Chapter 3 - 98
The Family of Amran (Surah Al-Imran)
(200 verses in total, during the third year of Madinah)
In the name of ALLAH, The God of Mercy and The Endower of Mercy!
Alif, Lam, Meem!
ALLAH, there is none but He worthy of worship—the Ever-Living and the Self-Subsisting. He has now revealed the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Prophet) based on truth, reconfirming those sent earlier—Old Testament (Taurat) and the Bible (Injil). This, just like previous generations, He revealed as guidance to people and as a criteria for differentiation (between good and evil, truth and falsehood).
(In spite of revelations and guidance) those who refuse to accept God’s guidance—for them is a severely adverse consequence. For God is Mighty, Able to take retribution! (v. 1-4)
Indeed, there is nothing on this earth or in the universe that is hidden from Allah. God is the One who shapes you in your mother’s womb in whatever form He wishes! God is the One Who has revealed the book to you. Some of its verses are foundational and decisive (mohkamat), forming the basis of the book while other verses are allegorical, given as examples (mutashabihat). But those whose hearts are steeped in perversity and seek to misguide, attempt to give meanings to these verses according to their own interpretation. Only God and those who have developed deeper knowledge understand these meanings, who say, “We believe in it, and it is all from our Sustainer.” Only people of understanding will take note of such guidance. (v. 5-7)
(Prayer): Our Sustainer! Do not let our hearts and conscience deviate from Your teaching after You have guided us right. Grant us mercy and support from Yourself since You are a Generous Giver. O our Sustainer, You are the Gatherer of people on a Day about which there is no doubt; a promise, O ALLAH, you will not fail to deliver.
For those who are persistent in disbelief, their wealth and their family will not be enough to protect them from Allah’s accountability, and they will face the suffering of hellfire. This was the case with Pharaoh and others before them. They refused to accept Our (God’s) message and guidance, and on account of their continued sin (and defiance), Allah took away their power and prominence. Allah is firm in taking requittals. Therefore, tell those who continue to disbelieve that they will be made to suffer the consequences in this life and will be driven toward Hell, which is an evil place to find oneself in. (v. 8-12)
There was a sign in the encounter of the two groups—one fighting for the ways of Allah (truth and justice) and one consistently in denial whom you saw with your naked eyes twice as many. But Allah strengthens whom He will. There is a lesson in this for those who have vision! Men are preoccupied with the love of desires, of women, of children, of wealth, well-bred horses, cattle, and land. But these are provisions for the life of this world, whereas with Allah is the wholesome goal of life!
Say to them, “Shall I tell you what is better than these (worldly attractions and desires)? Those who act responsibly (with taqwa) in the eyes of God will be rewarded by their Sustainer - Gardens with rivers flowing, consummate companions, and Allah’s grace. Allah sees over the servants (as to how they act).” (v. 13-15)
These people (who are responsible) say, “Our Cherisher, we have faith; therefore, forgive our sins and save us from the torment of the fire”—these are the people who are patient, truthful, mindful of Allah’s greatness, serve others, and passionately seek righteousness and divine protection from the inner core of their hearts. Allah declares that there is no god but Him, a reality that angels and those who possess knowledge confirm with justice. Indeed, there is no God but He Who is Mighty and Wise!
Islam is the way of life in the eye of Allah, but those who were given the Books earlier differed only after the current knowledge came to them out of envy and rivalry among themselves. Those who persistently deny the truth, (should know that) God is quick in taking accounts. (v. 16-19)
When they dispute with you (Prophet), say to them, “I acknowledge and accept Allah wholeheartedly, and so do those who are with me.” Say to those who had been given the book earlier and those who are uninformed, “Do you submit (to God)?” If they submit, then certainly they are on the right path, and if they deny, then your job is only to deliver the message. Allah sees and is aware of servants.
For those who deny Allah’s message, kill prophets unjustly, and try to kill those who try to establish justice — pronounce serious consequences. For these people, their pursuits in this life will end in failure and the same in the life to come after death; there will be no helper for them. Have you noticed that those who are given a portion of the book and are invited to the book of Allah so that clarity can be achieved, they turn back and withdraw? These people feel they have special privileges such that their evils and denying of God’s message will result in minor displeasure from God (literally, fire will not touch us except for a few days); this they concoct only to deceive themselves. When God will gather them all on the Judgment Day, about which let there be no doubt, each soul will meet the results of its deeds; there will be no injustice. (v. 20-25)
Say, “O Allah, the Sovereign God! You give command and control to whomever You wish, and You take away such command and control from whomever You feel it is not deserved; You raise the honor of whom You wish and debase whoever so deserves. In Your hand is all that is good, and you possess power over all that exists. You make the night glide into the day and the day into the night, and You extract the living from the dead and the dead from the living, and you provide resources (material, intellectual, spiritual) to whomever You wish in abundant measures.” (v. 26-27)
People of Faith should favor friendship with other people of faith and not with the deniers of faith (who are in active opposition). Such friendship is to sustain your faith and to guard against those who are in opposition and guard yourselves with diligence. Allah cautions you to avert His displeasure, and to Allah is the eventual destiny.
Say, “God is ever powerful over all things—He knows what one hides in his or her heart or exposes it, and He knows what is in the universe and what is on earth. On a day (Day of Judgment and our daily existence), every soul will find itself confronted by what it has done of good or of evil and would wish that it and its evil were far apart. Allah continues to caution you about Him (retribution for denial and injustice), while Allah is ever Compassionate to His creations.” (v. 28-30)
Say (Prophet), “If you love Allah, then follow me. Allah will love you and protect you from committing evil. Know that Allah is Ever Forgiving and Merciful.” Say, “Follow the guidance of Allah and His Prophet.” But if people turn back, know that Allah has no relationship with those who deny His grace.
Allah chose Adam, Noah, and the descendants of Abraham and Amran above others—generation after generation. Allah Hears and He Knows. The wife of Amran (and Mary’s mother) prayed: “My Sustainer, I wish who is in my womb to be dedicated to You. So accept my wish; You certainly know, and You certainly hear (my prayer).” But when she gave birth, she exclaimed, “My Sustainer, I have given birth to a female.” Allah certainly knew who she brought forth and that a male (which she may have hoped for) could not be the same as this female. (She said), “I named her Mary and entrusted her and her offspring to Your (God’s) protection of from the devil.”
Her Sustainer God accepted her offering as God accepts genuine offering, and graced Mary with a good upbringing. She was placed under the guardianship of Zacharias. Whenever Zacharias used to come to visit Mary inside the sanctuary, he would find provision with her. He would ask, “Mary, where does this provision come from?” Mary would say, “It is from Allah! Surely Allah gives provision to whom He wishes in abundance.”
Zacharias was inspired to pray to his Sustainer God: “God, grant me a worthy offspring (as well) —surely You are the One who hears a genuine prayer.” God sent angels to Zacharias as he stood in devotion inside the sanctuary and said, “God gives you good news of John - a testimony to His promise - honorable, morally upright, and a prophet from among righteous people.” Zacharias said, “My Sustainer, how can I have such an heir when I am of advanced age and my wife is not fit to conceive?” Allah replied (through the angels), “This is how Allah does what He wishes to bring about!” Zacharias replied, “My Sustainer, give me a sign.” God said, “The sign is that you will not be able to speak to others except by gestures for three days; remember God and glorify Him day and night (as a sign of thanks).” (v. 31-41)
The angels said to Mary, “Allah has chosen you, made you noble, and made you eminent over all women in the world. O Mary, remain devoted to your Sustainer God, humble yourself, and bow together with those who submit to God.” These are the matters unseen (from the past) that God reveals to you (Prophet). You were not there when they were casting lots to decide who will take charge of Mary and when they contended with one another on this matter.”
The angels said to Mary, “God gives you the advent of a Word from Him (a son for you), whose name will be Messiah (Masih), Jesus, Son of Mary, to be eminent in this world and in the hereafter and shall be close to God. Jesus will speak to people from an early age to full maturity, and he will be of those who are good people.”
Mary replied, “My Sustainer God! How can I have a son when no man had ever touched me?” Allah said, “This is the will of Allah. When He wills a thing, He says, ‘Be,’ and it becomes.” God will teach him (Jesus) knowledge, wisdom, the Torah, and the Bible and make him an apostle to the children of Israel. Jesus will say, ‘I have come as a sign of God, that I am able to create out of clay a bird, breathe into it, and it becomes alive with Allah’s permission; that I heal the blind and the leprous and bring consciousness to those who are (spiritually) dead with Allah’s permission and I inform you what you should eat and what you should store in your dwellings (in the afterlife). These are signs that I bring so that you may believe.” (v. 42-49)
“I (Jesus) am here to confirm the Torah that came to you before me and to reverse certain prohibitions that were imposed on you, and I have come with certain evidence from my Lord. Therefore, it behooves you to submit to Allah and pay attention to my guidance. Surely Allah is your Sustainer and my Sustainer; therefore, let’s serve Him—that is the straight path.”
But Jesus perceived reluctance (and active opposition) to his message, and he reached out (to those close to him): “Who will be my helpers (ansar) toward Allah?” His disciples said, “We are your helpers toward Allah, and we believe in Allah. And be our witness that we are Muslims (those who surrender to God).” They prayed, “Our Sustainer God, we accept what you have sent as guidance, and we follow the messenger (Jesus); therefore, accept us as those who bear witness (to the truth).”
There are those who planned (against Jesus and his followers), and Allah also planned. Allah is certainly a better planner! (v. 50-54)
(Reflect on what) ALLAH said to Jesus, “I will cause your death, give you eminence in My presence, protect you from those who disbelieve, and make your followers above those who disbelieve till the day of resurrection. Remember that your eventual return is to Me, and I will judge on all that you differ among yourselves. As for those who deny the truth, I will punish them severely in this world and in the hereafter, and they will have no helpers. God will pay those who fully believe and do good their rewards. Know that Allah does not love those who are unjust!” This is how We (God) describes the messages and brings reminders full of wisdom.
The likeness (birth) of Jesus is similar to that of Adam in Allah’s eyes. He created Adam from dust and said to it, “Be,” and it became. This is truth from your Sustainerd, and do not become one of those who doubts or disputes. Whoever disputes on this matter with you, tell them that you will risk all that you have and let them put at risk all that they have and sincerely ask that Allah destroy those who lie (and see if they are prepared to do so). These are accounts for truth. Let it be a reminder that there is no god but Allah. Allah is Mighty and Wise! If they refuse to acknowledge the truth (even after all of these), then know that Allah is aware of those who make mischief! (v. 55-63)
Say: “O People of the Book! Let us come to an equitable understanding among ourselves that we serve none but ALLAH, and that we associate no human with God in divinity and that some of us will not take others for gods besides Allah.” If they refuse to accept such understanding, then simply say, “Bear witness that we are those who surrender (as Muslims).”
Ask the People of the Book why they dispute about Abraham, whereas the Torah and the Bible were both revealed after him. Is it that difficult to comprehend? It is bad enough that you argue about things that are made known to you (i.e., Jesus), but to argue about things (i.e., about Abraham) that you have no knowledge of is certainly uncalled for. Know that Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but an upright human being, a muslim and was not a polytheist. The people who can claim to be close to Abraham are the ones who follow Abraham’s way, follow this Prophet (Mohammad) and have true faith. Indeed, Allah is a friend of those who truly believe!
A segment of the People of the Book desires that you fall to disbelief and evil ways, but they lead none to such conditions but themselves, without being aware. O People of the Book! Why is it that you disbelieve in the message from Allah, while you are witness to such messages (from earlier times)? O People of the Book! Why do you confuse truth with falsehood and hide the truth while you know? (v. 64-71)
Some of the folks from the People of the Book say among themselves (to confuse the new Muslims), “Believe in the early part of the day in what has been revealed, and then deny these revelations in the later part of the day. Perhaps they will turn back on their faith. And do not have faith in anyone except those who follow your religion.” Say (Prophet), “The true guidance is the guidance from Allah!” (They say): “Do not believe that they (Muslims) have been given what you were given; otherwise, they will prevail in their argument in front of God.” Say (Prophet), “All bounty and grace belong to Allah! He graces whom He wills. God is limitless in His bounty and is All-Aware. God singles out whomever He wishes for His grace, and Allah is the Lord of limitless grace.”
There are people from the People of the Book who, if you entrust them with a pile of wealth, will return it to the owner, and there are also people who will not return even a gold coin unless you keep insisting on it. This aberrant behavior is the result of their false claim that God will not hold them accountable about their interactions against gentiles (people of other religion). This is a lie they forge against Allah while being fully aware that it is a lie. But Allah loves those who fulfill their promises and are conscious of their responsibilities (Muttaqin). (v. 72-76)
Those who exchange their bond with Allah and their oaths for a small earthly gain, they will have no gains in the life to come; Allah will neither speak to them, nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them of their sins. So awful will be their punishment. And, indeed, there are people among them who lie about the revelations contained in the book so that one might consider these (their false assertions) to be part of the book while these are not part of the book. They say, “This is from Allah,” while it is not from Allah. They lie against Allah, and they know about it.
It is not at all fitting for a mortal (Prophet Jesus, in this case) that Allah should give him revelations, superior judgment, and prophethood, and he would say to people, “Be a servant of me, besides Allah.” (Rather, he would say): “Be a follower of God by having studied the revelation by yourself and by teaching it to others.” And he would not ask people to take angels and prophets as lords. How could he ask you to deny God after the fact that you have submitted to God? Allah took a pledge from the followers of the prophets that after the revelations and wisdom were gifted to you, should there be another messenger who comes and confirms what you already have, that you should believe in him and support him (just the same). He (the prophet) asked, “Do you accept such commitment?” They replied in the affirmative. The prophets and the followers then bear witness with one another. Whoever then turns back on this commitment is a transgressor, no doubt. (v. 77-82)
Do they seek out guidance other than ALLAH’s, whereas everyone and everything in the universe and on Earth surrenders to God, voluntarily or involuntarily, and to God all must return? Declare, “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and all that was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and generations following them and all that was given by their Sustainer to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets; we make no differentiation among the prophets, and to God, we do surrender ourselves.”
To anyone who seeks out ways other than submission to God (Islam) — such ways are not acceptable to God, and such people will be among those who have lost their ways.
How can Allah guide people who refuse to acknowledge the truth after having believed in previous revelations bearing truth regarding prophets and having renewed guidance that corroborates what they already have? God does not guide such people. Their fate will be rejection from God, from angels, and from people altogether—being in that state without respite or reduction in its evil impact.
But to those who repent and mend their ways afterward, Allah is Ever Forgiving and Merciful. But if they bind themselves to denial after believing and then continue to intensify their disbelief, their repentance will bear no fruit, and they are destined to lose their way. Such people who lack faith and die without faith—even an earth full of treasure will not be sufficient to ransom them from their evil fate, and they will have no helper. (v. 83-91)
You cannot achieve true piety and righteousness (birra) unless you offer to others what you love for yourself. Whatever need you fulfill for others by any means, ALLAH is always aware of such giving. All food was lawful to the children of Israel, prior to the revelation of the Torah, whereas the Children of Israel made certain restrictions unto themselves (on their own accord). Say to them, “Come forward with the Torah; let’s read together and see if what you say is really true!” So, after this if anyone continues to lie against Allah, then that is a clear wrongdoing.
Say: “Allah speaks the truth and that one should follow the guidance of Abraham, who was upright in his nature and was not a polytheist.” (v. 92-95)
Indeed, the very first house of worship ever built for mankind is at Bakkah (same as Mecca), full of blessing, a guidance for the nations of the world, and full of insights and messages; a place where Abraham once stood. There is safety and inner peace for everyone who enters its precinct. Let it be known that Pilgrimage (hajj) is an obligation that each human being owes to Allah, whoever can afford it and find a way to it. Those who deny and are ungrateful, let them know that Allah is not in need of anything from anyone in the entire world.
Say: “O People of the Book! Why do you deny the messages from Allah? Allah knows the true intent of your activities. O People of the Book, why do you attempt to prevent people who have declared faith from Allah’s guidance by distorting messages while you know the truth of such messages? Be mindful that Allah is never unaware of what you do.
O Believers! If you listen to those who have been given guidance before, they will turn you away from faith into disbelief, after you have believed. So be aware! How can one disbelieve when guidance from Allah is being conveyed and in your presence is His messenger? You should have a firm grip on this guidance from Allah, and only then you are guided to the Straight Path (siratal mustaqim).” (v. 96-101)
O Believers! Be conscious of Allah, and be duty bound to Allah as it should be, and do not allow death to come to you prior to your full submission and alignment to God (Muslim). Altogether, hold firm to your commitment to Allah, and do not move away from one another. Remember Allah’s grace on you all—you were enemies of one another, He brought your hearts together, and you became like brothers and sisters. You were on the edge of a fiery abyss, about to fall into it, and He saved you from it. This is how Allah makes His message comprehensible and relevant so that you might take guidance.
Let there be among you a group dedicated to inviting all that is good, encouraging the doing of what is right, and discouraging what is wrong. These are they who will be successful! Do not be like those who draw apart from one another with disagreement and conflicting views after the message has been conveyed in a clear way—these people will suffer grievously on the Day of Judgment, a day that will make some faces shiny (with happiness) and other faces grim (with fear and grief). As for those with grim faces, they will be asked, “Did you deny the truth after attaining faith?” What other fate can there be, then, other than suffering for such denial of truth? Allah will shower His Mercy on those with shiny faces, and they will dwell in His mercy. These are the messages from Allah, conveyed with truth. Allah desires no injustice to the world. To Allah belongs all that is in the universe and on the earth; to Allah all matters return for resolution! (v. 102-109)
You are the best community created to benefit mankind, in that you encourage and participate in doing what is right, you discourage and refrain from what is wrong, and you truly believe in Allah. If the followers of earlier revelations had believed and attained this level of faith, it would have served them well. Some of them do believe, but most of them are in a state of transgression. They can never do you much harm (if you are on the right path); if they fight you and oppose you, they will not prevail and will not get any help. Ignominy and humiliation will be their fate wherever they might be, except those who bind themselves to Allah (in submission) and to fellow human beings (in peaceful coexistence). They have earned Allah’s wrath, and humiliation will surround them—all these because they denied Allah’s grace and killed prophets without justifications; they disobeyed (God) and have shown persistent transgressions against all that is good and right.
This does not apply to all of them—there are people among the followers of earlier revelations who recite and reflect on Allah’s message in the quiet hours of the night, and they truly are devoted (to God). They believe in Allah and the Day of Judgment, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and they compete with one another in doing good. These are righteous people. Whatever good they do, they will not be denied its benefits. Allah is Ever Aware of those who keep their duty (muttaquin). (v. 110-115)
Neither wealth nor ties of affiliations can compensate for the consequence of disbelief - the consequence being punishment in hellfire and earning Allah’s displeasure. What they earn and spend with their disbelief and lack of thankfulness in this life is like a wind with an intense cold wave that destroys harvests of those who are unjust to themselves and to others. Allah does not wrong them; they themselves are the source of wrong done to them.
O Believers! Do not take into intimate confidence those who do not share your faith and do not show goodness to others; they spare no effort to undermine your success. They rejoice at your distress, and there is intense dislike for you in them as evidenced by what they say, and there is greater dislike in what is in their hearts. This way We (God) makes you aware of your situation; it is up to you to understand and pay attention. How is it that you love them, but they love you not, and you believe in what has been revealed in the book in its entirety (but they do not)? When they meet you, they say, “We are with you and believe as you do,” but when they are alone, they bite their finger in rage against you. Say to them, “You can destroy yourselves in your rage, but be aware that Allah knows the condition of every heart.”
They rejoice at your misfortune and grieve at your success. They cannot do you any harm, if you are patient in adversity and remain conscious of God. God, indeed, encompasses all their activities. (v. 116-120)
(Remember the day when) you (Prophet) went out from your homes in the morning to station the believers for battle preparation (Battle of Uhud). Allah hears, and He knows when two groups among you were about to lose heart. But Allah is the guardian of them both, and on Allah should the faithful always rely. (Remember) how Allah helped you in the Battle of Badr when you were very weak. Therefore, keep your responsibilities toward God (attaqu) so that you will have reasons to give thanks.
Remember when you (the Prophet) told the faithful, “Is it not adequate that your Sustainer will send down three thousand angels to aid you?” Yes, indeed, if you all are steadfast in patience and mindful of your responsibilities, and your enemies were to appear suddenly, your Sustainer will send five thousand angels to destroy them. This type of announcements is made as good news and to put your hearts at ease (in the face of enormous difficulties), but know that help comes from Allah alone – The Mighty and The Wise – so He can destroy those who persistently deny the truth and abase others so that they are forced to withdraw in failure and despair.
It is deemed not wise for you (Prophet or the companions) to decide or opine if Allah should accept their repentance or chastise them—even if they are unjust. To Allah belongs all that is in heavens and earth, and He forgives whom He pleases, and He chastises whom He pleases. Allah is Ever Forgiving and Merciful! (v. 121-129)
O Believers! Do not seek to benefit from usury, trying to double and redouble your money. Instead, focus on your responsibilities to Allah (attaqu) and to fellow humans—that is the way to achieve success. This way you will also guard yourself against the fire that is ever present for those who disbelieve. And obey Allah and His prophet so that you may have mercy and peace. Be ever vigilant to secure forgiveness of God and to endeavor for a Garden that is as wide as the heavens and the earth combined—a Garden that is ever present for those who are responsible (muttaqin), those who help others during times of plenty as well as in times of difficulty and who control their anger and are ever ready to forgive others. Such are the good people Allah loves. These are the people who, when they commit an act of indecency or injustice (to themselves or to others), they immediately ask for forgiveness from Allah, Who alone can forgive sins, and they do not persist in such acts knowingly.
God rewards them by giving protection and a place in a Garden - of peace and plenty - with flowing fountains. How excellent is the reward for being a good worker! You can travel around the world and see for yourself such examples and what the fate was of those who were ungrateful and lied. These are profound statements (bayyanun) for mankind—a source of guidance and a word of caution for those who feel responsible to God and to fellow humans (muttaquin) (v. 130-138)
Do not lose heart or grieve—you will always prevail if you are true believers. If you feel that a misfortune has affected you (e.g., not winning the Battle of Uhud), a similar misfortune has touched your adversaries as well—it is by bringing this type of alteration of fame and fortune to people that Allah becomes aware of those who have demonstrated faith and establishes evidence for such faith. Allah certainly does not love the evildoers! He cleanses pure faithful of any evils (by such misfortune) and eventually destroys the works of those who deny the truth.
Do you think that you will be rewarded with Paradise while Allah has not seen who among you strove hard for just cause, and persevered with patience? You thought it was easy to face difficulty and death in His cause, and now you have seen it with your own eyes before you! (v. 139-143)
Mohammad is only a prophet, and all prophets had passed away before him. So, if he dies or is killed, will you then forsake your faith? Whoever does so should know that they can do no harm to Allah. Allah rewards the grateful. No human being can die but with Allah’s permission, for a term that is preordained. Whoever strives for the rewards of this world, We (God) grants him such, and whoever strives for the rewards of the life to come, We grants him that what he strives for. We always reward the grateful.
Many prophets had to struggle, and with them (and after them) were people devoted to God, who struggled as well. They did not lose heart (or faith) for what misfortune came along their way, or became weak, or abased themselves (by doing wrong). Allah loves those who are steadfast in adversity. Their only plea was, “Our Sustainer God, forgive us our sins and any excess we committed in managing our affairs, strengthen our resolve, and help us against people who fight the truth.” Allah rewarded such people in this world and in the hereafter; Allah loves the doer of good! (v. 144-148)
O Believers! If you listen and follow the people who deny faith, they will make you deviate from the guidance and become losers. But Allah is your true Patron, and He is best to seek help from. We (God) will bring fear and dread into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up partners with Allah without any justification or proof. They will end up in hellfire, an evil place suitable for those who do evil.
Allah certainly made good on His promise when you secured early victory, but then you became weakhearted, disputed about the situation, and disobeyed directives. God showed an opportunity to seek what you love (spoils of war)—especially for those who love the provisions of this world, but there were others who were striving for the hereafter. Then God made you turn away from your main focus, so that He can test you and try you. Now He had indeed forgiven you, for Allah is ever Gracious to the faithful!
(Remember) when you fled without paying any attention to anyone, and the Prophet was calling you from behind. Then God brought about another grief (the Prophet himself was wounded, and you became ashamed of your conduct) so that you might forget about what escaped you (worldly gain) or what you faced (defeat). Allah is Ever Aware of what you do.
After all of these, God gave you security (from the enemy) and brought tranquility in your hearts, but a party continued to have misgivings that befit people who have no knowledge or guidance. They said, “Do we have any say in the matter? Nobody would have died if we had our say,” only to deflect from what was in their minds that they were unwilling to expose to others. Say to them, “The affair is in the hand of Allah. Even if you had stayed home, for those whose death was ordained would have gone to their places of death. All these happened so that God might test what is in your hearts and continue to purify your intentions and commitments.” Allah is Ever Aware of what is concealed in the hearts of people!
Those who turned back when the two adversaries met for battle (Battle of Uhud) —it was the devil who sought to tempt them because of their own misdeeds. But Allah has erased their sins and failings - Allah is Ever Forgiving and Forbearing! (v. 149-155)
O Believers! Do not behave in a way that people without faith behave, whereby they claim that those of their brethren who travel on a journey or engage in conflicts would not have died if they had stayed with them. Allah makes such thoughts and claims as a source of regrets for them. It is Allah who gives life and brings about how one dies. Allah sees all that you do. If one is killed in service of Allah (to preserve life, freedom, and justice) or one dies a normal death, it is Allah’s protection and mercy that are more important and of value than what one possesses. Whether you die or are killed, in either way, you all are brought back to Allah.
It is indeed Allah’s mercy that you (the Prophet) are gentle to your followers. Had you been harsh and heartless with them, they would have moved away from you. Therefore, pardon them, seek God’s protection and forgiveness, and consult them in all matters of importance. But once a matter is decided, one should put trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him! (v. 156-159)
If Allah helps you, then none can overpower you; but if He abandons you, then who can be there to come to your rescue? The faithful should always rely on Allah. It is inconceivable for a Prophet to deceive, since whoever acts dishonestly will carry such evils with him to the Day of Resurrection, when every soul will face the consequence of its actions, and no wrong will be done to any soul. Hence one who strives to follow Allah’s guidance cannot be the same as the one who displeases Allah by his acts. Such a person will end his journey from this life into hellfire, a horrifying destination, whereas the former is on a different level in the sight of Allah, who sees the action of everyone.
Allah certainly brought a favor to the faithful when He raised a Prophet from among them, who explains the revelations, helps them grow in purity, confers knowledge from the book of revelation and wisdom (in life), whereas before his arrival, people were lost in ignorance and evil. Now that a calamity has fallen on you while you yourself inflicted twice as much (on your adversaries), you ask the question, where is this coming from? You should know—it comes from the consequence of your own actions. Allah is Ever Powerful over all things! The calamity and misfortune that came to you during the encounter of the two armies came about with Allah’s permission so that He might find out who is faithful and who is tainted with hypocrisy.
When it was said to them (hypocrites), “Come and fight to defend Allah’s causes or defend yourselves,” their response was, “If it was going to be a fight, we would have followed you.” In this instance, they were nearer to disbelief than belief, and they said something contrary to what was in their hearts. But Allah always knows what one conceals. (v. 160-167)
Those who held back (from going to the Battle of Uhud) said of those (who went to fight), “If they had listened to us, they would not have been killed.” Say to them, “If you speak the truth, then see if you can avert your own death. Those who die striving hard in Allah’s way (truth, freedom and justice), do not think of them as dead. They are alive, receiving sustenance from their Sustainer. They celebrate in the bounty, which they have received from Allah, and they rejoice for the sake of those who they have left behind as they will have no fear and no reason to grieve. They all rejoice in the favor of Allah and His grace, as Allah does not fail to reward those who demonstrate faith (in the face of hardship) and those who responded to the call from God and His Prophet even after misfortune touched them. Again, if they do good (ahsanu) and are responsible (attaqu), then there is a grand reward.”
It is these believers to whom others said, “Your adversaries have gathered against you (in large numbers), so be afraid.” Instead, the situation only increased their faith and conviction, and they said, “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is a Magnificent Guardian!” So they returned home with Allah’s favor and grace. They avoided all evils, and they stayed firm in seeking Allah’s pleasure. Allah is Mighty in His Grace! It is the devil who instills fear in people who follow him; do not fear them, but fear (be conscious of) Me (God), if you are true in your belief. (v. 168-175)
Those who vie to delve into disbelief should not cause you much grief. They can do no harm to Allah. Allah intends to deprive them of any of His blessing, and they will face consequences that are grievous, indeed. Again, those who buy disbelief by trading belief can do no harm to God, and there awaits a punishment for them that will be very difficult.
Those who persist in denying God and truth should not feel that God’s permission to let them continue their evil is good for them; rather, such respite only adds to their sinfulness. They will face humiliating suffering. Allah will not keep the faithful in the same condition but separate the faithful out from the evil ones. Allah will not give you (disbelievers) insight into the world of the unseen, but Allah chooses His messengers as He pleases. Therefore, believe in Allah and in His messengers. If you believe (tu’mino) and are responsible (tattaqu), then you will achieve a great reward. (v. 176-179)
If you are niggardly with what Allah has given you out of His bounty, do not think it is good for you. No, it is a source of evil for you. On the Day of Resurrection, your niggardliness will manifest as a collar around your neck.1 Indeed, Allah has the inheritance of the heavens and the Earth, and Allah is fully aware of what you do!
Allah certainly heard what was said and who said it— “Allah is poor.1and we are rich.” All is recorded—what was said, who said it, and the killing of prophets without justification.3 It will be said to them, “Taste the burning in fire for what you have said and done.” Allah is not the least bit unjust to His creations.
As to those who say, “God has instructed us not to believe in messengers until they bring offerings consumed by fire,”4say (to them), “Surely messengers came to you before me (Prophet Mohammad) with evidence of truth, which you yourself vouched for. Why did you then kill those messengers, if you are true to your belief?” If these people reject you (Prophet) now, so had they rejected other messengers before who came with evidence, exposition of truth, divine revelations of wisdom, and books of enlightenment? (v. 180-184)
Every soul will suffer death. Allah will reward appropriately everyone on Resurrection Day. Anyone who can keep far away from the hellfire and get to enter Paradise on that day will indeed achieve success. The life of this world is nothing but pursuit of vanities.
You will be tried regarding your person and possessions. You will also hear (and suffer) much abuse from those who were given books before and those who are polytheists, unless you exercise patience (tasbiru) and focus on your responsibility (tattaqu) to God and to people. Such focus and commitment are matters of great resolution! (v. 185-186)
(Remember) when Allah took a pledge from the people who received previous revelations: make this known to mankind, explain it, and do not conceal any of it. But they failed to keep their pledge—they bartered the revelations for small gains in this world, and it was an evil exchange.
Be wary of those who pride themselves on what they have contrived and take pleasure in being praised for things they have not done. Do not think they will be safe from God’s judgment. There waits for them a painful chastisement. (v. 197-188)
To Allah belongs the kingdom of heavens and Earth, and He has power over all things. Indeed, the manner of creation, existence of the universe and the earth, and the repeated successions of the day and the night contain evidence of truth for those who pay attention and try to understand. These are those who are conscious of Allah at all hours that they are awake and, in all conditions, and reflect on the nature of creation of the heavens and the earth.
They say, “Our Sustainer God, You have not created all of these without meaning and purpose. You are the most awesome! Keep us away from the evils of Fire. Our Sustainer God, whomsoever you bring to this Fire, a serious disgrace has descended on them. For those who do evils, there will be no helper in the end. Our Sustainer God, we have heard a voice (a prophet) calling us to faith: ‘Believe in your Sustainer.’ So we have developed faith in You. Forgive us then our sins, remove us from evils, and help us achieve righteousness before we die. O our Sustainer God, deliver your promise that you made through your Messengers and protect us from disgrace on the Day of Resurrection; You never fail to fulfill Your promise!” (v. 188-194)
In accepting their prayers, Allah answers, “I shall not let any of your work be without its reward, whether coming from a male or a female, one of you being from the other. Whoever migrates to avoid evils and false belief, is driven from his or her homes unjustly, suffers in preserving his or her faith and purity, or actively fights evils and sometimes dies in such exertion—I will efface his or her bad deeds and bring him or her to Paradise of peace and plenty, a reward from God alone. God is indeed the Best and the most Bountiful in giving rewards.”
Don’t be deceived by the apparent freedom of those who do evils and deny faith as they will—they are given a time for brief enjoyment, before they are brought to Hell, a horrifying place to be. (In contrast) those who keep their duty to God and to people, God reserves Paradise of peace and plenty for them, to reside in and to receive God’s grace. With Allah is the best of all rewards!
Recognize that there are such people who follow previous revelations and who are true believers in Allah and in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed to them. They stand in awe of Allah and do not exchange Allah’s guidance for small gains in this world. They, too, will be rewarded in a like manner as you, and Allah is swift in taking accounts.
O Believers! Have patience (sabiru), be more steadfast than others (asbiru), be vigilant and prepared (rabitu), and act responsibly (attaqu) (to God and to people) —this is how you will become successful! (v. 195-200)
1See also 17:13
2See also 2:45
3Matthew 23:37, 1 Thessalonians 2:15
4pre-Talmudic Jewish law, Lev. 1:9, Deut. 33:10
