemy who were many then. So, their knowledgeable scholars strengthened their resolve by stating that Allah's promise is true and that triumph comes from Allah Alone, not from the large numbers or the adequacy of the supplies. They said to them: كَم مِّن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ ("How often has a small group overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave?" And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient).)

And when they advanced to meet Jalut (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people. (250)So they routed them by Allah's leave and Dawud (David) killed Jalut (Goliath), and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom [ after the death of Talut and Samuel] and Al-Hikmah (prophethood), and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)(251)These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah)(252) When the faithful party, who were few under the command of Talut, faced their enemy, who were many under the command of Jalut, قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا (they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience...") meaning, send down patience on us from You. وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا (and set firm our feet) meaning, against the enemy and save us from running away and from feebleness, وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (and make us victorious over the disbelieving people.) Allah said: فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (So they routed them by Allah's leave) meaning, they defeated and overwhelmed them by Allah's aid and support. Then, وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ (and Dawud killed Jalut) Israelite accounts claimed that (Prophet) David killed Goliath with a slingshot that he had, which he launched at Goliath causing his death. Talut promised that whoever killed Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. He kept his promise. Later, the kingship was transferred to Prophet Dawud in addition to being granted Prophethood by Allah. So, Allah said: وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ (...and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom) that Talut had and, وَالْحِكْمَةَ (and Al-Hikmah) that comes with the prophethood, meaning, after Shamwil. [Allah then said:] وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ (and taught him of that which He willed.) meaning, what He willed of the knowledge that He bestowed on (Prophet) Dawud. Next, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ (And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief.) This Ayah indicates that if it were not for the fact that Allah checks one set of people with another, such as when Talut and the bravery of Dawud helped the Children of Israel (against Goliath), then people would have perished. Similarly, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا (For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and Masjids, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely, have been pulled down.)(22:40) Allah then said: وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ (But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)) meaning, by His mercy and favor He fixes some of them by some others. Surely, Allah has the wisdom, the supreme authority and the clear proof against His creation in all of His actions and statements. Allah said: تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah).) This Ayah states, 'These Ayat (verses) of Allah that We have narrated for you in truth conform to the exact manner that these stories have occurred and to the truth that still remain in the (Divine) Books that the scholars of the Children of Israel have and know. Allah said: O Muhammad, وَإِنَّكَ (you are) لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (one of the Messengers (of Allah)) emphatically stating the truth of his prophethood.

And when they advanced to meet Jalut (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people. (250)So they routed them by Allah's leave and Dawud (David) killed Jalut (Goliath), and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom [ after the death of Talut and Samuel] and Al-Hikmah (prophethood), and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)(251)These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah)(252) When the faithful party, who were few under the command of Talut, faced their enemy, who were many under the command of Jalut, قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا (they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience...") meaning, send down patience on us from You. وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا (and set firm our feet) meaning, against the enemy and save us from running away and from feebleness, وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (and make us victorious over the disbelieving people.) Allah said: فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (So they routed them by Allah's leave) meaning, they defeated and overwhelmed them by Allah's aid and support. Then, وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ (and Dawud killed Jalut) Israelite accounts claimed that (Prophet) David killed Goliath with a slingshot that he had, which he launched at Goliath causing his death. Talut promised that whoever killed Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. He kept his promise. Later, the kingship was transferred to Prophet Dawud in addition to being granted Prophethood by Allah. So, Allah said: وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ (...and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom) that Talut had and, وَالْحِكْمَةَ (and Al-Hikmah) that comes with the prophethood, meaning, after Shamwil. [Allah then said:] وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ (and taught him of that which He willed.) meaning, what He willed of the knowledge that He bestowed on (Prophet) Dawud. Next, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ (And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief.) This Ayah indicates that if it were not for the fact that Allah checks one set of people with another, such as when Talut and the bravery of Dawud helped the Children of Israel (against Goliath), then people would have perished. Similarly, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا (For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and Masjids, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely, have been pulled down.)(22:40) Allah then said: وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ (But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)) meaning, by His mercy and favor He fixes some of them by some others. Surely, Allah has the wisdom, the supreme authority and the clear proof against His creation in all of His actions and statements. Allah said: تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah).) This Ayah states, 'These Ayat (verses) of Allah that We have narrated for you in truth conform to the exact manner that these stories have occurred and to the truth that still remain in the (Divine) Books that the scholars of the Children of Israel have and know. Allah said: O Muhammad, وَإِنَّكَ (you are) لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (one of the Messengers (of Allah)) emphatically stating the truth of his prophethood.

And when they advanced to meet Jalut (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people. (250)So they routed them by Allah's leave and Dawud (David) killed Jalut (Goliath), and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom [ after the death of Talut and Samuel] and Al-Hikmah (prophethood), and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)(251)These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah)(252) When the faithful party, who were few under the command of Talut, faced their enemy, who were many under the command of Jalut, قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا (they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience...") meaning, send down patience on us from You. وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا (and set firm our feet) meaning, against the enemy and save us from running away and from feebleness, وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (and make us victorious over the disbelieving people.) Allah said: فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (So they routed them by Allah's leave) meaning, they defeated and overwhelmed them by Allah's aid and support. Then, وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ (and Dawud killed Jalut) Israelite accounts claimed that (Prophet) David killed Goliath with a slingshot that he had, which he launched at Goliath causing his death. Talut promised that whoever killed Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. He kept his promise. Later, the kingship was transferred to Prophet Dawud in addition to being granted Prophethood by Allah. So, Allah said: وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ (...and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom) that Talut had and, وَالْحِكْمَةَ (and Al-Hikmah) that comes with the prophethood, meaning, after Shamwil. [Allah then said:] وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ (and taught him of that which He willed.) meaning, what He willed of the knowledge that He bestowed on (Prophet) Dawud. Next, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ (And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief.) This Ayah indicates that if it were not for the fact that Allah checks one set of people with another, such as when Talut and the bravery of Dawud helped the Children of Israel (against Goliath), then people would have perished. Similarly, Allah said: وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا (For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and Masjids, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely, have been pulled down.)(22:40) Allah then said: وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ (But Allah is full of bounty to the 'Alamin (mankind, Jinn and all that exists)) meaning, by His mercy and favor He fixes some of them by some others. Surely, Allah has the wisdom, the supreme authority and the clear proof against His creation in all of His actions and statements. Allah said: تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (These are the verses of Allah, We recite them to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allah).) This Ayah states, 'These Ayat (verses) of Allah that We have narrated for you in truth conform to the exact manner that these stories have occurred and to the truth that still remain in the (Divine) Books that the scholars of the Children of Israel have and know. Allah said: O Muhammad, وَإِنَّكَ (you are) لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (one of the Messengers (of Allah)) emphatically stating the truth of his prophethood.

Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honor); and to 'Isa, the son of Maryam, We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Ruh-il-Qudus [Jibril]. If Allah had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allah had come to them, but they differed ـ some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allah had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but Allah does what He wills (253) Allah Honored Some Prophets Above Others Allah states that He has honored some Prophets to others. For instance, Allah said, وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ النَّبِيِّينَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا (And indeed, We have preferred some of the Prophets above others, and to Dawud We gave the Zabur (Psalms))[17:55] In the Ayah above, Allah said, تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِّنْهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ اللَّهُ (Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly)) meaning, Musa and Muhammad ﷺ, and also Adam according to a Hadith recorded in Sahih Ibn Hibban from Abu Dharr. وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ (Others He raised to degrees (of honor)) as is evident in the Hadith about the Isra' journey, when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw the Prophets in the various heavens according to their rank with Allah. If somebody asks about the collective meaning of this Ayah and the Hadith that the Two Sahihs collected from Abu Hurayrah which states, "Once, a Muslim man and a Jew had an argument and the Jew said, 'No, by Him Who gave Musa superiority over all human beings!' Hearing him, the Muslim man raised his hand and slapped the Jew on his face and said, 'Over Muhammad too, O evil one?!' The Jew went to the Prophet ﷺ and complained to him and the Prophet ﷺ said, لَا تُفَضِّلُونِي عَلَى الْأَنْبِيَاءِ، فَإِنَّ النَّاسَ يَصْعَقُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَأَكُونُ أَوَّلَ مَنْ يُفِيقُ، فَأَجِدُ مُوسَى بَاطِشًا بِقَائِمَةِ الْعَرْشِ، فَلَا أَدْرِي أَفَاقَ قَبْلِي أَمْ جُوزِيَ بِصَعْقَةِ الطُّورِ؟ فَلَا تُفَضِّلُونِي عَلَى الْأَنْبِيَاءِ (Don't give me superiority above the Prophets, for the people will become unconscious on the Day of Resurrection, and I will be the first to be resurrected to see Musa holding on to the pillar of Allah's Throne. I will not know whether the unconsciousness Musa suffered on the Day of the Trumpet sufficed for him, or if he got up before me. So, do not give me superiority above the Prophets.) In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said, (Do not give superiority to some Prophets above others.) The answer to this question is that this Hadith prohibits preferring some Prophets above others in cases of dispute and argument, such as the incident mentioned in the Hadith. The Hadith indicates that it is not up to creation to decide which Prophet is better, for this is Allah's decision. The creation is only required to submit to, obey and believe in Allah's decision. Allah's statement, وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ (And We gave 'Isa, the son of Maryam, clear signs) refers to the proofs and unequivocal evidences that testify to the truth that 'Isa delivered to the Children of Israel, thus testifying that he was Allah's servant and His Messenger to them. وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ (And supported him with Ruh-il-Qudus) meaning Allah aided 'Isa with Jibil, peace be upon him. Allah then said, وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلَ الَّذِينَ مِن بَعْدِهِم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ وَلَٰكِنِ اخْتَلَفُوا فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ آمَنَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن كَفَرَ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلُوا (If Allah had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allah had come to them, but they differed ـ some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allah had willed, they would not have fought against one another.) meaning all this happened by Allah's decree, and this is why He said next, وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يُرِيدُ (But Allah does what He wills.)

O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the wrongdoers (254) Allah commands His servants to spend for His sake, in the path of righteousness, from what He has granted them, so that they acquire and keep the reward of this righteous deed with their Lord and King. Let them rush to perform this deed in this life, مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ (before a Day comes) meaning, the Day of Resurrection, لَّا بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ وَلَا شَفَاعَةٌ (when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession.) This Ayah indicates that on that Day, no one will be able to bargain on behalf of himself or ransom himself with any amount, even if it was the earth's fill of gold; nor will his friendship or relation to anyone benefit him. Similarly, Allah said, فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَلَا أَنسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَاءَلُونَ (Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another)[23:101] وَلَا شَفَاعَةٌ (Nor intercession) meaning, they will not benefit by the intercession of anyone. Allah's statement, وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ (and it is the disbelievers who are the wrongdoers) indicates that no injustice is worse than meeting Allah on that Day while a disbeliever. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Ata' bin Dinar said, "All thanks are due to Allah Who said, وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ (and it is the disbelievers who are the wrongdoers) but did not say, 'And it is the wrongdoers who are the disbelievers.'"

Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (255) The Virtue of Ayat Al-Kursi This is Ayat Al-Kursi and tremendous virtues have been associated with it, for the authentic Hadith describes it as 'the greatest Ayah in the Book of Allah.' Imam Ahmad recorded that 'Ubayy bin Ka'b said that the Prophet ﷺ asked him about the greatest Ayah in the Book of Allah, and 'Ubayy answered, "Allah and His Messenger know better." When the Prophet repeated his question several times, 'Ubayy said, "Ayat Al-Kursi." The Prophet ﷺ commented, لِيَهْنِكَ الْعِلْمُ أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، إِنَّ لَهَا لِسَانًا وَشَفَتَيْنِ، تُقَدِّسُ الْمَلِكَ عِنْدَ سَاقِ الْعَرْشِ (Congratulations for having knowledge, O Abu Al-Mundhir! By He in Whose Hand is my soul! This Ayah has a tongue and two lips with which she praises the King (Allah) next to the leg of the Throne.) This Hadith was also collected by Muslim, but he did not include the part that starts with, "By He in Whose Hand..." Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Ayyub said that he had some dates and a Ghoul used to take some, and he complained to the Prophet. The Prophet ﷺ said to him, "When you see her, say, 'In the Name of Allah, answer to the Messenger of Allah'." Abu Ayyub said that when she came again, he said these words and he was able to grab her. She begged, "I will not come again," so Abu Ayyub released her. Abu Ayyub went to the Prophet ﷺ and the Prophet asked him, "What did your prisoner do?" Abu Ayyub said, "I grabbed her and she said twice, 'I will not come again,' and I released her." The Prophet said, "She will come back." Abu Ayyub said, "So I grabbed her twice or three times, yet each time [I would release her when] she vowed not to come back. I would go to the Prophet ﷺ who would ask me, 'What is the news of your prisoner?' I would say, 'I grabbed her, then released her when she said that she would not return.' The Prophet ﷺ would say that she would return. Once, I grabbed her and she said, 'Release me and I will teach you something to recite so that no harm touches you, that is, Ayat Al-Kursi.' Abu Ayyub went to the Prophet ﷺ and told him, and the Prophet ﷺ said, "She is liar, but she told the truth." At-Tirmidhi recorded this Hadith in the chapter of the virtues of the Qur'an and said, "Hasan Gharib." In Arabic, 'Ghoul' refers to the Jinn when they appear at night. Al-Bukhari recorded a similar story in his Sahih from Abu Hurayrah, in the chapters on the virtues of the Qur'an and the description of Shaytan. In this narration, Abu Hurayrah said, "Allah's Messenger ﷺ assigned me to keep watch over the Sadaqah (charity) of Ramadan. A person snuck in and started taking handfuls of foodstuff. I caught him and said, 'By Allah, I will take you to Allah's Messenger.' He said, 'Release me, for I am meek and have many dependents and am in great need.' I released him, and in the morning Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked me, 'What did your prisoner do yesterday, O Abu Hurayrah?' I said, 'O Allah's Messenger! He complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so I pitied him and let him go.' Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, 'Indeed, he told you a lie and will be coming again.' I believed that he would show up again, for Allah's Messenger ﷺ had told me that he would return. So, I watched for him. When he (showed up and) started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, 'I will definitely take you to Allah's Messenger.' He said, 'Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again.' I pitied him and let him go. In the morning Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked me, 'What did your prisoner do last night, O Abu Hurayrah?' I replied, 'O Allah's Messenger! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free.' Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, 'Verily, he told you a lie; he will return.' I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he (came and) started stealing handfuls of the foodstuff, I caught hold of him and said, 'I will surely take you to Allah's Messenger as it is the third time you promised not to return, yet you returned.' He said, 'Let me teach you some words which Allah will give you benefit from.' I asked, 'What are they?' He replied, 'Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Kursi - Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum, till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.' So, I released him. In the morning, Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked, 'What did your prisoner do yesterday?' I replied, 'O Allah's Messenger! He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will grant me some benefit, so I let him go.' Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked, 'What are they?' I replied, 'He said to me: Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Kursi from the beginning to the end, Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum. He further said to me: (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.' (One of the narrators) then commented that they (the Companions) were very keen to do good deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said, 'He spoke the truth, although he is a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah?' Abu Hurayrah said, 'No.' He said, 'It was Shaytan.'" An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith in Al-Yawm wa Al-Laylah. Allah's Greatest Name is in Ayat Al-Kursi Imam Ahmad recorded that Asma' bint Yazid bin As-Sakan said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say about these two Ayat, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)[2:255] and, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)[3:1-2] إِنَّ فِيهِمَا اسْمَ اللهِ الْأَعْظَمَ (They contain Allah's Greatest Name.) This is also the narration collected by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, and At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih". Further, Ibn Marduwyah recorded that Abu Umamah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, اسْمُ اللهِ الْأَعْظَمُ، الَّذِي إِذَا دُعِيَ بِهِ أَجَابَ، فِي ثَلَاثٍ: سُورَةِ الْبَقَرَةِ وَآلِ عِمْرَانَ وَطٰهٰ (Allah's Greatest Name, if He was supplicated with it, He answers the supplication, is in three Surahs - Al-Baqarah, Āl-'Imrān and Ta-Ha.) Hisham bin 'Ammar, the Khatib (orator) of Damascus (one of the narrators in the above narration), said, "As for Al-Baqarah, it is in, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)[2:255] in Āl-'Imrān, it is in, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)[3:1-2] while in Ta-Ha, it is in, وَعَنَتِ الْوُجُوهُ لِلْحَيِّ الْقَيُّومِ (And (all) faces shall be humbled before (Allah), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)[20:111]" Ayat Al-Kursi has Ten Complete Arabic Sentences 1. Allah's statement, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He) mentions that Allah is the One and Only Lord of all creation. 2. Allah's statement, الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Al-Hayyul-Qayyum) testifies that Allah is the Ever Living, Who never dies, Who sustains everyone and everything. All creation stands in need of Allah and totally relies on Him, while He is the Most Rich, Who stands in need of nothing created. Similarly, Allah said, وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَن تَقُومَ السَّمَاءُ وَالْأَرْضُ بِأَمْرِهِ (And among His signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His command)[30:25]. 3. Allah's statement, لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ (Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him) means, no shortcoming, unawareness or ignorance ever touches Allah. Rather, He is aware of, and controls what every soul earns, has perfect watch over everything, nothing escapes His knowledge, and no secret matter is secret to Him. Among His perfect attributes, is the fact that He is never effected by slumber or sleep. Therefore, Allah's statement, لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ (Neither slumber overtakes Him) indicates that no unawareness due to slumber ever overtakes Allah. Allah said afterwards, وَلَا نَوْمٌ (nor sleep), which is stronger than slumber. It is recorded in the Sahih that Abu Musa said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ delivered a speech regarding four words: إِنَّ اللهَ لا يَنَامُ، وَلَا يَنْبَغِي لَهُ أَنْ يَنَامَ، يَخْفِضُ الْقِسْطَ وَيَرْفَعُهُ، يُرْفَعُ إِلَيْهِ عَمَلُ النَّهَارِ قَبْلَ عَمَلِ اللَّيْلِ، وَعَمَلُ اللَّيْلِ قَبْلَ عَمَلِ النَّهَارِ، حِجَابُهُ النُّورُ - أَوِ النَّارُ - لَوْ كَشَفَهُ لَأَحْرَقَتْ سُبُحَاتُ وَجْهِهِ مَا انْتَهَى إِلَيْهِ بَصَرُهُ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ (Allah does not sleep, and it does not befit His majesty that He sleeps. He lowers the scales and raises them. The deeds of the day are resurrected in front of Him before the deeds of the night, and the deeds of the night before the deeds of the day. His Veil is light, or fire, and if He removes it, the rays from His Face would burn whatever His sight reaches of His creation.) 4. Allah's statement, لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ (To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth) indicates that everyone is a servant for Allah, a part of His kingdom and under His power and authority. Similarly, Allah said, إِن كُلُّ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِلَّا آتِي الرَّحْمَٰنِ عَبْدًا - لَّقَدْ أَحْصَاهُمْ وَعَدَّهُمْ عَدًّا - وَكُلُّهُمْ آتِيهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَرْدًا (There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allah) as a servant. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender))[19:93-95]. 5. Allah's statement, مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ (Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission?) is similar to His statements, وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ لَا تُغْنِي شَفَاعَتُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ اللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَرْضَىٰ (And there are many angels in the heavens, whose intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He wills and is pleased with)[53:26], and, وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ (They cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased)[21:28]. These Ayat assert Allah's greatness, pride, and grace, and that no one dares to intercede with Him on behalf of anyone else, except by His permission. Indeed, the Hadith about the intercession, states that the Prophet ﷺ said, آتِي تَحْتَ الْعَرْشِ فَأَخِرُّ سَاجِدًا، فَيَدَعُنِي مَا شَاءَ اللهُ أَنْ يَدَعَنِي. ثُمَّ يُقَالُ: ارْفَعْ رَأْسَكَ، وَقُلْ تُسْمَعْ، وَاشْفَعْ تُشَفَّعْ - قَالَ: - فَيَحُدُّ لِي حَدًّا فَأُدْخِلُهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ (I will stand under the Throne and fall in prostration, and Allah will allow me to remain in that position as much as He wills. I will thereafter be told, "Raise your head, speak and you will be heard, intercede and your intercession will be accepted". The Prophet ﷺ then said, "He will allow me a proportion whom I will enter into Paradise.") 6. Allah's statement, يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ (He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter) this refers to His perfect knowledge of all creation; its past, present and future. Similarly, Allah said that the angels proclaimed; وَمَا نَتَنَزَّلُ إِلَّا بِأَمْرِ رَبِّكَ لَهُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِينَا وَمَا خَلْفَنَا وَمَا بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ نَسِيًّا (And we (angels) descend not except by the command of your Lord (O Muhammad ﷺ). To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between those two; and your Lord is never forgetful)[19:64]. 7. Allah's statement, وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ (And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills), asserts the fact that no one attains any part of Allah's knowledge except what Allah conveys and allows. This part of the Ayah indicates that no one ever acquires knowledge of Allah and in His Attributes, except what He conveys to them. For instance, Allah said, وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِ عِلْمًا (But they will never compass anything of His knowledge)[20:110]. 8. Allah said, وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ (His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth.) Waki' narrated in his Tafsir that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Kursi is the footstool, and no one is able to give due consideration to [Allah's] Throne." Al-Hakim recorded this Hadith in his Mustadrak from Ibn 'Abbas, who did not relate it to the Prophet ﷺ. Al-Hakim said, "It is Sahih according to the criteria of the Two Sahihs, and they (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it." In addition, Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn 'Abbas said, "If the seven heavens and the seven earths were flattened and laid side by side, they would add up to the size of a ring in a desert, compared to the Kursi." 9. Allah said, وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا (And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them) meaning, it does not burden or cause Him fatigue to protect the heavens and earth and all that is in between them. Rather, this is an easy matter for Him. Further, Allah sustains everything, has perfect watch over everything, nothing ever escapes His knowledge and no matter is ever a secret to Him. All matters are insignificant, modest and humble before Him. He is the Most Rich, worthy of all praise. He does what He wills, and no one can ask Him about what He does, while they will be asked. He has supreme power over all things and perfect alertness concerning everything. He is the Most High, the Greatest, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, and no Lord other than Him. 10. Allah's statement, وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ (And He is the Most High, the Most Great) is similar to His statement, الْكَبِيرُ الْمُتَعَالِ (the Most Great, the Most High)[13:9]. These and similar Ayat and authentic Hadiths about Allah's Attributes must be treated the way the Salaf (righteous ancestors) treated them by accepting their apparent meanings without equating them [with the attributes of the creation] or altering their apparent meanings.

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (256) No Compulsion in Religion Allah said, لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ (There is no compulsion in religion), meaning, "Do not force anyone to become Muslim, for Islam is plain and clear, and its proofs and evidence are plain and clear. Therefore, there is no need to force anyone to embrace Islam. Rather, whoever Allah directs to Islam, opens his heart for it and enlightens his mind, will embrace Islam with certainty. Whoever Allah blinds his heart and seals his hearing and sight, then he will not benefit from being forced to embrace Islam." It was reported that the Ansar were the reason behind revealing this Ayah, although its indication is general in meaning. Ibn Jarir recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said [that before Islam], "When (an Ansar) woman would not bear children who would live, she would vow that if she gives birth to a child who remains alive, she would raise him as a Jew. When Banu An-Nadir (the Jewish tribe) were evacuated [from Al-Madinah], some of the children of the Ansar were being raised among them, and the Ansar said, 'We will not abandon our children.' Allah revealed, لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ (There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path.)" Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith. As for the Hadith that Imam Ahmad recorded, in which Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to a man, أَسْلِم قَالَ: إِنِّي أَجِدُنِي كَارِهًا قَالَ: وَإِنْ كُنْتَ كَارِهًا ("Embrace Islam." The man said, "I dislike it." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Even if you dislike it.") First, this is an authentic Hadith, with only three narrators between Imam Ahmad and the Prophet ﷺ. However, it is not relevant to the subject under discussion, for the Prophet ﷺ did not force that man to become Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ merely invited this man to become Muslim, and he replied that he does not find himself eager to become Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ said to the man that even though he dislikes embracing Islam, he should still embrace it, 'for Allah will grant you sincerity and true intent.' Tawhid is the Most Trustworthy Handhold Allah's statement, فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِالطَّاغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ لَا انفِصَامَ لَهَا وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ (Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower) is in reference to, "Whoever shuns the rivals of Allah, the idols, and those that Shaytan calls to be worshipped besides Allah, whoever believes in Allah's Oneness, worships Him alone and testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, then فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ (then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold.) Therefore, this person will have acquired firmness [in the religion] and proceeded on the correct way and the straight path. Abu Al-Qasim Al-Baghawi recorded that 'Umar said, "Jibt means magic, and Taghut means Shaytan. Verily, courage and cowardice are two instincts that appear in men, the courageous fights for those whom he does not know and the coward runs away from defending his own mother. Man's honor resides with his religion and his status is based upon his character, even if he was Persian or Nabatian." 'Umar's statement that Taghut is Shaytan is very sound, for this meaning includes every type of evil that the ignorant people of Jahiliyyah (pre Islamic era of ignorace) fell into, such as worshipping idols, referring to them for judgement, and invoking them for victory. Allah's statement, فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ لَا انفِصَامَ لَهَا (then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break) means, "He will have hold of the true religion with the strongest grasp." Allah equated this adherence to the firm handhold that never breaks because it is built solid and because its handle is firmly connected. This is why Allah said here, فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ لَا انفِصَامَ لَهَا (then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break.) Mujahid said, "The most trustworthy handhold is Iman (faith)." As-Suddi said that it refers to Islam. Imam Ahmad recorded that Qays bin 'Abbad said, "I was in the Masjid when a man whose face showed signs of humbleness came and prayed two Rak'ahs that were modest in length. The people said, 'This is a man from among the people of Paradise.' When he left, I followed him until he entered his house, and I entered it after him and spoke with him. When he felt at ease, I said to him, 'When you entered the Masjid, the people said such and such things.' He said, 'All praise is due to Allah! No one should say what he has no knowledge of. I will tell you why they said that. I saw a vision during the time of the Messenger of Allah, and I narrated it to him. I saw that I was in a green garden,' and he described the garden's plants and spaciousness, 'and there was an iron pole in the middle of the garden affixed in the earth and its tip reached the sky. On its tip, there was a handle, and I was told to ascend the pole. I said, 'I cannot.' Then a helper came and raised my robe from behind and said to me, 'Ascend.' I ascended until I grasped the handle and he said to me, 'Hold on to the handle.' I awoke from that dream with the handle in my hand. I went to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and told him about the vision and he said, أَمَّا الرَّوْضَةُ فَرَوْضَةُ الْإِسْلَامِ، وَأَمَّا الْعَمُودُ فَعَمُودُ الْإِسْلَامِ، وَأَمَّا الْعُرْوَةُ فَهِيَ الْعُرْوَةُ الْوُثْقَى، أَنْتَ عَلَى الْإِسْلَامِ حَتَّى تَمُوتَ (As for the garden, it represents Islam; as for the pole, it represents the pillar of Islam; and the handle represents the most trustworthy handhold. You shall remain Muslim until you die.) This Companion was 'Abdullah bin Salam." This Hadith was also collected in the Two Sahihs; and Al-Bukhari also recorded it with another chain of narration.

Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Awliya' (supporters and helpers) are Taghut (false deities and false leaders), they bring them out from light into darknesses. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever (257) Allah stated that whoever follows what pleases Him, He will guide him to the paths of peace, that is Islam, or Paradise. Verily, Allah delivers His believing servants from the darkness of disbelief, doubt and hesitation, to the light of the plain, clear, explained, easy and unequivocal truth. He also stated that Shaytan is the supporter of the disbelievers who beautifies the paths of ignorance and misguidance that they follow, thus causing them to deviate from the true path into disbelief and wickedness. أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ (Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.) This is why Allah mentioned the light in the singular while mentioned the darkness in the plural, because truth is one, while disbelief comes as several types, all of which are false. Similarly, Allah said, وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (And verily, this is my straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path. This He has ordained for you that you may have Taqwa)[6:153], وَجَعَلَ الظُّلُمَاتِ وَالنُّورَ (And originated the darknesses and the light)[6:1], and, عَنِ الْيَمِينِ وَالشَّمَائِلِ (to the right and to the lefts)[16: 48] There are many other Ayat on the subject that mention the truth in the singular and falsehood in the plural, because of falsehood's many divisions and branches.

Have you not looked at him who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim said (to him): "My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death." He said, "I give life and cause death." Ibrahim said, "Verily, Allah brings the sun from the east; then bring it you from the west." So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are wrongdoers (258) The Debate Between Ibrahim Al-Khalil and King Nimrod The king who disputed with Ibrahim was King Nimrod, son of Canaan, son of Kush, son of Sam, son of Noah, as Mujahid stated. It was also said that he was Nimrod, son of Falikh, son of 'Abir, son of Shalikh, son of Arfakhshand, son of Sam, son of Noah. Mujahid said, "The kings who ruled the eastern and western parts of the world are four, two believers and two disbelievers. As for the two believing kings, they were Sulayman bin Dawud and Dhul-Qarnayn. As for the two disbelieving kings, they were Nimrod and Nebuchadnezzar." Allah knows best. Allah said, أَلَمْ تَرَ (Have you not looked) meaning, "With your heart, O Muhammad!" إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ (at him who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord) meaning, about the existence of Allah. Nimrod denied the existence of a god other than himself, as he claimed, just as Fir'awn said later to his people, مَا عَلِمْتُ لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرِي (I know not that you have a god other than me)[28:38]. What made Nimrod commit this transgression, utter disbelief and arrant rebellion was his tyranny and the fact that he ruled for a long time. This is why the Ayah continued, أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ (Because Allah had given him the kingdom.) It appears that Nimrod asked Ibrahim to produce proof that Allah exists. Ibrahim replied, رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ (My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death) meaning, "The proof of Allah's existence is the creations that exist after they were nothing and perish after they had existed. This only proves the existence of the Creator, Who does what He wills, for these things could not have occurred on their own without a Creator who created them, and He is the Lord that I call to for worship, Alone without a partner." This is when Nimrod said, أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ (I give life and cause death.) Qatadah, Muhammad bin Ishaq and As-Suddi said that he meant, "Two men who deserved execution were to be brought before me, and I would command that one of them be killed, and he would be killed. I would command that the second man be pardoned, and he would be pardoned. This is how I bring life and death." However, it appears that since Nimrod did not deny the existence of a Creator, his statement did not mean what Qatadah said it meant. This explanation does not provide an answer to what Ibrahim said. Nimrod arrogantly and defiantly claimed that he was the creator and pretended that it was he who brings life and death. Later on, Fir'awn imitated him and announced, مَا عَلِمْتُ لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرِي (I know not that you have a god other than me)[28: 38]. This is why Ibrahim said to Nimrod, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ (Verily, Allah brings the sun from the east; then bring it you from the west.) This Ayah means, "You claim that it is you who brings life and death. He who brings life and death controls the existence and creates whatever is in it, including controlling its planets and their movements. For instance, the sun rises everyday from the east. Therefore, if you were god, as you claimed, bringing life and death, then bring the sun from the west." Since the king was aware of his weakness, inadequacy and that he was not able to reply to Ibrahim's request, he was idle, silent and unable to comment. Therefore, the proof was established against him. Allah said, وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ (And Allah guides not the people, who are wrongdoers) meaning, Allah deprives the unjust people of any valid proof or argument. Furthermore, their false proof and arguments are annulled by their Lord, and they have earned His anger and will suffer severe torment. The meaning that we provided is better than the meaning that some philosophers offered, claiming that Ibrahim used the second argument because it was clearer than the first one. Rather, our explanation asserts that Ibrahim refuted both claims of Nimrod, all praise is due to Allah. As-Suddi stated that the debate between Ibrahim and Nimrod occurred after Ibrahim was thrown in the fire, for Ibrahim did not meet the king before that day.

Or like the one who passed by a town in ruin up to its roofs. He said: "How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?" So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long did you remain (dead)?" He (the man) said: "(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh." When this was clearly shown to him, he said, "I know (now) that Allah is able to do all things. (259) The Story of 'Uzayr Allah's statement, أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ (Have you not looked at him who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord?) means, "Have you seen anyone like the person who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord" Then, Allah connected the Ayah, أَوْ كَالَّذِي مَرَّ عَلَىٰ قَرْيَةٍ وَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا (Or like the one who passed by a town in ruin up to its roofs) to the Ayah above by using 'or'. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Ali bin Abi Talib said that the Ayah [2:259] meant 'Uzayr. Ibn Jarir also reported it, and this explanation was also reported by Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim from Ibn 'Abbas, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi and Sulayman bin Buraydah. Mujahid bin Jabr said that the Ayah refers to a man from the Children of Israel, and the village was Jerusalem, after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it and killed its people. وَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ (in ruin) means, it became empty of people. Allah's statement, عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا (up to its roofs) indicates that the roofs and walls (of the village) fell to the ground. 'Uzayr stood contemplating about what had happened to that city, after a great civilization used to inhabit it. He said, أَنَّىٰ يُحْيِي هَٰذِهِ اللَّهُ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا (Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death) because of the utter destruction he saw and the implausibility of its returning to what it used to be. Allah said, فَأَمَاتَهُ اللَّهُ مِائَةَ عَامٍ ثُمَّ بَعَثَهُ (So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again).) The city was rebuilt seventy years after the man ('Uzayr) died, and its inhabitants increased and the Children of Israel moved back to it. When Allah resurrected 'Uzayr after he died, the first organ that He resurrected were his eyes, so that he could witness what Allah does with him, how He brings life back to his body. When his resurrection was complete, Allah said to him, meaning through the angel, كَمْ لَبِثْتَ قَالَ لَبِثْتُ يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ ("How long did you remain (dead)?" He (the man) said: "(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day.") The scholars said that since the man died in the early part of the day and Allah resurrected him in the latter part of the day, when he saw that the sun was still apparent, he thought that it was the sun of that very day. He said, أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ قَالَ بَل لَّبِثْتَ مِائَةَ عَامٍ فَانظُرْ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِكَ وَشَرَابِكَ لَمْ يَتَسَنَّهْ ("Or part of a day. " He said: "Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change.") He had grapes, figs and juice, and he found them as he left them; neither did the juice spoil nor the figs become bitter nor the grapes rot. وَانظُرْ إِلَىٰ حِمَارِكَ (And look at your donkey!), "How Allah brings it back to life while you are watching." وَلِنَجْعَلَكَ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And thus We have made of you a sign for the people) that Resurrection occurs. وَانظُرْ إِلَى الْعِظَامِ كَيْفَ نُنشِزُهَا (Look at the bones, how We Nunshizuha) meaning, collect them and put them back together. In his Mustadrak, Al-Hakim, recorded that Kharijah bin Zayd bin Thabit said that his father said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ read this Ayah, كَيْفَ نُنشِزُهَا (how We Nunshizuha.) Al-Hakim said; "Its chain is Sahih and they (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it." The Ayah was also read, (نُنْشِرُهَا) "Nunshiruha" meaning, bring them back to life, as Mujahid stated. ثُمَّ نَكْسُوهَا لَحْمًا (And clothe them with flesh.) As-Suddi said, " 'Uzayr observed the bones of his donkey, which were scattered all around him to his right and left, and Allah sent a wind that collected the bones from all over the area. Allah then brought every bone to its place, until they formed a full donkey made of fleshless bones. Allah then covered these bones with flesh, nerves, veins and skin. Allah sent an angel who blew life in the donkeys' nostrils, and the donkey started to bray by Allah's leave." All this occurred while 'Uzayr was watching, and this is when he proclaimed, قَالَ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (He said, "I know (now) that Allah is able to do all things,") meaning, "I know that, and I did witness it with my own eyes. Therefore, I am the most knowledgeable in this matter among the people of my time."

And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith." He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (260) The Khalil Supplicates to Allah to Show Him How He Resurrects the Dead The scholars said that there are reasons behind this request by Ibrahim. For instance, when Ibrahim said to Nimrod, رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ (My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death,) he wanted to solidify his knowledge about resurrection by actually witnessing it with his eyes. Prophet Ibrahim said, رَبِّ أَرِنِي كَيْفَ تُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ قَالَ أَوَلَمْ تُؤْمِن قَالَ بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِي ("My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالشَّكِّ مِنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِي كَيْفَ تُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ قَالَ أَوَلَمْ تُؤْمِن قَالَ بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِي (We are more liable to be in doubt than Ibrahim when he said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." Allah said, "Don't you believe?" Ibrahim said, "Yes (I believe), but (I ask) in order to be stronger in faith.") The Prophet's statement in the Hadith means, "We are more liable to seek certainty." The Answer to Al-Khalil's Request Allah said, قَالَ فَخُذْ أَرْبَعَةً مِّنَ الطَّيْرِ فَصُرْهُنَّ إِلَيْكَ (He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you.") Scholars of Tafsir disagreed over the type of birds mentioned here, although this matter in not relevant due to the fact that the Qur'an did not mention it. Allah's statement, فَصُرْهُنَّ إِلَيْكَ (cause them to incline towards you) means, cut them to pieces. This is the explanation of Ibn 'Abbas, 'Ikrimah, Sa'id bin Jubayr, Abu Malik, Abu Al-Aswad Ad-Dili, Wahb bin Munabbih, Al-Hasan and As-Suddi. Therefore, Ibrahim caught four birds, slaughtered them, removed the feathers, tore the birds to pieces and mixed the pieces together. He then placed parts of these mixed pieces on four or seven hills. Ibn 'Abbas said, "Ibrahim kept the heads of these birds in his hand. Next, Allah commanded Ibrahim to call the birds to him, and he did as Allah commanded him. Ibrahim witnessed the feathers, blood and flesh of these birds fly to each other, and the parts flew each to their bodies, until every bird came back to life and came walking at a fast pace towards Ibrahim, so that the example that Ibrahim was witnessing would become more impressive. Each bird came to collect its head from Ibrahim's hand, and if he gave the bird another head the bird refused to accept it. When Ibrahim gave each bird its own head, the head was placed on its body by Allah's leave and power. " This is why Allah said, وَاعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ (And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise) and no one can overwhelm or resist Him. Whatever Allah wills, occurs without hindrance, because He is the All-Mighty, Supreme above all things, and He is Wise in His statements, actions, legislation and decrees. Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma'mar said that Ayyub said that Ibn 'Abbas commented on what Ibrahim said, وَلَٰكِن لِّيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِي (but to be stronger in Faith), "To me, there is no Ayah in the Qur'an that brings more hope than this Ayah." Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Muhammad bin Al-Munkadir said that 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas met 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As and said to him, "Which Ayah in the Qur'an carries more hope for you?" Ibn 'Amr said, قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا (Say: "O 'Ibadi (My servants) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not.)[39:53]. Ibn 'Abbas said, "But I say that it is Allah's statement, وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ أَرِنِي كَيْفَ تُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ قَالَ أَوَلَمْ تُؤْمِن قَالَ بَلَىٰ (And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe)...) Allah accepted Ibrahim's affirmation when he merely said, 'Yes.' This Ayah refers to the doubts that attack the heart and the thoughts that Shaytan inspires." Al-Hakim also recorded this in Al-Mustadrak and said; "Its chain is Sahih but they did not record it."

The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is that of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower (261) Rewards of Spending in Allah's Cause This is a parable that Allah made of the multiplication of rewards for those who spend in His cause, seeking His pleasure. Allah multiplies the good deed ten to seven hundred times. Allah said, مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah...) Sa'id bin Jubayr commented, "Meaning spending in Allah's obedience." Makhul said that the Ayah means, "Spending on Jihad, on horse stalls, weapons and so forth." The parable in the Ayah is more impressive on the heart than merely mentioning the number seven hundred. This Ayah indicates that Allah 'grows' the good deeds for its doers, just as He grows the plant for whoever sows it in fertile land. The Sunnah also mentions that the deeds are multiplied up to seven hundred folds. For instance, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that a man once gave away a camel, with its bridle on, in the cause of Allah and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَتَأْتِيَنَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِسَبْعِمِائَةِ نَاقَةٍ مَخْطُومَةٍ (On the Day of Resurrection, you will have seven hundred camels with their bridles.) Muslim and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, and Muslim's narration reads, "A man brought a camel with its bridle on and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! This is in the sake of Allah.' The Messenger said, لَكَ بِهَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ سَبْعُمِائَةِ نَاقَةٍ (You will earn seven hundred camels as reward for it on the Day of Resurrection.) Another Hadith: Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ يُضَاعَفُ، الْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشَرِ أَمْثَالِهَا، إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ، إِلى مَا شَاءَ اللهُ، يَقُولُ اللهُ: إِلَّا الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، يَدَعُ طَعَامَهُ وَشَهْوَتَهُ مِنْ أَجْلِي، وَلِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ فِطْرِهِ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ، وَلَخَلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ، الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ، الصَّومُ جُنَّةٌ (Every good deed that the son of Adam performs will be multiplied ten folds, to seven hundred folds, to many other folds, to as much as Allah wills. Allah said, "Except the fast, for it is for Me and I will reward for it. One abandons his food and desire in My sake." The fasting person has two times of happiness: when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord. Verily, the odor that comes from the mouth of whoever fasts is more pure to Allah than the scent of musk. Fasting is a shield (against sinning), fasting is a shield.) Muslim recorded this Hadith. Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ (Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills) is according to the person's sincerity in his deeds. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower) meaning, His Favor is so wide that it encompasses much more than His creation, and He has full knowledge in whoever deserves it, or does not deserve it. All the praise and thanks are due to Allah.

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (262)Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (free of all needs) and He is Most Forbearing (263)O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people (264) To Remind About Charity Given is Forbidden Allah praises those who spend from their money in His cause, and then refrain from reminding those who received the charity of that fact, whether these hints take the form of words or actions. Allah's statement, وَلَا أَذًى (or with injury), indicates that they do not cause harm to those whom they gave the charity to, for this harm will only annul the charity. Allah next promised them the best rewards for this good deed, لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (their reward is with their Lord), indicating that Allah Himself will reward them for these righteous actions. Further, وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ (On them shall be no fear) regarding the horrors of the Day of Resurrection, وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (nor shall they grieve) regarding the offspring that they leave behind and the adornment and delights of this world. They will not feel sorry for this, because they will acquire what is far better for them. Allah then said, قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ (Kind words) meaning, compassionate words and a supplication for Muslims, وَمَغْفِرَةٌ (and forgiving) meaning, forgiving an injustice that took the form of actions or words, خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى (are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury.) وَاللَّهُ غَنِيٌّ (And Allah is Rich) not needing His creation, حَلِيمٌ (Most Forbearing) forgives, releases and pardons them. There are several Hadiths that prohibit reminding people of acts of charity. For instance, Muslim recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِم، وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ، وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ: الْمَنَّانُ بِمَا أَعْطَى، وَالْمُسْبِلُ إِزَارَهُ، وَالْمُنَفِّقُ سِلْعَتَهُ بِالْحَلِفِ الْكَاذِبِ (Three persons whom Allah shall neither speak to on the Day of Resurrection nor look at nor purify, and they shall receive a painful torment: he who reminds (the people) of what he gives away, he who lengthens his clothes below the ankles and he who swears an oath while lying, to sell his merchandise.) This is why Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ (O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury) stating that the charity will be rendered in vain if it is followed by harm or reminders. In this case, the reward of giving away charity is not sufficient enough to nullify the harm and reminders. Allah then said, كَالَّذِي يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ (like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men) meaning, "Do not nullify your acts of charity by following them with reminders and harm, just like the charity of those who give it to show off to people." The boasting person pretends to give away charity for Allah's sake, but in reality seeks to gain people's praise and the reputation of being kind or generous, or other material gains of this life. All the while, he does not think about Allah or gaining His pleasure and generous rewards, and this is why Allah said, وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ (and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day.) Allah next set the example of whoever gives charity to show off. Ad-Dahhak commented that the example fits one who follows his acts of charity with reminders or harm. Allah said, فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ (His likeness is the likeness of Safwan) where Safwan, from is Safwanah, meaning 'the smooth rocks,' عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُ وَابِلٌ (on which is little dust; on it falls a Wabil) meaning, heavy rain, فَتَرَكَهُ صَلْدًا (which leaves it bare.) This Ayah means that heavy rain left the Safwan completely barren of dust. Such is the case with Allah's action regarding the work of those who show off, as their deeds are bound to vanish and disappear, even though people think that these deeds are as plentiful as specks of dust. So Allah said, لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ (They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.)

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (262)Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (free of all needs) and He is Most Forbearing (263)O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people (264) To Remind About Charity Given is Forbidden Allah praises those who spend from their money in His cause, and then refrain from reminding those who received the charity of that fact, whether these hints take the form of words or actions. Allah's statement, وَلَا أَذًى (or with injury), indicates that they do not cause harm to those whom they gave the charity to, for this harm will only annul the charity. Allah next promised them the best rewards for this good deed, لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (their reward is with their Lord), indicating that Allah Himself will reward them for these righteous actions. Further, وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ (On them shall be no fear) regarding the horrors of the Day of Resurrection, وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (nor shall they grieve) regarding the offspring that they leave behind and the adornment and delights of this world. They will not feel sorry for this, because they will acquire what is far better for them. Allah then said, قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ (Kind words) meaning, compassionate words and a supplication for Muslims, وَمَغْفِرَةٌ (and forgiving) meaning, forgiving an injustice that took the form of actions or words, خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى (are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury.) وَاللَّهُ غَنِيٌّ (And Allah is Rich) not needing His creation, حَلِيمٌ (Most Forbearing) forgives, releases and pardons them. There are several Hadiths that prohibit reminding people of acts of charity. For instance, Muslim recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِم، وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ، وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ: الْمَنَّانُ بِمَا أَعْطَى، وَالْمُسْبِلُ إِزَارَهُ، وَالْمُنَفِّقُ سِلْعَتَهُ بِالْحَلِفِ الْكَاذِبِ (Three persons whom Allah shall neither speak to on the Day of Resurrection nor look at nor purify, and they shall receive a painful torment: he who reminds (the people) of what he gives away, he who lengthens his clothes below the ankles and he who swears an oath while lying, to sell his merchandise.) This is why Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ (O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury) stating that the charity will be rendered in vain if it is followed by harm or reminders. In this case, the reward of giving away charity is not sufficient enough to nullify the harm and reminders. Allah then said, كَالَّذِي يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ (like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men) meaning, "Do not nullify your acts of charity by following them with reminders and harm, just like the charity of those who give it to show off to people." The boasting person pretends to give away charity for Allah's sake, but in reality seeks to gain people's praise and the reputation of being kind or generous, or other material gains of this life. All the while, he does not think about Allah or gaining His pleasure and generous rewards, and this is why Allah said, وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ (and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day.) Allah next set the example of whoever gives charity to show off. Ad-Dahhak commented that the example fits one who follows his acts of charity with reminders or harm. Allah said, فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ (His likeness is the likeness of Safwan) where Safwan, from is Safwanah, meaning 'the smooth rocks,' عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُ وَابِلٌ (on which is little dust; on it falls a Wabil) meaning, heavy rain, فَتَرَكَهُ صَلْدًا (which leaves it bare.) This Ayah means that heavy rain left the Safwan completely barren of dust. Such is the case with Allah's action regarding the work of those who show off, as their deeds are bound to vanish and disappear, even though people think that these deeds are as plentiful as specks of dust. So Allah said, لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ (They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.)

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (262)Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (free of all needs) and He is Most Forbearing (263)O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people (264) To Remind About Charity Given is Forbidden Allah praises those who spend from their money in His cause, and then refrain from reminding those who received the charity of that fact, whether these hints take the form of words or actions. Allah's statement, وَلَا أَذًى (or with injury), indicates that they do not cause harm to those whom they gave the charity to, for this harm will only annul the charity. Allah next promised them the best rewards for this good deed, لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (their reward is with their Lord), indicating that Allah Himself will reward them for these righteous actions. Further, وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ (On them shall be no fear) regarding the horrors of the Day of Resurrection, وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (nor shall they grieve) regarding the offspring that they leave behind and the adornment and delights of this world. They will not feel sorry for this, because they will acquire what is far better for them. Allah then said, قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ (Kind words) meaning, compassionate words and a supplication for Muslims, وَمَغْفِرَةٌ (and forgiving) meaning, forgiving an injustice that took the form of actions or words, خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى (are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury.) وَاللَّهُ غَنِيٌّ (And Allah is Rich) not needing His creation, حَلِيمٌ (Most Forbearing) forgives, releases and pardons them. There are several Hadiths that prohibit reminding people of acts of charity. For instance, Muslim recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِم، وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ، وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ: الْمَنَّانُ بِمَا أَعْطَى، وَالْمُسْبِلُ إِزَارَهُ، وَالْمُنَفِّقُ سِلْعَتَهُ بِالْحَلِفِ الْكَاذِبِ (Three persons whom Allah shall neither speak to on the Day of Resurrection nor look at nor purify, and they shall receive a painful torment: he who reminds (the people) of what he gives away, he who lengthens his clothes below the ankles and he who swears an oath while lying, to sell his merchandise.) This is why Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ (O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury) stating that the charity will be rendered in vain if it is followed by harm or reminders. In this case, the reward of giving away charity is not sufficient enough to nullify the harm and reminders. Allah then said, كَالَّذِي يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ (like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men) meaning, "Do not nullify your acts of charity by following them with reminders and harm, just like the charity of those who give it to show off to people." The boasting person pretends to give away charity for Allah's sake, but in reality seeks to gain people's praise and the reputation of being kind or generous, or other material gains of this life. All the while, he does not think about Allah or gaining His pleasure and generous rewards, and this is why Allah said, وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ (and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day.) Allah next set the example of whoever gives charity to show off. Ad-Dahhak commented that the example fits one who follows his acts of charity with reminders or harm. Allah said, فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ (His likeness is the likeness of Safwan) where Safwan, from is Safwanah, meaning 'the smooth rocks,' عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُ وَابِلٌ (on which is little dust; on it falls a Wabil) meaning, heavy rain, فَتَرَكَهُ صَلْدًا (which leaves it bare.) This Ayah means that heavy rain left the Safwan completely barren of dust. Such is the case with Allah's action regarding the work of those who show off, as their deeds are bound to vanish and disappear, even though people think that these deeds are as plentiful as specks of dust. So Allah said, لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ (They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.)

And the parable of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah's pleasure while they in their own selves are sure and certain that Allah will reward them (for their spending in His cause), is that of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it. And Allah is All-Seer (knows well) of what you do.) This is the example of the believers who give away charity seeking only Allah's pleasur (265) وَتَثْبِيتًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ (while they in their own selves are sure and certain) meaning, they are certain that Allah shall reward them for these righteous acts with the best rewards. Similarly, in a Hadith collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا (Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and expectation...) meaning, believing that Allah commanded the fast, all the while awaiting His reward for fasting it. Allah's statement, كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةٍ بِرَبْوَةٍ (is that of a garden on a Rabwah) means, the example of a garden on 'a height above the ground', as the majority of scholars have stated. Ibn 'Abbas and Ad-Dahhak added that it also has flowing rivers. Allah's statement, أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ (Wabil falls on it) means, heavy rain as we stated, So it produces its, أُكُلَهَا (yield of harvest) meaning, fruits or produce, ضِعْفَيْنِ (doubles), as compared to other gardens. فَإِن لَّمْ يُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌ فَطَلٌّ (And if it does not receive Wabil, a Tall suffices it.) Ad-Dahhak said that the 'Tall' is light rain. The Ayah indicates that the garden on the Rabwah is always fertile, for if heavy rain does not fall on it, light rain will suffice for it. Such is the case regarding the believer's good deeds, for they never become barren. Rather, Allah accepts the believer's righteous deeds and increases them, each according to his deeds. This is why Allah said next, وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ (And Allah is All-Seer of what you do) meaning, none of His servants' deeds ever escapes His perfect watch.

Would any of you wish to have a garden with date palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein, while he is striken with old age, and his children are weak (not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a fiery whirlwind, so that it is burnt? Thus does Allah make clear His Ayat to you that you may give thought (266) The Example of Evil Deeds Nullifying Good Deeds Al-Bukhari recorded that Ibn 'Abbas and 'Ubayd bin 'Umayr said that 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asked the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, "According to your opinion, about whom was this Ayah revealed, أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ (Would any of you wish to have a garden with date palms and vines…?)." They said, "Allah knows best." 'Umar became angry and said, "Say we know or we do not know." Ibn 'Abbas said, "O Leader of the Faithful! I have an opinion about it." 'Umar said, "O my nephew! Say your opinion and do not belittle yourself." Ibn 'Abbas said, "This is an example set for a deed." 'Umar said, "What type of deed?" Ibn 'Abbas said, "For a wealthy man who works in Allah's pleasure and then Allah sends Shaytan to him, and he works in disobedience, until he annuls his good works." This Hadith suffices as an explanation for the Ayah, for it explains the example it sets by a person who does good first and then follows it with evil, may Allah save us from this end. So, this man annulled his previous good works with his latter evil works. When he desperately needed the deeds of the former type, there were none. This is why Allah said, وَأَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ذُرِّيَّةٌ ضُعَفَاءُ فَأَصَابَهَا إِعْصَارٌ (while he is striken with old age, and his children are weak (not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a whirlwind) with heavy wind, فِيهِ نَارٌ فَاحْتَرَقَتْ (that is fiery, so that it is burnt) meaning, its fruits were burnt and its trees were destroyed. Therefore, what will his condition be like? Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah has set a good parable, and all His parables are good. He said, أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ لَهُ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ (Would any of you wish to have a garden with date palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein.) But he lost all this in his old age, وَأَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ (while he is striken with old age) while his offspring and children are weak just before the end of his life. Then a lightning storm came and destroyed his garden. Then he did not have the strength to grow another garden, nor did his offspring offer enough help. This is the condition of the disbeliever on the Day of Resurrection when he returns to Allah, for he will not have any good deeds to provide an excuse - or refuge - for him, just as the man in the parable had no strength to replant the garden. The disbeliever will not find anything to resort to for help, just as the offspring of the man in the parable did not provide him with help. So he will be deprived of his reward when he most needs it, just as the man in the parable was deprived of Allah's garden when he most needed it, when he became old and his offspring weak." In his Mustadrak, Al-Hakim recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say in his supplication, اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ أَوْسَعَ رِزْقِكَ عَلَيَّ عِنْدَ كِبَرِ سِنِّي وَانْقِضَاءِ عُمُرِي (O Allah! Make Your biggest provision for me when I am old in age and at the time my life ends.) This is why Allah said, كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ (Thus Allah makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought) meaning, comprehend and understand the parables and their intended implications. Similarly, Allah said, وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَا إِلَّا الْعَالِمُونَ (And these similitudes We put forward for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allah and His signs))[29:43].

O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise (267)Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (evil deeds) whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower (268)He grants Hikmah to whom He wills, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding (269) The Encouragement to Spend Honest Money for Allah's Sake Allah commands His believing servants to spend in charity, as Ibn 'Abbas stated, from the pure, honest money that they earned and from the fruits and vegetables that He has grown for them in the land. Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah commanded them to spend from the purest, finest and best types of their money and prohibited spending from evil and dishonest money, because Allah is pure and good and only accepts that which is pure and good." This is why Allah said, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ (and do not aim at that which is bad) meaning, filthy (impure) money, مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ (to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it) meaning, "If you were given this type, you would not take it, except if you tolerate the deficiency in it. Verily, Allah is far Richer than you, He is in no need of this money, so do not give, for His sake, what you would dislike for yourselves." It was reported that, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it) means, "Do not spend from the dishonest, impure money instead of the honest, pure money." Ibn Jarir recorded that Al-Bara' bin 'Azib commented on Allah's statement, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it,) that it was revealed about the Ansar. When the season for harvesting date-trees would start, the Ansar would collect ripe-date branches from their gardens and hang them on a rope erected between two pillars in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allah. The poor emigrant Companions would eat from these dates. However, some of them (Ansar) would also add lesser type of dates in between ripe-date branches, thinking they are allowed to do so. Allah revealed this Ayah about those who did this, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas commented on the Ayah, وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) means, "If you had a right on someone who would pay you less than what you gave them, you would not agree until you require more from them to make up the difference. This is why Allah said, إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) meaning, 'How do you agree for Me what you do not agree for yourselves, while I have a right to the best and most precious of your possessions?" Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded this Hadith and Ibn Jarir added, "And this is the meaning of Allah's statement, لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love)" [4:92] Allah said next, وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ (And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise) meaning, "Although Allah commanded you to give away the purest of your money in charity, He is far Richer from needing your charity, but the purpose is that the distance between the rich and the poor becomes less." Similarly, Allah said, لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ (It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him)[22:37]. Allah is Rich and free of needing anything from any of His creatures, while all of His creatures stand in need of Him. Allah's bounty encompassing, and what He has never ends. Therefore, whoever gives away good and pure things in charity, let him know that Allah is the Most Rich, His favor is enormous and He is Most Generous, Most Compassionate; and He shall reward him for his charity and multiply it many times. So who would lend to He Who is neither poor nor unjust, Who is worthy of all praise in all His actions, statements, and decisions, of Whom there is neither a deity worthy of worship except Him, nor a Lord other than Him? Shaytanic Doubts Concerning Spending in Charity Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِلشَّيْطَانِ لَمَّةً بِابْنِ آدَمَ، وَلِلْمَلَكِ لَمَّةً، فَأَمَّا لَمَّةُ الشَّيطَانِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالشَّرِّ، وَتَكْذِيبٌ بِالْحَقِّ، وَ أَمَّا لَمَّةُ الْمَلَكِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالْخَيْرِ، وَتَصْدِيقٌ بِالْحَقِّ، فَمَنْ وَجَدَ ذَلِكَ فَلْيَعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ مِنَ اللهِ، فَلْيَحْمَدِ اللهَ، وَمَنْ وَجَدَ الْأُخْرَى فَلْيَتَعَوَّذْ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ (Shaytan has an effect on the son of Adam, and the angel also has an effect. As for the effect of Shaytan, it is by his threatening with evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the angel, it is by his promise of a good end and believing in the truth. Whoever finds the latter, let him know that it is coming from Allah and let him thank Allah for it. Whoever finds the former, let him seek refuge - with Allah - from Shaytan.) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty) This is the narration that At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i collected in the book of Tafsir in their Sunan collections. Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty), so that you hold on to whatever you have and refrain from spending it in Allah's pleasure. وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ (And orders you to commit Fahsha'), meaning, "Shaytan forbids you from spending in charity because of the false fear of becoming poor, and he encourages evil deeds, sins, indulging in what is prohibited, and immoral conduct." Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ (Whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself) instead of the evil that Shaytan enjoins on you, وَفَضْلًا (And Bounty) as opposed to the poverty that Shaytan frightens you with, وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) The Meaning of Al-Hikmah Allah said, يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاءُ (He grants Hikmah to whom He wills.) Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "That is knowledge of the Qur'an. For instance, the abrogating and the abrogated, what is plain and clear and what is not as plain and clear, what it allows, and what it does not allow, and its parables." Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, لَا حَسَدَ إِلَّا فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ مَالًا فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ حِكْمَةً فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا (There is no envy except in two instances: a person whom Allah has endowed with wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given Hikmah and he judges by it and teaches it to others.) This was also collected by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah. Allah's statement, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.) means, "Those who will benefit from the advice are those who have sound minds and good comprehension with which they understand the words (of advice and reminder) and their implications."

O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise (267)Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (evil deeds) whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower (268)He grants Hikmah to whom He wills, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding (269) The Encouragement to Spend Honest Money for Allah's Sake Allah commands His believing servants to spend in charity, as Ibn 'Abbas stated, from the pure, honest money that they earned and from the fruits and vegetables that He has grown for them in the land. Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah commanded them to spend from the purest, finest and best types of their money and prohibited spending from evil and dishonest money, because Allah is pure and good and only accepts that which is pure and good." This is why Allah said, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ (and do not aim at that which is bad) meaning, filthy (impure) money, مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ (to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it) meaning, "If you were given this type, you would not take it, except if you tolerate the deficiency in it. Verily, Allah is far Richer than you, He is in no need of this money, so do not give, for His sake, what you would dislike for yourselves." It was reported that, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it) means, "Do not spend from the dishonest, impure money instead of the honest, pure money." Ibn Jarir recorded that Al-Bara' bin 'Azib commented on Allah's statement, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it,) that it was revealed about the Ansar. When the season for harvesting date-trees would start, the Ansar would collect ripe-date branches from their gardens and hang them on a rope erected between two pillars in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allah. The poor emigrant Companions would eat from these dates. However, some of them (Ansar) would also add lesser type of dates in between ripe-date branches, thinking they are allowed to do so. Allah revealed this Ayah about those who did this, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas commented on the Ayah, وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) means, "If you had a right on someone who would pay you less than what you gave them, you would not agree until you require more from them to make up the difference. This is why Allah said, إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) meaning, 'How do you agree for Me what you do not agree for yourselves, while I have a right to the best and most precious of your possessions?" Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded this Hadith and Ibn Jarir added, "And this is the meaning of Allah's statement, لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love)" [4:92] Allah said next, وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ (And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise) meaning, "Although Allah commanded you to give away the purest of your money in charity, He is far Richer from needing your charity, but the purpose is that the distance between the rich and the poor becomes less." Similarly, Allah said, لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ (It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him)[22:37]. Allah is Rich and free of needing anything from any of His creatures, while all of His creatures stand in need of Him. Allah's bounty encompassing, and what He has never ends. Therefore, whoever gives away good and pure things in charity, let him know that Allah is the Most Rich, His favor is enormous and He is Most Generous, Most Compassionate; and He shall reward him for his charity and multiply it many times. So who would lend to He Who is neither poor nor unjust, Who is worthy of all praise in all His actions, statements, and decisions, of Whom there is neither a deity worthy of worship except Him, nor a Lord other than Him? Shaytanic Doubts Concerning Spending in Charity Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِلشَّيْطَانِ لَمَّةً بِابْنِ آدَمَ، وَلِلْمَلَكِ لَمَّةً، فَأَمَّا لَمَّةُ الشَّيطَانِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالشَّرِّ، وَتَكْذِيبٌ بِالْحَقِّ، وَ أَمَّا لَمَّةُ الْمَلَكِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالْخَيْرِ، وَتَصْدِيقٌ بِالْحَقِّ، فَمَنْ وَجَدَ ذَلِكَ فَلْيَعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ مِنَ اللهِ، فَلْيَحْمَدِ اللهَ، وَمَنْ وَجَدَ الْأُخْرَى فَلْيَتَعَوَّذْ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ (Shaytan has an effect on the son of Adam, and the angel also has an effect. As for the effect of Shaytan, it is by his threatening with evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the angel, it is by his promise of a good end and believing in the truth. Whoever finds the latter, let him know that it is coming from Allah and let him thank Allah for it. Whoever finds the former, let him seek refuge - with Allah - from Shaytan.) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty) This is the narration that At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i collected in the book of Tafsir in their Sunan collections. Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty), so that you hold on to whatever you have and refrain from spending it in Allah's pleasure. وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ (And orders you to commit Fahsha'), meaning, "Shaytan forbids you from spending in charity because of the false fear of becoming poor, and he encourages evil deeds, sins, indulging in what is prohibited, and immoral conduct." Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ (Whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself) instead of the evil that Shaytan enjoins on you, وَفَضْلًا (And Bounty) as opposed to the poverty that Shaytan frightens you with, وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) The Meaning of Al-Hikmah Allah said, يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاءُ (He grants Hikmah to whom He wills.) Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "That is knowledge of the Qur'an. For instance, the abrogating and the abrogated, what is plain and clear and what is not as plain and clear, what it allows, and what it does not allow, and its parables." Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, لَا حَسَدَ إِلَّا فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ مَالًا فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ حِكْمَةً فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا (There is no envy except in two instances: a person whom Allah has endowed with wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given Hikmah and he judges by it and teaches it to others.) This was also collected by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah. Allah's statement, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.) means, "Those who will benefit from the advice are those who have sound minds and good comprehension with which they understand the words (of advice and reminder) and their implications."

O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise (267)Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (evil deeds) whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower (268)He grants Hikmah to whom He wills, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding (269) The Encouragement to Spend Honest Money for Allah's Sake Allah commands His believing servants to spend in charity, as Ibn 'Abbas stated, from the pure, honest money that they earned and from the fruits and vegetables that He has grown for them in the land. Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah commanded them to spend from the purest, finest and best types of their money and prohibited spending from evil and dishonest money, because Allah is pure and good and only accepts that which is pure and good." This is why Allah said, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ (and do not aim at that which is bad) meaning, filthy (impure) money, مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ (to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it) meaning, "If you were given this type, you would not take it, except if you tolerate the deficiency in it. Verily, Allah is far Richer than you, He is in no need of this money, so do not give, for His sake, what you would dislike for yourselves." It was reported that, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it) means, "Do not spend from the dishonest, impure money instead of the honest, pure money." Ibn Jarir recorded that Al-Bara' bin 'Azib commented on Allah's statement, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it,) that it was revealed about the Ansar. When the season for harvesting date-trees would start, the Ansar would collect ripe-date branches from their gardens and hang them on a rope erected between two pillars in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allah. The poor emigrant Companions would eat from these dates. However, some of them (Ansar) would also add lesser type of dates in between ripe-date branches, thinking they are allowed to do so. Allah revealed this Ayah about those who did this, وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ (and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas commented on the Ayah, وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) means, "If you had a right on someone who would pay you less than what you gave them, you would not agree until you require more from them to make up the difference. This is why Allah said, إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ (save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein) meaning, 'How do you agree for Me what you do not agree for yourselves, while I have a right to the best and most precious of your possessions?" Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded this Hadith and Ibn Jarir added, "And this is the meaning of Allah's statement, لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love)" [4:92] Allah said next, وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ (And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise) meaning, "Although Allah commanded you to give away the purest of your money in charity, He is far Richer from needing your charity, but the purpose is that the distance between the rich and the poor becomes less." Similarly, Allah said, لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ (It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him)[22:37]. Allah is Rich and free of needing anything from any of His creatures, while all of His creatures stand in need of Him. Allah's bounty encompassing, and what He has never ends. Therefore, whoever gives away good and pure things in charity, let him know that Allah is the Most Rich, His favor is enormous and He is Most Generous, Most Compassionate; and He shall reward him for his charity and multiply it many times. So who would lend to He Who is neither poor nor unjust, Who is worthy of all praise in all His actions, statements, and decisions, of Whom there is neither a deity worthy of worship except Him, nor a Lord other than Him? Shaytanic Doubts Concerning Spending in Charity Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِلشَّيْطَانِ لَمَّةً بِابْنِ آدَمَ، وَلِلْمَلَكِ لَمَّةً، فَأَمَّا لَمَّةُ الشَّيطَانِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالشَّرِّ، وَتَكْذِيبٌ بِالْحَقِّ، وَ أَمَّا لَمَّةُ الْمَلَكِ فَإِيعَادٌ بِالْخَيْرِ، وَتَصْدِيقٌ بِالْحَقِّ، فَمَنْ وَجَدَ ذَلِكَ فَلْيَعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ مِنَ اللهِ، فَلْيَحْمَدِ اللهَ، وَمَنْ وَجَدَ الْأُخْرَى فَلْيَتَعَوَّذْ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ (Shaytan has an effect on the son of Adam, and the angel also has an effect. As for the effect of Shaytan, it is by his threatening with evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the angel, it is by his promise of a good end and believing in the truth. Whoever finds the latter, let him know that it is coming from Allah and let him thank Allah for it. Whoever finds the former, let him seek refuge - with Allah - from Shaytan.) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا (Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha'; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty) This is the narration that At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i collected in the book of Tafsir in their Sunan collections. Allah said, الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ (Shaytan threatens you with poverty), so that you hold on to whatever you have and refrain from spending it in Allah's pleasure. وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ (And orders you to commit Fahsha'), meaning, "Shaytan forbids you from spending in charity because of the false fear of becoming poor, and he encourages evil deeds, sins, indulging in what is prohibited, and immoral conduct." Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ (Whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself) instead of the evil that Shaytan enjoins on you, وَفَضْلًا (And Bounty) as opposed to the poverty that Shaytan frightens you with, وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) The Meaning of Al-Hikmah Allah said, يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاءُ (He grants Hikmah to whom He wills.) Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "That is knowledge of the Qur'an. For instance, the abrogating and the abrogated, what is plain and clear and what is not as plain and clear, what it allows, and what it does not allow, and its parables." Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, لَا حَسَدَ إِلَّا فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ مَالًا فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ حِكْمَةً فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا (There is no envy except in two instances: a person whom Allah has endowed with wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given Hikmah and he judges by it and teaches it to others.) This was also collected by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah. Allah's statement, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.) means, "Those who will benefit from the advice are those who have sound minds and good comprehension with which they understand the words (of advice and reminder) and their implications."

And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers (270)If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do (271) Allah states that He has perfect knowledge of the good deeds performed by all of His creation, such as charity and various vows, and He rewards tremendously for these deeds, provided they are performed seeking His Face and His promise. Allah also warns those who do not work in his obedience, but instead disobey His command, reject His revelation and worship others besides Him: وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ (And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.) meaning, who will save them from Allah's anger and torment on the Day of Resurrection. The Virtue of Disclosing or Concealing Charity Allah said, إِن تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ (If you disclose your Sadaqat, it is well) meaning, "It is well if you make known the charity that you give away." Allah's statement, وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ (But if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.) this indicates that concealing charity is better than disclosing it, because it protects one from showing off and boasting. However, if there is an apparent wisdom behind disclosing the charity, such as the people imitating this righteous act, then disclosing it becomes better than concealing it. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, الْجَاهِرُ بِالْقُرْآنِ كَالْجَاهِرِ بِالصَّدَقَةِ، وَالْمُسِرُّ بِالْقُرآنِ كَالْمُسِرِّ بِالصَّدَقَةِ (He who utters aloud Qur'anic recitation is just like he who discloses charity acts. He who conceals Qur'anic recitation is just like he who conceals charity acts.) The Ayah indicates that it is better that acts of charity be concealed, as reiterated by the Hadith that the Two Sahihs recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, سَبْعَةٌ يُظِلُّهُمُ اللهُ فِي ظِلِّهِ يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إلَّا ظِلُّهُ: إِمَامٌ عَادِلٌ، وَشَابٌّ نَشَأَ فِي عِبَادَةِ اللهِ، وَرَجُلَانِ تَحَابَّا فِي اللهِ، اجْتَمَعَا عَلَيْهِ وَتَفَرَّقَا عَلَيْهِ، وَرَجُلٌ قَلْبُهُ مُعَلَّقٌ بِالْمَسْجِدِ، إِذَا خَرَجَ مِنْهُ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْهِ، وَرَجُلٌ ذَكَرَ اللهَ خَالِيًا فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ، وَرَجُلٌ دَعَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ ذَاتُ مَنْصِبٍ وَجَمَالٍ، فَقَالَ: إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللهَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَرَجُلٌ تَصَدَّقَ بِصَدَقَةٍ فَأَخْفَاهَا، حَتَّى لَا تَعْلَمَ شِمَالُهُ مَا تُنْفِقُ يَمِينُهُ (Allah will give shade to seven on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (They are:) a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake who meet and part in Allah's cause only, a man whose heart is attached to the Masjids from the time he departs the Masjid until he returns to it, a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears, a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says, 'I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds', and a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.) Allah's statement, وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ ((Allah) will expiate you some of your sins) means, in return for giving away charity, especially if it was concealed. Therefore, you will gain goodness by your rank being raised, and your sins being forgiven. Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ (And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do) means, "No good deed that you perform escapes His knowledge, and He shall reward for it."

And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers (270)If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do (271) Allah states that He has perfect knowledge of the good deeds performed by all of His creation, such as charity and various vows, and He rewards tremendously for these deeds, provided they are performed seeking His Face and His promise. Allah also warns those who do not work in his obedience, but instead disobey His command, reject His revelation and worship others besides Him: وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ (And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.) meaning, who will save them from Allah's anger and torment on the Day of Resurrection. The Virtue of Disclosing or Concealing Charity Allah said, إِن تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ (If you disclose your Sadaqat, it is well) meaning, "It is well if you make known the charity that you give away." Allah's statement, وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ (But if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.) this indicates that concealing charity is better than disclosing it, because it protects one from showing off and boasting. However, if there is an apparent wisdom behind disclosing the charity, such as the people imitating this righteous act, then disclosing it becomes better than concealing it. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, الْجَاهِرُ بِالْقُرْآنِ كَالْجَاهِرِ بِالصَّدَقَةِ، وَالْمُسِرُّ بِالْقُرآنِ كَالْمُسِرِّ بِالصَّدَقَةِ (He who utters aloud Qur'anic recitation is just like he who discloses charity acts. He who conceals Qur'anic recitation is just like he who conceals charity acts.) The Ayah indicates that it is better that acts of charity be concealed, as reiterated by the Hadith that the Two Sahihs recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, سَبْعَةٌ يُظِلُّهُمُ اللهُ فِي ظِلِّهِ يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إلَّا ظِلُّهُ: إِمَامٌ عَادِلٌ، وَشَابٌّ نَشَأَ فِي عِبَادَةِ اللهِ، وَرَجُلَانِ تَحَابَّا فِي اللهِ، اجْتَمَعَا عَلَيْهِ وَتَفَرَّقَا عَلَيْهِ، وَرَجُلٌ قَلْبُهُ مُعَلَّقٌ بِالْمَسْجِدِ، إِذَا خَرَجَ مِنْهُ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْهِ، وَرَجُلٌ ذَكَرَ اللهَ خَالِيًا فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ، وَرَجُلٌ دَعَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ ذَاتُ مَنْصِبٍ وَجَمَالٍ، فَقَالَ: إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللهَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَرَجُلٌ تَصَدَّقَ بِصَدَقَةٍ فَأَخْفَاهَا، حَتَّى لَا تَعْلَمَ شِمَالُهُ مَا تُنْفِقُ يَمِينُهُ (Allah will give shade to seven on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (They are:) a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake who meet and part in Allah's cause only, a man whose heart is attached to the Masjids from the time he departs the Masjid until he returns to it, a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears, a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says, 'I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds', and a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.) Allah's statement, وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ ((Allah) will expiate you some of your sins) means, in return for giving away charity, especially if it was concealed. Therefore, you will gain goodness by your rank being raised, and your sins being forgiven. Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ (And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do) means, "No good deed that you perform escapes His knowledge, and He shall reward for it."

Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged (272)(Charity is) for Fuqara' (the poor), who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well (273)Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (274) Giving Charity to Polytheists Abu 'Abdur-Rahman An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said that they, "Disliked giving charity to their polytheist relatives, but were later on allowed to give it to them when they inquired about this matter, and this Ayah was revealed, لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ (And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves) is similar to His other statement, مَّنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ (Whosoever does righteous good deed, it is for (the benefit of) his ownself.)[41:46] There are many other similar Ayat in the Qur'an. Allah said next, وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ (When you spend not except seeking Allah's Face.) Al-Hasan Al-Basri commented, "Whenever the believer spends, including what he spends on himself, he seeks Allah's Face with it." 'Ata' Al-Khurasani said that the Ayah means, "You give away charity for the sake of Allah. Therefore, you will not be asked about the deeds [or wickedness] of those who receive it." This is a sound meaning indicating that when one spends in charity for Allah's sake, then his reward will be with Allah. He will not be asked if the charity unintentionally reached righteous, evil, deserving or undeserving persons, for he will be rewarded for his good intention. The proof to this statement is the Ayah, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) The Two Sahihs recorded a Hadith by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, قَالَ رَجُلٌ: لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ زَانِيَةٍ، فَأَصْبَحَ النَّاسُ يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ غَنِيٍّ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، قَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ سَارِقٍ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى سَارِقٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، وَعَلَى غَنِيٍّ، وَعَلَى سَارِقٍ. فَأُتِيَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ: أَمَّا صَدَقَتُكَ فَقَدْ قُبِلَتْ، وَأَمَّا الزَّانِيَةُ فَلَعَلَّهَا أَنْ تَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ زِنَاهَا، وَلَعَلَّ الْغَنِيَّ يَعْتَبِرُ فَيُنْفِقُ مِمَّا أَعْطَاهُ اللهُ، وَلَعَلَّ السَّارِقَ أَنْ يَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ سَرِقَتِهِ (A man said, "Tonight, I shall give charity." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. The next morning the people said that alms were given to an adulteress. The man said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. Tonight, I shall give alms again." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a wealthy person was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave alms) to a wealthy man. Tonight, I shall again give charity." So he went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a thief. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a thief was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I have given alms) to an adulteress, a wealthy man and a thief." Then, someone came to him and said, "The alms that you gave away were accepted. As for the adulteress, the alms might make her abstain from adultery. As for the wealthy man, it might make him take a lesson and spend his wealth that Allah has given him. As for the thief, it might make him abstain from stealing.") Who Deserves Charity Allah said, لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ((Charity is) for the poor, who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel)) meaning, the migrants who migrated to Allah and His Messenger, resided in Al-Madinah and did not have resources that sufficiently provided them with their needs, لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ (And cannot Darban (move about) in the land) meaning, "They cannot travel in the land to seek means of livelihood." Allah said in other instances [using a variation of the word Darban] وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُوا مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ (And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the Salah (the prayer))[4:101], and, عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (He knows that there will be some among you sick, others traveling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty, yet others fighting in Allah's cause)[73:20]. Allah then said, يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ (The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty) meaning, those who do not know their situation think that they are well-off, because they are modest in their clothes and speech. There is a Hadith with this meaning that the Two Sahihs recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَيْسَ الْمِسْكِينُ بِهذَا الطَّوَّافِ الَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ التَّمْرَةُ وَالتَّمْرَتَانِ، وَاللُّقْمَةُ وَاللُّقْمَتَانِ، وَالْأُكْلَةُ وَالْأُكْلَتَانِ، وَلكِنِ الْمِسْكِينُ الَّذِي لَا يَجِدُ غِنىً يُغْنِيهِ، وَلَا يُفْطَنُ لَهُ فَيُتَصَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِ، وَلَا يَسْأَلُ النَّاسَ شَيْئًا (The Miskin (needy) is not he who wanders about and whose need is sufficed by a date or two, a bite or two or a meal or two. Rather, the Miskin is he who neither has enough resources to sustain him, all the while people are unaware of his need so they do not give to him, nor does he ask people for anything.) Imam Ahmad also recorded this Hadith from Ibn Mas'ud. Allah's statement, تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَاهُمْ (You may know them by their mark) means, "Those who have good minds discover their situation," just as Allah said in other instances, سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم (The mark of them (i.e. of their faith) is on their faces)[48:29], and, وَلَتَعْرِفَنَّهُمْ فِي لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ (But surely, you will know them by the tone of their speech!)[47:30]. Allah's statement, لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا (they do not beg of people at all) means, they do not beg and, thus, do not require people to provide them with more than what they actually need. Indeed, those who ask people for help, while having what suffices for their needs, have begged. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Sa'id said, "My mother sent me to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to ask him for help, but when I came by him I sat down. The Prophet ﷺ faced me and said to me, مَنِ اسْتَغْنَى أَغْنَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَعَفَّ أَعَفَّهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَكَفَّ كَفَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنْ سَأَلَ وَلَهُ قِيمَةُ أُوقِيَّةٍ فَقَدْ أَلْـحَفَ (Whoever felt satisfied, then Allah will enrich him. Whoever is modest, Allah will make him decent. Whoever is content, then Allah will suffice for him. Whoever asks people, while having a small amout, he will have begged the people.) Abu Sa'id said, "I said to myself, 'I have a camel, Al-Yaqutah, and indeed, it is worth more than a small amount.' And I went back without asking the Prophet ﷺ for anything." This is the same wording for this Hadith collected by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i. Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ (And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well) indicates that no charity escapes Him, and He will reward it fully and perfectly on the Day of Resurrection, when it is most desperately needed. Praise for those who Spend in Charity Allah said, الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.) This Ayah praises those who spend in charity for Allah's sake, seeking His pleasure, day and night, publicly and in secret, including what one spends on his family. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas: وَإِنَّكَ لَنْ تُنْفِقَ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللهِ إِلَّا ازْدَدْتَ بِهَا دَرَجَةً وَرِفْعَةً، حَتَّى مَا تَجْعَلُ فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ (You will not spend charity with which you seek Allah's Face, but you will ascend a higher degree and status because of it, including what you put in your wife's mouth.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that the Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمَ إِذَا أَنْفَقَ عَلَى أَهْلِهِ نَفَقَةً يَحْتَسِبُهَا، كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةً (When the Muslim spends on his family while awaiting the reward for it from Allah, it will be written as charity for him.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim also recorded this Hadith. Allah said, فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (shall have their reward with their Lord), on the Day of Resurrection, as reward for what they spent in acts of obedience. We previously explained the Ayah, فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (there shall be no fear on them nor shall they grieve.)[2:38]

Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged (272)(Charity is) for Fuqara' (the poor), who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well (273)Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (274) Giving Charity to Polytheists Abu 'Abdur-Rahman An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said that they, "Disliked giving charity to their polytheist relatives, but were later on allowed to give it to them when they inquired about this matter, and this Ayah was revealed, لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ (And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves) is similar to His other statement, مَّنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ (Whosoever does righteous good deed, it is for (the benefit of) his ownself.)[41:46] There are many other similar Ayat in the Qur'an. Allah said next, وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ (When you spend not except seeking Allah's Face.) Al-Hasan Al-Basri commented, "Whenever the believer spends, including what he spends on himself, he seeks Allah's Face with it." 'Ata' Al-Khurasani said that the Ayah means, "You give away charity for the sake of Allah. Therefore, you will not be asked about the deeds [or wickedness] of those who receive it." This is a sound meaning indicating that when one spends in charity for Allah's sake, then his reward will be with Allah. He will not be asked if the charity unintentionally reached righteous, evil, deserving or undeserving persons, for he will be rewarded for his good intention. The proof to this statement is the Ayah, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) The Two Sahihs recorded a Hadith by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, قَالَ رَجُلٌ: لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ زَانِيَةٍ، فَأَصْبَحَ النَّاسُ يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ غَنِيٍّ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، قَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ سَارِقٍ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى سَارِقٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، وَعَلَى غَنِيٍّ، وَعَلَى سَارِقٍ. فَأُتِيَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ: أَمَّا صَدَقَتُكَ فَقَدْ قُبِلَتْ، وَأَمَّا الزَّانِيَةُ فَلَعَلَّهَا أَنْ تَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ زِنَاهَا، وَلَعَلَّ الْغَنِيَّ يَعْتَبِرُ فَيُنْفِقُ مِمَّا أَعْطَاهُ اللهُ، وَلَعَلَّ السَّارِقَ أَنْ يَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ سَرِقَتِهِ (A man said, "Tonight, I shall give charity." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. The next morning the people said that alms were given to an adulteress. The man said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. Tonight, I shall give alms again." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a wealthy person was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave alms) to a wealthy man. Tonight, I shall again give charity." So he went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a thief. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a thief was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I have given alms) to an adulteress, a wealthy man and a thief." Then, someone came to him and said, "The alms that you gave away were accepted. As for the adulteress, the alms might make her abstain from adultery. As for the wealthy man, it might make him take a lesson and spend his wealth that Allah has given him. As for the thief, it might make him abstain from stealing.") Who Deserves Charity Allah said, لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ((Charity is) for the poor, who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel)) meaning, the migrants who migrated to Allah and His Messenger, resided in Al-Madinah and did not have resources that sufficiently provided them with their needs, لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ (And cannot Darban (move about) in the land) meaning, "They cannot travel in the land to seek means of livelihood." Allah said in other instances [using a variation of the word Darban] وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُوا مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ (And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the Salah (the prayer))[4:101], and, عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (He knows that there will be some among you sick, others traveling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty, yet others fighting in Allah's cause)[73:20]. Allah then said, يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ (The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty) meaning, those who do not know their situation think that they are well-off, because they are modest in their clothes and speech. There is a Hadith with this meaning that the Two Sahihs recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَيْسَ الْمِسْكِينُ بِهذَا الطَّوَّافِ الَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ التَّمْرَةُ وَالتَّمْرَتَانِ، وَاللُّقْمَةُ وَاللُّقْمَتَانِ، وَالْأُكْلَةُ وَالْأُكْلَتَانِ، وَلكِنِ الْمِسْكِينُ الَّذِي لَا يَجِدُ غِنىً يُغْنِيهِ، وَلَا يُفْطَنُ لَهُ فَيُتَصَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِ، وَلَا يَسْأَلُ النَّاسَ شَيْئًا (The Miskin (needy) is not he who wanders about and whose need is sufficed by a date or two, a bite or two or a meal or two. Rather, the Miskin is he who neither has enough resources to sustain him, all the while people are unaware of his need so they do not give to him, nor does he ask people for anything.) Imam Ahmad also recorded this Hadith from Ibn Mas'ud. Allah's statement, تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَاهُمْ (You may know them by their mark) means, "Those who have good minds discover their situation," just as Allah said in other instances, سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم (The mark of them (i.e. of their faith) is on their faces)[48:29], and, وَلَتَعْرِفَنَّهُمْ فِي لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ (But surely, you will know them by the tone of their speech!)[47:30]. Allah's statement, لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا (they do not beg of people at all) means, they do not beg and, thus, do not require people to provide them with more than what they actually need. Indeed, those who ask people for help, while having what suffices for their needs, have begged. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Sa'id said, "My mother sent me to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to ask him for help, but when I came by him I sat down. The Prophet ﷺ faced me and said to me, مَنِ اسْتَغْنَى أَغْنَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَعَفَّ أَعَفَّهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَكَفَّ كَفَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنْ سَأَلَ وَلَهُ قِيمَةُ أُوقِيَّةٍ فَقَدْ أَلْـحَفَ (Whoever felt satisfied, then Allah will enrich him. Whoever is modest, Allah will make him decent. Whoever is content, then Allah will suffice for him. Whoever asks people, while having a small amout, he will have begged the people.) Abu Sa'id said, "I said to myself, 'I have a camel, Al-Yaqutah, and indeed, it is worth more than a small amount.' And I went back without asking the Prophet ﷺ for anything." This is the same wording for this Hadith collected by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i. Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ (And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well) indicates that no charity escapes Him, and He will reward it fully and perfectly on the Day of Resurrection, when it is most desperately needed. Praise for those who Spend in Charity Allah said, الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.) This Ayah praises those who spend in charity for Allah's sake, seeking His pleasure, day and night, publicly and in secret, including what one spends on his family. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas: وَإِنَّكَ لَنْ تُنْفِقَ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللهِ إِلَّا ازْدَدْتَ بِهَا دَرَجَةً وَرِفْعَةً، حَتَّى مَا تَجْعَلُ فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ (You will not spend charity with which you seek Allah's Face, but you will ascend a higher degree and status because of it, including what you put in your wife's mouth.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that the Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمَ إِذَا أَنْفَقَ عَلَى أَهْلِهِ نَفَقَةً يَحْتَسِبُهَا، كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةً (When the Muslim spends on his family while awaiting the reward for it from Allah, it will be written as charity for him.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim also recorded this Hadith. Allah said, فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (shall have their reward with their Lord), on the Day of Resurrection, as reward for what they spent in acts of obedience. We previously explained the Ayah, فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (there shall be no fear on them nor shall they grieve.)[2:38]

Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged (272)(Charity is) for Fuqara' (the poor), who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well (273)Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (274) Giving Charity to Polytheists Abu 'Abdur-Rahman An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said that they, "Disliked giving charity to their polytheist relatives, but were later on allowed to give it to them when they inquired about this matter, and this Ayah was revealed, لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ (And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves) is similar to His other statement, مَّنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ (Whosoever does righteous good deed, it is for (the benefit of) his ownself.)[41:46] There are many other similar Ayat in the Qur'an. Allah said next, وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ (When you spend not except seeking Allah's Face.) Al-Hasan Al-Basri commented, "Whenever the believer spends, including what he spends on himself, he seeks Allah's Face with it." 'Ata' Al-Khurasani said that the Ayah means, "You give away charity for the sake of Allah. Therefore, you will not be asked about the deeds [or wickedness] of those who receive it." This is a sound meaning indicating that when one spends in charity for Allah's sake, then his reward will be with Allah. He will not be asked if the charity unintentionally reached righteous, evil, deserving or undeserving persons, for he will be rewarded for his good intention. The proof to this statement is the Ayah, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.) The Two Sahihs recorded a Hadith by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, قَالَ رَجُلٌ: لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ زَانِيَةٍ، فَأَصْبَحَ النَّاسُ يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ غَنِيٍّ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، قَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى غَنِيٍّ، لَأَتَصَدَّقَنَّ اللَّيْلَةَ بِصَدَقَةٍ، فَخَرَجَ بِصَدَقَتِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي يَدِ سَارِقٍ، فَأَصْبَحُوا يَتَحَدَّثُونَ: تُصُدِّقَ اللَّيْلَةَ عَلَى سَارِقٍ، فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ عَلَى زَانِيَةٍ، وَعَلَى غَنِيٍّ، وَعَلَى سَارِقٍ. فَأُتِيَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ: أَمَّا صَدَقَتُكَ فَقَدْ قُبِلَتْ، وَأَمَّا الزَّانِيَةُ فَلَعَلَّهَا أَنْ تَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ زِنَاهَا، وَلَعَلَّ الْغَنِيَّ يَعْتَبِرُ فَيُنْفِقُ مِمَّا أَعْطَاهُ اللهُ، وَلَعَلَّ السَّارِقَ أَنْ يَسْتَعِفَّ بِهَا عَنْ سَرِقَتِهِ (A man said, "Tonight, I shall give charity." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. The next morning the people said that alms were given to an adulteress. The man said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. Tonight, I shall give alms again." He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a wealthy person was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave alms) to a wealthy man. Tonight, I shall again give charity." So he went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a thief. The next morning (the people) said, "Last night, a thief was given alms." He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I have given alms) to an adulteress, a wealthy man and a thief." Then, someone came to him and said, "The alms that you gave away were accepted. As for the adulteress, the alms might make her abstain from adultery. As for the wealthy man, it might make him take a lesson and spend his wealth that Allah has given him. As for the thief, it might make him abstain from stealing.") Who Deserves Charity Allah said, لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ((Charity is) for the poor, who in Allah's cause are restricted (from travel)) meaning, the migrants who migrated to Allah and His Messenger, resided in Al-Madinah and did not have resources that sufficiently provided them with their needs, لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ (And cannot Darban (move about) in the land) meaning, "They cannot travel in the land to seek means of livelihood." Allah said in other instances [using a variation of the word Darban] وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُوا مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ (And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the Salah (the prayer))[4:101], and, عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (He knows that there will be some among you sick, others traveling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty, yet others fighting in Allah's cause)[73:20]. Allah then said, يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ (The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty) meaning, those who do not know their situation think that they are well-off, because they are modest in their clothes and speech. There is a Hadith with this meaning that the Two Sahihs recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَيْسَ الْمِسْكِينُ بِهذَا الطَّوَّافِ الَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ التَّمْرَةُ وَالتَّمْرَتَانِ، وَاللُّقْمَةُ وَاللُّقْمَتَانِ، وَالْأُكْلَةُ وَالْأُكْلَتَانِ، وَلكِنِ الْمِسْكِينُ الَّذِي لَا يَجِدُ غِنىً يُغْنِيهِ، وَلَا يُفْطَنُ لَهُ فَيُتَصَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِ، وَلَا يَسْأَلُ النَّاسَ شَيْئًا (The Miskin (needy) is not he who wanders about and whose need is sufficed by a date or two, a bite or two or a meal or two. Rather, the Miskin is he who neither has enough resources to sustain him, all the while people are unaware of his need so they do not give to him, nor does he ask people for anything.) Imam Ahmad also recorded this Hadith from Ibn Mas'ud. Allah's statement, تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَاهُمْ (You may know them by their mark) means, "Those who have good minds discover their situation," just as Allah said in other instances, سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم (The mark of them (i.e. of their faith) is on their faces)[48:29], and, وَلَتَعْرِفَنَّهُمْ فِي لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ (But surely, you will know them by the tone of their speech!)[47:30]. Allah's statement, لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا (they do not beg of people at all) means, they do not beg and, thus, do not require people to provide them with more than what they actually need. Indeed, those who ask people for help, while having what suffices for their needs, have begged. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Sa'id said, "My mother sent me to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to ask him for help, but when I came by him I sat down. The Prophet ﷺ faced me and said to me, مَنِ اسْتَغْنَى أَغْنَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَعَفَّ أَعَفَّهُ اللهُ، وَمَنِ اسْتَكَفَّ كَفَاهُ اللهُ، وَمَنْ سَأَلَ وَلَهُ قِيمَةُ أُوقِيَّةٍ فَقَدْ أَلْـحَفَ (Whoever felt satisfied, then Allah will enrich him. Whoever is modest, Allah will make him decent. Whoever is content, then Allah will suffice for him. Whoever asks people, while having a small amout, he will have begged the people.) Abu Sa'id said, "I said to myself, 'I have a camel, Al-Yaqutah, and indeed, it is worth more than a small amount.' And I went back without asking the Prophet ﷺ for anything." This is the same wording for this Hadith collected by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i. Allah's statement, وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ (And whatever you spend in good, surely Allah knows it well) indicates that no charity escapes Him, and He will reward it fully and perfectly on the Day of Resurrection, when it is most desperately needed. Praise for those who Spend in Charity Allah said, الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.) This Ayah praises those who spend in charity for Allah's sake, seeking His pleasure, day and night, publicly and in secret, including what one spends on his family. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas: وَإِنَّكَ لَنْ تُنْفِقَ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللهِ إِلَّا ازْدَدْتَ بِهَا دَرَجَةً وَرِفْعَةً، حَتَّى مَا تَجْعَلُ فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ (You will not spend charity with which you seek Allah's Face, but you will ascend a higher degree and status because of it, including what you put in your wife's mouth.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that the Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمَ إِذَا أَنْفَقَ عَلَى أَهْلِهِ نَفَقَةً يَحْتَسِبُهَا، كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةً (When the Muslim spends on his family while awaiting the reward for it from Allah, it will be written as charity for him.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim also recorded this Hadith. Allah said, فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ (shall have their reward with their Lord), on the Day of Resurrection, as reward for what they spent in acts of obedience. We previously explained the Ayah, فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (there shall be no fear on them nor shall they grieve.)[2:38]

Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytan leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Riba," whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba, shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns (to Riba), such are the dwellers of the Fire ـ they will Abide therein (275) The Punishment for Dealing with Riba (Interest and Usury) After Allah mentioned the righteous believers who give charity, pay Zakah and spend on their relatives and families at various times and conditions, He then mentioned those who deal in usury and illegally acquire people's money, using various evil methods and wicked ways. Allah describes the condition of these people when they are resurrected from their graves and brought back to life on the Day of Resurrection: الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ (Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytan leading him to insanity.) This Ayah means, on the Day of Resurrection, these people will get up from their graves just as the person afflicted by insanity or possesed by a demon would. Ibn 'Abbas said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who consume Riba will be resurrected while insane and suffering from seizures." Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this and then commented, "This Tafsir was reported from 'Awf bin Malik, Sa'id bin Jubayr, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Qatadah and Muqatil bin Hayyan." Al-Bukhari recorded that Samurah bin Jundub said in the long Hadith about the dream that the Prophet ﷺ had, فَأَتينَا عَلَى نَهْرٍ - حَسِبْتُ أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَقُولُ: أَحْمَرَ مِثْلَ الدَّمِ، وَإِذَا فِي النَّهْرِ رَجُلٌ سَابِحٌ يَسْبَحُ، وَإِذَا عَلَى شَطِّ النَّهْرِ رَجُلٌ قَدْ جَمَعَ عِنْدَهُ حِجَارَةً كَثِيرَةً، وَإِذَا ذَلِكَ السَّابِحُ يَسْبَحُ مَا يَسْبَحُ، ثُمَّ يَأْتِي ذَلِكَ الَّذِي قَدْ جَمَعَ الْحِجَارَةَ عِنْدَهُ، فَيَفْغَرُ لَهُ فَاهُ فَيُلْقِمُهُ حَجَرًا (We reached a river -the narrator said, "I thought he said that the river was as red as blood"- and found that a man was swimming in the river, and on its bank there was another man standing with a large collection of stones next to him. The man in the river would swim, then come to the man who had collected the stones and open his mouth, and the other man would throw a stone in his mouth.) The explanation of this dream was that the person in the river was one who consumed Riba. Allah's statement, ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا (That is because they say: "Trading is only like Riba," whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba) indicates that the disbelievers claimed that Riba was allowed due to the fact that they rejected Allah's commandments, not that they equated Riba with regular trade. The disbelievers did not recognize that Allah allowed trade in the Qur'an, for if they did, they would have said, "Riba is trade." Rather, they said, إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا (Trading is only like Riba) meaning, they are similar, so why did Allah allow this, but did not allow that, they asked in defiance of Allah's commandments. Allah's statement, وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا (Whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba) might be a continuation of the answer to the disbelievers' claim, who uttered it, although they knew that Allah decided that ruling on trade is different from that of Riba. Indeed, Allah is the Most Knowledgeable, Most Wise, Whose decision is never resisted. Allah is never asked about what He does, while they will be asked. He is knowledgeable of the true reality of all things and the benefits they carry. He knows what benefits His servants, so He allows it for them, and what harms them, so He forbids them from it. He is more merciful with them than the mother with her own infant. Thereafter, Allah said, فَمَن جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ فَانتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ (So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba, shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge),) meaning, those who have knowledge that Allah made usury unlawful, and refrain from indulging in it as soon as they acquire this knowledge, then Allah will forgive their previous dealings in Riba, عَفَا اللَّهُ عَمَّا سَلَفَ (Allah has forgiven what is past.) On the day Makkah was conquered the Prophet ﷺ said, وَكُلُّ رِبًا فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ مَوْضُوعٌ تَحْتَ قَدَمَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ، وَأَوَّلُ رِبًا أَضَعُ، رِبَا الْعَبَّاسِ (All cases of Riba during the time of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period of ignorance) is annulled and under my feet, and the first Riba I annul is the Riba of Al-'Abbas (the Prophet's uncle).) We should mention that the Prophet ﷺ did not require the return of the interest that they gained on their Riba during the time of Jahiliyyah. Rather, he pardoned the cases of Riba that occured in the past, just as Allah said, فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ (shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge).) Sa'id bin Jubayr and As-Suddi said that, فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ (shall not be punished for the past) refers to the Riba one consumed before it was prohibited. Allah then said, وَمَنْ عَادَ (But whoever returns) meaning, deals in Riba after gaining knowledge that Allah prohibited it, then that warrants punishment, and in this case, the proof will have been established against such person. This is why Allah said, فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ (such are the dwellers of the Fire ـ they will abide therein forever.) Abu Dawud recorded that Jabir said, "When الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ (Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like a person beaten by Shaytan leading him to insanity) was revealed, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ لَمْ يَذَرِ الْمُخَابَرَةَ فَلْيُؤْذِنْ بِحَرْبٍ مِنَ اللهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (Whoever does not refrain from Mukhabarah, then let him receive a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.)" Al-Hakim also recorded this in his Mustadrak, and he said, "It is Sahih according to the criteria of Muslim, and he did not record it." Mukhabarah (sharecropping), farming land in return for some of its produce, was prohibited. Muzabanah, trading fresh dates still on trees with dried dates already on the ground, was prohibited. Muhaqalah, which refers to trading produce not yet harvested, with crops already harvested, was also prohibited. These were prohibited to eradicate the possibility that Riba might be involved, for the quality and equity of such items are only known after they become dry. The subject of Riba is a difficult subject for many scholars. We should mention that the Leader of the Faithful, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, said, "I wished that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had made three matters clearer for us, so that we could refer to his decision: the grandfather (regarding inheriting from his grandchildren), the Kalalah (those who leave neither descendants nor ascendants as heirs) and some types of Riba." 'Umar was refering to the types of transactions where it is not clear whether they involve Riba or not. The Shari'ah supports the rule that for any matter that is unlawful, then the means to it are also unlafwful, because whatever results in the unlawful is unlawful, in the same way that whenever an obligation will not be complete except with something, then that something is itself an obligation. The Two Sahihs recorded that An-Nu'man bin Bashir said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, إِنَّ الْحَلَالَ بَيِّنٌ وَإِنَّ الْحَرَامَ بَيِّنٌ، وَبَيْنَ ذَلِكَ أُمُورٌ مُشْتَبِهَاتٌ، فَمَنِ اتَّقَى الشُّبُهَاتِ اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِينِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ، وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ وَقَعَ فِي الْحَرَامِ، كَالرَّاعِي يَرْعَى حَولَ الْحِمَى يُوشِكُ أَنْ يَرْتَعَ فِيهِ (Both lawful and unlawful things are evident, but in between them there are matters that are not clear. So whoever saves himself from these unclear matters, he saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these unclear matters, he will have fallen into the prohibitions, just like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near a private pasture, at any moment he is liable to enter it.) The Sunan records that Al-Hasan bin 'Ali said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, «دَعْ مَا يَرِيبُكَ إِلَى مَا لَا يَرِيبُكَ» (Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.) Ahmad recorded that Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that 'Umar said, "The Ayah about Riba was one of the last Ayat to be revealed, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ died before he explained it to us. So leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt." Ibn Majah recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, الرِّبَا سَبْعُونَ حُوبًا، أَيْسَرُهَا أَنْ يَنْكِحَ الرَّجُلُ أُمَّهُ (Riba is seventy types, the least of which is equal to one having sexual intercourse with his mother.) Continuing on the subject of prohibiting the means that lead to the unlawful, there is a Hadith that Ahmad recorded in which 'A'ishah said, "When the Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah about Riba were revealed, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out to the Masjid and recited them and also prohibited trading in alcohol." The Six collections recorded this Hadith, with the exception of At-Tirmidhi. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَعَنَ اللهُ الْيَهُودَ، حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الشُّحُومُ فَجَمَلُوهَا فَبَاعُوهَا، وَأَكَلُوا أَثْمَانَهَا (May Allah curse the Jews! Allah forbade them to eat animal fat, but they melted it and sold it, eating its price.) Ali and Ibn Mas'ud narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَعَنَ اللهُ آكِلَ الرِّبَا وَمُوكِلَهُ وَشَاهِدَيْهِ وَكَاتِبَهُ (May Allah curse whoever consumes Riba, whoever pays Riba, the two who are witnesses to it, and the scribe who records it.) They say they only have witnesses and a scribe to write the Riba contract when they want it to appear to be a legitimate agreement, but it is still invalid because the ruling is applied to the agreement itself, not the form that it appears in. Verily, deeds are judged by their intentions.

Allah will destroy Riba and will give increase for Sadaqat. And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners (276)Truly, those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform the Salah and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (277) Allah Does Not Bless Riba Allah states that He destroys Riba, either by removing this money from those who eat it, or by depriving them of the blessing, and thus the benefit of their money. Because of their Riba, Allah will torment them in this life and punish them for it on the Day of Resurrection. Allah said, قُل لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيثِ (Say: "Not equal are Al-Khabith (evil things) and At-Tayyib (good things), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith may please you")[5:100] وَيَجْعَلَ الْخَبِيثَ بَعْضَهُ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فَيَرْكُمَهُ جَمِيعًا فَيَجْعَلَهُ فِي جَهَنَّمَ (And put the wicked (disbelievers and doers of evil deeds) one over another, heap them together and cast them into Hell)[8:37], and, وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَ فِي أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُو عِندَ اللَّهِ (And that which you give in gift (to others), in order that it may increase (your wealth by expecting to get a better one in return) from other people's property, has no increase with Allah)[30:39]. Ibn Jarir said that Allah's statement, يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا (Allah will destroy Riba) is similar to the statement reported of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, "Riba will end up with less, even if it was substantial." Imam Ahmad recorded a similar statement in Al-Musnad. Allah Increases Charity, Just as One Raises His Animal Allah's statement, وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ (And will give increase for Sadaqat) means, Allah makes charity grow, or He increases it. Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ تَصَدَّقَ بِعَدْلِ تَمْرَةٍ مِنْ كَسْبٍ طَيِّبٍ، وَلَا يَقْبَلُ اللهُ إِلَّا الطَّيِّبَ، فَإِنَّ اللهَ يَتَقَبَّلُهَا بِيَمِينِهِ، ثُمَّ يُرَبِّيهَا لِصَاحِبِهِ، كَمَا يُرَبِّي أَحَدُكُمْ فَلُوَّهُ حَتَّى تَكُونَ مِثْلَ الْجَبَلِ (Whoever gives in charity what equals a date from honest resources, and Allah only accepts that which is good and pure, then Allah accepts it with His right (Hand) and raises it for its giver, just as one of you raises his animal, until it becomes as big as a mountain.) This was recorded in the book of Zakah. Allah Does not Like the Disbelieving Sinners Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ (And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners) indicates that Allah does not like he who has a disbelieving heart, who is a sinner in tongue and action. There is a connection between the beginning of the Ayah on Riba and what Allah ended it with. Those who consume Riba are not satisfied with the permissible and pure resources that Allah provided them. Instead, they try to illegally acquire people's money by relying on evil methods. This demonstrates their lack of appreciation for the bounty that Allah provides. Praising Those Who Thank Allah Allah praised those who believe in His Lordship, obey His commands, thank Him and appreciate Him. They are those who are kind to His creation, establish prayer and give charity due on their money. Allah informed them of the honor that He has prepared for them and that they will be safe from the repercussions of the Day of Resurrection. Allah said, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Truly, those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform the Salah and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.)

Allah will destroy Riba and will give increase for Sadaqat. And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners (276)Truly, those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform the Salah and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (277) Allah Does Not Bless Riba Allah states that He destroys Riba, either by removing this money from those who eat it, or by depriving them of the blessing, and thus the benefit of their money. Because of their Riba, Allah will torment them in this life and punish them for it on the Day of Resurrection. Allah said, قُل لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيثِ (Say: "Not equal are Al-Khabith (evil things) and At-Tayyib (good things), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith may please you")[5:100] وَيَجْعَلَ الْخَبِيثَ بَعْضَهُ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فَيَرْكُمَهُ جَمِيعًا فَيَجْعَلَهُ فِي جَهَنَّمَ (And put the wicked (disbelievers and doers of evil deeds) one over another, heap them together and cast them into Hell)[8:37], and, وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَ فِي أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُو عِندَ اللَّهِ (And that which you give in gift (to others), in order that it may increase (your wealth by expecting to get a better one in return) from other people's property, has no increase with Allah)[30:39]. Ibn Jarir said that Allah's statement, يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا (Allah will destroy Riba) is similar to the statement reported of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, "Riba will end up with less, even if it was substantial." Imam Ahmad recorded a similar statement in Al-Musnad. Allah Increases Charity, Just as One Raises His Animal Allah's statement, وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ (And will give increase for Sadaqat) means, Allah makes charity grow, or He increases it. Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ تَصَدَّقَ بِعَدْلِ تَمْرَةٍ مِنْ كَسْبٍ طَيِّبٍ، وَلَا يَقْبَلُ اللهُ إِلَّا الطَّيِّبَ، فَإِنَّ اللهَ يَتَقَبَّلُهَا بِيَمِينِهِ، ثُمَّ يُرَبِّيهَا لِصَاحِبِهِ، كَمَا يُرَبِّي أَحَدُكُمْ فَلُوَّهُ حَتَّى تَكُونَ مِثْلَ الْجَبَلِ (Whoever gives in charity what equals a date from honest resources, and Allah only accepts that which is good and pure, then Allah accepts it with His right (Hand) and raises it for its giver, just as one of you raises his animal, until it becomes as big as a mountain.) This was recorded in the book of Zakah. Allah Does not Like the Disbelieving Sinners Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ (And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners) indicates that Allah does not like he who has a disbelieving heart, who is a sinner in tongue and action. There is a connection between the beginning of the Ayah on Riba and what Allah ended it with. Those who consume Riba are not satisfied with the permissible and pure resources that Allah provided them. Instead, they try to illegally acquire people's money by relying on evil methods. This demonstrates their lack of appreciation for the bounty that Allah provides. Praising Those Who Thank Allah Allah praised those who believe in His Lordship, obey His commands, thank Him and appreciate Him. They are those who are kind to His creation, establish prayer and give charity due on their money. Allah informed them of the honor that He has prepared for them and that they will be safe from the repercussions of the Day of Resurrection. Allah said, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Truly, those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform the Salah and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.)

O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah and give up what remains from Riba, if you are (really) believers (278)And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent,you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (279)And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know (280)And have Taqwa the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (281) The Necessity of Taqwa and Avoiding Riba Allah commands His believing servants to fear Him and warns them against what would bring them closer to His anger and drive them away from His pleasure. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ (O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah) meaning, fear Him and remember that He is watching all that you do. وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا (And give up what remains of Riba) meaning, abandon the Riba that people still owe you upon hearing this warning, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (if you indeed have been believers) believing in the trade that He allowed you and the prohibition of Riba. Zayd bin Aslam, Ibn Jurayj, Muqatil bin Hayyan and As-Suddi said that this Ayah was revealed about Bani 'Amr bin 'Umayr, a sub-tribe of Thaqif, and Bani Al-Mughirah, from the tribe of Bani Makhzum, between whom were outstanding transactions of Riba leftover from time of Jahiliyyah. When Islam came and both tribes became Muslims, Thaqif required Bani Al-Mughirah to pay the Riba of that transaction, but Bani Al-Mughirah said, "We do not pay Riba in Islam." 'Attab bin Usayd, the Prophet's deputy on Makkah, wrote to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about this matter. This Ayah was then revealed and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ conveyed it to 'Attab, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) They said, "We repent to Allah and abandon whatever is left of our Riba", and they all abandoned it This Ayah serves as a stern threat to those who continue to deal in Riba after Allah revealed this warning. Riba Constitutes War Against Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) Ibn Jurayj said that Ibn 'Abbas said that, فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ (then take a notice of war) means, "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger." He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, 'take up arms for war.'" He then recited, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger,) "Whoever kept dealing with Riba and did not refrain from it, then the Muslim Leader should require him to repent. If he still did not refrain from Riba, the Muslim Leader should cut off his head." Allah then said, وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ (But if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly) by taking the Riba, وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And you shall not be dealt with unjustly) meaning, your original capital will not diminish. Rather, you will receive only what you lent without increase or decrease. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Amr bin Al-Ahwas said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a speech during the Farewell Hajj saying; أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّ رِبًا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ، مَوْضُوعٌ عَنْكُمْ كُلُّهُ، لَكُمْ رُؤُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُم لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَاتُظْلَمُونَ، وَأَوَّلُ رِبًا مَوْضُوعٍ، رِبَا الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ مَوْضُوعٌ كُلُّهُ (Verily, every case of Riba from the Jahiliyyah is completely annulled. You will only take back your capital, without increase or decrease. The first Riba that I annul is the Riba of Al-'Abbas bin 'Abdul-Muttalib, all of it is annulled.) Being Kind to Debtors Who Face Financial Difficulties Allah said, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.) Allah commands creditors to be patient with debtors who are having a hard time financially, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ (And if the debtor is having a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay.) During the time of Jahiliyyah, when the debt came to term, the creditor would say to the debtor, "Either pay now or interest will be added to the debt." Allah encouraged creditors to give debtors respite regarding their debts and promised all that is good, and a great reward from Him for this righteous deed, وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (But if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know) meaning, if you forfeit your debts and cancel them completely. Imam Ahmad recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.) I also heard the Prophet ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied two times for each day he gives.) I said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.' I also heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied by two times for each day he gives.' He ﷺ said, لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَومٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَحِلَّ الدَّيْنُ، فَإِذَا حَلَّ الدَّيْنُ فَأَنْظَرَهُ، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلَاهُ صَدَقَةٌ (He will earn charity of equal proportions for each day (he gives time) before the term of the debt comes to an end, and when the term comes to an end, he will again acquire charity multiplied by two times for each day if he gives more time.)" Ahmad recorded that Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi said that Abu Qatadah had a debt on a man, who used to hide from Abu Qatadah when he looked for him to pay what he owed him. One day, Abu Qatadah came looking for the debtor and a young boy came out, and he asked him about the debtor and found out that he was in the house eating. Abu Qatadah said in a loud voice, "O Fellow! Come out, for I was told that you are in the house." The man came out and Abu Qatadah asked him, "Why are you hiding from me?" The man said, "I am having a hard time financially, and I do not have any money." Abu Qatadah said, "By Allah, are you truly facing a hard time?" He said, "Yes." Abu Qatadah cried and said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ غَرِيمِهِ أَوْ مَحَا عَنْهُ،كَانَ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Whoever gives time to his debtor, or forgives the debt, will be in the shade of the Throne (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection.)" Muslim also recorded this Hadith in his Sahih. Al-Hafiz Abu Ya'la Al-Mawsili recorded that Hudhayfah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, أُتِيَ اللهُ بِعَبْدٍ مِنْ عَبِيدِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ قَالَ: مَاذَا عَمِلْتَ لِي فِي الدُّنْيَا؟ فَقَالَ: مَا عَمِلْتُ لَكَ يَا رَبِّ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا أَرْجُوكَ بِهَا - قَالَهَا ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ - قَالَ الْعَبْدُ عِنْدَ آخِرِهَا: يَا رَبِّ إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ أَعْطَيْتَنِي فَضْلَ مَالٍ، وَكُنْتُ رَجُلًا أُبَايِعُ النَّاسَ، وَكَانَ مِنْ خُلُقِي الْجَوازُ، فَكُنْتُ أُيَسِّرُ عَلَى الْمُوسِرِ وَأُنْظِرُ الْمُعْسِرَ، قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ اللهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ: أَنَا أَحَقُّ مَنْ يُيَسِّرُ، ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ (On the Day of Resurrection, one of Allah's servants will be summoned before Him and He will ask him, "What deeds did you perform for Me in your life?" He will say, "O Lord! In my life, I have not performed a deed for Your sake that equals an atom," three times. The third time, the servant will add, "O Lord! You granted me wealth and I used to be a merchant. I used to be lenient, giving easy terms to those well-off and giving time to the debtors who faced hard times." Allah will say, "I Am the Most Worthy of giving easy terms. Therefore, enter Paradise.") Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith from Hudhayfah, and Muslim recorded a similar wording from 'Uqbah bin 'Amir and Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri. Allah further advised His servants, by reminding them that this life will soon end and all the wealth in it will vanish. He also reminded them that the Hereafter will surely come, when the Return to Him will occur, and that He will hold His creation accountable for what they did, rewarding them or punishing them accordingly. Allah also warned them against His torment, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.) It was reported that this was the last Ayah revealed from the Glorious Qur'an. An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The last Ayah to be revealed from the Qur'an was, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.") This is the same narration reported by Ad-Dahhak and Al-'Awfi from Ibn 'Abbas.

O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah and give up what remains from Riba, if you are (really) believers (278)And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent,you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (279)And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know (280)And have Taqwa the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (281) The Necessity of Taqwa and Avoiding Riba Allah commands His believing servants to fear Him and warns them against what would bring them closer to His anger and drive them away from His pleasure. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ (O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah) meaning, fear Him and remember that He is watching all that you do. وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا (And give up what remains of Riba) meaning, abandon the Riba that people still owe you upon hearing this warning, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (if you indeed have been believers) believing in the trade that He allowed you and the prohibition of Riba. Zayd bin Aslam, Ibn Jurayj, Muqatil bin Hayyan and As-Suddi said that this Ayah was revealed about Bani 'Amr bin 'Umayr, a sub-tribe of Thaqif, and Bani Al-Mughirah, from the tribe of Bani Makhzum, between whom were outstanding transactions of Riba leftover from time of Jahiliyyah. When Islam came and both tribes became Muslims, Thaqif required Bani Al-Mughirah to pay the Riba of that transaction, but Bani Al-Mughirah said, "We do not pay Riba in Islam." 'Attab bin Usayd, the Prophet's deputy on Makkah, wrote to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about this matter. This Ayah was then revealed and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ conveyed it to 'Attab, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) They said, "We repent to Allah and abandon whatever is left of our Riba", and they all abandoned it This Ayah serves as a stern threat to those who continue to deal in Riba after Allah revealed this warning. Riba Constitutes War Against Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) Ibn Jurayj said that Ibn 'Abbas said that, فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ (then take a notice of war) means, "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger." He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, 'take up arms for war.'" He then recited, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger,) "Whoever kept dealing with Riba and did not refrain from it, then the Muslim Leader should require him to repent. If he still did not refrain from Riba, the Muslim Leader should cut off his head." Allah then said, وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ (But if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly) by taking the Riba, وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And you shall not be dealt with unjustly) meaning, your original capital will not diminish. Rather, you will receive only what you lent without increase or decrease. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Amr bin Al-Ahwas said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a speech during the Farewell Hajj saying; أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّ رِبًا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ، مَوْضُوعٌ عَنْكُمْ كُلُّهُ، لَكُمْ رُؤُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُم لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَاتُظْلَمُونَ، وَأَوَّلُ رِبًا مَوْضُوعٍ، رِبَا الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ مَوْضُوعٌ كُلُّهُ (Verily, every case of Riba from the Jahiliyyah is completely annulled. You will only take back your capital, without increase or decrease. The first Riba that I annul is the Riba of Al-'Abbas bin 'Abdul-Muttalib, all of it is annulled.) Being Kind to Debtors Who Face Financial Difficulties Allah said, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.) Allah commands creditors to be patient with debtors who are having a hard time financially, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ (And if the debtor is having a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay.) During the time of Jahiliyyah, when the debt came to term, the creditor would say to the debtor, "Either pay now or interest will be added to the debt." Allah encouraged creditors to give debtors respite regarding their debts and promised all that is good, and a great reward from Him for this righteous deed, وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (But if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know) meaning, if you forfeit your debts and cancel them completely. Imam Ahmad recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.) I also heard the Prophet ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied two times for each day he gives.) I said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.' I also heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied by two times for each day he gives.' He ﷺ said, لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَومٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَحِلَّ الدَّيْنُ، فَإِذَا حَلَّ الدَّيْنُ فَأَنْظَرَهُ، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلَاهُ صَدَقَةٌ (He will earn charity of equal proportions for each day (he gives time) before the term of the debt comes to an end, and when the term comes to an end, he will again acquire charity multiplied by two times for each day if he gives more time.)" Ahmad recorded that Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi said that Abu Qatadah had a debt on a man, who used to hide from Abu Qatadah when he looked for him to pay what he owed him. One day, Abu Qatadah came looking for the debtor and a young boy came out, and he asked him about the debtor and found out that he was in the house eating. Abu Qatadah said in a loud voice, "O Fellow! Come out, for I was told that you are in the house." The man came out and Abu Qatadah asked him, "Why are you hiding from me?" The man said, "I am having a hard time financially, and I do not have any money." Abu Qatadah said, "By Allah, are you truly facing a hard time?" He said, "Yes." Abu Qatadah cried and said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ غَرِيمِهِ أَوْ مَحَا عَنْهُ،كَانَ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Whoever gives time to his debtor, or forgives the debt, will be in the shade of the Throne (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection.)" Muslim also recorded this Hadith in his Sahih. Al-Hafiz Abu Ya'la Al-Mawsili recorded that Hudhayfah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, أُتِيَ اللهُ بِعَبْدٍ مِنْ عَبِيدِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ قَالَ: مَاذَا عَمِلْتَ لِي فِي الدُّنْيَا؟ فَقَالَ: مَا عَمِلْتُ لَكَ يَا رَبِّ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا أَرْجُوكَ بِهَا - قَالَهَا ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ - قَالَ الْعَبْدُ عِنْدَ آخِرِهَا: يَا رَبِّ إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ أَعْطَيْتَنِي فَضْلَ مَالٍ، وَكُنْتُ رَجُلًا أُبَايِعُ النَّاسَ، وَكَانَ مِنْ خُلُقِي الْجَوازُ، فَكُنْتُ أُيَسِّرُ عَلَى الْمُوسِرِ وَأُنْظِرُ الْمُعْسِرَ، قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ اللهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ: أَنَا أَحَقُّ مَنْ يُيَسِّرُ، ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ (On the Day of Resurrection, one of Allah's servants will be summoned before Him and He will ask him, "What deeds did you perform for Me in your life?" He will say, "O Lord! In my life, I have not performed a deed for Your sake that equals an atom," three times. The third time, the servant will add, "O Lord! You granted me wealth and I used to be a merchant. I used to be lenient, giving easy terms to those well-off and giving time to the debtors who faced hard times." Allah will say, "I Am the Most Worthy of giving easy terms. Therefore, enter Paradise.") Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith from Hudhayfah, and Muslim recorded a similar wording from 'Uqbah bin 'Amir and Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri. Allah further advised His servants, by reminding them that this life will soon end and all the wealth in it will vanish. He also reminded them that the Hereafter will surely come, when the Return to Him will occur, and that He will hold His creation accountable for what they did, rewarding them or punishing them accordingly. Allah also warned them against His torment, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.) It was reported that this was the last Ayah revealed from the Glorious Qur'an. An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The last Ayah to be revealed from the Qur'an was, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.") This is the same narration reported by Ad-Dahhak and Al-'Awfi from Ibn 'Abbas.

O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah and give up what remains from Riba, if you are (really) believers (278)And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent,you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (279)And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know (280)And have Taqwa the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (281) The Necessity of Taqwa and Avoiding Riba Allah commands His believing servants to fear Him and warns them against what would bring them closer to His anger and drive them away from His pleasure. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ (O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah) meaning, fear Him and remember that He is watching all that you do. وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا (And give up what remains of Riba) meaning, abandon the Riba that people still owe you upon hearing this warning, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (if you indeed have been believers) believing in the trade that He allowed you and the prohibition of Riba. Zayd bin Aslam, Ibn Jurayj, Muqatil bin Hayyan and As-Suddi said that this Ayah was revealed about Bani 'Amr bin 'Umayr, a sub-tribe of Thaqif, and Bani Al-Mughirah, from the tribe of Bani Makhzum, between whom were outstanding transactions of Riba leftover from time of Jahiliyyah. When Islam came and both tribes became Muslims, Thaqif required Bani Al-Mughirah to pay the Riba of that transaction, but Bani Al-Mughirah said, "We do not pay Riba in Islam." 'Attab bin Usayd, the Prophet's deputy on Makkah, wrote to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about this matter. This Ayah was then revealed and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ conveyed it to 'Attab, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) They said, "We repent to Allah and abandon whatever is left of our Riba", and they all abandoned it This Ayah serves as a stern threat to those who continue to deal in Riba after Allah revealed this warning. Riba Constitutes War Against Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) Ibn Jurayj said that Ibn 'Abbas said that, فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ (then take a notice of war) means, "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger." He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, 'take up arms for war.'" He then recited, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger,) "Whoever kept dealing with Riba and did not refrain from it, then the Muslim Leader should require him to repent. If he still did not refrain from Riba, the Muslim Leader should cut off his head." Allah then said, وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ (But if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly) by taking the Riba, وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And you shall not be dealt with unjustly) meaning, your original capital will not diminish. Rather, you will receive only what you lent without increase or decrease. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Amr bin Al-Ahwas said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a speech during the Farewell Hajj saying; أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّ رِبًا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ، مَوْضُوعٌ عَنْكُمْ كُلُّهُ، لَكُمْ رُؤُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُم لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَاتُظْلَمُونَ، وَأَوَّلُ رِبًا مَوْضُوعٍ، رِبَا الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ مَوْضُوعٌ كُلُّهُ (Verily, every case of Riba from the Jahiliyyah is completely annulled. You will only take back your capital, without increase or decrease. The first Riba that I annul is the Riba of Al-'Abbas bin 'Abdul-Muttalib, all of it is annulled.) Being Kind to Debtors Who Face Financial Difficulties Allah said, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.) Allah commands creditors to be patient with debtors who are having a hard time financially, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ (And if the debtor is having a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay.) During the time of Jahiliyyah, when the debt came to term, the creditor would say to the debtor, "Either pay now or interest will be added to the debt." Allah encouraged creditors to give debtors respite regarding their debts and promised all that is good, and a great reward from Him for this righteous deed, وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (But if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know) meaning, if you forfeit your debts and cancel them completely. Imam Ahmad recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.) I also heard the Prophet ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied two times for each day he gives.) I said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.' I also heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied by two times for each day he gives.' He ﷺ said, لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَومٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَحِلَّ الدَّيْنُ، فَإِذَا حَلَّ الدَّيْنُ فَأَنْظَرَهُ، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلَاهُ صَدَقَةٌ (He will earn charity of equal proportions for each day (he gives time) before the term of the debt comes to an end, and when the term comes to an end, he will again acquire charity multiplied by two times for each day if he gives more time.)" Ahmad recorded that Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi said that Abu Qatadah had a debt on a man, who used to hide from Abu Qatadah when he looked for him to pay what he owed him. One day, Abu Qatadah came looking for the debtor and a young boy came out, and he asked him about the debtor and found out that he was in the house eating. Abu Qatadah said in a loud voice, "O Fellow! Come out, for I was told that you are in the house." The man came out and Abu Qatadah asked him, "Why are you hiding from me?" The man said, "I am having a hard time financially, and I do not have any money." Abu Qatadah said, "By Allah, are you truly facing a hard time?" He said, "Yes." Abu Qatadah cried and said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ غَرِيمِهِ أَوْ مَحَا عَنْهُ،كَانَ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Whoever gives time to his debtor, or forgives the debt, will be in the shade of the Throne (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection.)" Muslim also recorded this Hadith in his Sahih. Al-Hafiz Abu Ya'la Al-Mawsili recorded that Hudhayfah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, أُتِيَ اللهُ بِعَبْدٍ مِنْ عَبِيدِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ قَالَ: مَاذَا عَمِلْتَ لِي فِي الدُّنْيَا؟ فَقَالَ: مَا عَمِلْتُ لَكَ يَا رَبِّ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا أَرْجُوكَ بِهَا - قَالَهَا ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ - قَالَ الْعَبْدُ عِنْدَ آخِرِهَا: يَا رَبِّ إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ أَعْطَيْتَنِي فَضْلَ مَالٍ، وَكُنْتُ رَجُلًا أُبَايِعُ النَّاسَ، وَكَانَ مِنْ خُلُقِي الْجَوازُ، فَكُنْتُ أُيَسِّرُ عَلَى الْمُوسِرِ وَأُنْظِرُ الْمُعْسِرَ، قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ اللهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ: أَنَا أَحَقُّ مَنْ يُيَسِّرُ، ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ (On the Day of Resurrection, one of Allah's servants will be summoned before Him and He will ask him, "What deeds did you perform for Me in your life?" He will say, "O Lord! In my life, I have not performed a deed for Your sake that equals an atom," three times. The third time, the servant will add, "O Lord! You granted me wealth and I used to be a merchant. I used to be lenient, giving easy terms to those well-off and giving time to the debtors who faced hard times." Allah will say, "I Am the Most Worthy of giving easy terms. Therefore, enter Paradise.") Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith from Hudhayfah, and Muslim recorded a similar wording from 'Uqbah bin 'Amir and Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri. Allah further advised His servants, by reminding them that this life will soon end and all the wealth in it will vanish. He also reminded them that the Hereafter will surely come, when the Return to Him will occur, and that He will hold His creation accountable for what they did, rewarding them or punishing them accordingly. Allah also warned them against His torment, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.) It was reported that this was the last Ayah revealed from the Glorious Qur'an. An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The last Ayah to be revealed from the Qur'an was, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.") This is the same narration reported by Ad-Dahhak and Al-'Awfi from Ibn 'Abbas.

O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah and give up what remains from Riba, if you are (really) believers (278)And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent,you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (279)And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know (280)And have Taqwa the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (281) The Necessity of Taqwa and Avoiding Riba Allah commands His believing servants to fear Him and warns them against what would bring them closer to His anger and drive them away from His pleasure. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ (O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah) meaning, fear Him and remember that He is watching all that you do. وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا (And give up what remains of Riba) meaning, abandon the Riba that people still owe you upon hearing this warning, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (if you indeed have been believers) believing in the trade that He allowed you and the prohibition of Riba. Zayd bin Aslam, Ibn Jurayj, Muqatil bin Hayyan and As-Suddi said that this Ayah was revealed about Bani 'Amr bin 'Umayr, a sub-tribe of Thaqif, and Bani Al-Mughirah, from the tribe of Bani Makhzum, between whom were outstanding transactions of Riba leftover from time of Jahiliyyah. When Islam came and both tribes became Muslims, Thaqif required Bani Al-Mughirah to pay the Riba of that transaction, but Bani Al-Mughirah said, "We do not pay Riba in Islam." 'Attab bin Usayd, the Prophet's deputy on Makkah, wrote to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about this matter. This Ayah was then revealed and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ conveyed it to 'Attab, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) They said, "We repent to Allah and abandon whatever is left of our Riba", and they all abandoned it This Ayah serves as a stern threat to those who continue to deal in Riba after Allah revealed this warning. Riba Constitutes War Against Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) Ibn Jurayj said that Ibn 'Abbas said that, فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ (then take a notice of war) means, "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger." He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, 'take up arms for war.'" He then recited, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.) Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger,) "Whoever kept dealing with Riba and did not refrain from it, then the Muslim Leader should require him to repent. If he still did not refrain from Riba, the Muslim Leader should cut off his head." Allah then said, وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ (But if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly) by taking the Riba, وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (And you shall not be dealt with unjustly) meaning, your original capital will not diminish. Rather, you will receive only what you lent without increase or decrease. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that 'Amr bin Al-Ahwas said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a speech during the Farewell Hajj saying; أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّ رِبًا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ، مَوْضُوعٌ عَنْكُمْ كُلُّهُ، لَكُمْ رُؤُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُم لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَاتُظْلَمُونَ، وَأَوَّلُ رِبًا مَوْضُوعٍ، رِبَا الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ مَوْضُوعٌ كُلُّهُ (Verily, every case of Riba from the Jahiliyyah is completely annulled. You will only take back your capital, without increase or decrease. The first Riba that I annul is the Riba of Al-'Abbas bin 'Abdul-Muttalib, all of it is annulled.) Being Kind to Debtors Who Face Financial Difficulties Allah said, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (And if the debtor is having a hard time, then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay; but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.) Allah commands creditors to be patient with debtors who are having a hard time financially, وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ (And if the debtor is having a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay.) During the time of Jahiliyyah, when the debt came to term, the creditor would say to the debtor, "Either pay now or interest will be added to the debt." Allah encouraged creditors to give debtors respite regarding their debts and promised all that is good, and a great reward from Him for this righteous deed, وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (But if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know) meaning, if you forfeit your debts and cancel them completely. Imam Ahmad recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.) I also heard the Prophet ﷺ say, مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ (Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied two times for each day he gives.) I said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.' I also heard you say, 'Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied by two times for each day he gives.' He ﷺ said, لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَومٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَحِلَّ الدَّيْنُ، فَإِذَا حَلَّ الدَّيْنُ فَأَنْظَرَهُ، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلَاهُ صَدَقَةٌ (He will earn charity of equal proportions for each day (he gives time) before the term of the debt comes to an end, and when the term comes to an end, he will again acquire charity multiplied by two times for each day if he gives more time.)" Ahmad recorded that Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi said that Abu Qatadah had a debt on a man, who used to hide from Abu Qatadah when he looked for him to pay what he owed him. One day, Abu Qatadah came looking for the debtor and a young boy came out, and he asked him about the debtor and found out that he was in the house eating. Abu Qatadah said in a loud voice, "O Fellow! Come out, for I was told that you are in the house." The man came out and Abu Qatadah asked him, "Why are you hiding from me?" The man said, "I am having a hard time financially, and I do not have any money." Abu Qatadah said, "By Allah, are you truly facing a hard time?" He said, "Yes." Abu Qatadah cried and said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ غَرِيمِهِ أَوْ مَحَا عَنْهُ،كَانَ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Whoever gives time to his debtor, or forgives the debt, will be in the shade of the Throne (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection.)" Muslim also recorded this Hadith in his Sahih. Al-Hafiz Abu Ya'la Al-Mawsili recorded that Hudhayfah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, أُتِيَ اللهُ بِعَبْدٍ مِنْ عَبِيدِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ قَالَ: مَاذَا عَمِلْتَ لِي فِي الدُّنْيَا؟ فَقَالَ: مَا عَمِلْتُ لَكَ يَا رَبِّ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا أَرْجُوكَ بِهَا - قَالَهَا ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ - قَالَ الْعَبْدُ عِنْدَ آخِرِهَا: يَا رَبِّ إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ أَعْطَيْتَنِي فَضْلَ مَالٍ، وَكُنْتُ رَجُلًا أُبَايِعُ النَّاسَ، وَكَانَ مِنْ خُلُقِي الْجَوازُ، فَكُنْتُ أُيَسِّرُ عَلَى الْمُوسِرِ وَأُنْظِرُ الْمُعْسِرَ، قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ اللهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ: أَنَا أَحَقُّ مَنْ يُيَسِّرُ، ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ (On the Day of Resurrection, one of Allah's servants will be summoned before Him and He will ask him, "What deeds did you perform for Me in your life?" He will say, "O Lord! In my life, I have not performed a deed for Your sake that equals an atom," three times. The third time, the servant will add, "O Lord! You granted me wealth and I used to be a merchant. I used to be lenient, giving easy terms to those well-off and giving time to the debtors who faced hard times." Allah will say, "I Am the Most Worthy of giving easy terms. Therefore, enter Paradise.") Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith from Hudhayfah, and Muslim recorded a similar wording from 'Uqbah bin 'Amir and Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri. Allah further advised His servants, by reminding them that this life will soon end and all the wealth in it will vanish. He also reminded them that the Hereafter will surely come, when the Return to Him will occur, and that He will hold His creation accountable for what they did, rewarding them or punishing them accordingly. Allah also warned them against His torment, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.) It was reported that this was the last Ayah revealed from the Glorious Qur'an. An-Nasa'i recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The last Ayah to be revealed from the Qur'an was, وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And have Taqwa for the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.") This is the same narration reported by Ad-Dahhak and Al-'Awfi from Ibn 'Abbas.

O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write, as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must have Taqwa of Allah, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable to dictate for himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called (for evidence). You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So have Taqwa of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything (282) The Necessity of Writing Transactions That Take Effect Later on This Ayah is the longest in the Glorious Qur'an. Imam Abu Ja'far bin Jarir recorded that Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that he was told that the Ayah most recently revealed from above the Throne – the last Ayah to be revealed in the Qur'an – was the Ayah about debts. Allah's statement, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ (O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down) directs Allah's believing servants to record their business transactions when their term is delayed, to preserve the terms and timing of these transactions, and the memory of witnesses, as mentioned at the end of the Ayah, ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا (that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves.) The Two Sahihs recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah's Messenger ﷺ came to Al-Madinah, while the people were in the habit of paying in advance for fruits to be delivered within one or two years. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ أَسْلَفَ، فَلْيُسْلِفْ فِي كَيْلٍ مَعْلُومٍ، وَوَزْنٍ مَعْلُومٍ، إِلَى أَجَلٍ مَعْلُومٍ (Whoever pays money in advance (for dates to be delivered later) should pay it for known specified measure and weight (of the dates) for a specified date.) Allah's statement, فَاكْتُبُوهُ (write it down) is a command from Him to record such transactions to endorse and preserve their terms. Ibn Jurayj said, "Whoever borrowed should write the terms, and whoever bought should have witnesses." Abu Sa'id, Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Al-Hasan, Ibn Jurayj and Ibn Zayd said that recording such transactions was necessary before, but was then abrogated by Allah's statement, فَإِنْ أَمِنَ بَعْضُكُم بَعْضًا فَلْيُؤَدِّ الَّذِي اؤْتُمِنَ أَمَانَتَهُ (Then if one of you entrusts the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully).)[2:283] Allah's statement, وَلْيَكْتُب بَّيْنَكُم كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ (Let a scribe write it down in justice between you) and in truth. Therefore, the scribe is not allowed to cheat any party of the contract and is to only record what the parties of the contract agreed to, without addition or deletion. Allah's statement, وَلَا يَأْبَ كَاتِبٌ أَن يَكْتُبَ كَمَا عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ فَلْيَكْتُبْ (Let not the scribe refuse to write, as Allah has taught him, so let him write) means, "Those who know how to write should not refrain from writing transaction contracts when asked to do so." Further, let writing such contracts be a type of charity from the scribe for those who are not lettered, just as Allah taught him what he knew not. Therefore, let him write, just as the Hadith stated, إِنَّ مِنَ الصَّدَقَةِ أَنْ تُعِينَ صَانِعًا، أَوْ تَصْنَعَ لِأَخْرَقَ (It is a type of charity to help a worker and to do something for a feeble person.) In another Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said, مَنْ كَتَمَ عِلْمًا يَعْلَمُهُ، أُلْجِمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِلِجَامٍ مِنْ نَارٍ (Whoever kept knowledge to himself will be restrained by a bridle made of fire on the Day of Resurrection.) Mujahid and 'Ata' said that if asked to do so, "The scribe is required to record." Allah's statement, وَلْيُمْلِلِ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ (Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must have Taqwa of Allah, his Lord) indicates that the debtor should dictate to the scribe what he owes, so let him fear Allah, وَلَا يَبْخَسْ مِنْهُ شَيْئًا (And diminish not anything of what he owes,) meaning, not hide any portion of what he owes. فَإِن كَانَ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ سَفِيهًا (But if the debtor is of poor understanding) and is not allowed to decide on such matters, because he used to waste money, for instance, أَوْ ضَعِيفًا (Or weak), such as being too young or insane, أَوْ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَن يُمِلَّ هُوَ (Or is unable to dictate for himself) because of a disease, or ignorance about such matters, فَلْيُمْلِلْ وَلِيُّهُ بِالْعَدْلِ (then let his guardian dictate in justice.) Witnesses Should Attend the Dictation of Contracts Allah said, وَاسْتَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِن رِّجَالِكُمْ (And get two witnesses out of your own men) requiring witnesses to attend the dictation of contracts to further preserve the contents, فَإِن لَّمْ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيْنِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامْرَأَتَانِ (And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women) this requirement is only for contracts that directly or indirectly involve money. Allah requires that two women take the place of one man as witness, because of the woman's shortcomings, as the Prophet ﷺ described. Muslim recorded in his Sahih that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ وَأَكْثِرْنَ الْاسْتِغْفَارَ، فَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ (O women! Give away charity and ask for forgiveness, for I saw that you comprise the majority of the people of the Fire.) One eloquent woman said, "O Messenger of Allah! Why do we comprise the majority of the people of the Fire?" He said, تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، وَمَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ، أَغْلَبَ لِذِي لُبٍّ مِنْكُنَّ (You curse a lot and you do not appreciate your mate. I have never seen those who have shortcoming in mind and religion controlling those who have sound minds, other than you.) She said, "O Messenger of Allah! What is this shortcoming in mind and religion?" He said, أَمَّا نُقْصَانُ عَقْلِهَا، فَشَهَادَةُ امْرَأَتَيْنِ تَعْدِلُ شَهَادَةَ رَجُلٍ، فَهَذَا نُقْصَانُ الْعَقْلِ، وَتَمْكُثُ اللَّيَالِي لَا تُصَلِّي وَتُفْطِرُ فِي رَمَضَانَ، فَهَذَا نُقْصَانُ الدِّينِ (As for the shortcoming in her mind, the testimony of two women equals the testimony of one man, and this is the shortcoming in the mind. As for the shortcoming in the religion, woman remains for nights at a time when she does not pray and breaks the fast in Ramadan.) Allah's statement, مِمَّن تَرْضَوْنَ مِنَ الشُّهَدَاءِ (such as you agree for witnesses) requires competency in the witnesses. Further, Allah's statement, أَن تَضِلَّ إِحْدَاهُمَا (so that if one of them errs) refers to the two women witnesses; whenever one of them forgets a part of the testimony, فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحْدَاهُمَا الْأُخْرَىٰ (the other can remind her) meaning, the other woman's testimony mends the shortcoming of forgetfulness in the first woman. Allah's statement, وَلَا يَأْبَ الشُّهَدَاءُ إِذَا مَا دُعُوا (And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called) means, when people are called to be witnesses, they should agree, as Qatadah and Ar-Rabi' bin Anas stated. Similarly, Allah said, وَلَا يَأْبَ كَاتِبٌ أَن يَكْتُبَ كَمَا عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ فَلْيَكْتُبْ (Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write.) Some say that this Ayah indicates that agreeing to become a witness is Fard Kifayah (required on at least a part of the Muslim Ummah). However, the majority of the scholars say that the Ayah, وَلَا يَأْبَ الشُّهَدَاءُ إِذَا مَا دُعُوا (And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called) is referring to testifying to what the witnesses actually witnessed, thus befitting their description of being 'witnesses'. Therefore, when the witness is called to testify to what he witnessed, he is required to give testimony, unless this obligation was already fulfilled, in which case such testimony becomes Fard Kifayah. Mujahid and Abu Mijlaz said, "If you are called to be a witness, then you have the choice to agree. If you witnessed and were called to testify, then come forward." It was reported that Ibn 'Abbas and Al-Hasan Al-Basri said that the obligation includes both cases, agreeing to be a witness and testifying to what one witnessed. Allah's statement, وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا أَن تَكْتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوْ كَبِيرًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلِهِ (You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or large, for its fixed term) perfects this direction from Allah by commanding that the debt be written, whether the amount is large or small. Allah said, وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا (You should not become weary) meaning, do not be discouraged against writing transactions and their terms, whether the amount involved is large or small. Allah's statement, ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا (that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves) means, writing transactions that will be fulfillled at a later date is more just with Allah meaning better and more convenient in order to preserve the terms of the contract. Therefore, recording such agreements helps the witnesses, when they see their handwriting - or signatures - later on and thus remember what they witnessed, for it is possible that the witnesses might forget what they witnessed. وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا (And more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves) meaning, this helps repel any doubt. Since if you need to refer to the contract that you wrote and the doubt will end. Allah's statement, إِلَّا أَن تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً حَاضِرَةً تُدِيرُونَهَا بَيْنَكُمْ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَلَّا تَكْتُبُوهَا (save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down) indicates that if the transaction will be fulfilled immediately, then there is no harm if it is not recorded. As for requiring witnesses to be present in trading transactions, Allah said, وَأَشْهِدُوا إِذَا تَبَايَعْتُمْ (But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract.) However, this command was abrogated by, فَإِنْ أَمِنَ بَعْضُكُم بَعْضًا فَلْيُؤَدِّ الَّذِي اؤْتُمِنَ أَمَانَتَهُ (Then if one of you entrusts the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully).) Or, it could be that having witnesses in such cases is only recommended and not obligatory, as evident from the Hadith that Khuzaymah bin Thabit Al-Ansari narrated which Imam Ahmad collected. 'Umarah bin Khuzaymah Al-Ansari said that his uncle, who was among the Prophet's Companions, told him that the Prophet ﷺ was making a deal for a horse with a bedouin man. The Prophet ﷺ asked the bedouin to follow him so that he could pay him the price of the horse. The Prophet ﷺ went ahead of the bedouin. The bedouin met several men who tried to buy his horse, not knowing if the Prophet ﷺ was actually determined to buy it. Some people offered more money for the horse than the Prophet ﷺ had. The bedouin man said to the Prophet ﷺ, "If you want to buy this horse, then buy it or I will sell it to someone else." When he heard the bedouin man's words, the Prophet ﷺ stood up and said, "Have I not bought that horse from you?" The bedouin said, "By Allah! I have not sold it to you." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Rather, I did buy it from you." The people gathered around the Prophet ﷺ and the Bedouin while they were disputing, and the bedouin said, "Bring forth a witness who testifies that I sold you the horse." Meanwhile, the Muslims who came said to the bedouin, "Woe to you! The Prophet only says the truth." When Khuzaymah bin Thabit came and heard the dispute between the Prophet ﷺ and the bedouin who was saying, "Bring forth a witness who testifies that I sold you the horse, " Khuzaymah said, "I bear witness that you sold him the horse." The Prophet ﷺ said to Khuzaymah, "What is the basis of your testimony?" Khuzaymah said, "That I entrusted you, O Messenger of Allah!" Therefore, the Messenger ﷺ made Khuzaymah's testimony equal to the testimony of two men. This was also recorded by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa. Allah's statement, وَلَا يُضَارَّ كَاتِبٌ وَلَا شَهِيدٌ (Let neither scribe nor witness suffer (or cause) any harm) also indicates that the scribe and the witness must not cause any harm, such as, when the scribe writes other than what he is being dictated, or the witness testifies to other than what he heard or conceals his testimony. This is the explanation of Al-Hasan and Qatadah." Allah's statement, وَإِن تَفْعَلُوا فَإِنَّهُ فُسُوقٌ بِكُمْ (But if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you) means, "If you defy what you were commanded and commit what you were prohibited, then it is because of the sin that resides and remains with you; sin that you never release or rid yourselves from." Allah's statement, وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ (So have Taqwa of Allah) means, fear Him, remember His watch over you, implement His command and avoid what He prohibited, وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ (And Allah teaches you.) Similarly, Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا (O you who believe! If you have Taqwa of Allah, He will grant you Furqan [(a criterion to judge between right and wrong)))[8:29], and, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَآمِنُوا بِرَسُولِهِ يُؤْتِكُمْ كِفْلَيْنِ مِن رَّحْمَتِهِ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ نُورًا تَمْشُونَ بِهِ (O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah, and believe in His Messenger, He will give you a double portion of His mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight))[57:28]. Allah said; وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ (And Allah is the All-Knower of everything) stating that Allah has perfect knowledge in all matters and in their benefits or repercussions, and nothing escapes His perfect watch, for His knowledge encompasses everything in existence.

And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging), then if one of you entrusts the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust, and let him have Taqwa of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence, for he who hides it, surely, his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do (283) What is the 'Mortgaging' Mentioned in the Ayah? Allah said, وَإِن كُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ (And if you are on a journey) meaning, traveling and some of you borrowed some money to be paid at a later date, وَلَمْ تَجِدُوا كَاتِبًا (and cannot find a scribe) who would record the debt for you. Ibn 'Abbas said, "And even if they find a scribe, but did not find paper, ink or pen." Then, فَرِهَانٌ مَّقْبُوضَةٌ (let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging)) given to the creditor in lieu of writing the transaction. The Two Sahihs recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ died while his shield was mortgaged with a Jew in return for thirty Wasq (approximately 180 kg) of barley, which the Prophet bought on credit as provisions for his household. In another narration, the Hadith stated that this Jew was among the Jews of Al-Madinah. Allah said, فَإِنْ أَمِنَ بَعْضُكُم بَعْضًا فَلْيُؤَدِّ الَّذِي اؤْتُمِنَ أَمَانَتَهُ (then if one of you entrusts the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully).) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded, with a sound chain of narration, that Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri said, "This Ayah abrogated what came before it (i.e. that which required recording the transaction and having witnesses present)." Ash-Sha'bi said, "If you trust each other, then there is no harm if you do not write the loan or have witnesses present." Allah's statement, وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ (And let him have Taqwa of Allah) means, the debtor. Imam Ahmad and the Sunan recorded that Qatadah said that Al-Hasan said that Samurah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, عَلَى الْيَدِ مَا أَخَذَتْ، حَتَّى تُؤَدِّيَهُ (The hand (of the debtor) will carry the burden of what it took until it gives it back.) Allah's statement, وَلَا تَكْتُمُوا الشَّهَادَةَ (And conceal not the evidence) means, do not hide it or refuse to announce it. Ibn 'Abbas and other scholars said, "False testimony is one of the worst of the major sins, and such is the case with hiding the true testimony. This is why Allah said, وَمَن يَكْتُمْهَا فَإِنَّهُ آثِمٌ قَلْبُهُ (For he who hides it, surely, his heart is sinful). As-Suddi commented, "Meaning he is a sinner in his heart." This is similar to Allah's statement, وَلَا نَكْتُمُ شَهَادَةَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا إِذًا لَّمِنَ الْآثِمِينَ (We shall not hide testimony of Allah, for then indeed we should be of the sinful)[5:106]. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًا فَاللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الْهَوَىٰ أَن تَعْدِلُوا وَإِن تَلْوُوا أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا (O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you avoid justice; and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do)[4:135] and in this Ayah [2:283] He said, وَلَا تَكْتُمُوا الشَّهَادَةَ وَمَن يَكْتُمْهَا فَإِنَّهُ آثِمٌ قَلْبُهُ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ (And conceal not the evidence, for he who hides it, surely, his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do.)

To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is able to do all things (284) Would the Servants be Accountable for What They Conceal in Their Hearts? Allah states that His is the kingship of the heavens and earth and of what and whoever is on or between them, that He has perfect watch over them. No apparent matter or secret that the heart conceals is ever a secret to Him, however minor it is. Allah also states that He will hold His servants accountable for what they do and what they conceal in their hearts. In similar statements, Allah said, قُلْ إِن تُخْفُوا مَا فِي صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is able to do all things)[3:29], and, يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى (He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden.)[20:7] There are many other Ayat on this subject. In this Ayah [2:284], Allah states that He has knowledge of what the hearts conceal, and consequently, He will hold the creation accountable for whatever is in their hearts. This is why when this Ayah was revealed, it was hard on the Companions, since out of their strong faith and conviction, they were afraid that such reckoning would diminish their good deeds. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said, "When لِّلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَإِن تُبْدُوا مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ اللَّهُ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is able to do all things) was revealed to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, it was very hard for the Companions of the Messenger ﷺ. The Companions came to the Messenger and fell to their knees saying, 'O Messenger of Allah! We were asked to perform what we can bear of deeds: the prayer, the fast, Jihad and charity. However, this Ayah was revealed to you, and we cannot bear it.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, أَتُرِيدُونَ أَنْ تَقُولُوا كَما قَالَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابَيْنِ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ: سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا؟ بَلْ قُولُوا: سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ (Do you want to repeat what the People of the Two Scriptures before you said, that is, 'We hear and we disobey?' Rather, say, 'We hear and we obey, and we seek Your forgiveness, O our Lord, and the Return is to You.) When the people accepted this statement and their tongues recited it, Allah sent down afterwards, آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ (The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do)the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers ـ and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).") When they did that, Allah abrogated the Ayah [2:284] and sent down the Ayah, لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error.") until the end." Muslim recorded it with the wording; "When they did that, Allah abrogated it [2:284] and sent down, لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error".) Allah said, 'I shall (accept your supplication),' رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ("Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians)") Allah said, 'I shall (accept your supplication),' رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ("Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.") Allah said, 'I shall (accept your supplication),' وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ ("Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Mawla (Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.") Allah said, 'I shall.'" Imam Ahmad recorded that Mujahid said, "I saw Ibn 'Abbas and said to him, 'O Abu Abbas! I was with Ibn 'Umar, and he read this Ayah and cried.' He asked, 'Which Ayah?' I said, وَإِن تُبْدُواْ مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ (And whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it.)' Ibn 'Abbas said, 'When this Ayah was revealed, it was very hard on the Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and worried them tremendously. They said: O Messenger of Allah! We know that we would be punished according to our statements and our actions, but as for what occurs in our hearts, we do not control what is in them.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, قُولُوا: سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا (Say, 'We hear and we obey.') They said, 'We hear and we obey.' Thereafter, this Ayah abrogated the previous Ayah, آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ (The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah), until, لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned.) Therefore, they were pardoned what happens in their hearts, and were held accountable only for their actions." The Group recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ اللهَ تَجَاوَزَ لِي عَنْ أُمَّتِي مَا حَدَّثَتْ بِهِ أَنْفُسَهَا مَالَمْ تَكَلَّمْ أَوْ تَعْمَل (Allah has pardoned my Ummah for what they say to themselves, as long as they do not utter it or act on it.) The Two Sahihs recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, قَالَ اللهُ: إِذَا هَمَّ عَبْدِي بِسَيِّئَةٍ فَلَا تَكْتُبُوهَا عَلَيهِ، فَإِنْ عَمِلَهَا فَاكْتُبُوهَا سَيِّئَةً، وَإِذَا هَمَّ بِحَسَنَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا فَاكْتُبُوهَ حَسَنَةً، فَإِنْ عَمِلَهَا فَاكْتُبُوهَا عَشْرًا (Allah said (to His angels), "If My servant intends to commit an evil deed, do not record it as such for him, and if he commits it, write it for him as one evil deed. If he intends to perform a good deed, but did not perform it, then write it for him as one good deed, and if he performs it, write it for him as ten good deeds.")

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers ـ and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all). (285)Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Mawla (Patron, Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. (286) The Hadiths on the Virtue of These Two Ayat, May Allah Benefit Us by Them Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ قَرَأَ بِالْآيَتَيْنِ مِنْ آخِرِ سُورَةِ الْبَقَرَةِ فِي لَيْلَةٍ، كَفَتَاهُ (Whoever recites the last two Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice for him.) The rest of the six also recorded similar wording for this Hadith. The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith using various chains of narration, and Imam Ahmad also recorded it. Muslim recorded that 'Abdullah said, "When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went on the Isra journey, he ascended to the Sidrat Al-Muntaha in the sixth heaven, where whatever ascends from the earth ends at, and whatever descends from above it ends at. إِذْ يَغْشَى السِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ (When that covered the lote tree which did cover it!)[53:16] meaning, a mat made of gold. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was then given three things: the five prayers, the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah and forgiveness for whoever did not associate anything or anyone with Allah from his Ummah." Earlier we mentioned the Hadith regarding the virtues of Surat Al-Fatihah from Ibn 'Abbas which stated, "While the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was with Jibil, he heard a noise from above. Jibil lifted his sight to the sky and said, 'This is a door that was opened just now in heaven, and it was never opened before.' An angel came down through the door to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'Receive the good news of two lights that you have been given and which no Prophet before you was given: the Opener of the Book (Al-Fatihah) and the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but you will be granted its benefit.'" This Hadith was collected by Muslim and An-Nasa'i, and this is the wording collected by An-Nasa'i. The Tafsir of the Last Two Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah Allah said, كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ (Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers.") Therefore, each of the believers believes that Allah is the One and Only and the Sustainer, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and there is no Lord except Him. The believers also believe in all Allah's Prophets and Messengers, in the Books that were revealed from heaven to the Messengers and Prophets, who are indeed the servants of Allah. Further, the believers do not differentiate between any of the Prophets, such as, believing in some of them and rejecting others. Rather, all of Allah's Prophets and Messengers are, to the believers, truthful, righteous, and they were each guided to the path of righteousness, even when some of them bring what abrogates the Law of some others by Allah's leave. Later on, the Law of Muhammad, the Final Prophet and Messenger from Allah, abrogated all the laws of the Prophets before him. So the Last Hour will commence while Muhammad's Law remains the only valid Law, and all the while a group of his Ummah will always be on the path of truth, apparent and dominant. Allah's statement, وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا (And they say, "We hear, and we obey") means, we heard Your statement, O our Lord, comprehended and implemented it, and adhered to its implications. غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا ((We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord) contains a plea and supplication for Allah's forgiveness, mercy and kindness. Allah's statement, لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope) means, Allah does not ask a soul what is beyond its ability. This only demonstrates Allah's kindness, compassion and generosity towards His creation. This Ayah is the Ayah that abrogated the Ayah that worried the Companions, that is, Allah's statement, وَإِن تُبْدُوا مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ اللَّهُ (And whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it.)[2:284] This indicates that although Allah will question His servants and judge them, He will only punish for what one is able to protect himself from. As for what one cannot protect himself from, such as what one says to himself - or passing thoughts - they will not be punished for that. We should state here that to dislike the evil thoughts that cross one's mind is a part of faith. Allah said next, لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ (He gets reward for that which he has earned) of good, وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ (And he is punished for that which he has earned) of evil, that is, concerning the acts that one is responsible for. Allah then said, [mentioning what the believers said] while directing His servants to supplicate to Him, all the while promising them that He will answer their supplication: رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ("Our Lord! Push us not if we forget or fall into error,") meaning, "If we forgot an obligation or fell into a prohibition, or made an error while ignorant of its ruling." We mentioned the Hadith by Abu Hurayrah, that Muslim collected, wherein Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)." There is also the Hadith by Ibn 'Abbas that Allah said, "I did (accept your supplication)." رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا (Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians),) means, "Even if we were able to perform them, do not require us to perform the difficult deeds as You required the previous nations before us, such as the burdens that were placed on them. You sent Your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Prophet of mercy, to abrogate these burdens through the Law that You revealed to him, the Hanifi (Islamic Monotheism), easy religion." Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)." Ibn 'Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah said, "I did (accept your supplication)." There is the Hadith recorded through various chains of narration that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, بُعِثْتُ بِالْحَنِيفِيَّةِ السَّمْحَةِ (I was sent with the easy Hanifiyyah way.) رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ (Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear) of obligations, hardships and afflictions, do not make us bear what we cannot bear of this. رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ (Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.) We mentioned that Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)" in one narration, and, "I did (accept your supplication)," in another narration. وَاعْفُ عَنَّا (Pardon us) meaning, between us and You regarding what You know of our shortcomings and errors. وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا (And grant us forgiveness) concerning what is between us and Your servants. So do not expose our errors and evil deeds to them. وَارْحَمْنَا (Have mercy on us) in what will come thereafter. Therefore, do not allow us to fall into another error. They say that those who commit error need three things: Allah's forgiveness for what is between Him and them, that He conceals these errors from His other servants, and thus does not expose them before the servants, and that He grants them immunity from further error." We mentioned before that Allah answered these pleas, "I shall," in one narration and, "I did," in another narration. أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا (You are our Mawla) meaning, You are our supporter and helper, our trust is in You, You are sought for each and every type of help and our total reliance is on You. There is no power or strength except from You. فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (And give us victory over the disbelieving people) those who rejected Your religion, denied Your Oneness, refused the Message of Your Prophet ﷺ, worshipped other than You and associated others in Your worship. Give us victory and make us prevail above them in this and the Hereafter. Allah said, "I shall," in one narration, and, "I did," in the Hadith that Muslim collected from Ibn 'Abbas. Further, Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Ishaq said that whenever Mu'adh would finish reciting this Surah, فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (And give us victory over the disbelieving people), he would say "Amin."

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers ـ and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all). (285)Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Mawla (Patron, Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. (286) The Hadiths on the Virtue of These Two Ayat, May Allah Benefit Us by Them Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ قَرَأَ بِالْآيَتَيْنِ مِنْ آخِرِ سُورَةِ الْبَقَرَةِ فِي لَيْلَةٍ، كَفَتَاهُ (Whoever recites the last two Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice for him.) The rest of the six also recorded similar wording for this Hadith. The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith using various chains of narration, and Imam Ahmad also recorded it. Muslim recorded that 'Abdullah said, "When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went on the Isra journey, he ascended to the Sidrat Al-Muntaha in the sixth heaven, where whatever ascends from the earth ends at, and whatever descends from above it ends at. إِذْ يَغْشَى السِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ (When that covered the lote tree which did cover it!)[53:16] meaning, a mat made of gold. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was then given three things: the five prayers, the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah and forgiveness for whoever did not associate anything or anyone with Allah from his Ummah." Earlier we mentioned the Hadith regarding the virtues of Surat Al-Fatihah from Ibn 'Abbas which stated, "While the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was with Jibil, he heard a noise from above. Jibil lifted his sight to the sky and said, 'This is a door that was opened just now in heaven, and it was never opened before.' An angel came down through the door to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'Receive the good news of two lights that you have been given and which no Prophet before you was given: the Opener of the Book (Al-Fatihah) and the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but you will be granted its benefit.'" This Hadith was collected by Muslim and An-Nasa'i, and this is the wording collected by An-Nasa'i. The Tafsir of the Last Two Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah Allah said, كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ (Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers.") Therefore, each of the believers believes that Allah is the One and Only and the Sustainer, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and there is no Lord except Him. The believers also believe in all Allah's Prophets and Messengers, in the Books that were revealed from heaven to the Messengers and Prophets, who are indeed the servants of Allah. Further, the believers do not differentiate between any of the Prophets, such as, believing in some of them and rejecting others. Rather, all of Allah's Prophets and Messengers are, to the believers, truthful, righteous, and they were each guided to the path of righteousness, even when some of them bring what abrogates the Law of some others by Allah's leave. Later on, the Law of Muhammad, the Final Prophet and Messenger from Allah, abrogated all the laws of the Prophets before him. So the Last Hour will commence while Muhammad's Law remains the only valid Law, and all the while a group of his Ummah will always be on the path of truth, apparent and dominant. Allah's statement, وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا (And they say, "We hear, and we obey") means, we heard Your statement, O our Lord, comprehended and implemented it, and adhered to its implications. غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا ((We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord) contains a plea and supplication for Allah's forgiveness, mercy and kindness. Allah's statement, لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope) means, Allah does not ask a soul what is beyond its ability. This only demonstrates Allah's kindness, compassion and generosity towards His creation. This Ayah is the Ayah that abrogated the Ayah that worried the Companions, that is, Allah's statement, وَإِن تُبْدُوا مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ اللَّهُ (And whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it.)[2:284] This indicates that although Allah will question His servants and judge them, He will only punish for what one is able to protect himself from. As for what one cannot protect himself from, such as what one says to himself - or passing thoughts - they will not be punished for that. We should state here that to dislike the evil thoughts that cross one's mind is a part of faith. Allah said next, لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ (He gets reward for that which he has earned) of good, وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ (And he is punished for that which he has earned) of evil, that is, concerning the acts that one is responsible for. Allah then said, [mentioning what the believers said] while directing His servants to supplicate to Him, all the while promising them that He will answer their supplication: رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ("Our Lord! Push us not if we forget or fall into error,") meaning, "If we forgot an obligation or fell into a prohibition, or made an error while ignorant of its ruling." We mentioned the Hadith by Abu Hurayrah, that Muslim collected, wherein Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)." There is also the Hadith by Ibn 'Abbas that Allah said, "I did (accept your supplication)." رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا (Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians),) means, "Even if we were able to perform them, do not require us to perform the difficult deeds as You required the previous nations before us, such as the burdens that were placed on them. You sent Your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Prophet of mercy, to abrogate these burdens through the Law that You revealed to him, the Hanifi (Islamic Monotheism), easy religion." Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)." Ibn 'Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah said, "I did (accept your supplication)." There is the Hadith recorded through various chains of narration that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, بُعِثْتُ بِالْحَنِيفِيَّةِ السَّمْحَةِ (I was sent with the easy Hanifiyyah way.) رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ (Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear) of obligations, hardships and afflictions, do not make us bear what we cannot bear of this. رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ (Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.) We mentioned that Allah said, "I shall (accept your supplication)" in one narration, and, "I did (accept your supplication)," in another narration. وَاعْفُ عَنَّا (Pardon us) meaning, between us and You regarding what You know of our shortcomings and errors. وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا (And grant us forgiveness) concerning what is between us and Your servants. So do not expose our errors and evil deeds to them. وَارْحَمْنَا (Have mercy on us) in what will come thereafter. Therefore, do not allow us to fall into another error. They say that those who commit error need three things: Allah's forgiveness for what is between Him and them, that He conceals these errors from His other servants, and thus does not expose them before the servants, and that He grants them immunity from further error." We mentioned before that Allah answered these pleas, "I shall," in one narration and, "I did," in another narration. أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا (You are our Mawla) meaning, You are our supporter and helper, our trust is in You, You are sought for each and every type of help and our total reliance is on You. There is no power or strength except from You. فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (And give us victory over the disbelieving people) those who rejected Your religion, denied Your Oneness, refused the Message of Your Prophet ﷺ, worshipped other than You and associated others in Your worship. Give us victory and make us prevail above them in this and the Hereafter. Allah said, "I shall," in one narration, and, "I did," in the Hadith that Muslim collected from Ibn 'Abbas. Further, Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Ishaq said that whenever Mu'adh would finish reciting this Surah, فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (And give us victory over the disbelieving people), he would say "Amin."

The Tafsir of Surah Āl 'Imrān (Chapter 3) Surah Āl-'Imrān was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah [3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we mentioned the virtues of Surah Āl-'Imrān along with the virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ - نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ - مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)(1. Alif-Lam-Mim.)(2. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.)(3. It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Tawrah and the Injil,)(4. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind. And He sent down the criterion. Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, for them there is a severe torment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.) We mentioned the Hadith in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi [2:255] that mentions that Allah's Greatest Name is contained in these two Ayat, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists) and, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.) We also explained the Tafsir of, الم (Alif-Lam-Mim) in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah, and the meaning of, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum) in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi. Allah's statement, نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ (It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth,) means, revealed the Qur'an to you, O Muhammad, in truth, meaning there is no doubt or suspicion that it is revealed from Allah. Verily, Allah revealed the Qur'an with His knowledge, and the angels testify to this fact, Allah is sufficient as a Witness. Allah's statement, مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ (Confirming what came before it) means, from the previous divinely revealed Books, sent to the servants and Prophets of Allah. These Books testify to the truth of the Qur'an, and the Qur'an also testifies to the truth these Books contained, including the news and glad tidings of Muhammad's prophethood and the revelation of the Glorious Qur'an. Allah said, وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ (And He sent down the Tawrah) to Musa (Musa) son of 'Imran, وَالْإِنجِيلَ (And the Injil), to 'Isa, son of Mary, مِن قَبْلُ (Aforetime) meaning, before the Qur'an was revealed, هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ (As a guidance to mankind) in their time. وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ (And He sent down the criterion) which is the distinction between misguidance, falsehood and deviation on one hand, and guidance, truth and piety on the other hand. This is because of the indications, signs, plain evidences and clear proofs that it contains, and because of its explanations, clarifications, etc. Allah's statement, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah) means they denied, refused and unjustly rejected them, لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (For them there is a severe torment) on the Day of Resurrection, وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ (And Allah is All-Mighty) meaning, His grandeur is invincible and His sovereignty is infinite, ذُو انتِقَامٍ (All-Able of Retribution.) from those who reject His Ayat and defy His honorable Messengers and great Prophets.

The Tafsir of Surah Āl 'Imrān (Chapter 3) Surah Āl-'Imrān was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah [3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we mentioned the virtues of Surah Āl-'Imrān along with the virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ - نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ - مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)(1. Alif-Lam-Mim.)(2. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.)(3. It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Tawrah and the Injil,)(4. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind. And He sent down the criterion. Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, for them there is a severe torment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.) We mentioned the Hadith in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi [2:255] that mentions that Allah's Greatest Name is contained in these two Ayat, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists) and, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.) We also explained the Tafsir of, الم (Alif-Lam-Mim) in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah, and the meaning of, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum) in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi. Allah's statement, نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ (It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth,) means, revealed the Qur'an to you, O Muhammad, in truth, meaning there is no doubt or suspicion that it is revealed from Allah. Verily, Allah revealed the Qur'an with His knowledge, and the angels testify to this fact, Allah is sufficient as a Witness. Allah's statement, مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ (Confirming what came before it) means, from the previous divinely revealed Books, sent to the servants and Prophets of Allah. These Books testify to the truth of the Qur'an, and the Qur'an also testifies to the truth these Books contained, including the news and glad tidings of Muhammad's prophethood and the revelation of the Glorious Qur'an. Allah said, وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ (And He sent down the Tawrah) to Musa (Musa) son of 'Imran, وَالْإِنجِيلَ (And the Injil), to 'Isa, son of Mary, مِن قَبْلُ (Aforetime) meaning, before the Qur'an was revealed, هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ (As a guidance to mankind) in their time. وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ (And He sent down the criterion) which is the distinction between misguidance, falsehood and deviation on one hand, and guidance, truth and piety on the other hand. This is because of the indications, signs, plain evidences and clear proofs that it contains, and because of its explanations, clarifications, etc. Allah's statement, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah) means they denied, refused and unjustly rejected them, لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (For them there is a severe torment) on the Day of Resurrection, وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ (And Allah is All-Mighty) meaning, His grandeur is invincible and His sovereignty is infinite, ذُو انتِقَامٍ (All-Able of Retribution.) from those who reject His Ayat and defy His honorable Messengers and great Prophets.

The Tafsir of Surah Āl 'Imrān (Chapter 3) Surah Āl-'Imrān was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah [3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we mentioned the virtues of Surah Āl-'Imrān along with the virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ - نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ - مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)(1. Alif-Lam-Mim.)(2. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.)(3. It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Tawrah and the Injil,)(4. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind. And He sent down the criterion. Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, for them there is a severe torment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.) We mentioned the Hadith in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi [2:255] that mentions that Allah's Greatest Name is contained in these two Ayat, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists) and, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.) We also explained the Tafsir of, الم (Alif-Lam-Mim) in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah, and the meaning of, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum) in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi. Allah's statement, نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ (It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth,) means, revealed the Qur'an to you, O Muhammad, in truth, meaning there is no doubt or suspicion that it is revealed from Allah. Verily, Allah revealed the Qur'an with His knowledge, and the angels testify to this fact, Allah is sufficient as a Witness. Allah's statement, مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ (Confirming what came before it) means, from the previous divinely revealed Books, sent to the servants and Prophets of Allah. These Books testify to the truth of the Qur'an, and the Qur'an also testifies to the truth these Books contained, including the news and glad tidings of Muhammad's prophethood and the revelation of the Glorious Qur'an. Allah said, وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ (And He sent down the Tawrah) to Musa (Musa) son of 'Imran, وَالْإِنجِيلَ (And the Injil), to 'Isa, son of Mary, مِن قَبْلُ (Aforetime) meaning, before the Qur'an was revealed, هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ (As a guidance to mankind) in their time. وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ (And He sent down the criterion) which is the distinction between misguidance, falsehood and deviation on one hand, and guidance, truth and piety on the other hand. This is because of the indications, signs, plain evidences and clear proofs that it contains, and because of its explanations, clarifications, etc. Allah's statement, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah) means they denied, refused and unjustly rejected them, لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (For them there is a severe torment) on the Day of Resurrection, وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ (And Allah is All-Mighty) meaning, His grandeur is invincible and His sovereignty is infinite, ذُو انتِقَامٍ (All-Able of Retribution.) from those who reject His Ayat and defy His honorable Messengers and great Prophets.

The Tafsir of Surah Āl 'Imrān (Chapter 3) Surah Āl-'Imrān was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah [3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we mentioned the virtues of Surah Āl-'Imrān along with the virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ - نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ - مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)(1. Alif-Lam-Mim.)(2. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.)(3. It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Tawrah and the Injil,)(4. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind. And He sent down the criterion. Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, for them there is a severe torment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.) We mentioned the Hadith in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi [2:255] that mentions that Allah's Greatest Name is contained in these two Ayat, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists) and, الم - اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Alif-Lam-Mim. Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.) We also explained the Tafsir of, الم (Alif-Lam-Mim) in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah, and the meaning of, اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ (Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum) in the Tafsir of Ayat Al-Kursi. Allah's statement, نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ (It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth,) means, revealed the Qur'an to you, O Muhammad, in truth, meaning there is no doubt or suspicion that it is revealed from Allah. Verily, Allah revealed the Qur'an with His knowledge, and the angels testify to this fact, Allah is sufficient as a Witness. Allah's statement, مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ (Confirming what came before it) means, from the previous divinely revealed Books, sent to the servants and Prophets of Allah. These Books testify to the truth of the Qur'an, and the Qur'an also testifies to the truth these Books contained, including the news and glad tidings of Muhammad's prophethood and the revelation of the Glorious Qur'an. Allah said, وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ (And He sent down the Tawrah) to Musa (Musa) son of 'Imran, وَالْإِنجِيلَ (And the Injil), to 'Isa, son of Mary, مِن قَبْلُ (Aforetime) meaning, before the Qur'an was revealed, هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ (As a guidance to mankind) in their time. وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ (And He sent down the criterion) which is the distinction between misguidance, falsehood and deviation on one hand, and guidance, truth and piety on the other hand. This is because of the indications, signs, plain evidences and clear proofs that it contains, and because of its explanations, clarifications, etc. Allah's statement, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah) means they denied, refused and unjustly rejected them, لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (For them there is a severe torment) on the Day of Resurrection, وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ (And Allah is All-Mighty) meaning, His grandeur is invincible and His sovereignty is infinite, ذُو انتِقَامٍ (All-Able of Retribution.) from those who reject His Ayat and defy His honorable Messengers and great Prophets.

Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heaven (5)He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise (6) Allah states that He has perfect knowledge in the heavens and earth and that nothing in them is hidden from His watch. هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِي الْأَرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَاءُ (He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills.) meaning, He creates you in the wombs as He wills, whether male or female, handsome or otherwise, happy or miserable. لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Almighty, the All-Wise.) meaning, He is the Creator and thus is the only deity worthy of worship, without partners, and His is the perfect might, wisdom and decision. This Ayah refers to the fact that 'Isa, son of Mary, is a created servant, just as Allah created the rest of mankind. Allah created 'Isa in the womb (of his mother) and shaped him as He willed. Therefore, how could 'Isa be divine, as the Christians, may Allah's curses descend on them, claim? 'Isa was created in the womb and his creation changed from stage to stage, just as Allah said, يَخْلُقُكُمْ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ خَلْقًا مِّن بَعْدِ خَلْقٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ ثَلَاثٍ (He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness.)[39:6].

Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heaven (5)He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise (6) Allah states that He has perfect knowledge in the heavens and earth and that nothing in them is hidden from His watch. هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِي الْأَرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَاءُ (He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills.) meaning, He creates you in the wombs as He wills, whether male or female, handsome or otherwise, happy or miserable. لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Almighty, the All-Wise.) meaning, He is the Creator and thus is the only deity worthy of worship, without partners, and His is the perfect might, wisdom and decision. This Ayah refers to the fact that 'Isa, son of Mary, is a created servant, just as Allah created the rest of mankind. Allah created 'Isa in the womb (of his mother) and shaped him as He willed. Therefore, how could 'Isa be divine, as the Christians, may Allah's curses descend on them, claim? 'Isa was created in the womb and his creation changed from stage to stage, just as Allah said, يَخْلُقُكُمْ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ خَلْقًا مِّن بَعْدِ خَلْقٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ ثَلَاثٍ (He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness.)[39:6].

It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow (only) that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah, and seeking its Ta'wil, but none knows its Ta'wil except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; all of it is from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding (7)(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. (8)"Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise. (9) The Mutashabihat and Muhkamat Ayat Allah states that in the Qur'an, there are Ayat that are Muhkamat, entirely clear and plain, and these are the foundations of the Book which are plain for everyone. And there are Ayat in the Qur'an that are Mutashabihat not entirely clear for many, or some people. So those who refer to the Muhkam Ayat to understand the Mutashabih Ayat, will have acquired the correct guidance, and vice versa. This is why Allah said, هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ (They are the foundations of the Book), meaning, they are the basis of the Qur'an, and should be referred to for clarification, when warranted, وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (And others not entirely clear) as they have several meanings, some that agree with the Muhkam and some that carry other literal indications, although these meaning might not be desired. The Muhkamat are the Ayat that explain the abrogating rulings, the allowed, prohibited, laws, limits, obligations and rulings that should be believed in and implemented. As for the Mutashabihat Ayat, they include the abrogated Ayat, parables, oaths, and what should be believed in, but not implemented. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar commented on, مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (In it are verses that are entirely clear) as "Containing proof of the Lord, immunity for the servants and a refutation of opponents and of falsehood. They cannot be changed or altered from what they were meant for." He also said, "As for the unclear Ayat, they can (but must not) be altered and changed, and this is a test from Allah to the servants, just as He tested them with the allowed and prohibited things. So these Ayat must not be altered to imply a false meaning or be distorted from the truth." Therefore, Allah said, فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ (So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation) meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood, فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ (they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof) meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why Allah said, ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ (seeking Al-Fitnah) meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove their innovation by relying on the Qur'an – the Mutashabih of it – but, this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might claim that ('Isa is divine because) the Qur'an states that he is Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while ignoring Allah's statements, إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا عَبْدٌ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَيْهِ (He ['Isa] was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.)[43:59], and, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.)[3:59]. There are other Ayat that clearly assert that 'Isa is but one of Allah's creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Messengers. Allah's statement, وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ (And seeking for its Ta'wil,) to alter them as they desire. Imam Ahmad recorded that 'A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear,), until, أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (Men of understanding) and he said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الَّذِين يُجَادِلُونَ فِيهِ، فَهُمُ الَّذِينَ عَنَى اللهُ، فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who argue in it (using the Mutashabihat), then they are those whom Allah meant. Therefore, beware of them.)" Al-Bukhari recorded a similar Hadith in the Tafsir of this Ayah [3:7], as did Muslim in the book of Qadar (the Divine Will) in his Sahih, and Abu Dawud in the Sunnah section of his Sunan, from 'A'ishah; "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited this Ayah, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear,) until, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) He then said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتِ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ فَأُولئِكَ الَّذِينَ سَمَّى اللهُ فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who follow what is not so clear of the Qur'an, then they are those whom Allah described, so beware of them.)" This is the wording recorded by Al-Bukhari. Only Allah Knows the True Ta'wil (Interpretation) of the Mutashabihat Allah said, وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (But none knows its Ta'wil except Allah.) Similarly, as preceded in what has been reported from Ibn 'Abbas, "Tafsir is of four types: Tafsir that the Arabs know in their language; Tafsir that no one is excused of being ignorant of; Tafsir that the scholars know; and Tafsir that only Allah knows." Scholars of Qur'an recitation have different opinions about pausing at Allah's Name in this Ayah. This stop was reported from 'A'ishah, 'Urwah, Abu Ash-Sha'tha' and Abu Nahik. Some pause after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) saying that the Qur'an does not address the people with what they cannot understand. Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid said that Ibn 'Abbas said, "I am among those who are firmly grounded in its Ta'wil interpretation." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ supplicated for the benefit of Ibn 'Abbas, اللَّهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ (O Allah! Bestow on him knowledge in the religion and teach him the Ta'wil (interpretation).) Ta'wil has two meanings in the Qur'an, the true reality of things, and what they will turn out to be. For instance, Allah said, وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ (And he said: "O my father! This is the Ta'wil of my dream aforetime!".)[12:100], and, هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُ يَوْمَ يَأْتِي تَأْوِيلُهُ (Await they just for it's Ta'wil? On the Day (Day of Resurrection) it's Ta'wil is finally fulfillled.)(7:53) refers to the true reality of Resurrection that they were told about. If this is the meaning desired in the Ayah above (3:7), then pausing after reciting Allah's Name is warranted, because only Allah knows the true reality of things. In this case, Allah's statement, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is connected to His statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") If the word Ta'wil means the second meaning, that is, explaining and describing, such as what Allah said, نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ ((They said): "Inform us of the Ta'wil of this")[12:36] meaning its explanation, then pausing after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is warranted. This is because the scholars have general knowledge in, and understand what they were addressed with, even though they do not have knowledge of the true reality of things. Therefore, Allah's statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") describes the conduct of the scholars. Similarly, Allah said, وَجَاءَ رَبُّكَ وَالْمَلَكُ صَفًّا صَفًّا (And your Lord comes, and the angels, in rows.)[89:22] means, your Lord will come, and the angels will come in rows. Allah's statement that the knowledgeable people proclaim, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (We believe in it) means, they believe in the Mutashabih. كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا (all of it is from our Lord) meaning, both the Muhkam and the Mutashabih are true and authentic, and each one of them testifies to the truth of the other. This is because they both are from Allah and nothing that comes from Allah is ever met by contradiction or discrepancy. Allah said, أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا (Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.)[4:82]. Allah said in his Ayah [3:7], وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) meaning, those who have good minds and sound comprehension, understand, contemplate and comprehend the meaning in the correct manner. Further, Ibn Al-Mundhir recorded in his Tafsir that Nafi' bin Yazid said, "Those firmly grounded in knowledge are those who are modest for Allah's sake, humbly seek His pleasure, and do not exaggerate regarding those above them, or belittle those below them." Allah said that they supplicate to their Lord, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا (Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us.) meaning, "Do not deviate our hearts from the guidance after You allowed them to acquire it. Do not make us like those who have wickedness in their hearts, those who follow the Mutashabih in the Qur'an. Rather, make us remain firmly on Your straight path and true religion." وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ (And grant us from Ladunka) meaning, from You, رَحْمَةً (Mercy) with which You make our hearts firm, and increase in our Faith and certainty, إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ (Truly, You are the Bestower) Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded that Umm Salamah said that the Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate, يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ (O You Who changes the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.) He then recited, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ ("Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.") The Ayah continues, رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ("Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt") meaning, they say in their supplication: O our Lord! You will gather Your creation on the Day of Return, judge between them and decide over what they disputed about. Thereafter, You will reward or punish each according to the deeds they did in this life.

It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow (only) that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah, and seeking its Ta'wil, but none knows its Ta'wil except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; all of it is from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding (7)(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. (8)"Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise. (9) The Mutashabihat and Muhkamat Ayat Allah states that in the Qur'an, there are Ayat that are Muhkamat, entirely clear and plain, and these are the foundations of the Book which are plain for everyone. And there are Ayat in the Qur'an that are Mutashabihat not entirely clear for many, or some people. So those who refer to the Muhkam Ayat to understand the Mutashabih Ayat, will have acquired the correct guidance, and vice versa. This is why Allah said, هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ (They are the foundations of the Book), meaning, they are the basis of the Qur'an, and should be referred to for clarification, when warranted, وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (And others not entirely clear) as they have several meanings, some that agree with the Muhkam and some that carry other literal indications, although these meaning might not be desired. The Muhkamat are the Ayat that explain the abrogating rulings, the allowed, prohibited, laws, limits, obligations and rulings that should be believed in and implemented. As for the Mutashabihat Ayat, they include the abrogated Ayat, parables, oaths, and what should be believed in, but not implemented. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar commented on, مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (In it are verses that are entirely clear) as "Containing proof of the Lord, immunity for the servants and a refutation of opponents and of falsehood. They cannot be changed or altered from what they were meant for." He also said, "As for the unclear Ayat, they can (but must not) be altered and changed, and this is a test from Allah to the servants, just as He tested them with the allowed and prohibited things. So these Ayat must not be altered to imply a false meaning or be distorted from the truth." Therefore, Allah said, فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ (So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation) meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood, فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ (they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof) meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why Allah said, ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ (seeking Al-Fitnah) meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove their innovation by relying on the Qur'an – the Mutashabih of it – but, this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might claim that ('Isa is divine because) the Qur'an states that he is Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while ignoring Allah's statements, إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا عَبْدٌ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَيْهِ (He ['Isa] was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.)[43:59], and, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.)[3:59]. There are other Ayat that clearly assert that 'Isa is but one of Allah's creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Messengers. Allah's statement, وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ (And seeking for its Ta'wil,) to alter them as they desire. Imam Ahmad recorded that 'A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear,), until, أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (Men of understanding) and he said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الَّذِين يُجَادِلُونَ فِيهِ، فَهُمُ الَّذِينَ عَنَى اللهُ، فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who argue in it (using the Mutashabihat), then they are those whom Allah meant. Therefore, beware of them.)" Al-Bukhari recorded a similar Hadith in the Tafsir of this Ayah [3:7], as did Muslim in the book of Qadar (the Divine Will) in his Sahih, and Abu Dawud in the Sunnah section of his Sunan, from 'A'ishah; "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited this Ayah, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear,) until, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) He then said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتِ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ فَأُولئِكَ الَّذِينَ سَمَّى اللهُ فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who follow what is not so clear of the Qur'an, then they are those whom Allah described, so beware of them.)" This is the wording recorded by Al-Bukhari. Only Allah Knows the True Ta'wil (Interpretation) of the Mutashabihat Allah said, وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (But none knows its Ta'wil except Allah.) Similarly, as preceded in what has been reported from Ibn 'Abbas, "Tafsir is of four types: Tafsir that the Arabs know in their language; Tafsir that no one is excused of being ignorant of; Tafsir that the scholars know; and Tafsir that only Allah knows." Scholars of Qur'an recitation have different opinions about pausing at Allah's Name in this Ayah. This stop was reported from 'A'ishah, 'Urwah, Abu Ash-Sha'tha' and Abu Nahik. Some pause after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) saying that the Qur'an does not address the people with what they cannot understand. Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid said that Ibn 'Abbas said, "I am among those who are firmly grounded in its Ta'wil interpretation." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ supplicated for the benefit of Ibn 'Abbas, اللَّهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ (O Allah! Bestow on him knowledge in the religion and teach him the Ta'wil (interpretation).) Ta'wil has two meanings in the Qur'an, the true reality of things, and what they will turn out to be. For instance, Allah said, وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ (And he said: "O my father! This is the Ta'wil of my dream aforetime!".)[12:100], and, هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُ يَوْمَ يَأْتِي تَأْوِيلُهُ (Await they just for it's Ta'wil? On the Day (Day of Resurrection) it's Ta'wil is finally fulfillled.)(7:53) refers to the true reality of Resurrection that they were told about. If this is the meaning desired in the Ayah above (3:7), then pausing after reciting Allah's Name is warranted, because only Allah knows the true reality of things. In this case, Allah's statement, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is connected to His statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") If the word Ta'wil means the second meaning, that is, explaining and describing, such as what Allah said, نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ ((They said): "Inform us of the Ta'wil of this")[12:36] meaning its explanation, then pausing after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is warranted. This is because the scholars have general knowledge in, and understand what they were addressed with, even though they do not have knowledge of the true reality of things. Therefore, Allah's statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") describes the conduct of the scholars. Similarly, Allah said, وَجَاءَ رَبُّكَ وَالْمَلَكُ صَفًّا صَفًّا (And your Lord comes, and the angels, in rows.)[89:22] means, your Lord will come, and the angels will come in rows. Allah's statement that the knowledgeable people proclaim, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (We believe in it) means, they believe in the Mutashabih. كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا (all of it is from our Lord) meaning, both the Muhkam and the Mutashabih are true and authentic, and each one of them testifies to the truth of the other. This is because they both are from Allah and nothing that comes from Allah is ever met by contradiction or discrepancy. Allah said, أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا (Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.)[4:82]. Allah said in his Ayah [3:7], وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) meaning, those who have good minds and sound comprehension, understand, contemplate and comprehend the meaning in the correct manner. Further, Ibn Al-Mundhir recorded in his Tafsir that Nafi' bin Yazid said, "Those firmly grounded in knowledge are those who are modest for Allah's sake, humbly seek His pleasure, and do not exaggerate regarding those above them, or belittle those below them." Allah said that they supplicate to their Lord, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا (Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us.) meaning, "Do not deviate our hearts from the guidance after You allowed them to acquire it. Do not make us like those who have wickedness in their hearts, those who follow the Mutashabih in the Qur'an. Rather, make us remain firmly on Your straight path and true religion." وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ (And grant us from Ladunka) meaning, from You, رَحْمَةً (Mercy) with which You make our hearts firm, and increase in our Faith and certainty, إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ (Truly, You are the Bestower) Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded that Umm Salamah said that the Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate, يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ (O You Who changes the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.) He then recited, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ ("Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.") The Ayah continues, رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ("Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt") meaning, they say in their supplication: O our Lord! You will gather Your creation on the Day of Return, judge between them and decide over what they disputed about. Thereafter, You will reward or punish each according to the deeds they did in this life.

It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow (only) that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah, and seeking its Ta'wil, but none knows its Ta'wil except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; all of it is from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding (7)(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. (8)"Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise. (9) The Mutashabihat and Muhkamat Ayat Allah states that in the Qur'an, there are Ayat that are Muhkamat, entirely clear and plain, and these are the foundations of the Book which are plain for everyone. And there are Ayat in the Qur'an that are Mutashabihat not entirely clear for many, or some people. So those who refer to the Muhkam Ayat to understand the Mutashabih Ayat, will have acquired the correct guidance, and vice versa. This is why Allah said, هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ (They are the foundations of the Book), meaning, they are the basis of the Qur'an, and should be referred to for clarification, when warranted, وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (And others not entirely clear) as they have several meanings, some that agree with the Muhkam and some that carry other literal indications, although these meaning might not be desired. The Muhkamat are the Ayat that explain the abrogating rulings, the allowed, prohibited, laws, limits, obligations and rulings that should be believed in and implemented. As for the Mutashabihat Ayat, they include the abrogated Ayat, parables, oaths, and what should be believed in, but not implemented. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar commented on, مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (In it are verses that are entirely clear) as "Containing proof of the Lord, immunity for the servants and a refutation of opponents and of falsehood. They cannot be changed or altered from what they were meant for." He also said, "As for the unclear Ayat, they can (but must not) be altered and changed, and this is a test from Allah to the servants, just as He tested them with the allowed and prohibited things. So these Ayat must not be altered to imply a false meaning or be distorted from the truth." Therefore, Allah said, فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ (So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation) meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood, فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ (they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof) meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why Allah said, ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ (seeking Al-Fitnah) meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove their innovation by relying on the Qur'an – the Mutashabih of it – but, this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might claim that ('Isa is divine because) the Qur'an states that he is Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while ignoring Allah's statements, إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا عَبْدٌ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَيْهِ (He ['Isa] was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.)[43:59], and, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.)[3:59]. There are other Ayat that clearly assert that 'Isa is but one of Allah's creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Messengers. Allah's statement, وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ (And seeking for its Ta'wil,) to alter them as they desire. Imam Ahmad recorded that 'A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear,), until, أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (Men of understanding) and he said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الَّذِين يُجَادِلُونَ فِيهِ، فَهُمُ الَّذِينَ عَنَى اللهُ، فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who argue in it (using the Mutashabihat), then they are those whom Allah meant. Therefore, beware of them.)" Al-Bukhari recorded a similar Hadith in the Tafsir of this Ayah [3:7], as did Muslim in the book of Qadar (the Divine Will) in his Sahih, and Abu Dawud in the Sunnah section of his Sunan, from 'A'ishah; "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited this Ayah, هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ (It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear,) until, وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) He then said, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتِ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ فَأُولئِكَ الَّذِينَ سَمَّى اللهُ فَاحْذَرُوهُم (When you see those who follow what is not so clear of the Qur'an, then they are those whom Allah described, so beware of them.)" This is the wording recorded by Al-Bukhari. Only Allah Knows the True Ta'wil (Interpretation) of the Mutashabihat Allah said, وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (But none knows its Ta'wil except Allah.) Similarly, as preceded in what has been reported from Ibn 'Abbas, "Tafsir is of four types: Tafsir that the Arabs know in their language; Tafsir that no one is excused of being ignorant of; Tafsir that the scholars know; and Tafsir that only Allah knows." Scholars of Qur'an recitation have different opinions about pausing at Allah's Name in this Ayah. This stop was reported from 'A'ishah, 'Urwah, Abu Ash-Sha'tha' and Abu Nahik. Some pause after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) saying that the Qur'an does not address the people with what they cannot understand. Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid said that Ibn 'Abbas said, "I am among those who are firmly grounded in its Ta'wil interpretation." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ supplicated for the benefit of Ibn 'Abbas, اللَّهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ (O Allah! Bestow on him knowledge in the religion and teach him the Ta'wil (interpretation).) Ta'wil has two meanings in the Qur'an, the true reality of things, and what they will turn out to be. For instance, Allah said, وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ (And he said: "O my father! This is the Ta'wil of my dream aforetime!".)[12:100], and, هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُ يَوْمَ يَأْتِي تَأْوِيلُهُ (Await they just for it's Ta'wil? On the Day (Day of Resurrection) it's Ta'wil is finally fulfillled.)(7:53) refers to the true reality of Resurrection that they were told about. If this is the meaning desired in the Ayah above (3:7), then pausing after reciting Allah's Name is warranted, because only Allah knows the true reality of things. In this case, Allah's statement, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is connected to His statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") If the word Ta'wil means the second meaning, that is, explaining and describing, such as what Allah said, نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ ((They said): "Inform us of the Ta'wil of this")[12:36] meaning its explanation, then pausing after reciting, وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ (And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge) is warranted. This is because the scholars have general knowledge in, and understand what they were addressed with, even though they do not have knowledge of the true reality of things. Therefore, Allah's statement, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (say: "We believe in it") describes the conduct of the scholars. Similarly, Allah said, وَجَاءَ رَبُّكَ وَالْمَلَكُ صَفًّا صَفًّا (And your Lord comes, and the angels, in rows.)[89:22] means, your Lord will come, and the angels will come in rows. Allah's statement that the knowledgeable people proclaim, يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ (We believe in it) means, they believe in the Mutashabih. كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا (all of it is from our Lord) meaning, both the Muhkam and the Mutashabih are true and authentic, and each one of them testifies to the truth of the other. This is because they both are from Allah and nothing that comes from Allah is ever met by contradiction or discrepancy. Allah said, أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا (Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.)[4:82]. Allah said in his Ayah [3:7], وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ (And none receive admonition except men of understanding.) meaning, those who have good minds and sound comprehension, understand, contemplate and comprehend the meaning in the correct manner. Further, Ibn Al-Mundhir recorded in his Tafsir that Nafi' bin Yazid said, "Those firmly grounded in knowledge are those who are modest for Allah's sake, humbly seek His pleasure, and do not exaggerate regarding those above them, or belittle those below them." Allah said that they supplicate to their Lord, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا (Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us.) meaning, "Do not deviate our hearts from the guidance after You allowed them to acquire it. Do not make us like those who have wickedness in their hearts, those who follow the Mutashabih in the Qur'an. Rather, make us remain firmly on Your straight path and true religion." وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ (And grant us from Ladunka) meaning, from You, رَحْمَةً (Mercy) with which You make our hearts firm, and increase in our Faith and certainty, إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ (Truly, You are the Bestower) Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded that Umm Salamah said that the Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate, يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ (O You Who changes the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.) He then recited, رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ ("Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.") The Ayah continues, رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ("Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt") meaning, they say in their supplication: O our Lord! You will gather Your creation on the Day of Return, judge between them and decide over what they disputed about. Thereafter, You will reward or punish each according to the deeds they did in this life.

Verily, those who disbelieve, neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them whatsoever against Allah; and it is they who will be fuel of the Fire (10)Like the behavior of the people of Fir'awn and those before them; they belied Our Ayat. So Allah punished them for their sins. And Allah is severe in punishment (11) On the Day of Resurrection, No Wealth or Offspring Shall Avail Allah states that the disbelievers shall be fuel for the Fire, يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ الظَّالِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ (The Day when their excuses will be of no profit to wrongdoers. Theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode (i.e. painful torment in Hell-fire).)[40:52]. Further, what they were granted in this life of wealth and offspring shall not avail them with Allah, or save them from His punishment and severe torment. Similarly, Allah said, فَلَا تُعْجِبْكَ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُمْ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُم بِهَا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَتَزْهَقَ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَهُمْ كَافِرُونَ (So let not their wealth nor their children amaze you; in reality Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in the life of this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.)[9:55], and, لَا يَغُرَّنَّكَ تَقَلُّبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ - مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ ثُمَّ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ (Let not the free disposal (and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout the land deceive you. A brief enjoyment; then, their ultimate abode is Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest.)[3:196-197]. Allah said in this Ayah [3:10], إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (Verily, those who disbelieve) meaning, disbelieved in Allah's Ayat, denied His Messengers, defied His Books and did not benefit from His revelation to His Prophets, لَن تُغْنِيَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ وَقُودُ النَّارِ (Neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them whatsoever against Allah; and it is they who will be fuel of the Fire.) meaning, they will be the wood with which the Fire is kindled and fed. Similarly, Allah said, إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ (Certainly you (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell!)[21:98]. Allah said next, كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ (Like the Da'b of the people of Fira'wn.) Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn 'Abbas said that the Ayah means, "Like the behavior of the people of Fir'awn." This is the same Tafsir of 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Malik, Ad-Dahhak, and others. Other scholars said that the Ayah means, "Like the practice, conduct, likeness of the people of Fir'awn." These meanings are all plausible, for the Da'b means practice, behavior, tradition and habit. The Ayah indicates that the disbelievers will not benefit from their wealth or offspring. Rather, they will perish and be punished. This is the same end the people of Fir'awn and the previous nations met, those who rejected the Messengers, the Ayat, and proofs of Allah that they were sent with. وَاللَّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ (And Allah is severe in punishment.) meaning, His punishment is severe and His torment is painful. None can escape Allah's grasp, nor does anything escape His knowledge. Allah does what He wills and prevails over all things, it is He to Whom everything is humbled and there is no deity worthy of worship, nor any Lord except Him.

Verily, those who disbelieve, neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them whatsoever against Allah; and it is they who will be fuel of the Fire (10)Like the behavior of the people of Fir'awn and those before them; they belied Our Ayat. So Allah punished them for their sins. And Allah is severe in punishment (11) On the Day of Resurrection, No Wealth or Offspring Shall Avail Allah states that the disbelievers shall be fuel for the Fire, يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ الظَّالِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ (The Day when their excuses will be of no profit to wrongdoers. Theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode (i.e. painful torment in Hell-fire).)[40:52]. Further, what they were granted in this life of wealth and offspring shall not avail them with Allah, or save them from His punishment and severe torment. Similarly, Allah said, فَلَا تُعْجِبْكَ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُمْ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُم بِهَا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَتَزْهَقَ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَهُمْ كَافِرُونَ (So let not their wealth nor their children amaze you; in reality Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in the life of this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.)[9:55], and, لَا يَغُرَّنَّكَ تَقَلُّبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ - مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ ثُمَّ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ (Let not the free disposal (and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout the land deceive you. A brief enjoyment; then, their ultimate abode is Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest.)[3:196-197]. Allah said in this Ayah [3:10], إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (Verily, those who disbelieve) meaning, disbelieved in Allah's Ayat, denied His Messengers, defied His Books and did not benefit from His revelation to His Prophets, لَن تُغْنِيَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ وَقُودُ النَّارِ (Neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them whatsoever against Allah; and it is they who will be fuel of the Fire.) meaning, they will be the wood with which the Fire is kindled and fed. Similarly, Allah said, إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ (Certainly you (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell!)[21:98]. Allah said next, كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ (Like the Da'b of the people of Fira'wn.) Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn 'Abbas said that the Ayah means, "Like the behavior of the people of Fir'awn." This is the same Tafsir of 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Malik, Ad-Dahhak, and others. Other scholars said that the Ayah means, "Like the practice, conduct, likeness of the people of Fir'awn." These meanings are all plausible, for the Da'b means practice, behavior, tradition and habit. The Ayah indicates that the disbelievers will not benefit from their wealth or offspring. Rather, they will perish and be punished. This is the same end the people of Fir'awn and the previous nations met, those who rejected the Messengers, the Ayat, and proofs of Allah that they were sent with. وَاللَّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ (And Allah is severe in punishment.) meaning, His punishment is severe and His torment is painful. None can escape Allah's grasp, nor does anything escape His knowledge. Allah does what He wills and prevails over all things, it is He to Whom everything is humbled and there is no deity worthy of worship, nor any Lord except Him.

Say to those who disbelieve: "You will be defeated and gathered together to Hell, and worst indeed is that place of rest. (12)There has already been a sign for you in the two armies that met. One was fighting in the cause of Allah, and as for the other, in disbelief. They saw them with their own eyes twice their number. And Allah supports with His aid whom He wills. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand (13) Threatening the Jews With Defeat and Encouraging Them to Learn a Lesson From the Battle of Badr Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to proclaim to the disbelievers, سَتُغْلَبُونَ (You will be defeated) in this life, وَتُحْشَرُونَ (And gathered together) on the Day of Resurrection, إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ (to Hell, and worst indeed is that place of rest) Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar recorded that 'Asim bin 'Umar bin Qatadah said that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gained victory in the battle of Badr and went back to Al-Madinah, he gathered the Jews in the marketplace of Bani Qaynuqa'. Therefore, Allah said, قَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ آيَةٌ (There has already been a sign for you) meaning, O Jews, who said what you said! You have an Ayah, meaning proof, that Allah will make His religion prevail, award victory to His Messenger, make His Word apparent and His religion the highest. فِي فِئَتَيْنِ (In the two armies) meaning, two camps, الْتَقَتَا (that met) in combat (in Badr), فِئَةٌ تُقَاتِلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (One was fighting in the Cause of Allah) the Muslims, وَأُخْرَىٰ كَافِرَةٌ (And as for the other, in disbelief) meaning, the idolators of Quraysh at Badr. Allah's statement, يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ (They saw them with their own eyes twice their number) means, the idolators thought that the Muslims were twice as many as they were, for Allah made this illusion a factor in the victory that Islam had over them. It was said that the meaning of Allah's statement, يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ (They saw them with their own eyes twice their number) is that the Muslims saw twice as many idolators as they were, yet Allah gave them victory over the disbelievers. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said, "When we looked at the disbelievers' forces, we found that they were twice as many as we were. When we looked at them again, we thought they did not have one man more than we had. So Allah's statement, وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِهِمْ (And (remember) when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear as few in their eyes.)[8:44]". When the two camps saw each other, the Muslims thought that the idolators were twice as many as they were, so that they would trust in Allah and seek His help. The idolators thought that the believers were twice as many as they were, so that they would feel fear, horror, fright and despair. When the two camps stood in lines and met in battle, Allah made each camp look smaller in the eyes of the other camp, so that they would be encouraged to fight each other, لِيَقْضِيَ اللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا (so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained.)[8:42] meaning, so that the truth and falsehood are distinguishable, and thus the word of faith prevails over disbelief and deviation, so that the believers prevail and the disbelievers are humiliated. In a similar statement, Allah said; وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ (And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force)[3:123]. In this Ayah [3:13] Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يُؤَيِّدُ بِنَصْرِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةً لِّأُولِي الْأَبْصَارِ (And Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand.) meaning, this should be an example for those who have intelligence and sound comprehension. They should contemplate about Allah's wisdom, decisions and decree, that He gives victory to His believing servants in this life and on the Day the witnesses stand up to testify.

Say to those who disbelieve: "You will be defeated and gathered together to Hell, and worst indeed is that place of rest. (12)There has already been a sign for you in the two armies that met. One was fighting in the cause of Allah, and as for the other, in disbelief. They saw them with their own eyes twice their number. And Allah supports with His aid whom He wills. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand (13) Threatening the Jews With Defeat and Encouraging Them to Learn a Lesson From the Battle of Badr Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to proclaim to the disbelievers, سَتُغْلَبُونَ (You will be defeated) in this life, وَتُحْشَرُونَ (And gathered together) on the Day of Resurrection, إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ (to Hell, and worst indeed is that place of rest) Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar recorded that 'Asim bin 'Umar bin Qatadah said that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gained victory in the battle of Badr and went back to Al-Madinah, he gathered the Jews in the marketplace of Bani Qaynuqa'. Therefore, Allah said, قَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ آيَةٌ (There has already been a sign for you) meaning, O Jews, who said what you said! You have an Ayah, meaning proof, that Allah will make His religion prevail, award victory to His Messenger, make His Word apparent and His religion the highest. فِي فِئَتَيْنِ (In the two armies) meaning, two camps, الْتَقَتَا (that met) in combat (in Badr), فِئَةٌ تُقَاتِلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (One was fighting in the Cause of Allah) the Muslims, وَأُخْرَىٰ كَافِرَةٌ (And as for the other, in disbelief) meaning, the idolators of Quraysh at Badr. Allah's statement, يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ (They saw them with their own eyes twice their number) means, the idolators thought that the Muslims were twice as many as they were, for Allah made this illusion a factor in the victory that Islam had over them. It was said that the meaning of Allah's statement, يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ (They saw them with their own eyes twice their number) is that the Muslims saw twice as many idolators as they were, yet Allah gave them victory over the disbelievers. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said, "When we looked at the disbelievers' forces, we found that they were twice as many as we were. When we looked at them again, we thought they did not have one man more than we had. So Allah's statement, وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِهِمْ (And (remember) when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear as few in their eyes.)[8:44]". When the two camps saw each other, the Muslims thought that the idolators were twice as many as they were, so that they would trust in Allah and seek His help. The idolators thought that the believers were twice as many as they were, so that they would feel fear, horror, fright and despair. When the two camps stood in lines and met in battle, Allah made each camp look smaller in the eyes of the other camp, so that they would be encouraged to fight each other, لِيَقْضِيَ اللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا (so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained.)[8:42] meaning, so that the truth and falsehood are distinguishable, and thus the word of faith prevails over disbelief and deviation, so that the believers prevail and the disbelievers are humiliated. In a similar statement, Allah said; وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ (And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force)[3:123]. In this Ayah [3:13] Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يُؤَيِّدُ بِنَصْرِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةً لِّأُولِي الْأَبْصَارِ (And Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand.) meaning, this should be an example for those who have intelligence and sound comprehension. They should contemplate about Allah's wisdom, decisions and decree, that He gives victory to His believing servants in this life and on the Day the witnesses stand up to testify.

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, Qanatir Al-Muqantarah of gold and silver, branded beautiful horses (Musawwamah), cattle and fertile land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him (14)Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For those who have Taqwa there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives). And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the servants. (15) The True Value of This Earthly Life Allah mentions the delights that He put in this life for people, such as women and children, and He started with women, because the test with them is more tempting. For instance, the Sahih recorded that the Messenger ﷺ said, مَا تَرَكْتُ بَعْدِي فِتْنَةً أَضَرَّ عَلَى الرِّجَالِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ (I did not leave behind me a test more tempting to men than women.) When one enjoys women for the purpose of having children and preserving his chastity, then he is encouraged to do so. There are many Hadiths that encourage getting married, such as, وَإِنَّ خَيْرَ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ مَنْ كَانَ أَكْثَرَهَا نِسَاءً (Verily, the best members of this Ummah are those who have the most wives) He ﷺ also said, الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ، وَخَيْرُ مَتَاعِهَا الْمَرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ (This life is a delight, and the best of its delight is a righteous wife) The Prophet ﷺ said in another Hadith, حُبِّبَ إِلَيَّ النِّسَاءُ وَالطِّيبُ، وَجُعِلَتْ قُرَّةُ عَيْنِي فِي الصَّلَاةِ (I was made to like women and perfume, and the comfort of my eye is the prayer.) A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, "Nothing was more beloved to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ than women, except horses," and in another narration, "...than horses except women." The desire to have children is sometimes for the purpose of pride and boasting, and as such, is a temptation. When the purpose for having children is to reproduce and increase the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ with those who worship Allah alone without partners, then it is encouraged and praised. A Hadith states, تَزَوَّجُوا الْوَدُودَ الْوَلُودَ، فَإِنِّي مُكَاثِرٌ بِكُمُ الْأُمَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Marry the Wadud (kind) and Walud (fertile) woman, for I will compare your numbers to the rest of the nations on the Day of Resurrection.) The desire of wealth sometimes results out of arrogance, and the desire to dominate the weak and control the poor, and this conduct is prohibited. Sometimes, the want for more money is for the purpose of spending it on acts of worship, being kind to the family, the relatives, and spending on various acts of righteousness and obedience; this behavior is praised and encouraged in the religion. Scholars of Tafsir have conflicting opinions about the amount of the Qintar, all of which indicate that the Qintar is a large amount of money, as Ad-Dahhak and other scholars said. Abu Hurayrah said "The Qintar is twelve thousand Uwqiyah, each Uwqiyah is better than what is between the heavens and earth." [This was recorded by Ibn Jarir]. The desire to have horses can be one of three types. Sometimes, owners of horses collect them to be used in the cause of Allah, and when warranted, they use their horses in battle. This type of owner shall be rewarded for this good action. Another type collects horses to boast, and out of enmity to the people of Islam, and this type earns a burden for his behavior. Another type collects horses to fulfill their needs and to collect their offspring, and they do not forget Allah's right due on their horses. This is why in this case, these horses provide a shield of sufficiency for their owner, as evident by a Hadith that we will mention, Allah willing, when we explain Allah's statement, وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُم مَّا اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن قُوَّةٍ وَمِن رِّبَاطِ الْخَيْلِ (And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war.)[8:60] As for the Musawwamah horses, Ibn 'Abbas said that they are the branded, beautiful horses. This is the same explanation of Mujahid, 'Ikrimah, Sa'id bin Jubayr, 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Abdullah bin Abza, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and Abu Sinan and others. Makhul said the Musawwamah refers to the horse with a white spotted faced, and the horse with white feet. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَيْسَ مِنْ فَرَسٍ عَرَبِيٍّ إِلَّا يُؤْذَنُ لَهُ مَعَ كُلِّ فَجْرٍ يَدْعُو بِدَعْوَتَيْنِ يَقُولُ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ خَوَّلْتَنِي مِنْ بَنِي آدَمَ، فَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَحَبِّ مَالِهِ وَأَهْلِهِ إِلَيْهِ أَوْ أَحَبَّ أَهْلِهِ وَمَالِهِ إِلَيْهِ (Every Arabian horse is allowed to have two supplications every dawn, and the horse supplicates, 'O Allah! You made me subservient to the son of Adam. Therefore, make me among the dearest of his wealth and household to him, or, ...make me the dearest of his household and wealth to him.) Allah's statement, وَالْأَنْعَامِ (Cattle) means, camels, cows and sheep. وَالْحَرْثِ (And fertile land) meaning, the land that is used to farm and grow plants. Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا (This is the pleasure of the present world's life) meaning, these are the delights of this life and its short lived joys, وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ (But Allah has the excellent return with Him) meaning, the best destination and reward. The Reward of the Those Who Have Taqwa is Better Than All Joys of This World This is why Allah said, قُلْ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيْرٍ مِّن ذَٰلِكُمْ (Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those?") This Ayah means, "Say, O Muhammad, to the people, 'Should I tell you about what is better than the delights and joys of this life that will soon perish?'" Allah informed them of what is better when He said, لِلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ (For those who have Taqwa there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow) meaning, rivers run throughout it. These rivers carry various types of drinks: honey, milk, wine and water such that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no heart has ever imagined, خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا (Therein (is their) eternal (home)) meaning, they shall remain in it forever and ever and will not want to be removed from it. وَأَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ (And Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives)) meaning, from filth, dirt, harm, menstruation, post birth bleeding, and other things that affect women in this world. وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (And Allah will be pleased with them) meaning, Allah's pleasure will descend on them and He shall never be angry with them after that. This is why Allah said in in Surah Bara'ah, وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ (But the pleasure of Allah is greater)[9:72], meaning, greater than the eternal delight that He has granted them. Allah then said, وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) servants) and, He gives each provisions according to what they deserve.

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, Qanatir Al-Muqantarah of gold and silver, branded beautiful horses (Musawwamah), cattle and fertile land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him (14)Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For those who have Taqwa there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives). And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the servants. (15) The True Value of This Earthly Life Allah mentions the delights that He put in this life for people, such as women and children, and He started with women, because the test with them is more tempting. For instance, the Sahih recorded that the Messenger ﷺ said, مَا تَرَكْتُ بَعْدِي فِتْنَةً أَضَرَّ عَلَى الرِّجَالِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ (I did not leave behind me a test more tempting to men than women.) When one enjoys women for the purpose of having children and preserving his chastity, then he is encouraged to do so. There are many Hadiths that encourage getting married, such as, وَإِنَّ خَيْرَ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ مَنْ كَانَ أَكْثَرَهَا نِسَاءً (Verily, the best members of this Ummah are those who have the most wives) He ﷺ also said, الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ، وَخَيْرُ مَتَاعِهَا الْمَرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ (This life is a delight, and the best of its delight is a righteous wife) The Prophet ﷺ said in another Hadith, حُبِّبَ إِلَيَّ النِّسَاءُ وَالطِّيبُ، وَجُعِلَتْ قُرَّةُ عَيْنِي فِي الصَّلَاةِ (I was made to like women and perfume, and the comfort of my eye is the prayer.) A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, "Nothing was more beloved to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ than women, except horses," and in another narration, "...than horses except women." The desire to have children is sometimes for the purpose of pride and boasting, and as such, is a temptation. When the purpose for having children is to reproduce and increase the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ with those who worship Allah alone without partners, then it is encouraged and praised. A Hadith states, تَزَوَّجُوا الْوَدُودَ الْوَلُودَ، فَإِنِّي مُكَاثِرٌ بِكُمُ الْأُمَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ (Marry the Wadud (kind) and Walud (fertile) woman, for I will compare your numbers to the rest of the nations on the Day of Resurrection.) The desire of wealth sometimes results out of arrogance, and the desire to dominate the weak and control the poor, and this conduct is prohibited. Sometimes, the want for more money is for the purpose of spending it on acts of worship, being kind to the family, the relatives, and spending on various acts of righteousness and obedience; this behavior is praised and encouraged in the religion. Scholars of Tafsir have conflicting opinions about the amount of the Qintar, all of which indicate that the Qintar is a large amount of money, as Ad-Dahhak and other scholars said. Abu Hurayrah said "The Qintar is twelve thousand Uwqiyah, each Uwqiyah is better than what is between the heavens and earth." [This was recorded by Ibn Jarir]. The desire to have horses can be one of three types. Sometimes, owners of horses collect them to be used in the cause of Allah, and when warranted, they use their horses in battle. This type of owner shall be rewarded for this good action. Another type collects horses to boast, and out of enmity to the people of Islam, and this type earns a burden for his behavior. Another type collects horses to fulfill their needs and to collect their offspring, and they do not forget Allah's right due on their horses. This is why in this case, these horses provide a shield of sufficiency for their owner, as evident by a Hadith that we will mention, Allah willing, when we explain Allah's statement, وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُم مَّا اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن قُوَّةٍ وَمِن رِّبَاطِ الْخَيْلِ (And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war.)[8:60] As for the Musawwamah horses, Ibn 'Abbas said that they are the branded, beautiful horses. This is the same explanation of Mujahid, 'Ikrimah, Sa'id bin Jubayr, 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Abdullah bin Abza, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and Abu Sinan and others. Makhul said the Musawwamah refers to the horse with a white spotted faced, and the horse with white feet. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, لَيْسَ مِنْ فَرَسٍ عَرَبِيٍّ إِلَّا يُؤْذَنُ لَهُ مَعَ كُلِّ فَجْرٍ يَدْعُو بِدَعْوَتَيْنِ يَقُولُ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ خَوَّلْتَنِي مِنْ بَنِي آدَمَ، فَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَحَبِّ مَالِهِ وَأَهْلِهِ إِلَيْهِ أَوْ أَحَبَّ أَهْلِهِ وَمَالِهِ إِلَيْهِ (Every Arabian horse is allowed to have two supplications every dawn, and the horse supplicates, 'O Allah! You made me subservient to the son of Adam. Therefore, make me among the dearest of his wealth and household to him, or, ...make me the dearest of his household and wealth to him.) Allah's statement, وَالْأَنْعَامِ (Cattle) means, camels, cows and sheep. وَالْحَرْثِ (And fertile land) meaning, the land that is used to farm and grow plants. Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا (This is the pleasure of the present world's life) meaning, these are the delights of this life and its short lived joys, وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ (But Allah has the excellent return with Him) meaning, the best destination and reward. The Reward of the Those Who Have Taqwa is Better Than All Joys of This World This is why Allah said, قُلْ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيْرٍ مِّن ذَٰلِكُمْ (Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those?") This Ayah means, "Say, O Muhammad, to the people, 'Should I tell you about what is better than the delights and joys of this life that will soon perish?'" Allah informed them of what is better when He said, لِلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ (For those who have Taqwa there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow) meaning, rivers run throughout it. These rivers carry various types of drinks: honey, milk, wine and water such that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no heart has ever imagined, خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا (Therein (is their) eternal (home)) meaning, they shall remain in it forever and ever and will not want to be removed from it. وَأَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ (And Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives)) meaning, from filth, dirt, harm, menstruation, post birth bleeding, and other things that affect women in this world. وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (And Allah will be pleased with them) meaning, Allah's pleasure will descend on them and He shall never be angry with them after that. This is why Allah said in in Surah Bara'ah, وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ (But the pleasure of Allah is greater)[9:72], meaning, greater than the eternal delight that He has granted them. Allah then said, وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) servants) and, He gives each provisions according to what they deserve.

Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire. (16)(They are) the patient, the true believers, and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [in good] and those who pray and beg Allah's pardon in the last hours of the night (17) The Supplication and Description of Al-Muttaqin Allah describes the Muttaqin, His pious servants, whom He promised tremendous rewards, الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا آمَنَّا (Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed") in You, Your Book and Your Messenger. فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا (so forgive us our sins) because of our faith in You and in what You legislated for us. Therefore, forgive us our errors and shortcomings, with Your bounty and mercy, وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ (and save us from the punishment of the Fire.) Allah then said, الصَّابِرِينَ ((They are) those who are patient) while performing acts of obedience and abandoning the prohibitions. وَالصَّادِقِينَ (those who are true) concerning their proclamation of faith, by performing the difficult deeds. وَالْقَانِتِينَ (and obedient) meaning, they submit and obey Allah, وَالْمُنفِقِينَ (those who spend) from their wealth on all the acts of obedience they were commanded, being kind to kith and kin, helping the needy, and comforting the destitute. وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ (and those who pray and beg Allah's pardon in the last hours of the night) and this testifies to the virtue of seeking Allah's forgiveness in the latter part of the night. It was reported that when Ya'qub said to his children, سَوْفَ أَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكُمْ رَبِّي (I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you)[12:98] he waited until the latter part of the night to say his supplication. Furthermore, the Two Sahihs, the Musnad and Sunan collections recorded through several Companions that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, يَنْزِلُ اللهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالى فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلى سَمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الْآخِرُ، فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ مِنْ سَائِلٍ فَأُعْطِيَهُ؟ هَلْ مِنْ دَاعٍ فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟ هَلْ مِنْ مُسْتَغْفِرٍ فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ؟ (Every night, when the last third of it remains, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the lowest heaven saying, "Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?") The Two Sahihs recorded that 'A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Witr during the first part, the middle and latter parts of the night. Then, later (in his life), he would perform it (only) during the latter part." 'Abdullah bin 'Umar used to pray during the night and would ask, "O Nafi'! Is it the latter part of the night yet?" and if Nafi' said, "Yes," Ibn 'Umar would start supplicating to Allah and seeking His forgiveness until dawn. This Hadith was collected by Ibn Abi Hatim.

Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire. (16)(They are) the patient, the true believers, and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [in good] and those who pray and beg Allah's pardon in the last hours of the night (17) The Supplication and Description of Al-Muttaqin Allah describes the Muttaqin, His pious servants, whom He promised tremendous rewards, الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا آمَنَّا (Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed") in You, Your Book and Your Messenger. فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا (so forgive us our sins) because of our faith in You and in what You legislated for us. Therefore, forgive us our errors and shortcomings, with Your bounty and mercy, وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ (and save us from the punishment of the Fire.) Allah then said, الصَّابِرِينَ ((They are) those who are patient) while performing acts of obedience and abandoning the prohibitions. وَالصَّادِقِينَ (those who are true) concerning their proclamation of faith, by performing the difficult deeds. وَالْقَانِتِينَ (and obedient) meaning, they submit and obey Allah, وَالْمُنفِقِينَ (those who spend) from their wealth on all the acts of obedience they were commanded, being kind to kith and kin, helping the needy, and comforting the destitute. وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ (and those who pray and beg Allah's pardon in the last hours of the night) and this testifies to the virtue of seeking Allah's forgiveness in the latter part of the night. It was reported that when Ya'qub said to his children, سَوْفَ أَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكُمْ رَبِّي (I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you)[12:98] he waited until the latter part of the night to say his supplication. Furthermore, the Two Sahihs, the Musnad and Sunan collections recorded through several Companions that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, يَنْزِلُ اللهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالى فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلى سَمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الْآخِرُ، فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ مِنْ سَائِلٍ فَأُعْطِيَهُ؟ هَلْ مِنْ دَاعٍ فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟ هَلْ مِنْ مُسْتَغْفِرٍ فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ؟ (Every night, when the last third of it remains, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the lowest heaven saying, "Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?") The Two Sahihs recorded that 'A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Witr during the first part, the middle and latter parts of the night. Then, later (in his life), he would perform it (only) during the latter part." 'Abdullah bin 'Umar used to pray during the night and would ask, "O Nafi'! Is it the latter part of the night yet?" and if Nafi' said, "Yes," Ibn 'Umar would start supplicating to Allah and seeking His forgiveness until dawn. This Hadith was collected by Ibn Abi Hatim.

Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise (18)Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning (19)So if they dispute with you say: "I have submitted myself to Allah, and (so have) those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterate (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message; and Allah sees the servants (20) The Testimony of Tawhid Allah bears witness, and verily, Allah is sufficient as a Witness, and He is the Most Truthful and Just Witness there is; His statement is the absolute truth, أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (that La ilaha illa Huwa) meaning, He Alone is the Lord and God of all creation; everyone and everything are His servants, creation and in need of Him. Allah is the Most Rich, Free from needing anyone or anything. Allah said in another Ayah, لَّٰكِنِ اللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ (But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur'an) unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ))[4:166]. Allah then mentioned the testimony of His angels and those who have knowledge after he mentioned His own testimony, شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ (Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this)). This Ayah emphasizes the great virtue of those who have knowledge. قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ((He) maintains His creation in justice) in all that He does, لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (None has the right to be worshipped but He) thus emphasizing this fact, الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (the Almighty, the All-Wise.) the Mighty that does not submit to weakness due to His might and greatness, the Wise in all His statements, actions, legislation and decrees. The Religion with Allah is Islam Allah said, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah states that there is no religion accepted with Him from any person, except Islam. Islam includes obeying all of the Messengers until Muhammad ﷺ who finalized their commission, thus closing all paths to Allah except through Muhammad ﷺ. Therefore, after Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, whoever meets Allah following a path other than Muhammad's, it will not be accepted of him. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ (And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him)[3:85]. In this Ayah [3:19], Allah said, asserting that the only religion accepted with Him is Islam, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah then states that those who were given the Scripture beforehand divided in the religion after Allah sent the Messengers and revealed the Books to them providing them the necessary proofs to not do so. Allah said, وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ (Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them.) meaning, some of them wronged others. Therefore, they differed over the truth, out of envy, hatred and enmity for each other. This hatred made some of them defy those whom they hated even if they were correct. Allah then said, وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah) meaning, whoever rejects what Allah sent down in His Book, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ (then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning.) Allah will punish him for his rejection, reckon him for his denial, and torment him for defying His Book. Thereafter, Allah said. فَإِنْ حَاجُّوكَ (So if they dispute with you (Muhammad ﷺ)) so if they argue with you about Tawhid, فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (Say: "I have submitted myself to Allah (in Islam), and (so have) those who follow me") meaning, Say, 'I have made my worship sincere for Allah Alone without partners, rivals, offspring or companion, وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (and those who follow me) who followed my religion and embraced my creed.' In another Ayah, Allah said, قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me...")[12:108]. Islam is the Religion of Mankind and the Prophet (ﷺ) Was Sent to all Mankind Allah commanded His servant and Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, to call the People of the Two Scriptures and the unlettered idolators to his religion, way, Law and all that Allah sent him with. Allah said, وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ (And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterates (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message.) meaning, their reckoning is with Allah and their return and final destination is to Him. It is He Who guides whom He wills and allows whom He wills to stray, and He has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proof for all of this. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah sees the servants.) for He has perfect knowledge of who deserves to be guided and who does not deserve to be guided. Verily, لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ (He cannot be questioned for what He does, while they will be questioned.)[21:23] because of His perfect wisdom and mercy. This and similar Ayat are clear proofs that the Message of Muhammad ﷺ is universal to all creation, as it is well established in the religion, according to the various texts of the Book and Sunnah. For instance, Allah said, قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.")[7:158], and, تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا (Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion to His servant that he may be a warner to the 'Alamin (mankind and Jinn).)[25:1]. The Two Sahihs and other collections of Hadith recorded that the Prophet ﷺ sent letters to the kings of the earth during his time and to different peoples, Arabs and non-Arabs, People of the Book and the unlettered, just as Allah had commanded him. 'Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma'mar said, that Hammam said that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَا يَسْمَعُ بِي أَحَدٌ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ: يَهُودِيٌّ وَلَا نَصْرَانِيٌّ، وَمَاتَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِالَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ (By He in Whose Hand is my soul! No member of this Ummah, no Jew or Christian, hears of me but dies without believing in what I was sent with, but will be among the people of the Fire.) Muslim recorded this Hadith. The Prophet ﷺ said, بُعِثْتُ إِلَى الْأَحْمَرِ وَالْأَسْوَدِ (I was sent to the red and black.) and, كَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ عَامَّةً (A Prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind.)

Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise (18)Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning (19)So if they dispute with you say: "I have submitted myself to Allah, and (so have) those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterate (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message; and Allah sees the servants (20) The Testimony of Tawhid Allah bears witness, and verily, Allah is sufficient as a Witness, and He is the Most Truthful and Just Witness there is; His statement is the absolute truth, أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (that La ilaha illa Huwa) meaning, He Alone is the Lord and God of all creation; everyone and everything are His servants, creation and in need of Him. Allah is the Most Rich, Free from needing anyone or anything. Allah said in another Ayah, لَّٰكِنِ اللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ (But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur'an) unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ))[4:166]. Allah then mentioned the testimony of His angels and those who have knowledge after he mentioned His own testimony, شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ (Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this)). This Ayah emphasizes the great virtue of those who have knowledge. قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ((He) maintains His creation in justice) in all that He does, لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (None has the right to be worshipped but He) thus emphasizing this fact, الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (the Almighty, the All-Wise.) the Mighty that does not submit to weakness due to His might and greatness, the Wise in all His statements, actions, legislation and decrees. The Religion with Allah is Islam Allah said, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah states that there is no religion accepted with Him from any person, except Islam. Islam includes obeying all of the Messengers until Muhammad ﷺ who finalized their commission, thus closing all paths to Allah except through Muhammad ﷺ. Therefore, after Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, whoever meets Allah following a path other than Muhammad's, it will not be accepted of him. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ (And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him)[3:85]. In this Ayah [3:19], Allah said, asserting that the only religion accepted with Him is Islam, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah then states that those who were given the Scripture beforehand divided in the religion after Allah sent the Messengers and revealed the Books to them providing them the necessary proofs to not do so. Allah said, وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ (Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them.) meaning, some of them wronged others. Therefore, they differed over the truth, out of envy, hatred and enmity for each other. This hatred made some of them defy those whom they hated even if they were correct. Allah then said, وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah) meaning, whoever rejects what Allah sent down in His Book, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ (then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning.) Allah will punish him for his rejection, reckon him for his denial, and torment him for defying His Book. Thereafter, Allah said. فَإِنْ حَاجُّوكَ (So if they dispute with you (Muhammad ﷺ)) so if they argue with you about Tawhid, فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (Say: "I have submitted myself to Allah (in Islam), and (so have) those who follow me") meaning, Say, 'I have made my worship sincere for Allah Alone without partners, rivals, offspring or companion, وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (and those who follow me) who followed my religion and embraced my creed.' In another Ayah, Allah said, قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me...")[12:108]. Islam is the Religion of Mankind and the Prophet (ﷺ) Was Sent to all Mankind Allah commanded His servant and Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, to call the People of the Two Scriptures and the unlettered idolators to his religion, way, Law and all that Allah sent him with. Allah said, وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ (And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterates (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message.) meaning, their reckoning is with Allah and their return and final destination is to Him. It is He Who guides whom He wills and allows whom He wills to stray, and He has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proof for all of this. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah sees the servants.) for He has perfect knowledge of who deserves to be guided and who does not deserve to be guided. Verily, لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ (He cannot be questioned for what He does, while they will be questioned.)[21:23] because of His perfect wisdom and mercy. This and similar Ayat are clear proofs that the Message of Muhammad ﷺ is universal to all creation, as it is well established in the religion, according to the various texts of the Book and Sunnah. For instance, Allah said, قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.")[7:158], and, تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا (Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion to His servant that he may be a warner to the 'Alamin (mankind and Jinn).)[25:1]. The Two Sahihs and other collections of Hadith recorded that the Prophet ﷺ sent letters to the kings of the earth during his time and to different peoples, Arabs and non-Arabs, People of the Book and the unlettered, just as Allah had commanded him. 'Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma'mar said, that Hammam said that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَا يَسْمَعُ بِي أَحَدٌ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ: يَهُودِيٌّ وَلَا نَصْرَانِيٌّ، وَمَاتَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِالَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ (By He in Whose Hand is my soul! No member of this Ummah, no Jew or Christian, hears of me but dies without believing in what I was sent with, but will be among the people of the Fire.) Muslim recorded this Hadith. The Prophet ﷺ said, بُعِثْتُ إِلَى الْأَحْمَرِ وَالْأَسْوَدِ (I was sent to the red and black.) and, كَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ عَامَّةً (A Prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind.)

Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise (18)Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning (19)So if they dispute with you say: "I have submitted myself to Allah, and (so have) those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterate (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message; and Allah sees the servants (20) The Testimony of Tawhid Allah bears witness, and verily, Allah is sufficient as a Witness, and He is the Most Truthful and Just Witness there is; His statement is the absolute truth, أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (that La ilaha illa Huwa) meaning, He Alone is the Lord and God of all creation; everyone and everything are His servants, creation and in need of Him. Allah is the Most Rich, Free from needing anyone or anything. Allah said in another Ayah, لَّٰكِنِ اللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ (But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur'an) unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ))[4:166]. Allah then mentioned the testimony of His angels and those who have knowledge after he mentioned His own testimony, شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ (Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this)). This Ayah emphasizes the great virtue of those who have knowledge. قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ((He) maintains His creation in justice) in all that He does, لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (None has the right to be worshipped but He) thus emphasizing this fact, الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (the Almighty, the All-Wise.) the Mighty that does not submit to weakness due to His might and greatness, the Wise in all His statements, actions, legislation and decrees. The Religion with Allah is Islam Allah said, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah states that there is no religion accepted with Him from any person, except Islam. Islam includes obeying all of the Messengers until Muhammad ﷺ who finalized their commission, thus closing all paths to Allah except through Muhammad ﷺ. Therefore, after Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, whoever meets Allah following a path other than Muhammad's, it will not be accepted of him. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ (And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him)[3:85]. In this Ayah [3:19], Allah said, asserting that the only religion accepted with Him is Islam, إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ (Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.) Allah then states that those who were given the Scripture beforehand divided in the religion after Allah sent the Messengers and revealed the Books to them providing them the necessary proofs to not do so. Allah said, وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ (Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except out of rivalry, after knowledge had come to them.) meaning, some of them wronged others. Therefore, they differed over the truth, out of envy, hatred and enmity for each other. This hatred made some of them defy those whom they hated even if they were correct. Allah then said, وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ (And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat of Allah) meaning, whoever rejects what Allah sent down in His Book, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ (then surely, Allah is Swift in reckoning.) Allah will punish him for his rejection, reckon him for his denial, and torment him for defying His Book. Thereafter, Allah said. فَإِنْ حَاجُّوكَ (So if they dispute with you (Muhammad ﷺ)) so if they argue with you about Tawhid, فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (Say: "I have submitted myself to Allah (in Islam), and (so have) those who follow me") meaning, Say, 'I have made my worship sincere for Allah Alone without partners, rivals, offspring or companion, وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ (and those who follow me) who followed my religion and embraced my creed.' In another Ayah, Allah said, قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me...")[12:108]. Islam is the Religion of Mankind and the Prophet (ﷺ) Was Sent to all Mankind Allah commanded His servant and Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, to call the People of the Two Scriptures and the unlettered idolators to his religion, way, Law and all that Allah sent him with. Allah said, وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ (And say to those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and to those who are illiterates (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message.) meaning, their reckoning is with Allah and their return and final destination is to Him. It is He Who guides whom He wills and allows whom He wills to stray, and He has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proof for all of this. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah sees the servants.) for He has perfect knowledge of who deserves to be guided and who does not deserve to be guided. Verily, لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ (He cannot be questioned for what He does, while they will be questioned.)[21:23] because of His perfect wisdom and mercy. This and similar Ayat are clear proofs that the Message of Muhammad ﷺ is universal to all creation, as it is well established in the religion, according to the various texts of the Book and Sunnah. For instance, Allah said, قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.")[7:158], and, تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا (Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion to His servant that he may be a warner to the 'Alamin (mankind and Jinn).)[25:1]. The Two Sahihs and other collections of Hadith recorded that the Prophet ﷺ sent letters to the kings of the earth during his time and to different peoples, Arabs and non-Arabs, People of the Book and the unlettered, just as Allah had commanded him. 'Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma'mar said, that Hammam said that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَا يَسْمَعُ بِي أَحَدٌ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ: يَهُودِيٌّ وَلَا نَصْرَانِيٌّ، وَمَاتَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِالَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ (By He in Whose Hand is my soul! No member of this Ummah, no Jew or Christian, hears of me but dies without believing in what I was sent with, but will be among the people of the Fire.) Muslim recorded this Hadith. The Prophet ﷺ said, بُعِثْتُ إِلَى الْأَحْمَرِ وَالْأَسْوَدِ (I was sent to the red and black.) and, كَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ عَامَّةً (A Prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind.)

Verily, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah and kill the Prophets without right, and kill those men who order just dealings, then announce to them a painful torment (21)They are those whose works will be lost in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers (22) Chastising the Jews for Their Disbelief and for Killing the Prophets and Righteous People This Ayah chastises the People of the Book for the transgression and prohibitions they committed by their denials in the past and more recent times, of Allah's Ayat and the Messengers. They did this due to their defiance and rejection of the Messengers, denial of the truth and refusal to follow it. They also killed many Prophets when they conveyed to them what Allah legislated for them, without cause or criminal behavior committed by these Prophets, for they only called them to the truth, وَيَقْتُلُونَ الَّذِينَ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْقِسْطِ مِنَ النَّاسِ (And kill those men who order just dealings) thus, demonstrating the worst type of arrogance. Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ said, الْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ (Kibr (arrogance) is refusing the truth and degrading people) This is why when they rejected the truth and acted arrogantly towards the creation, Allah punished them with humiliation and disgrace in this life, and humiliating torment in the Hereafter. Allah said, فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ (then announce to them a painful torment) meaning, painful and humiliating, أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (They are those whose works will be lost in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.).

Verily, those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah and kill the Prophets without right, and kill those men who order just dealings, then announce to them a painful torment (21)They are those whose works will be lost in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers (22) Chastising the Jews for Their Disbelief and for Killing the Prophets and Righteous People This Ayah chastises the People of the Book for the transgression and prohibitions they committed by their denials in the past and more recent times, of Allah's Ayat and the Messengers. They did this due to their defiance and rejection of the Messengers, denial of the truth and refusal to follow it. They also killed many Prophets when they conveyed to them what Allah legislated for them, without cause or criminal behavior committed by these Prophets, for they only called them to the truth, وَيَقْتُلُونَ الَّذِينَ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْقِسْطِ مِنَ النَّاسِ (And kill those men who order just dealings) thus, demonstrating the worst type of arrogance. Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ said, الْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ (Kibr (arrogance) is refusing the truth and degrading people) This is why when they rejected the truth and acted arrogantly towards the creation, Allah punished them with humiliation and disgrace in this life, and humiliating torment in the Hereafter. Allah said, فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ (then announce to them a painful torment) meaning, painful and humiliating, أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (They are those whose works will be lost in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.).

Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Scripture? They are being invited to the Book of Allah to settle their dispute, then a party of them turned away, and they are averse (23)This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days." And that which they used to invent in their religion has deceived them (24)How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And each person will be paid in full what he has earned And they will not be dealt with unjustly (25) Chastising the People of the Book for Not Referring to the Book of Allah for Judgment Allah criticizes the Jews and Christians who claim to follow their Books, the Tawrah and the Injil, because when they are called to refer to these Books where Allah commanded them to follow Muhammad ﷺ, they turn away with aversion. This censure and criticism from Allah was all because of their defiance and rejection. Allah said next, ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ (This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days.") meaning, what made them dare to challenge and defy the truth is their false claim that Allah will only punish them for seven days in the Fire, a day for every one thousand years in this life. We mentioned this subject in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. Allah then said, وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ (And that which they used to invent regarding their religion has deceived them.) meaning, what caused them to remain on their false creed is that they deceived themselves, believing that the Fire will only touch them for a few days for their errors. However, it is they who have invented this notion, and Allah did not grant them authority to support this claim. Allah said, while threatening and warning them, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i. e. the Day of Resurrection).) meaning, what will their condition be like after they have uttered this lie about Allah, rejected His Messengers and killed His Prophets and their scholars who enjoined righteousness and forbade evil? Allah will ask them about all this and punish them for what they have done. This is why Allah said, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt.) meaning, there is no doubt that this Day will come, وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And each person will be paid in full what he has earned? And they will not be dealt with unjustly.)

Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Scripture? They are being invited to the Book of Allah to settle their dispute, then a party of them turned away, and they are averse (23)This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days." And that which they used to invent in their religion has deceived them (24)How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And each person will be paid in full what he has earned And they will not be dealt with unjustly (25) Chastising the People of the Book for Not Referring to the Book of Allah for Judgment Allah criticizes the Jews and Christians who claim to follow their Books, the Tawrah and the Injil, because when they are called to refer to these Books where Allah commanded them to follow Muhammad ﷺ, they turn away with aversion. This censure and criticism from Allah was all because of their defiance and rejection. Allah said next, ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ (This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days.") meaning, what made them dare to challenge and defy the truth is their false claim that Allah will only punish them for seven days in the Fire, a day for every one thousand years in this life. We mentioned this subject in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. Allah then said, وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ (And that which they used to invent regarding their religion has deceived them.) meaning, what caused them to remain on their false creed is that they deceived themselves, believing that the Fire will only touch them for a few days for their errors. However, it is they who have invented this notion, and Allah did not grant them authority to support this claim. Allah said, while threatening and warning them, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i. e. the Day of Resurrection).) meaning, what will their condition be like after they have uttered this lie about Allah, rejected His Messengers and killed His Prophets and their scholars who enjoined righteousness and forbade evil? Allah will ask them about all this and punish them for what they have done. This is why Allah said, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt.) meaning, there is no doubt that this Day will come, وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And each person will be paid in full what he has earned? And they will not be dealt with unjustly.)

Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Scripture? They are being invited to the Book of Allah to settle their dispute, then a party of them turned away, and they are averse (23)This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days." And that which they used to invent in their religion has deceived them (24)How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And each person will be paid in full what he has earned And they will not be dealt with unjustly (25) Chastising the People of the Book for Not Referring to the Book of Allah for Judgment Allah criticizes the Jews and Christians who claim to follow their Books, the Tawrah and the Injil, because when they are called to refer to these Books where Allah commanded them to follow Muhammad ﷺ, they turn away with aversion. This censure and criticism from Allah was all because of their defiance and rejection. Allah said next, ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ (This is because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a number of days.") meaning, what made them dare to challenge and defy the truth is their false claim that Allah will only punish them for seven days in the Fire, a day for every one thousand years in this life. We mentioned this subject in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. Allah then said, وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ (And that which they used to invent regarding their religion has deceived them.) meaning, what caused them to remain on their false creed is that they deceived themselves, believing that the Fire will only touch them for a few days for their errors. However, it is they who have invented this notion, and Allah did not grant them authority to support this claim. Allah said, while threatening and warning them, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt (i. e. the Day of Resurrection).) meaning, what will their condition be like after they have uttered this lie about Allah, rejected His Messengers and killed His Prophets and their scholars who enjoined righteousness and forbade evil? Allah will ask them about all this and punish them for what they have done. This is why Allah said, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (How (will it be) when We gather them together on the Day about which there is no doubt.) meaning, there is no doubt that this Day will come, وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (And each person will be paid in full what he has earned? And they will not be dealt with unjustly.)

Say: "O Allah! Possessor of the power, You give power to whom You will, and You take power from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are able to do all things (26)You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night, You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (27) Encouraging Gratitude Allah said, قل (Say) O Muhammad ﷺ, while praising your Lord, thanking Him, relying in all matters upon Him and trusting in Him. اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ (O Allah! Possessor of the power) meaning, all sovereignty is Yours, تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاءُ (You give power to whom You will, and You take power from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will.) meaning, You are the Giver, You are the Taker, it is Your will that occurs and whatever You do not will, does not occur. This Ayah encourages thanking Allah for the favors He granted His Messenger ﷺ and his Ummah. Allah transferred the prophethood from the Children of Israel to the Arab, Qurashi, Makkan, unlettered Prophet, the Final and Last of all Prophets and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to all mankind and Jinn. Allah endowed the Prophet ﷺ with the best of qualities from the prophets before him. Allah also granted him extra qualities that no other Prophet or Messenger before him was endowed with, such as granting him (more) knowledge of Allah and His Law, knowledge of more of the matters of the past and the future, such as what will occur in the Hereafter. Allah allowed Muhammad's Ummah to reach the eastern and western parts of the world and gave dominance to his religion and Law over all other religions and laws. May Allah's peace and blessings be on the Prophet ﷺ until the Day of Judgment, and as long as the day and night succeed each other. This is why Allah said, قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ (Say: "O Allah! Possessor of the power,") meaning, You decide what You will concerning Your creation and You do what you will. Allah refutes those who thought that they could decide for Allah, وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنَ الْقَرْيَتَيْنِ عَظِيمٍ (And they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta'if)?")[43:31]. Allah refuted them by saying, أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَتَ رَبِّكَ (Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord?)[43:32], meaning, "We decide for Our creation what We will, without resistance or hindrance by anyone. We have the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proof in all of this, and We give the prophethood to whom We will." Similarly, Allah said, اللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُ (Allah knows best with whom to place His Message)[6:124] and, انظُرْ كَيْفَ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ (See how We prefer one above another (in this world))[17: 21] Allah said, تُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَتُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ (You make the night enter into the day, and You make the day enter into the night) meaning, You take from the length of one of them and add it to the shortness of the other, so that they become equal, and take from the length of one of them and add it to the other so that they are not equal. This occurs throughout the seasons of the year: spring, summer, fall and winter. Allah's statement, وَتُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ (You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living.) means, You bring out the seed from the plant and the plant from the seed; the date from its seed and the date's seed from the date; the faithful from the disbeliever and the disbeliever from the faithful; the chicken from the egg and the egg from the chicken, etc. وَتَرْزُقُ مَن تَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ (And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit.) meaning, You give whomever You will innumerable amounts of wealth while depriving others from it, out of wisdom, and justice.

Say: "O Allah! Possessor of the power, You give power to whom You will, and You take power from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are able to do all things (26)You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night, You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (27) Encouraging Gratitude Allah said, قل (Say) O Muhammad ﷺ, while praising your Lord, thanking Him, relying in all matters upon Him and trusting in Him. اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ (O Allah! Possessor of the power) meaning, all sovereignty is Yours, تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاءُ (You give power to whom You will, and You take power from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will.) meaning, You are the Giver, You are the Taker, it is Your will that occurs and whatever You do not will, does not occur. This Ayah encourages thanking Allah for the favors He granted His Messenger ﷺ and his Ummah. Allah transferred the prophethood from the Children of Israel to the Arab, Qurashi, Makkan, unlettered Prophet, the Final and Last of all Prophets and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to all mankind and Jinn. Allah endowed the Prophet ﷺ with the best of qualities from the prophets before him. Allah also granted him extra qualities that no other Prophet or Messenger before him was endowed with, such as granting him (more) knowledge of Allah and His Law, knowledge of more of the matters of the past and the future, such as what will occur in the Hereafter. Allah allowed Muhammad's Ummah to reach the eastern and western parts of the world and gave dominance to his religion and Law over all other religions and laws. May Allah's peace and blessings be on the Prophet ﷺ until the Day of Judgment, and as long as the day and night succeed each other. This is why Allah said, قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ (Say: "O Allah! Possessor of the power,") meaning, You decide what You will concerning Your creation and You do what you will. Allah refutes those who thought that they could decide for Allah, وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنَ الْقَرْيَتَيْنِ عَظِيمٍ (And they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta'if)?")[43:31]. Allah refuted them by saying, أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَتَ رَبِّكَ (Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord?)[43:32], meaning, "We decide for Our creation what We will, without resistance or hindrance by anyone. We have the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proof in all of this, and We give the prophethood to whom We will." Similarly, Allah said, اللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُ (Allah knows best with whom to place His Message)[6:124] and, انظُرْ كَيْفَ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ (See how We prefer one above another (in this world))[17: 21] Allah said, تُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَتُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ (You make the night enter into the day, and You make the day enter into the night) meaning, You take from the length of one of them and add it to the shortness of the other, so that they become equal, and take from the length of one of them and add it to the other so that they are not equal. This occurs throughout the seasons of the year: spring, summer, fall and winter. Allah's statement, وَتُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ (You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living.) means, You bring out the seed from the plant and the plant from the seed; the date from its seed and the date's seed from the date; the faithful from the disbeliever and the disbeliever from the faithful; the chicken from the egg and the egg from the chicken, etc. وَتَرْزُقُ مَن تَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ (And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit.) meaning, You give whomever You will innumerable amounts of wealth while depriving others from it, out of wisdom, and justice.

Let not the believers take the disbelievers as friends instead of the believers, and whoever does that, will never be helped by Allah in any way, unless you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allah warns you against Himself, and to Allah is the final return (28) The Prohibition of Supporting the Disbelievers Allah prohibited His believing servants from becoming supporters of the disbelievers, or to take them as comrades with whom they develop friendships, rather than the believers. Allah warned against such behavior when He said, وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَلَيْسَ مِنَ اللَّهِ فِي شَيْءٍ (And whoever does that, will never be helped by Allah in any way) meaning, whoever commits this act that Allah has prohibited, then Allah will discard him. Similarly, Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا عَدُوِّي وَعَدُوَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ تُلْقُونَ إِلَيْهِم بِالْمَوَدَّةِ (O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies as friends, showing affection towards them), until, وَمَن يَفْعَلْهُ مِنكُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاءَ السَّبِيلِ (And whosoever of you does that, then indeed he has gone astray from the straight path.)[60:1]. Allah said, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الْكَافِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَانًا مُّبِينًا (O you who believe! Take not for friends disbelievers instead of believers. Do you wish to offer Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?)[4:144], and, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَىٰ أَوْلِيَاءَ ۘ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ (O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as friends, they are but friends of each other. And whoever befriends them, then surely, he is one of them.)[5:51]. Allah said, after mentioning the fact that the faithful believers gave their support to the faithful believers among the Muhajirin, Ansar and Bedouins, وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ إِلَّا تَفْعَلُوهُ تَكُن فِتْنَةٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَفَسَادٌ كَبِيرٌ (And those who disbelieve are allies of one another, (and) if you do not behave the same, there will be Fitnah and oppression on the earth, and a great mischief and corruption.)[8:73]. Allah said next, إِلَّا أَن تَتَّقُوا مِنْهُمْ تُقَاةً (unless you indeed fear a danger from them) meaning, except those believers who in some areas or times fear for their safety from the disbelievers. In this case, such believers are allowed to show friendship to the disbelievers outwardly, but never inwardly. For instance, Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Ad-Darda' said, "We smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them." Al-Bukhari said that Al-Hasan said, "The Tuqyah is allowed until the Day of Resurrection." Allah said, وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ (And Allah warns you against Himself.) meaning, He warns you against His anger and the severe torment He prepared for those who give their support to His enemies, and those who have enmity with His friends, وَإِلَى اللَّهِ الْمَصِيرُ (And to Allah is the final return) meaning, the return is to Him and He will reward or punish each person according to their deeds.

Say: "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is able to do all things. (29)On the Day when every person will be confronted with the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allah warns you against Himself and Allah is full of kindness with the servants (30) Allah Knows What the Hearts Conceal Allah tells His servants that He knows the secrets and apparent matters and that nothing concerning them escapes His observation. Rather, His knowledge encompasses them in all conditions, time frames, days and instances. His knowledge encompasses all that is in heaven and earth, and nothing not even the weight of an atom, or what is smaller than that in the earth, seas and mountains, escapes His observation. Indeed, وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (And Allah is able to do all things.) and His ability encompasses everything. This Ayah alerts Allah's servants that they should fear Him enough to not commit what He prohibits and dislikes, for He has perfect knowledge in all they do and is able to punish them promptly. And He gives respite to some of them, then He punishes them, and He is Swift and Mighty in taking account. This is why Allah said afterwards, يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُّحْضَرًا (On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done,) meaning, on the Day of Resurrection, Allah brings the good and evil deeds before the servant, just as He said, يُنَبَّأُ الْإِنسَانُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بِمَا قَدَّمَ وَأَخَّرَ (On that Day man will be informed of what he sent forward, and what he left behind.)[75:13]. When the servant sees his good deeds, he becomes happy and delighted. When he sees the evil deeds he committed, he becomes sad and angry. Then he will wish that he could disown his evil work and that a long distance separated it from him. He will also say to the devil who used to accompany him in this life, and who used to encourage him to do evil; يَا لَيْتَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكَ بُعْدَ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ فَبِئْسَ الْقَرِينُ ("Would that between me and you were the distance of the two easts ـ a horrible companion (indeed)!)[43:38]. Allah then said, while threatening and warning, وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ (And Allah warns you against Himself) meaning, He warns you against His punishment. Allah then said, while bringing hope to His servants, so that they do not despair from His mercy or feel hopeless of His kindness, وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah is full of kindness with the servants) Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, "Allah is so kind with them that He warns them against Himself." Others commented, "He is merciful with His creation and likes for them to remain on His straight path and chosen religion, and to follow His honorable Messenger."

Say: "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is able to do all things. (29)On the Day when every person will be confronted with the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allah warns you against Himself and Allah is full of kindness with the servants (30) Allah Knows What the Hearts Conceal Allah tells His servants that He knows the secrets and apparent matters and that nothing concerning them escapes His observation. Rather, His knowledge encompasses them in all conditions, time frames, days and instances. His knowledge encompasses all that is in heaven and earth, and nothing not even the weight of an atom, or what is smaller than that in the earth, seas and mountains, escapes His observation. Indeed, وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (And Allah is able to do all things.) and His ability encompasses everything. This Ayah alerts Allah's servants that they should fear Him enough to not commit what He prohibits and dislikes, for He has perfect knowledge in all they do and is able to punish them promptly. And He gives respite to some of them, then He punishes them, and He is Swift and Mighty in taking account. This is why Allah said afterwards, يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُّحْضَرًا (On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done,) meaning, on the Day of Resurrection, Allah brings the good and evil deeds before the servant, just as He said, يُنَبَّأُ الْإِنسَانُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بِمَا قَدَّمَ وَأَخَّرَ (On that Day man will be informed of what he sent forward, and what he left behind.)[75:13]. When the servant sees his good deeds, he becomes happy and delighted. When he sees the evil deeds he committed, he becomes sad and angry. Then he will wish that he could disown his evil work and that a long distance separated it from him. He will also say to the devil who used to accompany him in this life, and who used to encourage him to do evil; يَا لَيْتَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكَ بُعْدَ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ فَبِئْسَ الْقَرِينُ ("Would that between me and you were the distance of the two easts ـ a horrible companion (indeed)!)[43:38]. Allah then said, while threatening and warning, وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ (And Allah warns you against Himself) meaning, He warns you against His punishment. Allah then said, while bringing hope to His servants, so that they do not despair from His mercy or feel hopeless of His kindness, وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (And Allah is full of kindness with the servants) Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, "Allah is so kind with them that He warns them against Himself." Others commented, "He is merciful with His creation and likes for them to remain on His straight path and chosen religion, and to follow His honorable Messenger."

Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (31)Say: "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers (32) Allah's Love is Attained by Following the Messenger (ﷺ) This honorable Ayah judges against those who claim to love Allah, yet do not follow the way of Muhammad ﷺ. Such people are not true in their claim until they follow the Shari'ah (Law) of Muhammad ﷺ and his religion in all his statements, actions and conditions. It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَدٌّ (Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected of him.) This is why Allah said here, قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you...") meaning, what you will earn is much more than what you sought in loving Him, for Allah will love you. Al-Hasan Al-Basri and several scholars among the Salaf commented, "Some people claimed that they love Allah. So Allah tested them with this Ayah; قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you..."). " Allah then said, وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ("And forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.") meaning, by your following the Messenger ﷺ, you will earn all this with the blessing of his mission. Allah next commands everyone, قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (Say: "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away) by defying the Prophet ﷺ) فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ (then Allah does not like the disbelievers.) thus, testifying that defiance of the Messenger's way constitutes Kufr. Indeed, Allah does not like whoever does this, even if he claims that he loves Allah and seeks a means of approach to Him, unless, and until, he follows the unlettered Prophet, the Final Messenger ﷺ from Allah to the two creations: mankind and the Jinn. This is the Prophet ﷺ who, if the previous Prophets and mighty Messengers were to have been alive during his time, they would have no choice but to follow, obey him, and to abide by his Law. We will mention this fact when we explain the Ayah, وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَاقَ النَّبِيِّينَ (And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets)[3:81], Allah willing.

Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (31)Say: "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers (32) Allah's Love is Attained by Following the Messenger (ﷺ) This honorable Ayah judges against those who claim to love Allah, yet do not follow the way of Muhammad ﷺ. Such people are not true in their claim until they follow the Shari'ah (Law) of Muhammad ﷺ and his religion in all his statements, actions and conditions. It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَدٌّ (Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected of him.) This is why Allah said here, قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you...") meaning, what you will earn is much more than what you sought in loving Him, for Allah will love you. Al-Hasan Al-Basri and several scholars among the Salaf commented, "Some people claimed that they love Allah. So Allah tested them with this Ayah; قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ (Say (O Muhammad ﷺ to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you..."). " Allah then said, وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ("And forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.") meaning, by your following the Messenger ﷺ, you will earn all this with the blessing of his mission. Allah next commands everyone, قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (Say: "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away) by defying the Prophet ﷺ) فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ (then Allah does not like the disbelievers.) thus, testifying that defiance of the Messenger's way constitutes Kufr. Indeed, Allah does not like whoever does this, even if he claims that he loves Allah and seeks a means of approach to Him, unless, and until, he follows the unlettered Prophet, the Final Messenger ﷺ from Allah to the two creations: mankind and the Jinn. This is the Prophet ﷺ who, if the previous Prophets and mighty Messengers were to have been alive during his time, they would have no choice but to follow, obey him, and to abide by his Law. We will mention this fact when we explain the Ayah, وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَاقَ النَّبِيِّينَ (And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets)[3:81], Allah willing.

Allah chose Adam, Nuh (Noah), the family of Ibrahim and the family of 'Imran above the nations (33)Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (34) The Chosen Ones Among the People of the Earth Allah states that He has chosen these households over the people of the earth. For instance, Allah chose Adam, created him with His Hand and blew life into him. Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, taught him the names of everything and allowed him to dwell in Paradise, but then sent him down from it out of His wisdom. Allah chose Nuh and made him the first Messenger to the people of the earth, when the people worshipped idols and associated others with Allah in worship. Allah avenged the way Nuh was treated, for he kept calling his people day and night, in public and in secret, for a very long time. However, his calling them only made them shun him more, and this is when Nuh supplicated against them. So Allah caused them to drown, and none among them was saved, except those who followed the religion that Allah sent to Nuh. Allah also chose the household of Ibrahim, including the master of all mankind, and the Final Prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. Allah also chose the household of 'Imran, the father of Marym bint 'Imran, the mother of 'Isa, peace be upon them. So 'Isa is from the offspring of Ibrahim, as we will mention in the Tafsir of Surat Al-An'am, Allah willing, and our trust is in Him.

Allah chose Adam, Nuh (Noah), the family of Ibrahim and the family of 'Imran above the nations (33)Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (34) The Chosen Ones Among the People of the Earth Allah states that He has chosen these households over the people of the earth. For instance, Allah chose Adam, created him with His Hand and blew life into him. Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, taught him the names of everything and allowed him to dwell in Paradise, but then sent him down from it out of His wisdom. Allah chose Nuh and made him the first Messenger to the people of the earth, when the people worshipped idols and associated others with Allah in worship. Allah avenged the way Nuh was treated, for he kept calling his people day and night, in public and in secret, for a very long time. However, his calling them only made them shun him more, and this is when Nuh supplicated against them. So Allah caused them to drown, and none among them was saved, except those who followed the religion that Allah sent to Nuh. Allah also chose the household of Ibrahim, including the master of all mankind, and the Final Prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. Allah also chose the household of 'Imran, the father of Marym bint 'Imran, the mother of 'Isa, peace be upon them. So 'Isa is from the offspring of Ibrahim, as we will mention in the Tafsir of Surat Al-An'am, Allah willing, and our trust is in Him.

(Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services, so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing. (35)Then when she gave birth to her, she said: "O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, ـ and Allah knew better what she bore, ـ "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam, and I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast. (36) The Story of Maryam's Birth The wife of 'Imran mentioned here is the mother of Maryam, and her name is Hannah bint Faqudh. Muhammad bin Ishaq mentioned that Hannah could not have children and that one day, she saw a bird feeding its chick. She wished she could have children and supplicated to Allah to grant her offspring. Allah accepted her supplication, and when her husband slept with her, she became pregnant. She vowed to make her child concentrate on worship and serving Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Masjid in Jerusalem), when she became aware that she was pregnant. She said, رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (O my Lord! I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services, so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing.) meaning, You hear my supplication and You know my intention. She did not know then what she would give birth to, a male or a female. فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعْتُهَا أُنثَىٰ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ (Then when she gave birth to her, she said: "O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, ـ and Allah knew better what she bore.) وَلَيْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالْأُنثَىٰ (And the male is not like the female,) in strength and the commitment to worship Allah and serve the Masjid in Jerusalem. وَإِنِّي سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ (And I have named her Maryam,) thus, testifying to the fact that it is allowed to give a name to the newly born the day it is born, as is apparent from the Ayah, which is also a part of the law of those who were before us. Further, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ said, وُلِدَ لِيَ اللَّيْلَةَ وَلَدٌ، سَمَّيْتُهُ بِاسْمِ أَبِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (This night, a son was born for me and I called him by my father's name, Ibrahim.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim collected this Hadith. They also recorded that Anas bin Malik brought his newborn brother to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who chewed a piece of date and put it in the child's mouth and called him 'Abdullah. Other new born infants were also given names on the day they were born. Qatadah narrated that Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, that Samurah bin Jundub said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كُلُّ غُلَامٍ رَهِينٌ بِعَقِيقَتِهِ، يُذْبَحُ عَنْهُ يَوْمَ سَابِعِهِ، وَيُسَمَّى وَيُحْلَقُ رَأَسُهُ (Every new born boy held in security by his 'Aqiqah, until his seventh day, a sacrifice is offered on his behalf, he is given a name, and the hair on his head is shaved.) This Hadith was collected by Ahmad and the collectors of the Sunan, and was graded Sahih by At-Tirmidhi. We should mention that another narration for this Hadith contained the wording, "and blood is offered on his behalf," which is more famous and established than the former narration, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement that Maryam's mother said, وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ("...And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast.") means, that she sought refuge with Allah from the evil of Shaytan, for her and her offspring, i.e., 'Isa, peace be upon him. Allah accepted her supplication, for 'Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَا مِنْ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ إِلَّا مَسَّهُ الشَّيْطَانُ حِينَ يُولَدُ، فَيَسْتَهِلُّ صَارِخًا مِنْ مَسِّهِ إِيَّاهُ، إِلَّا مَرْيَمَ وَابْنَهَا (Every newly born baby is touched by Shaytan when it is born, and the baby starts crying because of this touch, except Maryam and her son.) Abu Hurayrah then said, "Read if you will, وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ (And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast)." The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith.

(Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services, so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing. (35)Then when she gave birth to her, she said: "O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, ـ and Allah knew better what she bore, ـ "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam, and I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast. (36) The Story of Maryam's Birth The wife of 'Imran mentioned here is the mother of Maryam, and her name is Hannah bint Faqudh. Muhammad bin Ishaq mentioned that Hannah could not have children and that one day, she saw a bird feeding its chick. She wished she could have children and supplicated to Allah to grant her offspring. Allah accepted her supplication, and when her husband slept with her, she became pregnant. She vowed to make her child concentrate on worship and serving Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Masjid in Jerusalem), when she became aware that she was pregnant. She said, رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (O my Lord! I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services, so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing.) meaning, You hear my supplication and You know my intention. She did not know then what she would give birth to, a male or a female. فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعْتُهَا أُنثَىٰ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ (Then when she gave birth to her, she said: "O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, ـ and Allah knew better what she bore.) وَلَيْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالْأُنثَىٰ (And the male is not like the female,) in strength and the commitment to worship Allah and serve the Masjid in Jerusalem. وَإِنِّي سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ (And I have named her Maryam,) thus, testifying to the fact that it is allowed to give a name to the newly born the day it is born, as is apparent from the Ayah, which is also a part of the law of those who were before us. Further, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ said, وُلِدَ لِيَ اللَّيْلَةَ وَلَدٌ، سَمَّيْتُهُ بِاسْمِ أَبِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (This night, a son was born for me and I called him by my father's name, Ibrahim.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim collected this Hadith. They also recorded that Anas bin Malik brought his newborn brother to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who chewed a piece of date and put it in the child's mouth and called him 'Abdullah. Other new born infants were also given names on the day they were born. Qatadah narrated that Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, that Samurah bin Jundub said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كُلُّ غُلَامٍ رَهِينٌ بِعَقِيقَتِهِ، يُذْبَحُ عَنْهُ يَوْمَ سَابِعِهِ، وَيُسَمَّى وَيُحْلَقُ رَأَسُهُ (Every new born boy held in security by his 'Aqiqah, until his seventh day, a sacrifice is offered on his behalf, he is given a name, and the hair on his head is shaved.) This Hadith was collected by Ahmad and the collectors of the Sunan, and was graded Sahih by At-Tirmidhi. We should mention that another narration for this Hadith contained the wording, "and blood is offered on his behalf," which is more famous and established than the former narration, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement that Maryam's mother said, وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ("...And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast.") means, that she sought refuge with Allah from the evil of Shaytan, for her and her offspring, i.e., 'Isa, peace be upon him. Allah accepted her supplication, for 'Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَا مِنْ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ إِلَّا مَسَّهُ الشَّيْطَانُ حِينَ يُولَدُ، فَيَسْتَهِلُّ صَارِخًا مِنْ مَسِّهِ إِيَّاهُ، إِلَّا مَرْيَمَ وَابْنَهَا (Every newly born baby is touched by Shaytan when it is born, and the baby starts crying because of this touch, except Maryam and her son.) Abu Hurayrah then said, "Read if you will, وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ (And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast)." The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith.

So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariyya. Every time he entered the Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam! From where have you gotten this?" She said, "This is from Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit (37) Maryam Grows Up; Her Honor is with Allah Allah states that He has accepted Maryam as a result of her mother's vow and that He, وَأَنبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا (made her grow in a good manner) meaning, made her conduct becoming, her mannerism delightful and He made her well liked among people. He also made her accompany the righteous people, so that she learned righteousness, knowledge and religion. وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا (And put her under the care of Zakariyya) meaning, Allah made Zakariyya her sponsor. Allah made Zakariyya Maryam's guardian for her benefit, so that she would learn from his tremendous knowledge and righteous conduct. He was the husband of her maternal aunt, as Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Jarir stated, or her brother-in-law, as mentioned in the Sahih, فَإِذَا بِيَحْيَى وَعِيسىٰ، وَهُمَا ابْنَا الْخَالَةِ (I saw John and 'Isa, who are maternal cousins.) We should state that in general terms, what Ibn Ishaq said is plausible, and in this case, Maryam was under the care of her maternal aunt. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ decided that 'Amarah, the daughter of Hamzah, be raised by her maternal aunt, the wife of Ja'far bin Abi Talib, saying, الْخَالَةُ بِمَنْزِلَةِ الْأُمِّ (The maternal aunt is just like the mother.) Allah then emphasizes Maryam's honor and virtue at the place of worship she attended, كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا (Every time he entered the Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance.) Mujahid, 'Ikrimah, Sa'id bin Jubayr, Abu Ash-Sha'tha, Ibrahim An-Nakha'i, Ad-Dahhak, Qatadah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, 'Atiyah Al-'Awfi and As-Suddi said, "He would find with her the fruits of the summer during winter, and the fruits of the winter during summer." When Zakariyya would see this; قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَٰذَا (He said: "O Maryam! From where have you gotten this?") meaning, where did you get these fruits from? قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ (She said, "This is from Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.)

At that time Zakariyya invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. (38)Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab, (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, believing in the Word from Allah, and Sayyidan, and Hasuran, a Prophet, from among the righteous. (39)He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (Allah) said: "Thus Allah does what He wills. (40)He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." (Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning. (41) The Supplication of Zakariyya, and the Good News of Yahya's Birth When Zakariyya saw that Allah provided sustenance for Maryam by giving her the fruits of winter in summer and the fruits of summer in winter, he was eager to have a child of his own. By then, Zakariyya had become an old man, his bones feeble and his head full of gray hair. His wife was an old women who was barren. Yet, he still supplicated to Allah and called Him in secret, رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ (O my Lord! Grant me from Ladunka,) from You, ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (A good offspring) meaning, a righteous offspring, إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ (You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.) Allah said, فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ (Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab,) meaning, the angels spoke to him directly while he was secluded, standing in prayer at his place of worship. Allah told us about the good news that the angels delivered to Zakariyya, أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ (Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya,) of a child from your offspring, his name is Yahya. Qatadah and other scholars said that he was called Yahya (literally, 'he lives') because Allah filled his life with faith. Allah said next, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) Al-'Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, and also Al-Hasan, Qatadah, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Ash-Sha'tha, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Ad-Dahhak, and several others said that the Ayah, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) means, "Believing in 'Isa, son of Maryam." Abu Al-'Aliyah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Qatadah and Sa'id bin Jubayr said that Allah's statement, وَسَيِّدًا (And Sayyidan) means, a wise man. Ibn 'Abbas, Ath-Thawri and Ad-Dahhak said that Sayyidan means, "The noble, wise and pious man." Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that Sayyid is the scholar and Faqih. 'Atiyah said that Sayyid is the man noble in behavior and piety. 'Ikrimah said that it refers to a person who is not overcome by anger, while Ibn Zayd said that it refers to the noble man. Mujahid said that Sayyidan means, honored by Allah. Allah's statement, وَحَصُورًا (And Hasuran) does not mean he refrains from sexual relations with women, but that he is immune from illegal sexual relations. This does not mean that he does not marry women and have legal sexual relations with them, for Zakariyya said in his supplication for the benefit of Yahya, هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (Grant me from You, a good offspring), meaning, grant me a son who will have offspring, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement, وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (A Prophet, from among the righteous) delivers more good news of sending Yahya as Prophet after the good news that he will be born. This good news was even better than the news of Yahya's birth. In a similar statement, Allah said to the mother of Musa, إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of the Messengers.)[28:7] When Zakariyya heard the good news, he started contemplating about having children at his age. He said, قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ قَالَ ("O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (He) said...) meaning the angel said, كَذَٰلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ ("Thus Allah does what He wills.") meaning, this is Allah's matter, He is so Mighty that nothing escapes His power, nor is anything beyond His ability. قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً (He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me") meaning make a sign that alerts me that the child will come, قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا ((Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals.") meaning, you will not be able to speak except with signals, although you are not mute. In another Ayah, Allah said, ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا (For three nights, though having no bodily defect.)[19:10] Allah then commanded Zakariyya to supplicate, thank and praise Him often in that condition, وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ (And remember your Lord much and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.) We will elaborate more on this subject in the beginning of Surah Maryam (chapter 19), Allah willing.

At that time Zakariyya invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. (38)Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab, (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, believing in the Word from Allah, and Sayyidan, and Hasuran, a Prophet, from among the righteous. (39)He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (Allah) said: "Thus Allah does what He wills. (40)He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." (Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning. (41) The Supplication of Zakariyya, and the Good News of Yahya's Birth When Zakariyya saw that Allah provided sustenance for Maryam by giving her the fruits of winter in summer and the fruits of summer in winter, he was eager to have a child of his own. By then, Zakariyya had become an old man, his bones feeble and his head full of gray hair. His wife was an old women who was barren. Yet, he still supplicated to Allah and called Him in secret, رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ (O my Lord! Grant me from Ladunka,) from You, ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (A good offspring) meaning, a righteous offspring, إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ (You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.) Allah said, فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ (Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab,) meaning, the angels spoke to him directly while he was secluded, standing in prayer at his place of worship. Allah told us about the good news that the angels delivered to Zakariyya, أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ (Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya,) of a child from your offspring, his name is Yahya. Qatadah and other scholars said that he was called Yahya (literally, 'he lives') because Allah filled his life with faith. Allah said next, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) Al-'Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, and also Al-Hasan, Qatadah, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Ash-Sha'tha, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Ad-Dahhak, and several others said that the Ayah, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) means, "Believing in 'Isa, son of Maryam." Abu Al-'Aliyah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Qatadah and Sa'id bin Jubayr said that Allah's statement, وَسَيِّدًا (And Sayyidan) means, a wise man. Ibn 'Abbas, Ath-Thawri and Ad-Dahhak said that Sayyidan means, "The noble, wise and pious man." Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that Sayyid is the scholar and Faqih. 'Atiyah said that Sayyid is the man noble in behavior and piety. 'Ikrimah said that it refers to a person who is not overcome by anger, while Ibn Zayd said that it refers to the noble man. Mujahid said that Sayyidan means, honored by Allah. Allah's statement, وَحَصُورًا (And Hasuran) does not mean he refrains from sexual relations with women, but that he is immune from illegal sexual relations. This does not mean that he does not marry women and have legal sexual relations with them, for Zakariyya said in his supplication for the benefit of Yahya, هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (Grant me from You, a good offspring), meaning, grant me a son who will have offspring, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement, وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (A Prophet, from among the righteous) delivers more good news of sending Yahya as Prophet after the good news that he will be born. This good news was even better than the news of Yahya's birth. In a similar statement, Allah said to the mother of Musa, إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of the Messengers.)[28:7] When Zakariyya heard the good news, he started contemplating about having children at his age. He said, قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ قَالَ ("O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (He) said...) meaning the angel said, كَذَٰلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ ("Thus Allah does what He wills.") meaning, this is Allah's matter, He is so Mighty that nothing escapes His power, nor is anything beyond His ability. قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً (He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me") meaning make a sign that alerts me that the child will come, قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا ((Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals.") meaning, you will not be able to speak except with signals, although you are not mute. In another Ayah, Allah said, ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا (For three nights, though having no bodily defect.)[19:10] Allah then commanded Zakariyya to supplicate, thank and praise Him often in that condition, وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ (And remember your Lord much and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.) We will elaborate more on this subject in the beginning of Surah Maryam (chapter 19), Allah willing.

At that time Zakariyya invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. (38)Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab, (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, believing in the Word from Allah, and Sayyidan, and Hasuran, a Prophet, from among the righteous. (39)He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (Allah) said: "Thus Allah does what He wills. (40)He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." (Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning. (41) The Supplication of Zakariyya, and the Good News of Yahya's Birth When Zakariyya saw that Allah provided sustenance for Maryam by giving her the fruits of winter in summer and the fruits of summer in winter, he was eager to have a child of his own. By then, Zakariyya had become an old man, his bones feeble and his head full of gray hair. His wife was an old women who was barren. Yet, he still supplicated to Allah and called Him in secret, رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ (O my Lord! Grant me from Ladunka,) from You, ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (A good offspring) meaning, a righteous offspring, إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ (You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.) Allah said, فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ (Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab,) meaning, the angels spoke to him directly while he was secluded, standing in prayer at his place of worship. Allah told us about the good news that the angels delivered to Zakariyya, أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ (Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya,) of a child from your offspring, his name is Yahya. Qatadah and other scholars said that he was called Yahya (literally, 'he lives') because Allah filled his life with faith. Allah said next, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) Al-'Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, and also Al-Hasan, Qatadah, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Ash-Sha'tha, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Ad-Dahhak, and several others said that the Ayah, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) means, "Believing in 'Isa, son of Maryam." Abu Al-'Aliyah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Qatadah and Sa'id bin Jubayr said that Allah's statement, وَسَيِّدًا (And Sayyidan) means, a wise man. Ibn 'Abbas, Ath-Thawri and Ad-Dahhak said that Sayyidan means, "The noble, wise and pious man." Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that Sayyid is the scholar and Faqih. 'Atiyah said that Sayyid is the man noble in behavior and piety. 'Ikrimah said that it refers to a person who is not overcome by anger, while Ibn Zayd said that it refers to the noble man. Mujahid said that Sayyidan means, honored by Allah. Allah's statement, وَحَصُورًا (And Hasuran) does not mean he refrains from sexual relations with women, but that he is immune from illegal sexual relations. This does not mean that he does not marry women and have legal sexual relations with them, for Zakariyya said in his supplication for the benefit of Yahya, هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (Grant me from You, a good offspring), meaning, grant me a son who will have offspring, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement, وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (A Prophet, from among the righteous) delivers more good news of sending Yahya as Prophet after the good news that he will be born. This good news was even better than the news of Yahya's birth. In a similar statement, Allah said to the mother of Musa, إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of the Messengers.)[28:7] When Zakariyya heard the good news, he started contemplating about having children at his age. He said, قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ قَالَ ("O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (He) said...) meaning the angel said, كَذَٰلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ ("Thus Allah does what He wills.") meaning, this is Allah's matter, He is so Mighty that nothing escapes His power, nor is anything beyond His ability. قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً (He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me") meaning make a sign that alerts me that the child will come, قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا ((Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals.") meaning, you will not be able to speak except with signals, although you are not mute. In another Ayah, Allah said, ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا (For three nights, though having no bodily defect.)[19:10] Allah then commanded Zakariyya to supplicate, thank and praise Him often in that condition, وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ (And remember your Lord much and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.) We will elaborate more on this subject in the beginning of Surah Maryam (chapter 19), Allah willing.

At that time Zakariyya invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. (38)Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab, (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, believing in the Word from Allah, and Sayyidan, and Hasuran, a Prophet, from among the righteous. (39)He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (Allah) said: "Thus Allah does what He wills. (40)He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." (Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning. (41) The Supplication of Zakariyya, and the Good News of Yahya's Birth When Zakariyya saw that Allah provided sustenance for Maryam by giving her the fruits of winter in summer and the fruits of summer in winter, he was eager to have a child of his own. By then, Zakariyya had become an old man, his bones feeble and his head full of gray hair. His wife was an old women who was barren. Yet, he still supplicated to Allah and called Him in secret, رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ (O my Lord! Grant me from Ladunka,) from You, ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (A good offspring) meaning, a righteous offspring, إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ (You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.) Allah said, فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ (Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in the Mihrab,) meaning, the angels spoke to him directly while he was secluded, standing in prayer at his place of worship. Allah told us about the good news that the angels delivered to Zakariyya, أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ (Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya,) of a child from your offspring, his name is Yahya. Qatadah and other scholars said that he was called Yahya (literally, 'he lives') because Allah filled his life with faith. Allah said next, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) Al-'Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, and also Al-Hasan, Qatadah, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Abu Ash-Sha'tha, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Ad-Dahhak, and several others said that the Ayah, مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (believing in the Word from Allah) means, "Believing in 'Isa, son of Maryam." Abu Al-'Aliyah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, Qatadah and Sa'id bin Jubayr said that Allah's statement, وَسَيِّدًا (And Sayyidan) means, a wise man. Ibn 'Abbas, Ath-Thawri and Ad-Dahhak said that Sayyidan means, "The noble, wise and pious man." Sa'id bin Al-Musayyib said that Sayyid is the scholar and Faqih. 'Atiyah said that Sayyid is the man noble in behavior and piety. 'Ikrimah said that it refers to a person who is not overcome by anger, while Ibn Zayd said that it refers to the noble man. Mujahid said that Sayyidan means, honored by Allah. Allah's statement, وَحَصُورًا (And Hasuran) does not mean he refrains from sexual relations with women, but that he is immune from illegal sexual relations. This does not mean that he does not marry women and have legal sexual relations with them, for Zakariyya said in his supplication for the benefit of Yahya, هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (Grant me from You, a good offspring), meaning, grant me a son who will have offspring, and Allah knows best. Allah's statement, وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (A Prophet, from among the righteous) delivers more good news of sending Yahya as Prophet after the good news that he will be born. This good news was even better than the news of Yahya's birth. In a similar statement, Allah said to the mother of Musa, إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ (Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of the Messengers.)[28:7] When Zakariyya heard the good news, he started contemplating about having children at his age. He said, قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ قَالَ ("O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" (He) said...) meaning the angel said, كَذَٰلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ ("Thus Allah does what He wills.") meaning, this is Allah's matter, He is so Mighty that nothing escapes His power, nor is anything beyond His ability. قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً (He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me") meaning make a sign that alerts me that the child will come, قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا ((Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals.") meaning, you will not be able to speak except with signals, although you are not mute. In another Ayah, Allah said, ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا (For three nights, though having no bodily defect.)[19:10] Allah then commanded Zakariyya to supplicate, thank and praise Him often in that condition, وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ (And remember your Lord much and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.) We will elaborate more on this subject in the beginning of Surah Maryam (chapter 19), Allah willing.

And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the nations. (42)"O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) to your Lord and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in. (43)This is a part of the news of the Ghayb (Unseen) which We reveal to you. You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed (44) The Virtue of Maryam Over the Women of Her Time Allah states that the angels spoke to Maryam by His command and told her that He chose her because of her service to Him, because of her modesty, honor, innocence, and conviction. Allah also chose her because of her virtue over the women of the world. At-Tirmidhi recorded that 'Ali bin Abi Talib said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, خَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَخَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا خَدِيجَةُ بِنْتُ خُوَيْلِدٍ (The best woman (in her time) was Maryam, daughter of 'Imran, and the best woman (of the Prophet's time) is Khadijah (his wife), daughter of Khuwaylid.)" The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith. Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ وَ آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ (Many men achieved perfection, but among women, only Maryam the daughter of 'Imran and Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, achieved perfection.) The Six, with the exception of Abu Dawud, recorded it. Al-Bukhari's wording for it reads, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ، وَمَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَإِنَّ فَضْلَ عَائِشَةَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ كَفَضْلِ الثَّرِيدِ عَلى سَائِرِ الطَّعَامِ (Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, and Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran. The superiority of 'A'ishah (his wife) to other women, is like the superiority of Tharid (meat and bread dish) to other meals.) We mentioned the various chains of narration and wordings for this Hadith in the story of 'Isa, son of Maryam, in our book, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, all the thanks are due to Allah. Allah states that the angels commanded Maryam to increase acts of worship, humbleness, submission, prostration, bowing, and so forth, so that she would acquire what Allah had decreed for her, as a test for her. Yet, this test also earned her a higher grade in this life and the Hereafter, for Allah demonstrated His might by creating a son inside her without male intervention. Allah said, يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ ("O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in.") As for Qunut (Aqnuti in the Ayah), it means to submit with humbleness. In another Ayah, Allah said, بَل لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ كُلٌّ لَّهُ قَانِتُونَ (Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (Qanitun) to Him.)[2:116] Allah next said to His Messenger ﷺ after He mentioned Maryam's story, ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ (This is a part of the news of the Ghayb which We reveal.) "and narrate to you (O Muhammad ﷺ), " وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ (You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed.) meaning, "You were not present, O Muhammad, when this occurred, so you cannot narrate what happened to the people as an eye witness. Rather, Allah disclosed these facts to you as if you were a witness, when they conducted a lottery to choose the custodian of Maryam, seeking the reward of this good deed." Ibn Jarir recorded that 'Ikrimah said, "Maryam's mother left with Maryam, carrying her in her infant cloth, and took her to the rabbis from the offspring of Aaron, the brother of Musa. They were responsible for taking care of Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Masjid) at that time, just as there were those who took care of the Ka'bah. Maryam's mother said to them, 'Take this child whom I vowed [to serve the Masjid], I have set her free, since she is my daughter, for no menstruating woman should enter the Masjid, and I shall not take her back home.' They said, 'She is the daughter of our Imam,' as 'Imran used to lead them in prayer, 'who took care of our sacrificial rituals.' Zakariyya said, 'Give her to me, for her maternal aunt is my wife.' They said, 'Our hearts cannot bear that you take her, for she is the daughter of our Imam.' So they conducted a lottery with the pens with which they wrote the Tawrah, and Zakariyya won the lottery and took Maryam into his care." 'Ikrimah, As-Suddi, Qatadah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, and several others said that the rabbis went into the Jordan river and conducted a lottery there, deciding to throw their pens into the river. The pen that remained afloat and idle would indicate that its owner would take care of Maryam. When they threw their pens into the river, the water took all the pens under, except Zakariyya's pen, which remained afloat in its place. Zakariyya was also their master, chief, scholar, Imam and Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be on him and the rest of the Prophets.

And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the nations. (42)"O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) to your Lord and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in. (43)This is a part of the news of the Ghayb (Unseen) which We reveal to you. You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed (44) The Virtue of Maryam Over the Women of Her Time Allah states that the angels spoke to Maryam by His command and told her that He chose her because of her service to Him, because of her modesty, honor, innocence, and conviction. Allah also chose her because of her virtue over the women of the world. At-Tirmidhi recorded that 'Ali bin Abi Talib said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, خَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَخَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا خَدِيجَةُ بِنْتُ خُوَيْلِدٍ (The best woman (in her time) was Maryam, daughter of 'Imran, and the best woman (of the Prophet's time) is Khadijah (his wife), daughter of Khuwaylid.)" The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith. Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ وَ آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ (Many men achieved perfection, but among women, only Maryam the daughter of 'Imran and Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, achieved perfection.) The Six, with the exception of Abu Dawud, recorded it. Al-Bukhari's wording for it reads, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ، وَمَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَإِنَّ فَضْلَ عَائِشَةَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ كَفَضْلِ الثَّرِيدِ عَلى سَائِرِ الطَّعَامِ (Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, and Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran. The superiority of 'A'ishah (his wife) to other women, is like the superiority of Tharid (meat and bread dish) to other meals.) We mentioned the various chains of narration and wordings for this Hadith in the story of 'Isa, son of Maryam, in our book, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, all the thanks are due to Allah. Allah states that the angels commanded Maryam to increase acts of worship, humbleness, submission, prostration, bowing, and so forth, so that she would acquire what Allah had decreed for her, as a test for her. Yet, this test also earned her a higher grade in this life and the Hereafter, for Allah demonstrated His might by creating a son inside her without male intervention. Allah said, يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ ("O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in.") As for Qunut (Aqnuti in the Ayah), it means to submit with humbleness. In another Ayah, Allah said, بَل لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ كُلٌّ لَّهُ قَانِتُونَ (Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (Qanitun) to Him.)[2:116] Allah next said to His Messenger ﷺ after He mentioned Maryam's story, ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ (This is a part of the news of the Ghayb which We reveal.) "and narrate to you (O Muhammad ﷺ), " وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ (You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed.) meaning, "You were not present, O Muhammad, when this occurred, so you cannot narrate what happened to the people as an eye witness. Rather, Allah disclosed these facts to you as if you were a witness, when they conducted a lottery to choose the custodian of Maryam, seeking the reward of this good deed." Ibn Jarir recorded that 'Ikrimah said, "Maryam's mother left with Maryam, carrying her in her infant cloth, and took her to the rabbis from the offspring of Aaron, the brother of Musa. They were responsible for taking care of Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Masjid) at that time, just as there were those who took care of the Ka'bah. Maryam's mother said to them, 'Take this child whom I vowed [to serve the Masjid], I have set her free, since she is my daughter, for no menstruating woman should enter the Masjid, and I shall not take her back home.' They said, 'She is the daughter of our Imam,' as 'Imran used to lead them in prayer, 'who took care of our sacrificial rituals.' Zakariyya said, 'Give her to me, for her maternal aunt is my wife.' They said, 'Our hearts cannot bear that you take her, for she is the daughter of our Imam.' So they conducted a lottery with the pens with which they wrote the Tawrah, and Zakariyya won the lottery and took Maryam into his care." 'Ikrimah, As-Suddi, Qatadah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, and several others said that the rabbis went into the Jordan river and conducted a lottery there, deciding to throw their pens into the river. The pen that remained afloat and idle would indicate that its owner would take care of Maryam. When they threw their pens into the river, the water took all the pens under, except Zakariyya's pen, which remained afloat in its place. Zakariyya was also their master, chief, scholar, Imam and Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be on him and the rest of the Prophets.

And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the nations. (42)"O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) to your Lord and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in. (43)This is a part of the news of the Ghayb (Unseen) which We reveal to you. You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed (44) The Virtue of Maryam Over the Women of Her Time Allah states that the angels spoke to Maryam by His command and told her that He chose her because of her service to Him, because of her modesty, honor, innocence, and conviction. Allah also chose her because of her virtue over the women of the world. At-Tirmidhi recorded that 'Ali bin Abi Talib said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, خَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَخَيْرُ نِسَائِهَا خَدِيجَةُ بِنْتُ خُوَيْلِدٍ (The best woman (in her time) was Maryam, daughter of 'Imran, and the best woman (of the Prophet's time) is Khadijah (his wife), daughter of Khuwaylid.)" The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith. Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ وَ آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ (Many men achieved perfection, but among women, only Maryam the daughter of 'Imran and Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, achieved perfection.) The Six, with the exception of Abu Dawud, recorded it. Al-Bukhari's wording for it reads, كَمُلَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ كَثِيرٌ، وَلَمْ يَكْمُلْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ إِلَّا آسِيَةُ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ، وَمَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ، وَإِنَّ فَضْلَ عَائِشَةَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ كَفَضْلِ الثَّرِيدِ عَلى سَائِرِ الطَّعَامِ (Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Asiah, the wife of Fir'awn, and Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran. The superiority of 'A'ishah (his wife) to other women, is like the superiority of Tharid (meat and bread dish) to other meals.) We mentioned the various chains of narration and wordings for this Hadith in the story of 'Isa, son of Maryam, in our book, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, all the thanks are due to Allah. Allah states that the angels commanded Maryam to increase acts of worship, humbleness, submission, prostration, bowing, and so forth, so that she would acquire what Allah had decreed for her, as a test for her. Yet, this test also earned her a higher grade in this life and the Hereafter, for Allah demonstrated His might by creating a son inside her without male intervention. Allah said, يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ ("O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Aqnuti) and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'in.") As for Qunut (Aqnuti in the Ayah), it means to submit with humbleness. In another Ayah, Allah said, بَل لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ كُلٌّ لَّهُ قَانِتُونَ (Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (Qanitun) to Him.)[2:116] Allah next said to His Messenger ﷺ after He mentioned Maryam's story, ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ (This is a part of the news of the Ghayb which We reveal.) "and narrate to you (O Muhammad ﷺ), " وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ (You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed.) meaning, "You were not present, O Muhammad, when this occurred, so you cannot narrate what happened to the people as an eye witness. Rather, Allah disclosed these facts to you as if you were a witness, when they conducted a lottery to choose the custodian of Maryam, seeking the reward of this good deed." Ibn Jarir recorded that 'Ikrimah said, "Maryam's mother left with Maryam, carrying her in her infant cloth, and took her to the rabbis from the offspring of Aaron, the brother of Musa. They were responsible for taking care of Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Masjid) at that time, just as there were those who took care of the Ka'bah. Maryam's mother said to them, 'Take this child whom I vowed [to serve the Masjid], I have set her free, since she is my daughter, for no menstruating woman should enter the Masjid, and I shall not take her back home.' They said, 'She is the daughter of our Imam,' as 'Imran used to lead them in prayer, 'who took care of our sacrificial rituals.' Zakariyya said, 'Give her to me, for her maternal aunt is my wife.' They said, 'Our hearts cannot bear that you take her, for she is the daughter of our Imam.' So they conducted a lottery with the pens with which they wrote the Tawrah, and Zakariyya won the lottery and took Maryam into his care." 'Ikrimah, As-Suddi, Qatadah, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, and several others said that the rabbis went into the Jordan river and conducted a lottery there, deciding to throw their pens into the river. The pen that remained afloat and idle would indicate that its owner would take care of Maryam. When they threw their pens into the river, the water took all the pens under, except Zakariyya's pen, which remained afloat in its place. Zakariyya was also their master, chief, scholar, Imam and Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be on him and the rest of the Prophets.

(Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and he will be one of those who are near to Allah. (45)"He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous. (46)She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: 'Be! ـ and it is. (47) Delivering the Good News to Maryam of 'Isa's Birth This Ayah contains the glad tidings the angels brought to Maryam that she would give birth to a mighty son who will have a great future. Allah said, إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ((Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him,) a son who will come into existence with a word from Allah, 'Be', and he was. This is the meaning of Allah's statement (about Yahya) مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (Believing in the Word from Allah.)[3:39], according to the majority of the scholars. اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ (His name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam) and he will be known by this name in this life, especially by the believers. 'Isa was called "Al-Masih" (the Messiah) because when he touched (Mash) those afflicted with an illness, they would be healed by Allah's leave. Allah's statement, عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ('Isa, the son of Maryam) relates 'Isa to his mother, because he did not have a father. وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ (Held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.) meaning, he will be a leader and honored by Allah in this life, because of the Law that Allah will reveal to him, sending down the Scripture to him, along with the other bounties that Allah will grant him with. 'Isa will be honored in the Hereafter and will intercede with Allah, by His leave, on behalf of some people, just as is the case with his brethren the mighty Messengers of Allah, peace be upon them all. Isa Spoke When He was Still in the Cradle Allah said, وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا (He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood,) calling to the worship of Allah Alone without partners, while still in the cradle, as a miracle from Allah, and when he is a man, by Allah's revelation to him. Muhammad bin Ishaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَا تَكَلَّمَ مَوْلُودٌ فِي صِغَرِهِ إِلَّا عِيسَى وَصَاحِبُ جُرَيْجٍ (No infant spoke in the cradle except 'Isa and the companion of Jurayj.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, لَمْ يَتَكَلَّمْ فِي الْمَهْدِ إِلَّا ثَلَاثَةٌ: عِيسَى، وَصَبِيٌّ كَانَ فِي زَمَنِ جُرَيْجٍ، وَصَبِيٌّ آخَرُ (No infant spoke in the cradle except three, 'Isa, the boy during the time of Jurayj, and another boy.) وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (And he will be one of the righteous.) in his statements and actions, for he will possess, pure knowledge and righteous works. Isa was Created Without a Father When Maryam heard the good news that the angels conveyed from Allah, she said; رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ ("O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.") Mary said, "How can I have a son while I did not marry, nor intend to marry, nor am I an indecent woman, may Allah forbid?" The angel conveyed to Maryam, Allah's answer, كَذَٰلِكِ اللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ (So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills.) He is Mighty in power and nothing escapes His ability. Allah used the word 'create' here instead of the word 'does' as in the tale about Zakariyya [3:40], to eradicate any evil thought concerning 'Isa. Allah next emphasized this fact when He said, إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be! ـ and it is.) meaning, what Allah wills, comes into existence instantly and without delay. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَا أَمْرُنَا إِلَّا وَاحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍ بِالْبَصَرِ (And Our commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye.)[54:50], meaning, "We only issue the command once, and it comes into existence instantly, as fast as, and faster than, a blink of the eye. "

(Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and he will be one of those who are near to Allah. (45)"He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous. (46)She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: 'Be! ـ and it is. (47) Delivering the Good News to Maryam of 'Isa's Birth This Ayah contains the glad tidings the angels brought to Maryam that she would give birth to a mighty son who will have a great future. Allah said, إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ((Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him,) a son who will come into existence with a word from Allah, 'Be', and he was. This is the meaning of Allah's statement (about Yahya) مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (Believing in the Word from Allah.)[3:39], according to the majority of the scholars. اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ (His name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam) and he will be known by this name in this life, especially by the believers. 'Isa was called "Al-Masih" (the Messiah) because when he touched (Mash) those afflicted with an illness, they would be healed by Allah's leave. Allah's statement, عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ('Isa, the son of Maryam) relates 'Isa to his mother, because he did not have a father. وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ (Held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.) meaning, he will be a leader and honored by Allah in this life, because of the Law that Allah will reveal to him, sending down the Scripture to him, along with the other bounties that Allah will grant him with. 'Isa will be honored in the Hereafter and will intercede with Allah, by His leave, on behalf of some people, just as is the case with his brethren the mighty Messengers of Allah, peace be upon them all. Isa Spoke When He was Still in the Cradle Allah said, وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا (He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood,) calling to the worship of Allah Alone without partners, while still in the cradle, as a miracle from Allah, and when he is a man, by Allah's revelation to him. Muhammad bin Ishaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَا تَكَلَّمَ مَوْلُودٌ فِي صِغَرِهِ إِلَّا عِيسَى وَصَاحِبُ جُرَيْجٍ (No infant spoke in the cradle except 'Isa and the companion of Jurayj.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, لَمْ يَتَكَلَّمْ فِي الْمَهْدِ إِلَّا ثَلَاثَةٌ: عِيسَى، وَصَبِيٌّ كَانَ فِي زَمَنِ جُرَيْجٍ، وَصَبِيٌّ آخَرُ (No infant spoke in the cradle except three, 'Isa, the boy during the time of Jurayj, and another boy.) وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (And he will be one of the righteous.) in his statements and actions, for he will possess, pure knowledge and righteous works. Isa was Created Without a Father When Maryam heard the good news that the angels conveyed from Allah, she said; رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ ("O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.") Mary said, "How can I have a son while I did not marry, nor intend to marry, nor am I an indecent woman, may Allah forbid?" The angel conveyed to Maryam, Allah's answer, كَذَٰلِكِ اللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ (So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills.) He is Mighty in power and nothing escapes His ability. Allah used the word 'create' here instead of the word 'does' as in the tale about Zakariyya [3:40], to eradicate any evil thought concerning 'Isa. Allah next emphasized this fact when He said, إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be! ـ and it is.) meaning, what Allah wills, comes into existence instantly and without delay. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَا أَمْرُنَا إِلَّا وَاحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍ بِالْبَصَرِ (And Our commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye.)[54:50], meaning, "We only issue the command once, and it comes into existence instantly, as fast as, and faster than, a blink of the eye. "

(Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and he will be one of those who are near to Allah. (45)"He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous. (46)She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: 'Be! ـ and it is. (47) Delivering the Good News to Maryam of 'Isa's Birth This Ayah contains the glad tidings the angels brought to Maryam that she would give birth to a mighty son who will have a great future. Allah said, إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ ((Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him,) a son who will come into existence with a word from Allah, 'Be', and he was. This is the meaning of Allah's statement (about Yahya) مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ (Believing in the Word from Allah.)[3:39], according to the majority of the scholars. اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ (His name will be Al-Masih, 'Isa, the son of Maryam) and he will be known by this name in this life, especially by the believers. 'Isa was called "Al-Masih" (the Messiah) because when he touched (Mash) those afflicted with an illness, they would be healed by Allah's leave. Allah's statement, عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ('Isa, the son of Maryam) relates 'Isa to his mother, because he did not have a father. وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ (Held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.) meaning, he will be a leader and honored by Allah in this life, because of the Law that Allah will reveal to him, sending down the Scripture to him, along with the other bounties that Allah will grant him with. 'Isa will be honored in the Hereafter and will intercede with Allah, by His leave, on behalf of some people, just as is the case with his brethren the mighty Messengers of Allah, peace be upon them all. Isa Spoke When He was Still in the Cradle Allah said, وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا (He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood,) calling to the worship of Allah Alone without partners, while still in the cradle, as a miracle from Allah, and when he is a man, by Allah's revelation to him. Muhammad bin Ishaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, مَا تَكَلَّمَ مَوْلُودٌ فِي صِغَرِهِ إِلَّا عِيسَى وَصَاحِبُ جُرَيْجٍ (No infant spoke in the cradle except 'Isa and the companion of Jurayj.) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said, لَمْ يَتَكَلَّمْ فِي الْمَهْدِ إِلَّا ثَلَاثَةٌ: عِيسَى، وَصَبِيٌّ كَانَ فِي زَمَنِ جُرَيْجٍ، وَصَبِيٌّ آخَرُ (No infant spoke in the cradle except three, 'Isa, the boy during the time of Jurayj, and another boy.) وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (And he will be one of the righteous.) in his statements and actions, for he will possess, pure knowledge and righteous works. Isa was Created Without a Father When Maryam heard the good news that the angels conveyed from Allah, she said; رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ ("O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.") Mary said, "How can I have a son while I did not marry, nor intend to marry, nor am I an indecent woman, may Allah forbid?" The angel conveyed to Maryam, Allah's answer, كَذَٰلِكِ اللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ (So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills.) He is Mighty in power and nothing escapes His ability. Allah used the word 'create' here instead of the word 'does' as in the tale about Zakariyya [3:40], to eradicate any evil thought concerning 'Isa. Allah next emphasized this fact when He said, إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be! ـ and it is.) meaning, what Allah wills, comes into existence instantly and without delay. In another Ayah, Allah said, وَمَا أَمْرُنَا إِلَّا وَاحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍ بِالْبَصَرِ (And Our commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye.)[54:50], meaning, "We only issue the command once, and it comes into existence instantly, as fast as, and faster than, a blink of the eye. "

And He will teach him the Book and Al-Hikmah, and the Tawrah and the Injil (48)And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave; and I heal the blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. (49)"(And I have come) confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. (50)"Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path. (51) The Description of 'Isa and the Miracles He Performed Allah states that the good news brought to Maryam about 'Isa was even better because Allah would teach him, الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ (the Book and Al-Hikmah). It appears that the 'Book' the Ayah mentioned here refers to writing. We explained the meaning of Al-Hikmah in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ (the Tawrah and the Injil). The Tawrah is the Book that Allah sent down to Musa, son of 'Imran, while the Injil is what Allah sent down to 'Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon them, and 'Isa memorized both Books. Allah's statement, وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ (And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel) means, that Allah will send 'Isa as a Messenger to the Children of Israel, proclaiming to them, أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave). These are the miracles that 'Isa performed; he used to make the shape of a bird from clay and blow into it, and it became a bird by Allah's leave. Allah made this a miracle for 'Isa to testify that He had sent him. وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ (And I heal him who is Akmah) meaning, 'a person who was born blind,' which perfects this miracle and makes the challenge more daring. وَالْأَبْرَصَ (And the leper) which is a known disease, وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (And I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave). Many scholars stated that Allah sent every Prophet with a miracle suitable to his time. For instance, in the time of Musa, magic was the trade of the time, and magicians held a high position. So Allah sent Musa with a miracle that captured the eyes and bewildered every magician. When the magicians realized that Musa's miracle came from the Almighty, Most Great, they embraced Islam and became pious believers. As for 'Isa, he was sent during a time when medicine and knowledge in physics were advancing. 'Isa brought them the types of miracles that could not be performed, except by one sent by Allah. How can any physician bring life to clay, cure blindness and leprosy and bring back to life those entrapped in the grave? Muhammad ﷺ was sent during the time of eloquent people and proficient poets. He brought them a Book from Allah; if mankind and the Jinn tried to imitate ten chapters, or even one chapter of it, they will utterly fail in this task, even if they tried to do it by collective cooperation. This is because the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and is nothing like that of the creatures. Isa's statement, وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ (And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses) means, I tell you about what one of you has just eaten and what he is keeping in his house for tomorrow. إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ (Surely, therein), all these miracles, لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ (is a sign for you) testifying to the truth of what I was sent to you with, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ (If you believe. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah,) affirming the Tawrah and upholding it, وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ (and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you.) This part of the Ayah indicates that 'Isa abrogated some of the Laws of the Tawrah and informed the Jews of the truth regarding some issues that they used to dispute about. In another Ayah; وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي تَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ (And in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ)[43:63]. Isa said next, وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ (And I have come to you with a proof from your Lord.) "Containing affirmation and evidence to the truth of what I am conveying to you." فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ - إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ (So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone).) for I and you are equal in our servitude, submission and humbleness to Him, هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (This is the straight path.)

And He will teach him the Book and Al-Hikmah, and the Tawrah and the Injil (48)And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave; and I heal the blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. (49)"(And I have come) confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. (50)"Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path. (51) The Description of 'Isa and the Miracles He Performed Allah states that the good news brought to Maryam about 'Isa was even better because Allah would teach him, الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ (the Book and Al-Hikmah). It appears that the 'Book' the Ayah mentioned here refers to writing. We explained the meaning of Al-Hikmah in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ (the Tawrah and the Injil). The Tawrah is the Book that Allah sent down to Musa, son of 'Imran, while the Injil is what Allah sent down to 'Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon them, and 'Isa memorized both Books. Allah's statement, وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ (And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel) means, that Allah will send 'Isa as a Messenger to the Children of Israel, proclaiming to them, أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave). These are the miracles that 'Isa performed; he used to make the shape of a bird from clay and blow into it, and it became a bird by Allah's leave. Allah made this a miracle for 'Isa to testify that He had sent him. وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ (And I heal him who is Akmah) meaning, 'a person who was born blind,' which perfects this miracle and makes the challenge more daring. وَالْأَبْرَصَ (And the leper) which is a known disease, وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (And I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave). Many scholars stated that Allah sent every Prophet with a miracle suitable to his time. For instance, in the time of Musa, magic was the trade of the time, and magicians held a high position. So Allah sent Musa with a miracle that captured the eyes and bewildered every magician. When the magicians realized that Musa's miracle came from the Almighty, Most Great, they embraced Islam and became pious believers. As for 'Isa, he was sent during a time when medicine and knowledge in physics were advancing. 'Isa brought them the types of miracles that could not be performed, except by one sent by Allah. How can any physician bring life to clay, cure blindness and leprosy and bring back to life those entrapped in the grave? Muhammad ﷺ was sent during the time of eloquent people and proficient poets. He brought them a Book from Allah; if mankind and the Jinn tried to imitate ten chapters, or even one chapter of it, they will utterly fail in this task, even if they tried to do it by collective cooperation. This is because the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and is nothing like that of the creatures. Isa's statement, وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ (And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses) means, I tell you about what one of you has just eaten and what he is keeping in his house for tomorrow. إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ (Surely, therein), all these miracles, لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ (is a sign for you) testifying to the truth of what I was sent to you with, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ (If you believe. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah,) affirming the Tawrah and upholding it, وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ (and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you.) This part of the Ayah indicates that 'Isa abrogated some of the Laws of the Tawrah and informed the Jews of the truth regarding some issues that they used to dispute about. In another Ayah; وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي تَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ (And in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ)[43:63]. Isa said next, وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ (And I have come to you with a proof from your Lord.) "Containing affirmation and evidence to the truth of what I am conveying to you." فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ - إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ (So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone).) for I and you are equal in our servitude, submission and humbleness to Him, هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (This is the straight path.)

And He will teach him the Book and Al-Hikmah, and the Tawrah and the Injil (48)And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave; and I heal the blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. (49)"(And I have come) confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. (50)"Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path. (51) The Description of 'Isa and the Miracles He Performed Allah states that the good news brought to Maryam about 'Isa was even better because Allah would teach him, الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ (the Book and Al-Hikmah). It appears that the 'Book' the Ayah mentioned here refers to writing. We explained the meaning of Al-Hikmah in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ (the Tawrah and the Injil). The Tawrah is the Book that Allah sent down to Musa, son of 'Imran, while the Injil is what Allah sent down to 'Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon them, and 'Isa memorized both Books. Allah's statement, وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ (And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel) means, that Allah will send 'Isa as a Messenger to the Children of Israel, proclaiming to them, أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave). These are the miracles that 'Isa performed; he used to make the shape of a bird from clay and blow into it, and it became a bird by Allah's leave. Allah made this a miracle for 'Isa to testify that He had sent him. وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ (And I heal him who is Akmah) meaning, 'a person who was born blind,' which perfects this miracle and makes the challenge more daring. وَالْأَبْرَصَ (And the leper) which is a known disease, وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (And I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave). Many scholars stated that Allah sent every Prophet with a miracle suitable to his time. For instance, in the time of Musa, magic was the trade of the time, and magicians held a high position. So Allah sent Musa with a miracle that captured the eyes and bewildered every magician. When the magicians realized that Musa's miracle came from the Almighty, Most Great, they embraced Islam and became pious believers. As for 'Isa, he was sent during a time when medicine and knowledge in physics were advancing. 'Isa brought them the types of miracles that could not be performed, except by one sent by Allah. How can any physician bring life to clay, cure blindness and leprosy and bring back to life those entrapped in the grave? Muhammad ﷺ was sent during the time of eloquent people and proficient poets. He brought them a Book from Allah; if mankind and the Jinn tried to imitate ten chapters, or even one chapter of it, they will utterly fail in this task, even if they tried to do it by collective cooperation. This is because the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and is nothing like that of the creatures. Isa's statement, وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ (And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses) means, I tell you about what one of you has just eaten and what he is keeping in his house for tomorrow. إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ (Surely, therein), all these miracles, لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ (is a sign for you) testifying to the truth of what I was sent to you with, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ (If you believe. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah,) affirming the Tawrah and upholding it, وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ (and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you.) This part of the Ayah indicates that 'Isa abrogated some of the Laws of the Tawrah and informed the Jews of the truth regarding some issues that they used to dispute about. In another Ayah; وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي تَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ (And in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ)[43:63]. Isa said next, وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ (And I have come to you with a proof from your Lord.) "Containing affirmation and evidence to the truth of what I am conveying to you." فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ - إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ (So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone).) for I and you are equal in our servitude, submission and humbleness to Him, هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (This is the straight path.)

And He will teach him the Book and Al-Hikmah, and the Tawrah and the Injil (48)And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave; and I heal the blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. (49)"(And I have come) confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. (50)"Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path. (51) The Description of 'Isa and the Miracles He Performed Allah states that the good news brought to Maryam about 'Isa was even better because Allah would teach him, الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ (the Book and Al-Hikmah). It appears that the 'Book' the Ayah mentioned here refers to writing. We explained the meaning of Al-Hikmah in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah. التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ (the Tawrah and the Injil). The Tawrah is the Book that Allah sent down to Musa, son of 'Imran, while the Injil is what Allah sent down to 'Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon them, and 'Isa memorized both Books. Allah's statement, وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ (And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel) means, that Allah will send 'Isa as a Messenger to the Children of Israel, proclaiming to them, أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave). These are the miracles that 'Isa performed; he used to make the shape of a bird from clay and blow into it, and it became a bird by Allah's leave. Allah made this a miracle for 'Isa to testify that He had sent him. وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ (And I heal him who is Akmah) meaning, 'a person who was born blind,' which perfects this miracle and makes the challenge more daring. وَالْأَبْرَصَ (And the leper) which is a known disease, وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ (And I bring the dead to life by Allah's leave). Many scholars stated that Allah sent every Prophet with a miracle suitable to his time. For instance, in the time of Musa, magic was the trade of the time, and magicians held a high position. So Allah sent Musa with a miracle that captured the eyes and bewildered every magician. When the magicians realized that Musa's miracle came from the Almighty, Most Great, they embraced Islam and became pious believers. As for 'Isa, he was sent during a time when medicine and knowledge in physics were advancing. 'Isa brought them the types of miracles that could not be performed, except by one sent by Allah. How can any physician bring life to clay, cure blindness and leprosy and bring back to life those entrapped in the grave? Muhammad ﷺ was sent during the time of eloquent people and proficient poets. He brought them a Book from Allah; if mankind and the Jinn tried to imitate ten chapters, or even one chapter of it, they will utterly fail in this task, even if they tried to do it by collective cooperation. This is because the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and is nothing like that of the creatures. Isa's statement, وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ (And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses) means, I tell you about what one of you has just eaten and what he is keeping in his house for tomorrow. إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ (Surely, therein), all these miracles, لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ (is a sign for you) testifying to the truth of what I was sent to you with, إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ - وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ (If you believe. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah,) affirming the Tawrah and upholding it, وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ (and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you.) This part of the Ayah indicates that 'Isa abrogated some of the Laws of the Tawrah and informed the Jews of the truth regarding some issues that they used to dispute about. In another Ayah; وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي تَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ (And in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ)[43:63]. Isa said next, وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ (And I have come to you with a proof from your Lord.) "Containing affirmation and evidence to the truth of what I am conveying to you." فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ - إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ (So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone).) for I and you are equal in our servitude, submission and humbleness to Him, هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (This is the straight path.)

Then when 'Isa came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allah's cause?" Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. (52)"Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Isa]; so write us down among those who bear witness. (53)And they (disbelievers) plotted and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot (54) The Disciples Give Their Support to 'Isa Allah said, فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ (Then when 'Isa came to know), meaning, 'Isa felt that they were adamant in disbelief and continuing in misguidance. He said to them, مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ (Who will be my helper in Allah's cause) Mujahid commented, "Meaning, who would follow me to Allah?" However, it appears that 'Isa was asking, "Who would help me convey the Message of Allah?" The Prophet ﷺ said during the Hajj season, before the Hijrah, مَنْ رَجُلٌ يُؤْوِينِي حَتَّى أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي؟ فَإِنَّ قُرَيْشًا قَدْ مَنَعُونِي أَنْ أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي (Who will give me asylum so that I can convey the Speech of my Lord, for the Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the Speech of my Lord.) until he found the Ansar. The Ansar helped the Prophet ﷺ and gave him refuge. He later migrated to them, they comforted the Prophet ﷺ and protected him from all his enemies, may Allah be pleased with them all. This is similar to what happened with 'Isa, for some of the Children of Israel believed in him, gave him their aid and support and followed the light that was sent with him. This is why Allah said about them; قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ - رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger; so write us down among those who bear witness.") Hawari in Arabic - means 'support'. The Two Sahihs recorded that when the Prophet ﷺ encouraged the people to fight during the battle of Al-Ahzab, Az-Zubayr came forward, and again, when the Prophet ﷺ asked for fighters a second time. The Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ حَوَارِيًّا، وَحَوَارِيِّي الزُّبَيْرُ (Every Prophet has a Hawari, and Az-Zubayr is my Hawari) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (so write us down among those who bear witness) "Meaning among the Ummah of Muhammad." This Hadith has a good chain of narration. The Jews Plot to Kill 'Isa Allah states that the Children of Israel tried to kill 'Isa by conspiring to defame him and crucify him. They complained about him to the king who was a disbeliever. They claimed that 'Isa was a man who misguided people, discouraged them from obeying the king, caused division, and separated between man and his own son. They also said other lies about 'Isa, which they will carry on their necks, including accusing him of being an illegitimate son. The king became furious and sent his men to capture 'Isa to torture and crucify him. When they surrounded 'Isa's home and he thought that they would surely capture him, Allah saved him from them, raising him up from the house to heaven. Allah put the image of 'Isa on a man who was in the house; when the unjust people went in the house while it was still dark, they thought that he was 'Isa. They captured that man, humiliated and crucified him. They also placed thorns on his head. However, Allah deceived these people. He saved and raised His Prophet from them, leaving them in disarray in the darkness of their transgression, thinking that they had successfully achieved their goal. Allah made their hearts hard, and defiant of the truth, disgracing them in such disgrace that it will remain with them until the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said, وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ (And they plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot.)

Then when 'Isa came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allah's cause?" Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. (52)"Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Isa]; so write us down among those who bear witness. (53)And they (disbelievers) plotted and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot (54) The Disciples Give Their Support to 'Isa Allah said, فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ (Then when 'Isa came to know), meaning, 'Isa felt that they were adamant in disbelief and continuing in misguidance. He said to them, مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ (Who will be my helper in Allah's cause) Mujahid commented, "Meaning, who would follow me to Allah?" However, it appears that 'Isa was asking, "Who would help me convey the Message of Allah?" The Prophet ﷺ said during the Hajj season, before the Hijrah, مَنْ رَجُلٌ يُؤْوِينِي حَتَّى أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي؟ فَإِنَّ قُرَيْشًا قَدْ مَنَعُونِي أَنْ أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي (Who will give me asylum so that I can convey the Speech of my Lord, for the Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the Speech of my Lord.) until he found the Ansar. The Ansar helped the Prophet ﷺ and gave him refuge. He later migrated to them, they comforted the Prophet ﷺ and protected him from all his enemies, may Allah be pleased with them all. This is similar to what happened with 'Isa, for some of the Children of Israel believed in him, gave him their aid and support and followed the light that was sent with him. This is why Allah said about them; قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ - رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger; so write us down among those who bear witness.") Hawari in Arabic - means 'support'. The Two Sahihs recorded that when the Prophet ﷺ encouraged the people to fight during the battle of Al-Ahzab, Az-Zubayr came forward, and again, when the Prophet ﷺ asked for fighters a second time. The Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ حَوَارِيًّا، وَحَوَارِيِّي الزُّبَيْرُ (Every Prophet has a Hawari, and Az-Zubayr is my Hawari) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (so write us down among those who bear witness) "Meaning among the Ummah of Muhammad." This Hadith has a good chain of narration. The Jews Plot to Kill 'Isa Allah states that the Children of Israel tried to kill 'Isa by conspiring to defame him and crucify him. They complained about him to the king who was a disbeliever. They claimed that 'Isa was a man who misguided people, discouraged them from obeying the king, caused division, and separated between man and his own son. They also said other lies about 'Isa, which they will carry on their necks, including accusing him of being an illegitimate son. The king became furious and sent his men to capture 'Isa to torture and crucify him. When they surrounded 'Isa's home and he thought that they would surely capture him, Allah saved him from them, raising him up from the house to heaven. Allah put the image of 'Isa on a man who was in the house; when the unjust people went in the house while it was still dark, they thought that he was 'Isa. They captured that man, humiliated and crucified him. They also placed thorns on his head. However, Allah deceived these people. He saved and raised His Prophet from them, leaving them in disarray in the darkness of their transgression, thinking that they had successfully achieved their goal. Allah made their hearts hard, and defiant of the truth, disgracing them in such disgrace that it will remain with them until the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said, وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ (And they plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot.)

Then when 'Isa came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allah's cause?" Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. (52)"Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Isa]; so write us down among those who bear witness. (53)And they (disbelievers) plotted and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot (54) The Disciples Give Their Support to 'Isa Allah said, فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ (Then when 'Isa came to know), meaning, 'Isa felt that they were adamant in disbelief and continuing in misguidance. He said to them, مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ (Who will be my helper in Allah's cause) Mujahid commented, "Meaning, who would follow me to Allah?" However, it appears that 'Isa was asking, "Who would help me convey the Message of Allah?" The Prophet ﷺ said during the Hajj season, before the Hijrah, مَنْ رَجُلٌ يُؤْوِينِي حَتَّى أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي؟ فَإِنَّ قُرَيْشًا قَدْ مَنَعُونِي أَنْ أُبَلِّغَ كَلَامَ رَبِّي (Who will give me asylum so that I can convey the Speech of my Lord, for the Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the Speech of my Lord.) until he found the Ansar. The Ansar helped the Prophet ﷺ and gave him refuge. He later migrated to them, they comforted the Prophet ﷺ and protected him from all his enemies, may Allah be pleased with them all. This is similar to what happened with 'Isa, for some of the Children of Israel believed in him, gave him their aid and support and followed the light that was sent with him. This is why Allah said about them; قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ - رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger; so write us down among those who bear witness.") Hawari in Arabic - means 'support'. The Two Sahihs recorded that when the Prophet ﷺ encouraged the people to fight during the battle of Al-Ahzab, Az-Zubayr came forward, and again, when the Prophet ﷺ asked for fighters a second time. The Prophet ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ حَوَارِيًّا، وَحَوَارِيِّي الزُّبَيْرُ (Every Prophet has a Hawari, and Az-Zubayr is my Hawari) Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said about, فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ (so write us down among those who bear witness) "Meaning among the Ummah of Muhammad." This Hadith has a good chain of narration. The Jews Plot to Kill 'Isa Allah states that the Children of Israel tried to kill 'Isa by conspiring to defame him and crucify him. They complained about him to the king who was a disbeliever. They claimed that 'Isa was a man who misguided people, discouraged them from obeying the king, caused division, and separated between man and his own son. They also said other lies about 'Isa, which they will carry on their necks, including accusing him of being an illegitimate son. The king became furious and sent his men to capture 'Isa to torture and crucify him. When they surrounded 'Isa's home and he thought that they would surely capture him, Allah saved him from them, raising him up from the house to heaven. Allah put the image of 'Isa on a man who was in the house; when the unjust people went in the house while it was still dark, they thought that he was 'Isa. They captured that man, humiliated and crucified him. They also placed thorns on his head. However, Allah deceived these people. He saved and raised His Prophet from them, leaving them in disarray in the darkness of their transgression, thinking that they had successfully achieved their goal. Allah made their hearts hard, and defiant of the truth, disgracing them in such disgrace that it will remain with them until the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said, وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ (And they plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot.)

And (remember) when Allah said: "O 'Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [save] you from those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute (55)"As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. (56)And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers (57)This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder (58) Meaning of 'Take You' Allah said, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ (I will take you and raise you to Myself) while you are asleep. Allah said in a similar Ayat, وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُم بِاللَّيْلِ (It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep).)[6:60], and, اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا (It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep.)[39:42]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite the following words when he would awaken; الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا، وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ (All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him). Allah said, وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا - وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ (And because of their disbelief and allegations against Maryam and because of their saying "We killed Al-Masih 'Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah, ـ but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared that way to them) until, وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا - بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا - وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا (For surely; they killed him not But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he ['Isa] will be a witness against them.)[4:156-159] His death' refers to 'Isa, and the Ayah means that the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, before 'Isa dies. This will occur when 'Isa comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will explain. By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, for he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ (I will take you) is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised 'Isa while he was asleep. Altering the Religion of 'Isa Allah said, وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (And purify [save] you from those who disbelieve) by raising you to heaven, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection) This is what happened. When Allah raised 'Isa to heaven, his followers divided into sects and groups. Some of them believed in what Allah sent 'Isa as, a servant of Allah, His Messenger, and the son of His female-servant. However, some of them went to the extreme over 'Isa, believing that he was the son of Allah. Some of them said that 'Isa was Allah Himself, while others said that he was one of a Trinity. Allah mentioned these false creeds in the Qur'an and refuted them. The Christians remained like this until the third century CE, when a Greek king called, Constantine, became a Christian for the purpose of destroying Christianity. Constantine was either a philosopher, or he was just plain ignorant. Constantine changed the religion of 'Isa by adding to it and deleting from it. He established the rituals of Christianity and the so-called Great Trust, which is in fact the Great Treachery. He also allowed them to eat the meat of swine, changed the direction of the prayer that 'Isa established to the east, built churches for 'Isa, and added ten days to the fast as compensation for a sin that he committed, as claimed. So the religion of 'Isa became the religion of Constantine, who built more then twelve thousand churches, temples and monasteries for the Christians as well as the city that bears his name, Constantinople (Istanbul). Throughout this time, the Christians had the upper hand and dominated the Jews. Allah aided them against the Jews because they used to be closer to the truth than the Jews, even though both groups were and still are disbelievers, may Allah's curse descend on them. When Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, those who believed in him also believed in Allah, His Angels, Books and Messengers in the correct manner. So they were the true followers of every Prophet who came to earth. They believed in the unlettered Prophet ﷺ, the Final Messenger and the master of all mankind, who called them to believe in the truth in its entirety. This is why they had more right to every Prophet than his own nation, especially those who claim to follow their Prophet's way and religion, yet change and alter his religion. Furthermore, Allah abrogated all the laws that were sent down to the Prophets with the Law He sent Muhammad ﷺ with, which consists of the true religion that shall never change or be altered until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muhammad's religion shall always be dominant and victorious over all other religions. This is why Allah allowed Muslims to conquer the eastern and western parts of the world and the kingdoms of the earth. Furthermore, all countries submitted to them; they demolished Kisra (king of Persia) and destroyed the Czar, ridding them of their treasures and spending these treasures for Allah's sake. All this occurred just as their Prophet ﷺ told them it would, when he conveyed Allah's statement, وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا (Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me.)[24:55]. Therefore, Muslims are the true believers in 'Isa. The Muslims then acquired Ash-Sham from the Christians, causing them to evacuate to Asia Minor, to their fortified city in Constantinople. The Muslims will be above them until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, he, Muhammad ﷺ, who is truthful and who received the true news, has conveyed to Muslims that they will conquer Constantinople in the future, and seize its treasures. Threatening the Disbelievers with Torment in This Life and the Hereafter Allah said, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ - فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute. As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.) This is what Allah did to the Jews who disbelieved in 'Isa and the Christians who went to the extreme over him. Allah tormented them in this life; they were killed, captured, and lost their wealth and kingdoms. Their torment in the Hereafter is even worse and more severe, وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ (And they have no Waq (defender or protector) against Allah)[13:34]. وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ (And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full) in this life, with victory and domination, and in the Hereafter, with Paradise and high grades, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ (And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.) Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِ (This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.) meaning, "What We narrated to you, O Muhammd, regarding 'Isa, his birth and his life, is what Allah conveyed and revealed to you, sent down from the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). So there is no doubt in it. Similarly, Allah said in Surah Maryam; ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ - مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Such is 'Isa, son of Maryam. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not Allah that He should beget a son. Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: "Be!" and it is.)

And (remember) when Allah said: "O 'Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [save] you from those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute (55)"As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. (56)And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers (57)This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder (58) Meaning of 'Take You' Allah said, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ (I will take you and raise you to Myself) while you are asleep. Allah said in a similar Ayat, وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُم بِاللَّيْلِ (It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep).)[6:60], and, اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا (It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep.)[39:42]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite the following words when he would awaken; الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا، وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ (All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him). Allah said, وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا - وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ (And because of their disbelief and allegations against Maryam and because of their saying "We killed Al-Masih 'Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah, ـ but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared that way to them) until, وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا - بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا - وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا (For surely; they killed him not But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he ['Isa] will be a witness against them.)[4:156-159] His death' refers to 'Isa, and the Ayah means that the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, before 'Isa dies. This will occur when 'Isa comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will explain. By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, for he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ (I will take you) is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised 'Isa while he was asleep. Altering the Religion of 'Isa Allah said, وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (And purify [save] you from those who disbelieve) by raising you to heaven, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection) This is what happened. When Allah raised 'Isa to heaven, his followers divided into sects and groups. Some of them believed in what Allah sent 'Isa as, a servant of Allah, His Messenger, and the son of His female-servant. However, some of them went to the extreme over 'Isa, believing that he was the son of Allah. Some of them said that 'Isa was Allah Himself, while others said that he was one of a Trinity. Allah mentioned these false creeds in the Qur'an and refuted them. The Christians remained like this until the third century CE, when a Greek king called, Constantine, became a Christian for the purpose of destroying Christianity. Constantine was either a philosopher, or he was just plain ignorant. Constantine changed the religion of 'Isa by adding to it and deleting from it. He established the rituals of Christianity and the so-called Great Trust, which is in fact the Great Treachery. He also allowed them to eat the meat of swine, changed the direction of the prayer that 'Isa established to the east, built churches for 'Isa, and added ten days to the fast as compensation for a sin that he committed, as claimed. So the religion of 'Isa became the religion of Constantine, who built more then twelve thousand churches, temples and monasteries for the Christians as well as the city that bears his name, Constantinople (Istanbul). Throughout this time, the Christians had the upper hand and dominated the Jews. Allah aided them against the Jews because they used to be closer to the truth than the Jews, even though both groups were and still are disbelievers, may Allah's curse descend on them. When Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, those who believed in him also believed in Allah, His Angels, Books and Messengers in the correct manner. So they were the true followers of every Prophet who came to earth. They believed in the unlettered Prophet ﷺ, the Final Messenger and the master of all mankind, who called them to believe in the truth in its entirety. This is why they had more right to every Prophet than his own nation, especially those who claim to follow their Prophet's way and religion, yet change and alter his religion. Furthermore, Allah abrogated all the laws that were sent down to the Prophets with the Law He sent Muhammad ﷺ with, which consists of the true religion that shall never change or be altered until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muhammad's religion shall always be dominant and victorious over all other religions. This is why Allah allowed Muslims to conquer the eastern and western parts of the world and the kingdoms of the earth. Furthermore, all countries submitted to them; they demolished Kisra (king of Persia) and destroyed the Czar, ridding them of their treasures and spending these treasures for Allah's sake. All this occurred just as their Prophet ﷺ told them it would, when he conveyed Allah's statement, وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا (Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me.)[24:55]. Therefore, Muslims are the true believers in 'Isa. The Muslims then acquired Ash-Sham from the Christians, causing them to evacuate to Asia Minor, to their fortified city in Constantinople. The Muslims will be above them until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, he, Muhammad ﷺ, who is truthful and who received the true news, has conveyed to Muslims that they will conquer Constantinople in the future, and seize its treasures. Threatening the Disbelievers with Torment in This Life and the Hereafter Allah said, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ - فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute. As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.) This is what Allah did to the Jews who disbelieved in 'Isa and the Christians who went to the extreme over him. Allah tormented them in this life; they were killed, captured, and lost their wealth and kingdoms. Their torment in the Hereafter is even worse and more severe, وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ (And they have no Waq (defender or protector) against Allah)[13:34]. وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ (And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full) in this life, with victory and domination, and in the Hereafter, with Paradise and high grades, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ (And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.) Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِ (This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.) meaning, "What We narrated to you, O Muhammd, regarding 'Isa, his birth and his life, is what Allah conveyed and revealed to you, sent down from the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). So there is no doubt in it. Similarly, Allah said in Surah Maryam; ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ - مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Such is 'Isa, son of Maryam. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not Allah that He should beget a son. Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: "Be!" and it is.)

And (remember) when Allah said: "O 'Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [save] you from those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute (55)"As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. (56)And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers (57)This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder (58) Meaning of 'Take You' Allah said, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ (I will take you and raise you to Myself) while you are asleep. Allah said in a similar Ayat, وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُم بِاللَّيْلِ (It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep).)[6:60], and, اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا (It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep.)[39:42]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite the following words when he would awaken; الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا، وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ (All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him). Allah said, وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا - وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ (And because of their disbelief and allegations against Maryam and because of their saying "We killed Al-Masih 'Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah, ـ but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared that way to them) until, وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا - بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا - وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا (For surely; they killed him not But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he ['Isa] will be a witness against them.)[4:156-159] His death' refers to 'Isa, and the Ayah means that the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, before 'Isa dies. This will occur when 'Isa comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will explain. By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, for he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ (I will take you) is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised 'Isa while he was asleep. Altering the Religion of 'Isa Allah said, وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (And purify [save] you from those who disbelieve) by raising you to heaven, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection) This is what happened. When Allah raised 'Isa to heaven, his followers divided into sects and groups. Some of them believed in what Allah sent 'Isa as, a servant of Allah, His Messenger, and the son of His female-servant. However, some of them went to the extreme over 'Isa, believing that he was the son of Allah. Some of them said that 'Isa was Allah Himself, while others said that he was one of a Trinity. Allah mentioned these false creeds in the Qur'an and refuted them. The Christians remained like this until the third century CE, when a Greek king called, Constantine, became a Christian for the purpose of destroying Christianity. Constantine was either a philosopher, or he was just plain ignorant. Constantine changed the religion of 'Isa by adding to it and deleting from it. He established the rituals of Christianity and the so-called Great Trust, which is in fact the Great Treachery. He also allowed them to eat the meat of swine, changed the direction of the prayer that 'Isa established to the east, built churches for 'Isa, and added ten days to the fast as compensation for a sin that he committed, as claimed. So the religion of 'Isa became the religion of Constantine, who built more then twelve thousand churches, temples and monasteries for the Christians as well as the city that bears his name, Constantinople (Istanbul). Throughout this time, the Christians had the upper hand and dominated the Jews. Allah aided them against the Jews because they used to be closer to the truth than the Jews, even though both groups were and still are disbelievers, may Allah's curse descend on them. When Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, those who believed in him also believed in Allah, His Angels, Books and Messengers in the correct manner. So they were the true followers of every Prophet who came to earth. They believed in the unlettered Prophet ﷺ, the Final Messenger and the master of all mankind, who called them to believe in the truth in its entirety. This is why they had more right to every Prophet than his own nation, especially those who claim to follow their Prophet's way and religion, yet change and alter his religion. Furthermore, Allah abrogated all the laws that were sent down to the Prophets with the Law He sent Muhammad ﷺ with, which consists of the true religion that shall never change or be altered until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muhammad's religion shall always be dominant and victorious over all other religions. This is why Allah allowed Muslims to conquer the eastern and western parts of the world and the kingdoms of the earth. Furthermore, all countries submitted to them; they demolished Kisra (king of Persia) and destroyed the Czar, ridding them of their treasures and spending these treasures for Allah's sake. All this occurred just as their Prophet ﷺ told them it would, when he conveyed Allah's statement, وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا (Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me.)[24:55]. Therefore, Muslims are the true believers in 'Isa. The Muslims then acquired Ash-Sham from the Christians, causing them to evacuate to Asia Minor, to their fortified city in Constantinople. The Muslims will be above them until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, he, Muhammad ﷺ, who is truthful and who received the true news, has conveyed to Muslims that they will conquer Constantinople in the future, and seize its treasures. Threatening the Disbelievers with Torment in This Life and the Hereafter Allah said, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ - فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute. As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.) This is what Allah did to the Jews who disbelieved in 'Isa and the Christians who went to the extreme over him. Allah tormented them in this life; they were killed, captured, and lost their wealth and kingdoms. Their torment in the Hereafter is even worse and more severe, وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ (And they have no Waq (defender or protector) against Allah)[13:34]. وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ (And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full) in this life, with victory and domination, and in the Hereafter, with Paradise and high grades, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ (And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.) Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِ (This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.) meaning, "What We narrated to you, O Muhammd, regarding 'Isa, his birth and his life, is what Allah conveyed and revealed to you, sent down from the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). So there is no doubt in it. Similarly, Allah said in Surah Maryam; ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ - مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Such is 'Isa, son of Maryam. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not Allah that He should beget a son. Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: "Be!" and it is.)

And (remember) when Allah said: "O 'Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [save] you from those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute (55)"As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. (56)And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers (57)This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder (58) Meaning of 'Take You' Allah said, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ (I will take you and raise you to Myself) while you are asleep. Allah said in a similar Ayat, وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُم بِاللَّيْلِ (It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep).)[6:60], and, اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا (It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep.)[39:42]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite the following words when he would awaken; الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا، وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ (All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him). Allah said, وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا - وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ (And because of their disbelief and allegations against Maryam and because of their saying "We killed Al-Masih 'Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah, ـ but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared that way to them) until, وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا - بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا - وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا (For surely; they killed him not But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he ['Isa] will be a witness against them.)[4:156-159] His death' refers to 'Isa, and the Ayah means that the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, before 'Isa dies. This will occur when 'Isa comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will explain. By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in 'Isa, for he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement, إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ (I will take you) is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised 'Isa while he was asleep. Altering the Religion of 'Isa Allah said, وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا (And purify [save] you from those who disbelieve) by raising you to heaven, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection) This is what happened. When Allah raised 'Isa to heaven, his followers divided into sects and groups. Some of them believed in what Allah sent 'Isa as, a servant of Allah, His Messenger, and the son of His female-servant. However, some of them went to the extreme over 'Isa, believing that he was the son of Allah. Some of them said that 'Isa was Allah Himself, while others said that he was one of a Trinity. Allah mentioned these false creeds in the Qur'an and refuted them. The Christians remained like this until the third century CE, when a Greek king called, Constantine, became a Christian for the purpose of destroying Christianity. Constantine was either a philosopher, or he was just plain ignorant. Constantine changed the religion of 'Isa by adding to it and deleting from it. He established the rituals of Christianity and the so-called Great Trust, which is in fact the Great Treachery. He also allowed them to eat the meat of swine, changed the direction of the prayer that 'Isa established to the east, built churches for 'Isa, and added ten days to the fast as compensation for a sin that he committed, as claimed. So the religion of 'Isa became the religion of Constantine, who built more then twelve thousand churches, temples and monasteries for the Christians as well as the city that bears his name, Constantinople (Istanbul). Throughout this time, the Christians had the upper hand and dominated the Jews. Allah aided them against the Jews because they used to be closer to the truth than the Jews, even though both groups were and still are disbelievers, may Allah's curse descend on them. When Allah sent Muhammad ﷺ, those who believed in him also believed in Allah, His Angels, Books and Messengers in the correct manner. So they were the true followers of every Prophet who came to earth. They believed in the unlettered Prophet ﷺ, the Final Messenger and the master of all mankind, who called them to believe in the truth in its entirety. This is why they had more right to every Prophet than his own nation, especially those who claim to follow their Prophet's way and religion, yet change and alter his religion. Furthermore, Allah abrogated all the laws that were sent down to the Prophets with the Law He sent Muhammad ﷺ with, which consists of the true religion that shall never change or be altered until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muhammad's religion shall always be dominant and victorious over all other religions. This is why Allah allowed Muslims to conquer the eastern and western parts of the world and the kingdoms of the earth. Furthermore, all countries submitted to them; they demolished Kisra (king of Persia) and destroyed the Czar, ridding them of their treasures and spending these treasures for Allah's sake. All this occurred just as their Prophet ﷺ told them it would, when he conveyed Allah's statement, وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا (Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me.)[24:55]. Therefore, Muslims are the true believers in 'Isa. The Muslims then acquired Ash-Sham from the Christians, causing them to evacuate to Asia Minor, to their fortified city in Constantinople. The Muslims will be above them until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, he, Muhammad ﷺ, who is truthful and who received the true news, has conveyed to Muslims that they will conquer Constantinople in the future, and seize its treasures. Threatening the Disbelievers with Torment in This Life and the Hereafter Allah said, وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ - فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ (And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute. As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.) This is what Allah did to the Jews who disbelieved in 'Isa and the Christians who went to the extreme over him. Allah tormented them in this life; they were killed, captured, and lost their wealth and kingdoms. Their torment in the Hereafter is even worse and more severe, وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ (And they have no Waq (defender or protector) against Allah)[13:34]. وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ (And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full) in this life, with victory and domination, and in the Hereafter, with Paradise and high grades, وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ (And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.) Allah then said, ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِ (This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.) meaning, "What We narrated to you, O Muhammd, regarding 'Isa, his birth and his life, is what Allah conveyed and revealed to you, sent down from the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). So there is no doubt in it. Similarly, Allah said in Surah Maryam; ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ - مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ سُبْحَانَهُ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (Such is 'Isa, son of Maryam. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not Allah that He should beget a son. Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: "Be!" and it is.)

Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" and he was (59)(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt (60)Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars. (61)Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise (62)And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief (63) The Similarities Between the Creation of Adam and the Creation of 'Isa Allah said, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah) regarding Allah's ability, since He created him without a father, كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ (is the likeness of Adam), for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather, خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.) Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create 'Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that 'Isa is Allah's son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about 'Isa is even more false. Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawa' from a male without a female, and 'Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female. This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam, وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And We made him a sign for mankind)[19: 21]. Allah said in this Ayah, الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ ((This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.) meaning, this is the only true story about 'Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood? Allah next commands His Messenger ﷺ to call those who defy the truth, regarding 'Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse). The Challenge to the Mubahalah فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ (Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves") for the Mubahalah, ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ (then we pray), supplicate, فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars) among the two of us. The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about 'Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, "The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions. These men were Al-'Aqib, also known as 'Abdul-Masih, As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham, Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, of [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il and Uways bin Al-Harith. They also included, Zayd, Qays, Yazid, Nabih, Khuwaylid, 'Amr, Khalid, 'Abdullah and Yuhannas. Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation, Al-'Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision; As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings; and Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader. Abu Harithah was an Arab man from [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor). They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was." Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians. Ibn Ishaq said, "Muhammad bin Ja'far bin Az-Zubayr said that, 'The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet ﷺ had prayed the 'Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka'b. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that...Then Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah and Al-'Aqib 'Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King). However, they disagreed about 'Isa; some of them said, 'He is Allah,' while some said, 'He is the son of Allah,' and some others said, 'He is one of a trinity.' Allah is far from what they attribute to Him." Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians. They claim that 'Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah's leave, so that 'Isa would be a sign from Allah for people. They also claim that 'Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim. They also claim that 'Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, 'We did, command, create and demand.' They said, 'If Allah were one, he would have said, 'I did, command, create and decide.' This is why they claim that 'Isa and Allah are one (Trinity). Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur'an refuted all these false Christian claims. Ibn Ishaq continued, "When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah ﷺ, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet ﷺ to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth. The Prophet ﷺ called them to the Mubahalah. They said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.' They left the Prophet ﷺ and conferred with Al-'Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, 'O 'Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?' He said, 'By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow ('Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow ('Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.' They came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion. However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.'" Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, "Al-'Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, 'Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.' So they said, 'We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; لَأَبْعَثَنَّ مَعَكُمْ رَجُلًا أَمِينًا حَقَّ أَمِينٍ فاستشرف لها أصحاب رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم، فقال: قُمْ يَا أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ بْنَ الْجَرَّاحِ فلما قام، قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم: هَذَا أَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ ("Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man." The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ all felt eager to be that man. The Messenger ﷺ said, "O Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up." When Abu 'Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "This is the trustee of this Ummah.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on another occasion, لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينٌ، وَأَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الْجَرَّاحِ (Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, 'If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka'bah, I will step on his neck.' The Prophet ﷺ later said, لَوْ فَعَلَ لَأَخَذَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عِيَانًا، ولو أن اليهود تمنوا الموت لماتوا، ورأوا مقاعدهم من النار، ولو خرج الذين يباهلون رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم لرجعوا لا يجدون مالًا ولا أهلًا (Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly. Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire. Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home)." Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih. Allah then said, إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ (Verily, this is the true narrative) meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about 'Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided, وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ - فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. And if they turn away,) by abandoning this truth, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ (then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.) for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment. Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" and he was (59)(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt (60)Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars. (61)Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise (62)And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief (63) The Similarities Between the Creation of Adam and the Creation of 'Isa Allah said, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah) regarding Allah's ability, since He created him without a father, كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ (is the likeness of Adam), for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather, خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.) Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create 'Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that 'Isa is Allah's son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about 'Isa is even more false. Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawa' from a male without a female, and 'Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female. This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam, وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And We made him a sign for mankind)[19: 21]. Allah said in this Ayah, الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ ((This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.) meaning, this is the only true story about 'Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood? Allah next commands His Messenger ﷺ to call those who defy the truth, regarding 'Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse). The Challenge to the Mubahalah فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ (Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves") for the Mubahalah, ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ (then we pray), supplicate, فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars) among the two of us. The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about 'Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, "The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions. These men were Al-'Aqib, also known as 'Abdul-Masih, As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham, Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, of [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il and Uways bin Al-Harith. They also included, Zayd, Qays, Yazid, Nabih, Khuwaylid, 'Amr, Khalid, 'Abdullah and Yuhannas. Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation, Al-'Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision; As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings; and Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader. Abu Harithah was an Arab man from [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor). They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was." Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians. Ibn Ishaq said, "Muhammad bin Ja'far bin Az-Zubayr said that, 'The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet ﷺ had prayed the 'Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka'b. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that...Then Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah and Al-'Aqib 'Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King). However, they disagreed about 'Isa; some of them said, 'He is Allah,' while some said, 'He is the son of Allah,' and some others said, 'He is one of a trinity.' Allah is far from what they attribute to Him." Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians. They claim that 'Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah's leave, so that 'Isa would be a sign from Allah for people. They also claim that 'Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim. They also claim that 'Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, 'We did, command, create and demand.' They said, 'If Allah were one, he would have said, 'I did, command, create and decide.' This is why they claim that 'Isa and Allah are one (Trinity). Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur'an refuted all these false Christian claims. Ibn Ishaq continued, "When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah ﷺ, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet ﷺ to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth. The Prophet ﷺ called them to the Mubahalah. They said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.' They left the Prophet ﷺ and conferred with Al-'Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, 'O 'Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?' He said, 'By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow ('Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow ('Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.' They came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion. However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.'" Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, "Al-'Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, 'Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.' So they said, 'We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; لَأَبْعَثَنَّ مَعَكُمْ رَجُلًا أَمِينًا حَقَّ أَمِينٍ فاستشرف لها أصحاب رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم، فقال: قُمْ يَا أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ بْنَ الْجَرَّاحِ فلما قام، قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم: هَذَا أَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ ("Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man." The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ all felt eager to be that man. The Messenger ﷺ said, "O Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up." When Abu 'Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "This is the trustee of this Ummah.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on another occasion, لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينٌ، وَأَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الْجَرَّاحِ (Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, 'If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka'bah, I will step on his neck.' The Prophet ﷺ later said, لَوْ فَعَلَ لَأَخَذَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عِيَانًا، ولو أن اليهود تمنوا الموت لماتوا، ورأوا مقاعدهم من النار، ولو خرج الذين يباهلون رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم لرجعوا لا يجدون مالًا ولا أهلًا (Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly. Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire. Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home)." Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih. Allah then said, إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ (Verily, this is the true narrative) meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about 'Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided, وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ - فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. And if they turn away,) by abandoning this truth, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ (then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.) for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment. Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" and he was (59)(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt (60)Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars. (61)Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise (62)And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief (63) The Similarities Between the Creation of Adam and the Creation of 'Isa Allah said, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah) regarding Allah's ability, since He created him without a father, كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ (is the likeness of Adam), for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather, خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.) Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create 'Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that 'Isa is Allah's son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about 'Isa is even more false. Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawa' from a male without a female, and 'Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female. This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam, وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And We made him a sign for mankind)[19: 21]. Allah said in this Ayah, الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ ((This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.) meaning, this is the only true story about 'Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood? Allah next commands His Messenger ﷺ to call those who defy the truth, regarding 'Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse). The Challenge to the Mubahalah فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ (Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves") for the Mubahalah, ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ (then we pray), supplicate, فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars) among the two of us. The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about 'Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, "The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions. These men were Al-'Aqib, also known as 'Abdul-Masih, As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham, Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, of [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il and Uways bin Al-Harith. They also included, Zayd, Qays, Yazid, Nabih, Khuwaylid, 'Amr, Khalid, 'Abdullah and Yuhannas. Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation, Al-'Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision; As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings; and Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader. Abu Harithah was an Arab man from [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor). They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was." Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians. Ibn Ishaq said, "Muhammad bin Ja'far bin Az-Zubayr said that, 'The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet ﷺ had prayed the 'Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka'b. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that...Then Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah and Al-'Aqib 'Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King). However, they disagreed about 'Isa; some of them said, 'He is Allah,' while some said, 'He is the son of Allah,' and some others said, 'He is one of a trinity.' Allah is far from what they attribute to Him." Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians. They claim that 'Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah's leave, so that 'Isa would be a sign from Allah for people. They also claim that 'Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim. They also claim that 'Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, 'We did, command, create and demand.' They said, 'If Allah were one, he would have said, 'I did, command, create and decide.' This is why they claim that 'Isa and Allah are one (Trinity). Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur'an refuted all these false Christian claims. Ibn Ishaq continued, "When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah ﷺ, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet ﷺ to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth. The Prophet ﷺ called them to the Mubahalah. They said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.' They left the Prophet ﷺ and conferred with Al-'Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, 'O 'Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?' He said, 'By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow ('Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow ('Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.' They came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion. However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.'" Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, "Al-'Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, 'Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.' So they said, 'We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; لَأَبْعَثَنَّ مَعَكُمْ رَجُلًا أَمِينًا حَقَّ أَمِينٍ فاستشرف لها أصحاب رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم، فقال: قُمْ يَا أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ بْنَ الْجَرَّاحِ فلما قام، قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم: هَذَا أَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ ("Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man." The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ all felt eager to be that man. The Messenger ﷺ said, "O Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up." When Abu 'Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "This is the trustee of this Ummah.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on another occasion, لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينٌ، وَأَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الْجَرَّاحِ (Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, 'If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka'bah, I will step on his neck.' The Prophet ﷺ later said, لَوْ فَعَلَ لَأَخَذَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عِيَانًا، ولو أن اليهود تمنوا الموت لماتوا، ورأوا مقاعدهم من النار، ولو خرج الذين يباهلون رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم لرجعوا لا يجدون مالًا ولا أهلًا (Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly. Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire. Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home)." Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih. Allah then said, إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ (Verily, this is the true narrative) meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about 'Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided, وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ - فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. And if they turn away,) by abandoning this truth, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ (then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.) for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment. Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" and he was (59)(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt (60)Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars. (61)Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise (62)And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief (63) The Similarities Between the Creation of Adam and the Creation of 'Isa Allah said, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah) regarding Allah's ability, since He created him without a father, كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ (is the likeness of Adam), for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather, خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.) Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create 'Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that 'Isa is Allah's son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about 'Isa is even more false. Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawa' from a male without a female, and 'Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female. This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam, وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And We made him a sign for mankind)[19: 21]. Allah said in this Ayah, الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ ((This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.) meaning, this is the only true story about 'Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood? Allah next commands His Messenger ﷺ to call those who defy the truth, regarding 'Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse). The Challenge to the Mubahalah فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ (Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves") for the Mubahalah, ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ (then we pray), supplicate, فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars) among the two of us. The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about 'Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, "The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions. These men were Al-'Aqib, also known as 'Abdul-Masih, As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham, Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, of [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il and Uways bin Al-Harith. They also included, Zayd, Qays, Yazid, Nabih, Khuwaylid, 'Amr, Khalid, 'Abdullah and Yuhannas. Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation, Al-'Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision; As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings; and Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader. Abu Harithah was an Arab man from [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor). They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was." Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians. Ibn Ishaq said, "Muhammad bin Ja'far bin Az-Zubayr said that, 'The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet ﷺ had prayed the 'Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka'b. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that...Then Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah and Al-'Aqib 'Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King). However, they disagreed about 'Isa; some of them said, 'He is Allah,' while some said, 'He is the son of Allah,' and some others said, 'He is one of a trinity.' Allah is far from what they attribute to Him." Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians. They claim that 'Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah's leave, so that 'Isa would be a sign from Allah for people. They also claim that 'Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim. They also claim that 'Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, 'We did, command, create and demand.' They said, 'If Allah were one, he would have said, 'I did, command, create and decide.' This is why they claim that 'Isa and Allah are one (Trinity). Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur'an refuted all these false Christian claims. Ibn Ishaq continued, "When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah ﷺ, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet ﷺ to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth. The Prophet ﷺ called them to the Mubahalah. They said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.' They left the Prophet ﷺ and conferred with Al-'Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, 'O 'Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?' He said, 'By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow ('Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow ('Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.' They came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion. However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.'" Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, "Al-'Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, 'Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.' So they said, 'We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; لَأَبْعَثَنَّ مَعَكُمْ رَجُلًا أَمِينًا حَقَّ أَمِينٍ فاستشرف لها أصحاب رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم، فقال: قُمْ يَا أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ بْنَ الْجَرَّاحِ فلما قام، قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم: هَذَا أَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ ("Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man." The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ all felt eager to be that man. The Messenger ﷺ said, "O Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up." When Abu 'Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "This is the trustee of this Ummah.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on another occasion, لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينٌ، وَأَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الْجَرَّاحِ (Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, 'If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka'bah, I will step on his neck.' The Prophet ﷺ later said, لَوْ فَعَلَ لَأَخَذَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عِيَانًا، ولو أن اليهود تمنوا الموت لماتوا، ورأوا مقاعدهم من النار، ولو خرج الذين يباهلون رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم لرجعوا لا يجدون مالًا ولا أهلًا (Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly. Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire. Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home)." Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih. Allah then said, إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ (Verily, this is the true narrative) meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about 'Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided, وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ - فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. And if they turn away,) by abandoning this truth, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ (then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.) for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment. Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be!" and he was (59)(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt (60)Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars. (61)Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise (62)And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief (63) The Similarities Between the Creation of Adam and the Creation of 'Isa Allah said, إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ (Verily, the likeness of 'Isa before Allah) regarding Allah's ability, since He created him without a father, كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ (is the likeness of Adam), for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather, خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.) Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create 'Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that 'Isa is Allah's son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about 'Isa is even more false. Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawa' from a male without a female, and 'Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female. This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam, وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ (And We made him a sign for mankind)[19: 21]. Allah said in this Ayah, الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ ((This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.) meaning, this is the only true story about 'Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood? Allah next commands His Messenger ﷺ to call those who defy the truth, regarding 'Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse). The Challenge to the Mubahalah فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمْ (Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves") for the Mubahalah, ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ (then we pray), supplicate, فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (and we invoke Allah's curse upon the liars) among the two of us. The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about 'Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, "The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions. These men were Al-'Aqib, also known as 'Abdul-Masih, As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham, Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, of [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il and Uways bin Al-Harith. They also included, Zayd, Qays, Yazid, Nabih, Khuwaylid, 'Amr, Khalid, 'Abdullah and Yuhannas. Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation, Al-'Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision; As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings; and Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader. Abu Harithah was an Arab man from [the family of] Bakr bin Wa'il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor). They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was." Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians. Ibn Ishaq said, "Muhammad bin Ja'far bin Az-Zubayr said that, 'The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet ﷺ had prayed the 'Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka'b. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that...Then Abu Harithah bin 'Alqamah and Al-'Aqib 'Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King). However, they disagreed about 'Isa; some of them said, 'He is Allah,' while some said, 'He is the son of Allah,' and some others said, 'He is one of a trinity.' Allah is far from what they attribute to Him." Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians. They claim that 'Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah's leave, so that 'Isa would be a sign from Allah for people. They also claim that 'Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim. They also claim that 'Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, 'We did, command, create and demand.' They said, 'If Allah were one, he would have said, 'I did, command, create and decide.' This is why they claim that 'Isa and Allah are one (Trinity). Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur'an refuted all these false Christian claims. Ibn Ishaq continued, "When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah ﷺ, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet ﷺ to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth. The Prophet ﷺ called them to the Mubahalah. They said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.' They left the Prophet ﷺ and conferred with Al-'Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, 'O 'Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?' He said, 'By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow ('Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow ('Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.' They came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion. However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.'" Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, "Al-'Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, 'Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.' So they said, 'We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; لَأَبْعَثَنَّ مَعَكُمْ رَجُلًا أَمِينًا حَقَّ أَمِينٍ فاستشرف لها أصحاب رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم، فقال: قُمْ يَا أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ بْنَ الْجَرَّاحِ فلما قام، قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم: هَذَا أَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ ("Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man." The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ all felt eager to be that man. The Messenger ﷺ said, "O Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up." When Abu 'Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "This is the trustee of this Ummah.") Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on another occasion, لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينٌ، وَأَمِينُ هذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الْجَرَّاحِ (Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, 'If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka'bah, I will step on his neck.' The Prophet ﷺ later said, لَوْ فَعَلَ لَأَخَذَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عِيَانًا، ولو أن اليهود تمنوا الموت لماتوا، ورأوا مقاعدهم من النار، ولو خرج الذين يباهلون رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم لرجعوا لا يجدون مالًا ولا أهلًا (Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly. Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire. Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home)." Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih. Allah then said, إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ (Verily, this is the true narrative) meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about 'Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided, وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ - فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا (and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. And if they turn away,) by abandoning this truth, فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ (then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.) for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment. Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

Say: "O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah the same, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah." Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims. (64) Every Person Knows about Tawhid This Ayah includes the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, and those who follow their ways. قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ (Say: "O people of the Scripture! Come to a word") Word' - in Arabic - also means a complete sentence, as evident from this Ayah. Allah described this word as being one, سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ (that is the same between us and you), an honest and righteous word that is fair to both parties. Allah then explained this word, أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا (that we worship none but Allah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him,) we worship neither a statue, cross, idol, Taghut (false gods), fire or anything else. Rather, we worship Allah Alone without partners, and this is the message of all of Allah's Messengers. Allah said, وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ (And We did not send any Messenger before you but We revealed to him (saying): "None has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).") [21:25] and, وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ (And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities).")[16:36]. Allah said next, وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ ("and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.") Ibn Jurayj commented, "We do not obey each other in disobedience to Allah." فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ (Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims.") if they abandon this fair call, then let them know that you will remain in Islam as Allah has legislated for you. We should mention that the letter that the Prophet ﷺ sent to Heraclius reads, "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Heraclius, Leader of the Romans: peace be upon those who follow the true guidance. Embrace Islam and you will acquire safety, embrace Islam and Allah will grant you a double reward. However, if you turn away from it, then you will carry the burden of the peasants, and, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ ("O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is the same between us and you, that we worship none but Allah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah." Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims.")" Muhammad bin Ishaq and other scholars said that the beginning of Surah Āl-'Imrān, and more than eighty verses thereafter; were revealed about the delegation of Najran. Az-Zuhri stated that the people of Najran were the first people to pay the Jizyah (tax money paid to the Muslim State). However, there is no disagreement that the Ayah that ordained the Jizyah [9:29] was revealed after the Fath (conquering Makkah, and therefore, after the delegation of Najran came to Al-Madinah). So, how can this Ayah [3:64] be contained in the Prophet's letter to Heraclius before the victory of Makkah, and how can we harmonize between the statements of Muhammad bin Ishaq and Az-Zuhri? The answer is that the delegation of Najran came before Al-Hudaybiyyah (before the victory of Makkah), and what they paid was in lieu of the Mubahalah; not as Jizyah. The Ayah about the Jizyah was later revealed, and its ruling supported what occurred with the Najran people. In support of this opinion, we should mention that in another instance, the ruling on dividing the booty into one - fifth (for the Prophet ﷺ) and four-fifths (for the fighters) agreed with the practice of 'Abdullah bin Jahsh during the raid that he led before Badr. An Ayah later on upheld the way 'Abdullah divided the booty. Therefore, it is possible that the Prophet ﷺ wrote this statement (Say, "O People of the Scripture...") in his letter to Heraclius before the Ayah was revealed. Later on, the Qur'an agreed with the Prophet's statement, word by word. It is also a fact that the Qur'an was revealed in agreement with what 'Umar said regarding the captured disbelievers at Badr, the Hijab (Muslim woman code of dress), refraining from performing prayer for the hypocrites, and regarding his statements: وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى (And take you the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.)[2:125], and, عَسَىٰ رَبُّهُ إِن طَلَّقَكُنَّ أَن يُبْدِلَهُ أَزْوَاجًا خَيْرًا مِّنكُنَّ (It may be if he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you.)[66:5].

O people of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim, while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense (65)Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not (66)Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa and he was not of the Mushrikin (67)Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers (68) Disputing with the Jews and Christians About the Religion of Ibrahim Allah censures the Jews and Christians for their dispute with Muslims over Ibrahim Al-Khalil and the claim each group made that he was one of them. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Christians of Najran and Jewish rabbis gathered before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and disputed in front of him. The rabbis said, 'Ibrahim was certainly Jewish.' The Christians said, 'Certainly, Ibrahim was Christian.' So Allah sent down, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim,) meaning, 'How is it that you, Jews, claim that Ibrahim was Jew, although he lived before Allah sent down the Tawrah to Musa? How is it that you, Christians, claim that Ibrahim was Christian, although Christianity came after his time?" This is why Allah said, أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Have you then no sense?) Allah then said, هَا أَنتُمْ هَٰؤُلَاءِ حَاجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ (Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge?) This Ayah criticizes those who argue and dispute without knowledge, just as the Jews and Christians did concerning Ibrahim. Had they disputed about their religions, which they had knowledge of, and about the Law that was legislated for them until Muhammad ﷺ was sent, it would have been better for them. Rather, they disputed about what they had no knowledge of, so Allah criticized them for this behavior. Allah commanded them to refer what they have no knowledge of to He Who knows the seen and unseen matters and Who knows the true reality of all things. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.) Allah said, مَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا (Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa), shunning Shirk and living in Iman, وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (and he was not of the Mushrikin.) This Ayah is similar to the Ayah in Surat Al-Baqarah, وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا (And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided...")[2:135]. Allah said next, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) This Ayah means, "The people who have the most right to be followers of Ibrahim are those who followed his religion and this Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, and his Companions from the Muhajirin, Ansar and those who followed their lead." Sa'id bin Mansur recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ وُلَاةً مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَإِنَّ وَلِيِّي مِنْهُمْ أَبِي وَخَلِيلُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (Every Prophet had a Wali (supporter, best friend) from among the Prophets. My Wali among them is my father Ibrahim, the Khalil (intimate friend) of my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him...) Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) means, Allah is the Protector of all those who believe in His Messengers.

O people of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim, while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense (65)Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not (66)Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa and he was not of the Mushrikin (67)Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers (68) Disputing with the Jews and Christians About the Religion of Ibrahim Allah censures the Jews and Christians for their dispute with Muslims over Ibrahim Al-Khalil and the claim each group made that he was one of them. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Christians of Najran and Jewish rabbis gathered before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and disputed in front of him. The rabbis said, 'Ibrahim was certainly Jewish.' The Christians said, 'Certainly, Ibrahim was Christian.' So Allah sent down, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim,) meaning, 'How is it that you, Jews, claim that Ibrahim was Jew, although he lived before Allah sent down the Tawrah to Musa? How is it that you, Christians, claim that Ibrahim was Christian, although Christianity came after his time?" This is why Allah said, أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Have you then no sense?) Allah then said, هَا أَنتُمْ هَٰؤُلَاءِ حَاجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ (Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge?) This Ayah criticizes those who argue and dispute without knowledge, just as the Jews and Christians did concerning Ibrahim. Had they disputed about their religions, which they had knowledge of, and about the Law that was legislated for them until Muhammad ﷺ was sent, it would have been better for them. Rather, they disputed about what they had no knowledge of, so Allah criticized them for this behavior. Allah commanded them to refer what they have no knowledge of to He Who knows the seen and unseen matters and Who knows the true reality of all things. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.) Allah said, مَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا (Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa), shunning Shirk and living in Iman, وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (and he was not of the Mushrikin.) This Ayah is similar to the Ayah in Surat Al-Baqarah, وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا (And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided...")[2:135]. Allah said next, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) This Ayah means, "The people who have the most right to be followers of Ibrahim are those who followed his religion and this Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, and his Companions from the Muhajirin, Ansar and those who followed their lead." Sa'id bin Mansur recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ وُلَاةً مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَإِنَّ وَلِيِّي مِنْهُمْ أَبِي وَخَلِيلُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (Every Prophet had a Wali (supporter, best friend) from among the Prophets. My Wali among them is my father Ibrahim, the Khalil (intimate friend) of my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him...) Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) means, Allah is the Protector of all those who believe in His Messengers.

O people of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim, while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense (65)Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not (66)Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa and he was not of the Mushrikin (67)Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers (68) Disputing with the Jews and Christians About the Religion of Ibrahim Allah censures the Jews and Christians for their dispute with Muslims over Ibrahim Al-Khalil and the claim each group made that he was one of them. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Christians of Najran and Jewish rabbis gathered before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and disputed in front of him. The rabbis said, 'Ibrahim was certainly Jewish.' The Christians said, 'Certainly, Ibrahim was Christian.' So Allah sent down, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim,) meaning, 'How is it that you, Jews, claim that Ibrahim was Jew, although he lived before Allah sent down the Tawrah to Musa? How is it that you, Christians, claim that Ibrahim was Christian, although Christianity came after his time?" This is why Allah said, أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Have you then no sense?) Allah then said, هَا أَنتُمْ هَٰؤُلَاءِ حَاجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ (Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge?) This Ayah criticizes those who argue and dispute without knowledge, just as the Jews and Christians did concerning Ibrahim. Had they disputed about their religions, which they had knowledge of, and about the Law that was legislated for them until Muhammad ﷺ was sent, it would have been better for them. Rather, they disputed about what they had no knowledge of, so Allah criticized them for this behavior. Allah commanded them to refer what they have no knowledge of to He Who knows the seen and unseen matters and Who knows the true reality of all things. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.) Allah said, مَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا (Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa), shunning Shirk and living in Iman, وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (and he was not of the Mushrikin.) This Ayah is similar to the Ayah in Surat Al-Baqarah, وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا (And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided...")[2:135]. Allah said next, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) This Ayah means, "The people who have the most right to be followers of Ibrahim are those who followed his religion and this Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, and his Companions from the Muhajirin, Ansar and those who followed their lead." Sa'id bin Mansur recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ وُلَاةً مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَإِنَّ وَلِيِّي مِنْهُمْ أَبِي وَخَلِيلُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (Every Prophet had a Wali (supporter, best friend) from among the Prophets. My Wali among them is my father Ibrahim, the Khalil (intimate friend) of my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him...) Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) means, Allah is the Protector of all those who believe in His Messengers.

O people of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim, while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense (65)Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not (66)Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa and he was not of the Mushrikin (67)Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers (68) Disputing with the Jews and Christians About the Religion of Ibrahim Allah censures the Jews and Christians for their dispute with Muslims over Ibrahim Al-Khalil and the claim each group made that he was one of them. Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar reported that Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Christians of Najran and Jewish rabbis gathered before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and disputed in front of him. The rabbis said, 'Ibrahim was certainly Jewish.' The Christians said, 'Certainly, Ibrahim was Christian.' So Allah sent down, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ (O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim,) meaning, 'How is it that you, Jews, claim that Ibrahim was Jew, although he lived before Allah sent down the Tawrah to Musa? How is it that you, Christians, claim that Ibrahim was Christian, although Christianity came after his time?" This is why Allah said, أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Have you then no sense?) Allah then said, هَا أَنتُمْ هَٰؤُلَاءِ حَاجَجْتُمْ فِيمَا لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلِمَ تُحَاجُّونَ فِيمَا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ (Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge?) This Ayah criticizes those who argue and dispute without knowledge, just as the Jews and Christians did concerning Ibrahim. Had they disputed about their religions, which they had knowledge of, and about the Law that was legislated for them until Muhammad ﷺ was sent, it would have been better for them. Rather, they disputed about what they had no knowledge of, so Allah criticized them for this behavior. Allah commanded them to refer what they have no knowledge of to He Who knows the seen and unseen matters and Who knows the true reality of all things. This is why Allah said, وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.) Allah said, مَا كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا (Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa), shunning Shirk and living in Iman, وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (and he was not of the Mushrikin.) This Ayah is similar to the Ayah in Surat Al-Baqarah, وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا (And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided...")[2:135]. Allah said next, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَٰذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) This Ayah means, "The people who have the most right to be followers of Ibrahim are those who followed his religion and this Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, and his Companions from the Muhajirin, Ansar and those who followed their lead." Sa'id bin Mansur recorded that Ibn Mas'ud said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ وُلَاةً مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَإِنَّ وَلِيِّي مِنْهُمْ أَبِي وَخَلِيلُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (Every Prophet had a Wali (supporter, best friend) from among the Prophets. My Wali among them is my father Ibrahim, the Khalil (intimate friend) of my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored) The Prophet ﷺ then recited, إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ (Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him...) Allah's statement, وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.) means, Allah is the Protector of all those who believe in His Messengers.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not (69)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness. (70)"O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know? (71)And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back (72)And believe no one except the one who follows your religion." Say (O Prophet): "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah." (And they say:) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord." Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. (73)He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty (74) The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims; Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them. Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware. Allah criticizes them, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأَنتُمْ تَشْهَدُونَ (O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah's Ayat are true and authentic, يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?) by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad ﷺ, while you know what you do. وَقَالَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ (And a party of the People of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,) This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion. They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims. However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, "They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion." This is why they said next. لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ (so that they may turn back.) Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, "They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet ﷺ and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed." وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِلَّا لِمَن تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ ("And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.") They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you. Allah replied, قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ (Say: (O Prophet) "Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.") Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad ﷺ. The unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets. Allah's statement; أَن يُؤْتَىٰ أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ أَوْ يُحَاجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ ((And they say: ) "Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.") They say, "Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah's proof against you in this life and the Hereafter." Allah said, قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ (Say: "All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills.) meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed. Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs. وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ - يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ (And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.) meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shari'ah there is.