The Holy Quran Text. Translation & Commentary (the Example Commentary in Brief)(volume Three)

Chapter 1 (repentance)

CONTINUED....

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يَعْتَذِرُونَ إِلَيْكُمْ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ قُلْ لاَ تَعْتَذِرُوا لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ لَكُمْ قَدْ نَبَّأَنَا اللهُ مِنْ أَخْبَارِكُمْ وَسَيَرَى اللهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَرَسُولُهُ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَى عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ(( 94 ))

94- THEY WILL GIVE EXCUSES TO YOU WHEN YOU RETURN TO THEM. SAY MAKE NO EXCUSES. WE WILL NEVER BELIEVE YOU. ALLAH HAS ALREADY INFORMED US OF YOUR TIDINGS. SOON WILL ALLAH CONSIDER YOUR ACTION, AND HIS MESSENGER. THEN YOU WILL BE RETURNED TO THE KNOWER OF THE INVISIBLE AND VISIBLE AND HE WILL INFORM YOU OF WHAT YOU WERE DOING.

سَيَحْلِفُونَ بِاللهِ لَكُمْ إِذَا انقَلَبْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ لِتُعْرِضُوا عَنْهُمْ فَأَعْرِضُوا عَنْهُمْ إِنَّهُمْ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمهُ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ(( 95 ))

95- SOON SHALL THEY SWEAR TO YOU BY ALLAH, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THEM IN ORDER TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. (TO IGNORE THEIR FAULT AND BETRAYAL) SO TURN ASIDE FROM THEM, THAT THEY ARE UNCLEAN; AND THEIR ABODE IS HELL-A RECOMPENSE FOR WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN EARNING.

يَحْلِفُونَ لَكُمْ لِتَرْضَوْا عَ نْهُمْ فَإِنْ تَرْضَوْا عَنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ اللهَ لاَ يَرْضَى عَنْ الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ(( 96 ))

96- THEY WILL SWEAR TO YOU THAT YOU MAY BE PLEASED WITH THEM. EVEN IF YOU BE PLEASED WITH THEM, ALLAH WILL NOT BE PLEASED WITH A PEOPLE WHO ARE DEBAUCHERS.

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THE COMMENTARY OCCASION OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 94 - 96)

These verses revealed on account of some eighty hypocrites who were excommunicated when the prophet returned from Tabuk. He forbade the believers to associate with them, and even to speak to them. Life in Medina became difficult for them, and they began to make excuses and swear by Allah in order to reconcile the believers with themselves. So these verses revealed to tell muslims how to treat them.

DON'T PAY HEED TO THEIR OATHS AND EXCUSES (VERSE NO. 94)

The verb, ``YAATAZIRUN = THEY WILL MAKE EXCUSES'' is in the future tense, and implies that God had informed the prophet and his followers from before that the hypocrites would soon come to them to beg their pardon.

The prophet is ordered here to reject their excuses; and pay no heed to their oath. But inspite of all that, the doors of return and repentance has not been closed upon them, if they would but change their minds and amend their deed:ِ ``And soon will Allah see (CONSIDER) your action, and his messenger.'' This clause of the verse could also mean that, in future too, Allah will frustrate your tricks and evil plans as He has done it before:ِ ``Eventually they will swear to you, so that you may be pleased with them but even so God will not be pleased with them.''

This is because their oaths were merely snares of deception, and traps of misleading and sedition. Had it not been for the fear of the believers, their consent and pleasure meant nothing to them, who believed in nothing themselves.

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الاَْعْرَابُ أَشَدُّ كُفْراً وَنِفَاقاً وَأَجْدَرُ أَلاَّ يَعْلَمُوا حُدُودَ مَا أَنزَلَ اللهُ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَاللهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ(( 97 ))

97- THE (BEDOUIN) ARABS ARE MORE SEVER IN UNBELIEF AND HYPOCRISY, AND MORE LIKELY NOT TO KNOW THE BOUNDS OF WHAT ALLAH HAS SENT DOWN TO HIS MESSENGER. AND ALLAH IS ALL-KNOWING, ALL-WISE.

وَمِنْ الاَْعْرَابِ مَنْ يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغْرَماً وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمْ الدَّوَائِرَ عَلَيْهِمْ دَائِرَةُ السَّوْءِ وَاللهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ(( 98 ))

98- AND OF THE (BEDOUIN) ARABS, IS HE WHO REGARDS WHAT HE SPENDS FOR THE CAUSE OF ALLAH, AS A (COMPULSORY) FINE!AND WAITS FOR DISASTERS TO BEFALL YOU. AGAINST THEM IS THE TURN OF EVIL. (DISASTER) AND ALLAH IS ALL-HEARING ALL-KNOWING.

وَمِنْ الاَْعْرَابِ مَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الاْخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَات عِنْدَ اللهِ وَصَلَوَاتِ الرَّسُولِ أَلاَ إِنَّهَا قُرْبَةٌ لَهُمْ سَيُدْخِلُهُمْ اللهُ فِي رَحْمَتِهِ إِنَّ اللهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ(( 99 ))

99- AND OF THE (BEDOUIN) ARABS, IS HE WHO BELIEVES IN ALLAH AND THE LAST DAY, AND REGARDS WHAT HE SPENDS (FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH) A MEANS OF APPROACH TO ALLAH AND (OBTAINING) THE PRAYER OF THE MESSENGER.

KNOW YOU THAT IT REALLY IS A MEANS OF APPROACH FOR THEM. SOON WILL ALLAH ENTER THEM INTO HIS MERCY, THAT ALLAH IS ALL-FORGIVING, COMPASSIONATE.

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THE COMMENTARY STONE ِ HEARTED AND FAITHFUL BEDOUINS (VERSE NO. 97)

Now the argument has moved about faith and hypocrisy among the Bedouin and nomad Arabs who live in the tents in the deserts. This is to warn the believers that they should not think that the hypocrites are only dweller in the towns, and are not found among the Bedouins. The verse states:ِ `` The nomad Arabs who are far from the teaching and preaching center of Islam, are more likly to be faithless, infidels, and hypocrites; and to ignore the bounds of what Allah Has sent down to His Messenger.'' As many may think so; the word, ``ALAARAB'' is not the plural for, ``ARAB'' and according to most of the Arabic Dictionaries, it implies the nomad Arabs who lived in the tents in the deserts.

VERSE NO. 98 - 99

To know that all of the Bedouins were not alike; two groups of them have been made distinct in the above verses:- A group of them due to their lack of faith regard the obligatory alms as a compulsory fine, and they look upon it as a burden. They also wait and watch disasters to befall the believers, so that they might get rid of the payment. Others of them are true believers, and feel happy that they have some contributions in solving the problems of poverty and misery in their community. And they believe that through the payment of such alms-tax, they get nearer and nearer to God, and will also earn the prayer and well-wishing of God's Messenger; and they are indeed right in their motive.

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الاَْوَّلُونَ مِنْ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالاَْنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَان رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّات تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الاَْنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَداً ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ(( 100 ))

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100- AND THE FIRST OF THE OUTSTRIPPERS, (THE FOREMOST MUSLIMS) OF THE EMIGRANTS AND THE HELPERS, AND THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM IN GOODNESS; ALLAH IS PLEASED WITH THEM, AND THEY ARE PLEASED WITH HIM. AND HE HAS PREPARED FOR THEM GARDENS BENEATH WHICH STREAMS FLOW. THEREIN THEY DWELL FOR EVER. THAT IS A GREAT ATTAINMENT.

THE COMMENTARY THE FOREMOST MUSLIMS (VERSE NO. 100)

A mention is made here of three classes of the primeval and forefront Muslims:- 1- The foremost converts who emigrated to ABYSSINIA and to MEDINA. They were the vanguards of Islam who endangered their lives through wonderful self-sacrifices, and suffered for the cause of God painfully, having no other intention but to please Allah, their Lord God. They were persecuted wildly by the pagans of Mecca, but none of them gave up their faith, and when they found it necessary to change their field of combat, they forsook their home and hearth and even their wife and children and emigrated to Abyssinia and to Medina! Inspite of all their sacrifice and suffering, they rejoiced in the pleasure and concent of their Lord God.

2- The second class of the outstrippers who were also in forefront, were among the inhabitants of Medina. They accepted Islam by all means, and provided refuge and shelter for the emigrants, and fought for the cause of Allah sincerely. They are known as the Helpers in the history of Islam. They invited the emigrants, welcomed them and gave them help. They also formed the pivot of the new religious community.

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3- And the third class of the praise worthy Muslims who are the pioneers who go before preparing the way for others to follow, are those who follow the prophet and the emigrants and helpers in their good deeds and truthful motives, throughout the history of mankind-not only the companions of the prophet, but men and women in all ages who live a nobel and pious Islamic life. A Muslim should not forget the verse in Qura"n saying:ِ ``The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most virtuous of you.''

WHO WAS THE FIRST BELIEVER IN ISLAM?

Almost all the commentators have written that the first believer in Islam was her holiness HAZRAT KHADIJEH the faithful wife to the messenger of God; and with no doubt the second convert was HAZRAT Imam Ali who was then a boy of ten or twelve years old. So HAZRAT Ali was the first Muslim and HAZRAT KHADIJEH the first muslimess.

HAKIM NISHABURI has written in his famous book; (MOSTADRAK MAARIFAT: PAGE 22):-there is no difference and disagreement among the historians, that HAZRAT Ali was the foremost and the first of man believers in Islam. Yet some commentators in opposite sects, have tried to reduce the importance of his conversion because of his low age; and also to by-pass the third conversion who was the prophet's adopted son (ZAID), and give the honour of being the first Muslim to ABUBAKR, their first adopted kalif, if he really was the fourth convert! And such endeavours are no more than political struggles.

The famous Sonni scholar, IBN-ABI-ALHADID who has a famous commentary on Nahjolbalagha has:ِ ``In several occasion HAZRAT Ali has made a mention that he was the first man who believed in the Messenger of God, and also he was the first man who prayed to God as a Muslim behind the prophet; while ABUBAKR has never claimed so in all his assertions. No one would ignore such a great advantage or by-pass it for some one else.''

*****

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EMIGRATION

Emigration is a natural phenomenon of departure from one place of abode, for life or residence to another. The journey might also be for some ideals of higher value, such as freedom of belief and assertion. In 19th and 20th centuries several important waves of emigration occured corresponding to periods of severe economic hardship in certain parts of the world. One striking example is the Potato Famine in Ireland in 1845-6 which led to massive emigration to the U.S.A. halving of Ireland's population!

In 19th and 20th century, Nazi persecution of the Jews, led to future emigration from all over Europe, with the U.S.A. again being the final destination. So far several countries have been built on the work of emigrants, notably U.S.A., Canada, Australia, and most recently Israel. From 1790 to 1960, over 41 millions of emigrants came to the United States, nearly 90% from the countries of Europe. Even the birds and animals emigrate when they feel it to be necessary. Bird migration has facinated man for centuries, but its evolutionary origins, and how birds are able to navigate over great distance, are two questions to which even to-day there are only partial answers. The origin of the migrating habit in birds, just like in men has various reasons. Many migratory birds abandon their northern homes while the food supply is still ample, and with the coming of spring they return north, even though more comfortable living conditions are left behind. The fact is also worth of deep consideration that birds can find their way over great distances to exact spots where they habitually nest.

As a matter of fact it is the cause of immigration which gives value to the immigrant. It might either be physical or spiritual. The emigration of the foremost Muslims was rather an spritual than physical. Their only problem was that of their belief in Allah, the only one God, and renouncing and casting off idolatries and fetishes. Such a belief agitated their community and made it compulsory for them to leave their home and hearth and to forsake all that they had for the

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sake of Allah. They went after freedom-freedom of belief and worship-freedom of thought and assertion. Therefor their emigration was among the most valuable immigrations, being only for the sake of God. In fact, they went out of themselves spiritually, towards their Lord God-Him who is the Creator of the universe and all that exists.

THE EARLY CONVERTS OF ISLAM

Almost all the important historians and commentators of all sects of Islam have narrated that the first person who accepted Mohammad's inspired message was his loyal wife HAZRAT KHADIJEH, and so she is reckoned to be the first Muslim. The second convert was HAZRAT Imam Ali, the ten or twelve year old cousin of Mohammad who was living his life with the prophet when he was inspired. When Mohammad asked the boy to bear witness that there is no God but Allah the Only God, and that Mohammad is His Messenger in truth, the boy said that before the testimony he had to see his father and consult with him. The prophet said to him:ِ ``All right! You may do as you like, No compulsion is there in the religion.''

HAZRAT Ali, the 12 years old boy took leave to go to his father to consult him, but he stopped at the door of the prophet's house, pondering over something important with him! He then returned to the prophet and uttered the testimony and bore the witness; that, ``Allah is the only one God, and that Mohammad is His truthful Messenger.'' The prophet asked the boy:ِ ``why did you change your mind in consulting with your father about the faith?'' In answer to the prophet,HAZRAT Ali said:ِ ``At the door a thought seized my mind, that, when Allah my Lord decided to create me, He did not consult my father. Why should I, then, consult my father when I am asked to worship my Lord and Creator.'' HAZRAT Ali then established himself as Mohammad's chief lieutenant, and advisor, and finally his real choice for successor. At a later incident Mohammad called HAZRAT Ali his brother with all the advantages of Aaron in

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relation to Moses. (SEEREH HALABIYEH VOL.1P; 288) The third convert was Zaid; who was Mohammad's adopted son. Zaid was the son of a chieftain, enslaved and sold to HAZRAT KHADIJEH, and she offered him as a present to Mohammad. More than a couple of years elapsed from the first revelation, until the fourth Muslim joined the group. He was ABUBAKR who made a living by commerce. He considered himself a friend to Mohammad, and so he was given a title of, ``SEDDIQ''. ABUBAKR, then introduced to his friend who now claimed to be the Messenger of God, a group of four men from among his colleagues in commerical business namely:ِ ABDU-AL-RAHMAN, OTHMA"N, TALHA, ZOBAIR.

ABUBAKR was an influential wealthy man, and made use of his influence and wealth for improving Islam. Within a period of three years before Mohammad's public preaching, some fifty persons were converted, among whom the following were of more fame and reputation:ِ AL, ARQAM-ABUOBEID-OMMAR'S SISTER AND HER HUSBAND, ABDULLAH JAAFAR-IBN-ABUTALIB AND OMAR.

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE)

وَمِمَّنْ حَوْلَكُمْ مِّنَ الاَْعْرَابِ مُنَافِقُونَ وَمِنْ أَهْلِ الْمَدِينَةِ مَرَدُوا عَلَى النِّفَاقِ لاَ تَعْلَمُهُمْ نَحْنُ نَعْلَمُهُمْ سَنُعَذِّبُهُمْ مَرَّتَيْنِ ثُمَّ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَى عَذَاب عَظِيم(( 101 ))

101- AND OF THOSE ARABS AROUND YOU THERE ARE HYPOCRITES, AND (ALSO) FROM THE CITIZENS OF MEDINA, SOME ARE BOUND TO HYPOCRISY. YOU DO NOT KNOW THEM, BUT WE KNOW THEM. SOON SHALL WE PUNISH THEM TWICE. LASTLY THEY WILL BE PASSED OVER TO THE GREAT TORMENT.

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THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 101

The discussion is still on hypocrites, and this time not known to the people of Medina and all Muslims which were discussed in the previous verses. These were a group unknown to Muslims who lived round about, in the deserts and also with them in Medina. They were well known to God, but Muslims who thought the Bedouins and nomad Arabs were a simple folk, could not recognize them. Here the verse warns the believers that, there are certain cunning and sly hypocrites, both among certain TRIBES in the suburbs, and also in the Medina itself, who have kept themselves unknown, while their mysterious hands work hard against Islam and Muslims.

God has promised here to afflict these kind of enemies with a two-fold punishment. When their tricks are divulged and their real feature is disclosed to people and are publicly defamed and disgraced, they come to taste the bitter fruit of their deeds. And their next punishment is in the life to come, wherein they will join the blazing fire of Hell which they have kindled it in their very self and soul!

وَ اخَرُونَ اعْتَرَفُوا بِذُنُوبِهِمْ خَلَطُوا عَمَلا صَالِحاً وَ اخَرَ سَيِّئاً عَسَى اللهُ أَنْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ(( 102 ))

102- AND OTHERS HAVE CONFESSED THEIR SINS. THEY HAVE MINGLED (THEIR) GOOD DEEDS; AND OTHER EVIL ONES. PERHAPS ALLAH MAY TURN TO THEM, (IN MERCY) THAT ALLAH IS ALL-FORGIVING, COMPASSIONATE.

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THE COMMENTARY EVENT OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 102)

It is narrated that the above verse was sent down on the occasion of ABULABBABEH, for the detail of his fault and then repentance, please refer to volume 2 page 589, under the title of, ``A BEAUTIFUL PENITENCE¨¨. True that the immediate reference here is to ABULABBABEH, but this is general, and applicable to all the believers who mingle good deeds with evil ones for their weakness in will, and lack of faith. They are given the promise of forgiveness, supposing they repent and amend their deeds and purify their souls so that they may deserve such forgiveness. As to the clause:ِ ``PERHAPS ALLAH MAY TURN TO THEM'' is meant to keep them in a state of hope and fear, which is an effective means of training, and purifying the soul of man.

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلاَتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّ هُمْ وَاللهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ(( 103 ))

103- TAKE ALMS OF THEIR PROPERTIES TO CLEANSE THEM, AND PURIFY THEM BY IT, AND PRAY ON THEIR BEHALF, THAT YOUR PRAYER IS A COMFORT FOR THEM. AND ALLAH IS ALL-HEARING, ALL-KNOWING.

أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقَاتِ وَأَنَّ اللهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ(( 104 ))

104- DO THEY NOT KNOW THAT ALLAH IS HE WHO ACCEPTS REPENTANCE FROM HIS SERVANTS, AND TAKES THE ALMS; AND THAT HE IS THE FORGIVING, COMPASSIONATE.

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وَقُلِ اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَسَتُرَدُّونَ إِلَى عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ(( 105 ))

105- AND SAY:ِ ``WORK!'' THEN, SOON, WILL ALLAH OBSERVE YOUR WORK; AND HIS MESSENGER AND THE BELIEVERS. AND SOON YOU SHALL RETURN TO THE KNOWER OF THE UNSEEN AND THE VISIBLE. THEN HE WILL INFORM YOU OF WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING.

THE COMMENTARY ALMS; THE MEANS OF PURIFICATION OF MAN AND SOCIETY (VERSE NO. 103)

Here reference is to one of God's great commandment, which is a means for purifying man's soul and his society. It is a general law for Muslim in all ages, that a small part of their wealth and property is to be spent in some charitable purposes for the sake of God. Through alms giving, the corruptions and mischiefs that arise from poverty among men and their society can be removed or at least reduced. So also by such mutual assistances, man can improve the economical affairs of their society. Therefore, the alms may purify people, and pave the way for the apostles, and spiritual teachers, to bring them up-up in ranks much higher than that of animals.

Allah has bidden His Messenger in this verse to pray for those who pay their due alms-tax! This implies that, we always have to give our thanks and gratitude, to those who do something good, even though their good deed be their duty, or an obligatory fulfilment. Such a behavior will encourage people to continue doing good.

The verb, ``TAKE ALMS'' which is in imperative mood, imply that the Islamic governor should not wait for people to come and bring their alms-tax. He may send his functionary delegate to collect their alms.

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VERSE NO. 104

Some of the infringers of Tabuk's expedition, and other sinners begged the prophet's pardon, and expected him to forgive them their sins; but forgiving the sins is none of the business of a prophet. It is only God who can forgive the sins of His servants and none the else. We ought to know that, the alms are not used for the personal and private use of the prophet, or the spiritual teacher, and doctors of the law. Alms are given for the sake of God, and are spent in the way of Him, and in fact he who takes the alms is only God and no one else; though, apparently they are given to the poor, needy, way-farer, and etc:ِ

``Do they not know that Allah is He who accepts repentance from his servants, and Who takes the alms.'' The charity will reach the hand of God before it has reached the hand of the poor and needy. A pure and sincere offering for the sake of God, even if it be as little as a date, will bring large amount of fruits.

VERSE NO. 105

In the last verse of this group, the prophet is wanted to tell the people to work and be hardy and active in doing their duties, and fulfilling their obligations. If you do anything in public or private, God will see that and in your eternal life which is sure to come, you will receive and reap the fruit of your labour. There will Allah open your eyes to the real truth:ِ ``And soon you shall return to the knower of the invisible, and the visible. Then He will inform you of what you have been doing.''

و اخَرُونَ مُرْجَوْنَ لاَِمْرِ اللهِ إِمَّا يُعَذِّبُهُمْ وَإِمَّا يَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَاللهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ(( 106 ))

106- AND THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE TO WAIT FOR ALLAH'S DECREE. HE WILL EITHER PUNISH THEM, OR TURN TO THEM (IN FORGIVING THEM). AND ALLAH IS ALL-KNOWING, ALL-WISE.

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THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 106

The doubtful case of another category of Muslims are illustrated here, the end of whom is not clear enough. They are not in the rank to deserve God's Mercy, and not so low as to lose hope for Salvation. They are held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn in Mercy to them.

Examples of them are found among those who fought against the prophet in the battle of OHUD. They martyred sincere believers and godly men, such as HAZRAT HAMZIH. But they repented after that and became Muslims, and continued with a characteristic that was perfectly general. They were not a bad Muslim henceforth. So they shall have to wait for God to judge, and issue His decree of either punishment or forgiveness in their case. There is an important question here that:- What is the difference between the sinners that are stated in this verse (NO.106), and those mentioned in verse (NO.102) of the same chapter? Both groups have sinned, and both have repented; and both parties live in hope and fear, expecting to receive God's Mercy?

The most probable answer to this question is that, the first group (IN VERSE NO.102) confessed their sin immediately and repented soon after their wrong; but the latter group delayed their repentance and returning. Therefore, the ending of the verse (NO.102), is:ِ ``Allah is All-forgiving Compassionate,'' but the ending of the verse (NO.106) is:ِ ``Allah is, All-knowing, All-wise.''

وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مَسْجِداً ضِرَاراً وَكُفْراً وَتَفْرِيقَا بَيْنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَإِرْصَاداً لِمَنْ حَارَبَ اللهَ وَرَسُولَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَلَيَحْلِفُنَّ إِنْ أَرَدْنَا إِلاَّ الْحُسْنَى وَاللهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ(( 107 ))

107- AND THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN A HARMFUL MOSQUE OF INFIDELITY, AND CAUSING DISUNION BETWEEN THE BELIEVERS, AND A PLACE OF AMBUSH FOR HIM WHO FOUGHT

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ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGER AFORETIME. AND THEY WILL SWEAR THAT; ``WE INTENDED NOTHING BUT GOOD! AND ALLAH BEARS WITHNESS THAT THEY ARE LYING.''

لاَ تَقُمْ فِيهِ أَبَداً لَمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى التَّقْوَى مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْم أَحَقُّ أَنْ تَقُومَ فِيهِ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ يُحِبُّونَ أَنْ يَتَطَهَّرُوا وَاللهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُطَّهِّرِينَ(( 108 ))

108- NEVER STAND IN IT. A MOSQUE FOUNDED PIETY FROM THE FIRST DAY, IS MORE DESERVING FOR YOU TO STAND IN IT (IN PRAYER). THEREIN ARE MEN WHO LOVE TO CLEANSE THEMSELVES. AND ALLAH LOVES THOSE WHO CLEANES THEMSELVES.

أَفَمَنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَهُ عَلَى تَقْوَى مِنْ اللهِ وَرِضْوَان خَيْرٌ أَمْ مَنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَهُ عَلَى شَفَا جُرُف هَار فَانْهَارَ بِهِ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ وَاللهُ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ(( 109 ))

109- IS HE WHO FOUNDED HIS BUILDING UPON PIETY TO ALLAH AND CONSENT BETTER, OR HE WHO FOUNDED HIS BUILDING ON THE BRINK OF A CRUMBLING BANK, WHICH IS READY TO FALL; THEN IT FALLS WITH HIM INTO THE FIRE OF HELL? AND ALLAH GUIDES NOT A PEOPLE WHO ARE OPPRESSORS.

لاَ يَزَالُ بُنْيَانُهُمْ الَّذِي بَنَوْا رِيبَةً فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلاَّ أَنْ تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَاللهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ(( 110 ))

110- THE BUILDING THAT THEY HAVE BUILT, IS ALWAYS A POINT OF DOUBT IN THEIR HEARTS; UNLESS THEIR HEARTS IS CUT OFF INTO PIECES. AND ALLAH IS ALL-KNOWING, WISE.

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THE COMMENTARY CAUSE OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 107 - 110)

Before leaving Medina for TABUK, the prophet was asked to honour by his presence, and inaugurate a new mosque that was built by some hypocrites and nominal Muslims round them. The prophet postponed the inauguration till his return from the journey. When he was returning from TABUK a plot was hatched against his life, but fortunately it failed; that God had promised in Qura"n to protect His Messenger from people. The prophet then realized that an intrigue against him was going on between a few nominal Muslims and the hypocrites who had built the new mosque. Later on, in Qura"nic literature it was called,``AL-ZARRAR''= the ``Mosque of Dissension''