INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 129 verses, 4078 sentences and 10,488 letters and 16 Ruku’s.
It is known by two names AT-TAUBAH and AL-BARA'AT. It is called AT-TAUBAH because it enunciates the nature of taubah (repentance) and mentions the conditions of its acceptance.(vv. 102. 118). The second name BARA' AT (Release) is taken from the first word of the Surah.
This is the only Surah of the Quran to which Bismillah is not prefixed. Though the commentators have given different reasons for this, the correct one is that which has been given by Imam Razi: namely, this is because the Holy Prophet himself did not dictate it at the beginning of the Surah. Therefore the Companions did not prefix it and their successors followed them. This is a further proof of the fact that utmost care has been taken to keep the Quran intact so that it should remain in its complete and original form.
This Surah comprises three discourses.
The first discourse (vv. 1-37), was revealed in Zil-Qa'adah A.H. 9 or thereabout. As the importance of the subject of the discourse required its declaration on the occasion of Hajj the Holy Prophet despatched Hadrat Ali to follow Hadrat Abu Bakr, who had already left for Makkah as leader of the Pilgrims to the Ka'abah. He instructed Hadrat Ali to deliver the discourse before the representatives of the different clans of Arabia so as to inform them of the new policy towards the mushriks.
The second discourse (vv., 38-72) was sent down in Rajab A.H. 9 or a little before this, when the Holy Prophet was engaged in making preparations for the Campaign of Tabuk. In this discourse, the Believers were urged to take active part in jihad, and the shirkers were severely rebuked for holding back their wealth and for hesitation to sacrifice their lives in the way of Allah because of their hypocrisy, weak faith or negligence.
The third discourse (vv. 73-I 29) was revealed on his return from the Campaign of Tabuk. There are some pieces in this discourse that were sent down on different occasions during the same period and were afterwards consolidated by the Holy Prophet into the Surah in accordance with inspiration from Allah. But this caused no interruption in its continuity because they dealt with the same subject and formed part of the same series of events. This discourse warns the hypocrites of their evil deeds and rebukes those Believers who had stayed behind in the Campaign of Tabuk. Then after taking them to task, Allah pardons those true Believers who had not taken part in the Jihad in the Way of Allah for one reason or the other. Chronologically, the first discourse should have come last; but being the most important of the three in regard to its subject-matter, it was placed first in the order of compilation.
Now let us consider the historical background of the Surah. The series of events that have been discussed in this Surah took place after the Peace Treaty of Hudaibiyah. By that time, one-third of Arabia had come under the sway of Islam which had established itself as a powerful, well organized and civilized Islamic State. This Treaty afforded further opportunities to Islam to spread its influence in the comparatively peaceful atmosphere created by it. After this Treaty, two events took place, which led to very important results:
The first was the Conquest of Arabia. The Holy Prophet was able to send missions among different clans for the propagation of Islam. The result was that during the short period of two years, it became such a great power that it made the old order of ignorance feel helpless before it. So much so that the zealous elements from among the Quraish were so exasperated that they broke the Treaty in order to encounter Islam in a decisive combat. But the Holy Prophet took prompt action after the breach so as not to allow them any opportunity to gather enough force for this. He made a sudden invasion on Makkah in the month of Ramadan in A H. 8 and conquered it. Though this conquest broke the backbone of the order of ignorance, it made still another attack on Islam in the battlefield of Hunain, which proved to be its death-knell. The clans of Hawazin Thaqif, Naur, Jushm and others gathered their entire forces in the battlefield in order to crush the reformative Revolution, but they utterly failed in their evil designs. The defeat of 'ignorance' at Hunain paved the way for making the whole of Arabia the 'Abode of Islam' (Dar-ul-Islam). The result was that hardly a year had passed after the Battle of Hunain, when the major portion of Arabia came within the fold of Islam and only a few upholders of the old order remained scattered over some corners of the country.
The second event that contributed towards making Islam a formidable power was the Campaign of Tabuk, which was necessitated by the provocative activities of the Christians living within or near the boundaries of the Roman Empire to the north of Arabia. Accordingly, the Holy Prophet, with an army of thirty thousand marched boldly towards the Roman Empire but the Romans evaded the encounter. The result was that the power of the Holy Prophet and Islam increased manifold and deputations from all corners of Arabia began to wait upon him on his return from Tabuk in order to offer their allegiance to Islam and obedience to him. The Holy Quran has described this triumph in Surah An-Nisa: "When the succour of Allah came and victory was attained and you saw people entering the fold of Islam in large numbers...
The Campaign to Tabuk was the result of conflict with the Roman Empire, that had started even before the conquest of Makkah. One of the missions sent after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah to different parts of Arabia visited the clans which lived in the northern areas adjacent to Syria. The majority of these people were Christians, who were under the influence of the Roman Empire. Contrary to all the principles of the commonly accepted international law, they killed fifteen members of the delegation near a place known as Zat-u-Talah (or Zat-i-Itlah). Only Ka'ab bin Umair Ghifari, the head of the delegation, succeeded in escaping and reporting the sad incident. Besides this, Shurahbil bin Amr, the Christian governor of Busra, who was directly under the Roman Caesar, had also put to death Haritli bin Umair, the ambassador of the Holy Prophet, who had been sent to him on a similar minion.
These events convinced the Holy Prophet that a strong action should be taken in order to make the territory adjacent to the Roman Empire safe and secure for the Muslims. Accordingly, in the month of Jamadi-ul-Ula A.H. 8, he sent an army of three thousand towards the Syrian border. When this army reached near Ma'an, the Muslims learnt that Shurahbil was marching with an army of one hundred thousand to fight with them and that the Caesar, who himself was at Hims, had sent another army consisting of one hundred thousand soldiers under his brother Theodore. But in spite of such fearful news, the brave small band of the Muslims marched on fearlessly and encountered the big army of Shurahbil at M'utah. And the result of the encounter in which the Muslirns were fighting against fearful odds (the ratio of the two armies was 1:33), was very favourable, for the enemy utterly failed to defeat them. This proved very helpful for the propagation of Islam. As a result, those Arabs who were living in a state of semi-independence in Syria and near Syria and the clans of Najd near Iraq, who were under the influence of the Iranian Empire, turned towards Islam and embraced it in thousands. For example, the people of Bani Sulaim (whose chief was Abbas bin Mirdas Sulaimi), Ashja'a, Ghatafan, Zubyan, Fazarah, etc., came into the fold of Islam at the same time. Above all, Farvah bin 'Amral Juzami, who was the commander of the Arab armies of the Roman Empire, embraced Islam during that time, and underwent the trial of his Faith in a way that filled the whole territory with wonder. When the Caesar came to know that Farvah had embraced Islam, he ordered that he should be arrested and brought to his court. Then the Caesar said to him, "You will have to choose one of the two things. Either give up your Islam and win your liberty and your former rank, or remain a Muslim and face death." He calmly chose Islam and sacrificed his life in the way of the Truth.
No wonder that such events as these made the Caesar realize the nature of the danger that was threatening his Empire from Arabia. Accordingly, in 9 A.H. he began to make military preparations to avenge the insult he had suffered at M'utah. The Ghassanid and other Arab chiefs also began to muster armies under him. When the Holy Prophet, who always kept himself well-informed even of the minutest things that could affect the Islamic Movement favourably or adversely, came to know of these preparations, he at once understood their meaning. Therefore, without the least hesitation he decided to fight against the great power of the Caesar. He knew that the show of the slightest weakness would result in the utter failure of the Movement which was facing three great dangers at that time. First the dying power of 'ignorance' that had almost been crushed in the battlefield of Hunain might revive again. Secondly, the Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, who were always on the look-out for such an opportunity, might make full use of this to do the greatest possible harm to it. For they had already made preparations for this and had, through a monk called Abu Amir, sent secret messages of their evil designs to the Christian king of Ghassan and the Caesar himself. Besides this, they had also built a mosque near Al-Madinah for holding secret meetings for this purpose. The third danger was of an attack by the Caesar himself, who had already defeated Iran, the other great power of that period, and filled with awe the adjacent territories. It is obvious that if all these three elements had been given an opportunity of taking a concerted action against the Muslims, Islam would have lost the fight it had almost won. That is why in this case the Holy Prophet made an open declaration for making preparations for the Campaign against the Roman Empire, which was one of the two greatest empires of the world of that period. The declaration was made though all the apparent circumstances were against such a decision: for there was famine in the country and the long awaited crops were about to ripen: the burning heat of the scorching summer season of Arabia was at its height and there was not enough money for preparations in general, and for equipment and conveyance in particular. But in spite of these handicaps, when the Messenger of Allah realized the urgency of the occasion, he took this step which was to decide whether the Mission of the Truth was going to survive or perish. The very fact that he made an open declaration for making preparations for such a campaign to Syria against the Roman Empire showed how important it was, for this was contrary to his previous practice. Usually he took every precaution not to reveal beforehand the direction to which he was going nor the name of the enemy whom he was going to attack; nay, he did not move out of Al-Madinah even in the direction of the campaign.
All the parties in Arabia fully realized the grave consequences of this critical decision. The remnants of the lovers of the old order of 'ignorance' were anxiously waiting for the result of the Campaign, for they had pinned all their hopes on the defeat of Islam by the Romans. The 'hypocrites' also considered it to be their last chance of crushing the power of Islam by internal rebellion, if the Muslims suffered a defeat in Syria. They had, therefore, made full use of the Mosque built by them for hatching plots and had employed all their devices to render the Campaign a failure. On the other side, the true Believers also realized fully that the fate of the Movement for which they had been exerting their utmost for the last 22 years was now hanging in the balance. If they showed courage on that critical occasion, the doors of the whole outer world would be thrown open for the Movement to spread. But if they showed weakness or cowardice, then all the work they had done in Arabia would end in smoke. That is why these lovers of Islam began to make enthusiastic preparations for the Campaign. Everyone of them tried to surpass the other in making contributions for the provision of equipment for it. Hadrat Uthman and Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf presented large sums of money for this purpose. Hadrat Umar contributed half of the earnings of his life and Hadrat Abu Bakr the entire earnings of his life. The indigent Companions did not lag behind and presented whatever they could earn by the sweat of their labour and the women parted with their ornaments. Thousands of volunteers, who were filled with the desire of sacrificing their lives for Islam, came to the Holy Prophet and requested that arrangements for weapons and conveyance be made for them so that they should join the expedition. Those who could not be provided with these shed tears of sorrow; the scene was so pathetic that it made the Holy Prophet sad because of his inability to arm them. In short, the occasion became the touchstone for discriminating a true believer from a hypocrite. For, to lag behind in the Campaign meant that the very relationship of a person to Islam was doubtful. Accordingly, whenever a person lagged behind during the journey to Tabuk, the Holy Prophet, on being informed, would spontaneously say, "Leave him alone. If there be any good in him, Allah will again join him with you, and if there be no good in him, then thank Allah that He relieved you of his evil company".
In short, the Holy Prophet marched out towards Syria in Rajab A.H. 9, with thirty thousand fighters for the cause of Islam. The conditions in which the expedition was undertaken may be judged from the fact that the number of camels with them was so small that many of them were obliged to walk on foot and to wait for their turns for several had to ride at a time on each camel. To add to this, there was the burning heat of the desert and the acute shortage of water. But they were richly rewarded for their firm resolve and sincere adherence to the cause and for their perseverance in the face of those great difficulties and obstacles.
When they arrived at Tabuk, they learnt that the Caesar and his allies had withdrawn their troops from the frontier and there was no enemy to fight with. Thus they won a moral victory that increased their prestige manifold and, that too, without shedding a drop of blood. In this connection, it is pertinent to point out that the general impression given by the historians of the campaigns of the Holy Prophet about the Campaign of Tabuk is not correct. They relate the event in a way as if the news of the mustering of the Roman armies near the Arabian frontier was itself false. The fact is that the Caesar had begun to muster his armies, but the Holy Prophet forestalled him and arrived on the scene before he could make full preparations for the invasion. Therefore, believing that "discretion is the better part of valour," he withdrew his armies from the frontier. For he had not forgotten that the three thousand fighters for the cause of Islam had rendered helpless his army one hundred thousand strong at M'utah. He could not, therefore, even with an army of two hundred thousand, dare to fight against an army of thirty thousand, and that, too, under the leadership of the Holy Prophet himself. When the Holy Prophet found that the Caesar had withdrawn his forces from the frontier, he considered the question whether it would be worthwhile to march into the Syrian territory or to halt at Tabuk and turn his moral victory to political and strategic advantage. He decided on the latter course and made a halt for twenty days at Tabuk. During this time, he brought pressure on the small states that lay between the Roman Empire and the Islamic State and were at that time under the influence of the Romans, and subdued and made them the tributaries of the Islamic State. For instance, some Christian chiefs Ukaidir bin Abdul Malik Kindi of Dumatul Jaiidal, Yuhanna bin D'obah of Ailah, and the chiefs of Maqna, Jarba' and Azruh also submitted and agreed to pay Jizyah to the Islamic State of Al-Madinah. As a result of this, the boundaries of the Islamic State were extended right up to the Roman Empire, and the majority of the Arab clans, who were being used by the Caesar against Arabia, became the allies of the Muslims against the Romans. Above all, this moral victory of Tabuk afforded a golden opportunity to the Muslims to strengthen their hold on Arabia before entering into a long conflict with the Rormans. For it broke the back of those who had still been expecting that the old order of 'ignorance' might revive in the near future, whether they were the open upholders of shirk or the hypocrites who were hiding their shirk under the garb of Islam. The majority of such people were compelled by force of circumstances to enter into the fold of Islam and, at least, make it possible for their descendants to become true Muslims.
After this a mere impotent minority of the upholders of the old order was left in the field, but it could not stand in the way of the Islamic Revolution for the perfection of which Allah had sent His Messenger.
If we keep in view the preceding background, we can easily find out the problems that were confronting the Community at that time. They were:
1. to make the whole of Arabia a perfect Dar-ul-Islam,
2. to extend the influence of Islam to the adjoining countries,
3. to crush the mischiefs of the hypocrites, and
4. to prepare the Muslims for Jihad against the non-Muslim world.
Now that the administration of the whole of Arabia had come in the hands of the Believers, and all the opposing powers had become helpless, it was necessary to make a clear declaration of that policy which was to be adopted to make her a perfect Dar-ul-Islam Therefore the following measures were adopted.
A clear declaration was made that all the treaties with the mushriks were abolished and the Muslims would be released from the treaty obligations with them after a respite of four months.(vv. 1-3). This declaration was necessary for uprooting completely the system of life based on shirk and to make Arabia exclusively the centre of Islam so that it should not in any way interfere with the spirit of Islam nor become an internal danger for it.
A decree was issued that the guardianship of the Kaabah, which held central position in all tlie affairs of Arabia, should be wrested from the mushriks and placed per- manently in the hands of the Believers, (vv. 12-18) that all the customs and practices of the shirk of the era of 'ignorance' should be forcibly abolished: that the mushriks should not be allowed even to come near the "House" (v. 28). This was to eradicate every trace of shirk from the "House" that was dedicated exclusively to the worship of Allah. The evil practice of Nasi, by which they used to tamper with the sacred months in the days of 'ignorance', was forbidden as an act of kufr (v. 37). This was also to serve as an example to the Muslims for eradicating every vestige of the customs of ignorance from the life of Arabia (and afterwards from the lives of the Muslims everywhere). In order to enable the Muslims to extend the influence of Islam outside Arabia, they were enjoined to crush with sword the non-Muslim powers and to force them to accept the sovereignty of the Islamic State. As the great Roman and Iranian Empires were the biggest hindrances in the way, a conflict with them was inevitable. The object of Jihad was not to coerce them to accept Islam-they were free to accept or not to accept it-but to prevent them from thrusting forcibly their deviations upon others and the coming generations. The Muslims were enjoined to tolerate their misguidance only to the extent that they might have the freedom to remain misguided, if they chose to be so, provided that they paid Jizyah (v. 29) as a sign of their subjugation to the Islamic State.
The third important problem was to crush the mischiefs of the hypocrites, who had hitherto been tolerated in spite of their flagrant crimes. Now that there was practically no pressure upon them from outside, the Muslims were enjoined to treat them openly as disbelievers (v. 73). Accordingly, the Holy Prophet set on fire the house of Swailim, where the hypocrites used to gather for consultations in order to dissuade the people from joining the expedition to Tabuk. Likewise on his return from Tabuk, he ordered to pull down and burn the 'Mosque' that had been built to serve as a cover for the hypocrites for hatching plots against the true Believers.
In order to prepare the Muslims for Jihad against the whole non-Muslim world, it was necessary to cure them even of that slight weakness of faith from which they were still suffering. For there could be no greater internal danger to the Islamic Community than the weakness of faith, especially where it was going to engage itself single-handed in a conflict with the whole non-Muslim world. That is why those people who had lagged behind in the Campaign to Tabuk or had shown the least negligence were severely taken to task, and were considered as hypocrites if they had no plausible excuse for not fulfilling that obligation. Moreover, a clear declaration was made that in future the sole criterion of a Muslim's faith shall be the exertions he makes for the uplift of the Word of Allah and the role he plays in the conflict between Islam and kufr. Therefore, if anyone will show any hesitation in sacrificing his life, money, time and energies, his faith shall not be regarded as genuine. (vv. 81-96). If the above-mentioned important points are kept in view during the study of this Surah, it will facilitate the understanding of its contents.
Maududi
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Digest is based upon these outstanding translations and they have been reproduced here for the benefit of serious readers of the Qur’aan; the copyrights of these works are held by their respective authors/publishers from whom they can be purchased by anyone interested in acquiring them and we ardently hope that no offence will be taken by their inclusion.
THE HOLY QUR'AAN
SURAH 9
AT-TAWBAH (REPENTENCE)
SECTION 1
9 : 1
1. Baraatun mina Allahi warasoolihi ila allatheena AAahadtum mina almushrikeena
Indemnity is hereby sanctioned by Allah and His messenger to the idolaters with whom you Muslims have a treaty in operation;
9 : 2
2. Faseehoo fee al-ardi arbaAAata ashhurin waiAAlamoo annakum ghayru muAAjizee Allahi waanna Allaha mukhzee alkafireena
So, freely move around in the land, but know that you will never succeed in exasperating Allah and that Allah will eventually mortify the disbelievers!
9 : 3
3. Waathanun mina Allahi warasoolihi ila alnnasi yawma alhajji al-akbari anna Allaha baree-on mina almushrikeena warasooluhu fa-in tubtum fahuwa khayrun lakum wa-in tawallaytum faiAAlamoo annakum ghayru muAAjizee Allahi wabashshiri allatheena kafaroo biAAathabin aleemin
Let there be a proclamation from Allah and His messenger to all peoples on the day of Greater Pilgrimage that Allah and His messenger are free from obligation towards the idolaters. So, if you repent, it will be for your own good; but if you turn your faces away, then know that you will never be able to avoid Allah! And deliver tidings to the disbelievers (O Mohammed) of an impending doom, -
9 : 4
4. Illa allatheena AAahadtum mina almushrikeena thumma lam yanqusookum shay-an walam yuthahiroo AAalaykum ahadan faatimmoo ilayhim AAahdahum ila muddatihim inna Allaha yuhibbu almuttaqeena
Except those idolaters with whom you have a treaty and they have not breached its terms nor have aided your opponents. Then abide by its terms for the rest of its duration. Allah cherishes those who observe their duty to Him.
9 : 5
5. Fa-itha insalakha al-ashhuru alhurumu faoqtuloo almushrikeena haythu wajadtumoohum wakhuthoohum waohsuroohum waoqAAudoo lahum kulla marsadin fa-in taboo waaqamoo alssalata waatawoo alzzakata fakhalloo sabeelahum inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun
Then, when the auspicious months have passed away, slay the idolaters wherever you find them and take them captive and ravage them and lie in ambush for them. But if they repent and establish worship and give to the deserving their due, then get out of their way. Verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
9 : 6
6. Wa-in ahadun mina almushrikeena istajaraka faajirhu hatta yasmaAAa kalama Allahi thumma ablighhu ma/manahu thalika bi-annahum qawmun la yaAAlamoona
And if an idolater comes to you for protection (O Mohammed), take him in so that he can listen to the word of Allah, and then deliver him to a place of safety. This is because they are a people who do not know. (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
1. Freedom from (all) obligations (is declared) from Allâh and His Messenger (SAW) to those of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh), with whom you made a treaty.
2. So travel freely (O Mushrikûn - see V.2:105) for four months (as you will) throughout the land, but know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allâh, and Allâh will disgrace the disbelievers.
3. And a declaration from Allâh and His Messenger to mankind on the greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah - the 12th month of Islâmic calendar) that Allâh is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikûn (see V.2:105) and so is His Messenger. So if you (Mushrikûn) repent, it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allâh. And give tidings (O Muhammad SAW) of a painful torment to those who disbelieve.
4. Except those of the Mushrikûn with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty to them to the end of their term. Surely Allâh loves Al- Mattaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).
5. Then when the Sacred Months (the Ist, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islâmic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikûn (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, then leave their way free. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[]
6. And if anyone of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) seeks your protection then grant him protection, so that he may hear the Word of Allâh (the Qur'ân), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not.
009.001
YUSUFALI: A (declaration) of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of
the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:-
PICKTHAL: Freedom from obligation (is proclaimed) from Allah and His messenger
toward those of the idolaters with whom ye made a treaty.
SHAKIR: (This is a declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Messenger towards
those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.
009.002
YUSUFALI: Go ye, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, (as ye will),
throughout the land, but know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah (by your
falsehood) but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.
PICKTHAL: Travel freely in the land four months, and know that ye cannot escape
Allah and that Allah will confound the disbelievers (in His Guidance).
SHAKIR: So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot weaken
Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace to the unbelievers.
009.003
YUSUFALI: And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people
(assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,- that Allah and His Messenger
dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If then, ye repent, it were best
for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah. And
proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: And a proclamation from Allah and His messenger to all men on the day
of the Greater Pilgrimage that Allah is free from obligation to the idolaters,
and (so is) His messenger. So, if ye repent, it will be better for you; but if
ye are averse, then know that ye cannot escape Allah. Give tidings (O Muhammad)
of a painful doom to those who disbelieve,
SHAKIR: And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the
day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free from
liability to the idolaters; therefore if you repent, it will be better for you,
and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and announce
painful punishment to those who disbelieve.
009.004
YUSUFALI: (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye
have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught,
nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end
of their term: for Allah loveth the righteous.
PICKTHAL: Excepting those of the idolaters with whom ye (Muslims) have a treaty,
and who have since abated nothing of your right nor have supported anyone
against you. (As for these), fulfil their treaty to them till their term. Lo!
Allah loveth those who keep their duty (unto Him).
SHAKIR: Except those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement, then they
have not failed you in anything and have not backed up any one against you, so
fulfill their agreement to the end of their term; surely Allah loves those who
are careful (of their duty).
009.005
YUSUFALI: But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans
wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them
in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers
and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is
Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever
ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them
each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then
leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters
wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait
for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the
poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
009.006
YUSUFALI: If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so
that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be
secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.
PICKTHAL: And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protection (O Muhammad),
then protect him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterward convey him
to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not.
SHAKIR: And if one of the idolaters seek protection from you, grant him
protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of
safety; this is because they are a people who do not know.
Section 2.
9 : 7
7. Kayfa yakoonu lilmushrikeena AAahdun AAinda Allahi waAAinda rasoolihi illa allatheena AAahadtum AAinda almasjidi alharami fama istaqamoo lakum faistaqeemoo lahum inna Allaha yuhibbu almuttaqeena
How can there be a treaty with Allah and His messenger for the idolaters except those with whom you have already made one at the Hallowed Mosque? For as long as they abide by its terms, you too abide by them Verily Allah is pleased with those who discharge their duty to Him!
9 : 8
8. Kayfa wa-in yathharoo AAalaykum la yarquboo feekum illan wala thimmatan yurdoonakum bi-afwahihim wata/ba quloobuhum waaktharuhum fasiqoona
How can they abide by the terms when, once they get the better of you, they will show no regard towards either blood bonds or pacts of honour? Whilst they utter words of acquiescence with their mouths, inside their hearts they carry rancour! And most of them are evil mongers.
9 : 9
9. Ishtaraw bi-ayati Allahi thamanan qaleelan fasaddoo AAan sabeelihi innahum saa ma kanoo yaAAmaloona
And they trade away Allah's revelations in return for measly rewards and obstruct others from the path of Allah! Verily they perpetrate the most evil of deeds.
9 : 10
10. La yarquboona fee mu/minin illan wala thimmatan waola-ika humu almuAAtadoona
They show no respect for kinship with the believers nor for pacts they have made with them. They are a people who have no scruples.
9 : 11
11. Fa-in taboo waaqamoo alssalata waatawoo alzzakata fa-ikhwanukum fee alddeeni wanufassilu al-ayati liqawmin yaAAlamoona
Yet, if they turn penitent and establish worship and give the deserving their due, treat them as brethren in religion. And thus do We elucidate Our revelations for those who have knowledge.
9 : 12
12. Wa-in nakathoo aymanahum min baAAdi AAahdihim wataAAanoo fee deenikum faqatiloo a-immata alkufri innahum la aymana lahum laAAallahum yantahoona
And if they make a pact with you but do not abide by their oaths, or malign your religion, then subvert the leaders of the apostates, - for, they do not bind themselves with oaths - so that they may refrain from their evil deeds!
9 : 13
13. Ala tuqatiloona qawman nakathoo aymanahum wahammoo bi-ikhraji alrrasooli wahum badaookum awwala marratin atakhshawnahum faAllahu ahaqqu an takhshawhu in kuntum mu/mineena
Will you not fight the people who broke their pledges and contrived to drive the messenger from his home and were the first to attack you? Are you afraid of them? Verily Allah has a much greater right to be feared by you, - if you are true believers?
9 : 14
14. Qatiloohum yuAAaththibhumu Allahu bi-aydeekum wayukhzihim wayansurkum AAalayhim wayashfi sudoora qawmin mu/mineena
Challenge them! Allah will punish them through your hands and will debase them and give you victory over them and will assuage the hearts of those who believe!
9 : 15
15. Wayuthhib ghaytha quloobihim wayatoobu Allahu AAala man yashao waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
And He will remove the rancour from their hearts! Allah forgives whom He will, for Allah is Erudite and Wise!
9 : 16
16. Am hasibtum an tutrakoo walamma yaAAlami Allahu allatheena jahadoo minkum walam yattakhithoo min dooni Allahi wala rasoolihi wala almu/mineena waleejatan waAllahu khabeerun bima taAAmaloona
Or, did
you think that you would be spared before Allah has identified those amongst you
who strove for Him courageously, and chose no one as their confidantes other
than Allah and His messenger and their fellow believers? Allah is cognizant of
your deeds! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
7. How can there be a covenant with Allâh and with His Messenger for the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) except those with whom you made a covenant near Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah)? So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them. Verily, Allâh loves Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).
8. How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
9. They have purchased with the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh a little gain, and they hindered men from His Way; evil indeed is that which they used to do.
10. With regard to a believer, they respect not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant! It is they who are the transgressors.
11. But if they repent, perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât, then they are your brethren in religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for a people who know.
12. But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief (chiefs of Quraish - pagans of Makkah) - for surely their oaths are nothing to them - so that they may stop (evil actions).
13. Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths (pagans of Makkah) and intended to expel the Messenger, while they did attack you first? Do you fear them? Allâh has more right that you should fear Him, if you are believers.
14. Fight against them so that Allâh will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,
15. And remove the anger of their (believers') hearts. Allâh accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
16. Do you think that you shall be left alone while Allâh has not yet tested those among you who have striven hard and fought and have not taken Walîjah [(Batanah - helpers, advisors and consultants from disbelievers, pagans, etc.) giving openly to them their secrets] besides Allâh and His Messenger, and the believers. Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.
009.007
YUSUFALI: How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with the
Pagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque? As long
as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for Allah doth love the
righteous.
PICKTHAL: How can there be a treaty with Allah and with His messenger for the
idolaters save those with whom ye made a treaty at the Inviolable Place of
Worship? So long as they are true to you, be true to them. Lo! Allah loveth
those who keep their duty.
SHAKIR: How can there be an agreement for the idolaters with Allah and with His
Messenger; except those with whom you made an agreement at the Sacred Mosque? So
as long as they are true to you, be true to them; surely Allah loves those who
are careful (of their duty).
009.008
YUSUFALI: How (can there be such a league), seeing that if they get an advantage
over you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant?
With (fair words from) their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse
from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked.
PICKTHAL: How (can there be any treaty for the others) when, if they have the
upper hand of you, they regard not pact nor honour in respect of you? They
satisfy you with their mouths the while their hearts refuse. And most of them
are wrongdoers.
SHAKIR: How (can it be)! while if they prevail against you, they would not pay
regard in your case to ties of relationship, nor those of covenant; they please
you with their mouths while their hearts do not consent; and most of them are
transgressors.
009.009
YUSUFALI: The Signs of Allah have they sold for a miserable price, and (many)
have they hindered from His way: evil indeed are the deeds they have done.
PICKTHAL: They have purchased with the revelations of Allah a little gain, so
they debar (men) from His way. Lo! evil is that which they are wont to do.
SHAKIR: They have taken a small price for the communications of Allah, so they
turn away from His way; surely evil is it that they do.
009.010
YUSUFALI: In a Believer they respect not the ties either of kinship or of
covenant! It is they who have transgressed all bounds.
PICKTHAL: And they observe toward a believer neither pact nor honour. These are
they who are transgressors.
SHAKIR: They do not pay regard to ties of relationship nor those of covenant in
the case of a believer; and these are they who go beyond the limits.
009.011
YUSUFALI: But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practise
regular charity,- they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explain the
Signs in detail, for those who understand.
PICKTHAL: But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then
are they your brethren in religion. We detail Our revelations for a people who
have knowledge.
SHAKIR: But if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, they are
your brethren in faith; and We make the communications clear for a people who
know.
009.012
YUSUFALI: But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you
for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to
them: that thus they may be restrained.
PICKTHAL: And if they break their pledges after their treaty (hath been made
with you) and assail your religion, then fight the heads of disbelief - Lo! they
have no binding oaths - in order that they may desist.
SHAKIR: And if they break their oaths after their agreement and (openly) revile
your religion, then fight the leaders of unbelief-- surely their oaths are
nothing-- so that they may desist.
009.013
YUSUFALI: Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel
the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do
ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!
PICKTHAL: Will ye not fight a folk who broke their solemn pledges, and purposed
to drive out the messenger and did attack you first? What! Fear ye them? Now
Allah hath more right that ye should fear Him, if ye are believers
SHAKIR: What! will you not fight a people who broke their oaths and aimed at the
expulsion of the Messenger, and they attacked you first; do you fear them? But
Allah is most deserving that you should fear Him, if you are believers.
009.014
YUSUFALI: Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with
shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers,
PICKTHAL: Fight them! Allah will chastise them at your hands, and He will lay
them low and give you victory over them, and He will heal the breasts of folk
who are believers.
SHAKIR: Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to
disgrace, and assist you against them and heal the hearts of a believing people.
009.015
YUSUFALI: And still the indignation of their hearts. For Allah will turn (in
mercy) to whom He will; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
PICKTHAL: And He will remove the anger of their hearts. Allah relenteth toward
whom He will. Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: And remove the rage of their hearts; and Allah turns (mercifully) to
whom He pleases, and Allah is Knowing, Wise.
009.016
YUSUFALI: Or think ye that ye shall be abandoned, as though Allah did not know
those among you who strive with might and main, and take none for friends and
protectors except Allah, His Messenger, and the (community of) Believers? But
Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.
PICKTHAL: Or deemed ye that ye would be left (in peace) when Allah yet knoweth
not those of you who strive, choosing for familiar none save Allah and His
messenger and the believers? Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: What! do you think that you will be left alone while Allah has not yet
known those of you who have struggled hard and have not taken any one as an
adherent besides Allah and His Messenger and the believers; and Allah is aware
of what you do.
Section 3.
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed in response to a claim made by a group of idolaters from amongst the Meccan elite who were captured in the Battle of Badr to the effect that, since they had been maintaining the Hallowed Mosque and tending to the needs of pilgrims for generations, they were entitled to immunity against enslavement.
9 : 17
17. Ma kana lilmushrikeena an yaAAmuroo masajida Allahi shahideena AAala anfusihim bialkufri ola-ika habitat aAAmaluhum wafee alnnari hum khalidoona
To no idolater can belong the status of being a caretaker of the sanctuaries of Allah after having testified against himself to be an idolater! As for these, their life-time of toils are in vain and they shall abide in hell forever!
9 : 18
18. Innama yaAAmuru masajida Allahi man amana biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri waaqama alssalata waata alzzakata walam yakhsha illa Allaha faAAasa ola-ika an yakoonoo mina almuhtadeena
Only they can look after the sanctuaries of Allah who believe in Allah and in the Last Day and establish proper worship and give to the deserving their due and fear none but Allah. They alone are in the scope of His guidance!
9 : 19
19.
AjjaAAaltum siqayata alhajji waAAimarata almasjidi alharami
kaman amana biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri wajahada
fee sabeeli Allahi la yastawoona AAinda Allahi waAllahu
la yahdee alqawma alththalimeena
Consider you that by quenching the thirst of pilgrims and by maintaining the
brick work of the Hallowed Mosque you become equal in status to those who
believe in Allah and in the Last Day and strive for the Cause of Allah? In the
eyes of Allah they are not equal, for He does not guide the iniquitous!
(As mentioned in the previous Surah, when the Prophet's uncle Abbas was captured in the Battle of Badr and brought before him in chains, his cousin Hadrath Ali gave him a verbal thrashing so severe that, mortified beyond endurance, he snapped: 'You talk as though we have never done anything good in our lives!' Ali asked him : 'Have you?' Abbas said : 'We repaired and maintained the Hallowed Mosque; we kept the Ka'ba clean; tended to the needs of pilgrims and we set free slaves!' The above verses were revealed to emphasize that it was not enough to constitute true faith, nor to match those who truly believed, much less to excel them.
There is a terse reminder in verse 18 that those who refute Allah and reject His words are not the ones who have the right to dwell in His sanctuaries, not even to step underneath their roofs).
9 : 20
20. Allatheena amanoo wahajaroo wajahadoo fee sabeeli Allahi bi-amwalihim waanfusihim aAAthamu darajatan AAinda Allahi waola-ika humu alfa-izoona
Those who believe and have forsaken their homes and strove for the Cause of Allah with their possessions and lives have a much higher status in the eyes of Allah and they are the ones who will reach their goals!
9 : 21
21. Yubashshiruhum rabbuhum birahmatin minhu waridwanin wajannatin lahum feeha naAAeemun muqeemun
From their Lord come to them the blithesome tidings of His Mercy and of His accord and of Gardens with everlasting happiness for them -
9 : 22
22. Khalideena feeha abadan inna Allaha AAindahu ajrun AAatheemun
Wherein they shall abide forever! There is a great reward for them in Allah's presence
* * *
9 : 23
23. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la tattakhithoo abaakum wa-ikhwanakum awliyaa ini istahabboo alkufra AAala al-eemani waman yatawallahum minkum faola-ika humu alththalimoona
O those of you who believe! Consider not your fathers or your brothers as friends, if they were to prefer to be disbelievers instead of believers. And those of you who consider them to be your friends are guilty of solecism.
9 : 24
24. Qul in kana abaokum waabnaokum wa-ikhwanukum waazwajukum waAAasheeratukum waamwalun iqtaraftumooha watijaratun takhshawna kasadaha wamasakinu tardawnaha ahabba ilaykum mina Allahi warasoolihi wajihadin fee sabeelihi fatarabbasoo hatta ya/tiya Allahu bi-amrihi waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alfasiqeena
Say to them : 'If your fathers and your brothers and your wives and your kinsmen and the wealth you have amassed and the losses in trade about which you feel concerned and the dwellings which you cherish are dearer to you than Allah and His messenger and to striving in His way, then wait until Allah's command comes to pass! Allah does not guide those that are invidious! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
17. It is not for the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh), to maintain the Mosques of Allâh (i.e. to pray and worship Allâh therein, to look after their cleanliness and their building, etc.), while they witness against their ownselves of disbelief. The works of such are in vain and in Fire shall they abide.
18. The Mosques of Allâh shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allâh and the Last Day; perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and fear none but Allâh. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.
19. Do you consider the providing of drinking water to the pilgrims and the maintenance of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) as equal to the worth of those who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, and strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh? They are not equal before Allâh. And Allâh guides not those people who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).
20. Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allâh's Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allâh. They are the successful.[]
21. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights.
22. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allâh is a great reward.
23. O you who believe! Take not for Auliyâ' (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.).
24. Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause[], then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
009.017
YUSUFALI: It is not for such as join gods with Allah, to visit or maintain the
mosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The
works of such bear no fruit: In Fire shall they dwell.
PICKTHAL: It is not for the idolaters to tend Allah's sanctuaries, bearing
witness against themselves of disbelief. As for such, their works are vain and
in the Fire they will abide.
SHAKIR: The idolaters have no right to visit the mosques of Allah while bearing
witness to unbelief against themselves, these it is whose doings are null, and
in the fire shall they abide.
009.018
YUSUFALI: The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as
believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practise
regular charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are
expected to be on true guidance.
PICKTHAL: He only shall tend Allah's sanctuaries who believeth in Allah and the
Last Day and observeth proper worship and payeth the poor-due and feareth none
save Allah. For such (only) is it possible that they can be of the rightly
guided.
SHAKIR: Only he shall visit the mosques of Allah who believes in Allah and the
latter day, and keeps up prayer and pays the poor-rate and fears none but Allah;
so (as for) these, it may be that they are of the followers of the right course.
009.019
YUSUFALI: Do ye make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the
Sacred Mosque, equal to (the pious service of) those who believe in Allah and
the Last Day, and strive with might and main in the cause of Allah? They are not
comparable in the sight of Allah: and Allah guides not those who do wrong.
PICKTHAL: Count ye the slaking of a pilgrim's thirst and tendance of the
Inviolable Place of Worship as (equal to the worth of) him who believeth in
Allah and the Last Day, and striveth in the way of Allah? They are not equal in
the sight of Allah. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: What! do you make (one who undertakes) the giving of drink to the
pilgrims and the guarding of the Sacred Mosque like him who believes in Allah
and the latter day and strives hard in Allah's way? They are not equal with
Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people.
009.020
YUSUFALI: Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main, in
Allah's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the
sight of Allah: they are the people who will achieve (salvation).
PICKTHAL: Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their
wealth and their lives in Allah's way are of much greater worth in Allah's
sight. These are they who are triumphant.
SHAKIR: Those who believed and fled (their homes), and strove hard in Allah's
way with their property and their souls, are much higher in rank with Allah; and
those are they who are the achievers (of their objects).
009.021
YUSUFALI: Their Lord doth give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His
good pleasure, and of gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure:
PICKTHAL: Their Lord giveth them good tidings of mercy from Him, and acceptance,
and Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs;
SHAKIR: Their Lord gives them good news of mercy from Himself and (His) good
pleasure and gardens, wherein lasting blessings shall be theirs;
009.022
YUSUFALI: They will dwell therein for ever. Verily in Allah's presence is a
reward, the greatest (of all).
PICKTHAL: There they will abide for ever. Lo! with Allah there is immense
reward.
SHAKIR: Abiding therein for ever; surely Allah has a Mighty reward with Him.
009.023
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your
brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do
wrong.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for
friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you
taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take your fathers and your brothers for
guardians if they love unbelief more than belief; and whoever of you takes them
for a guardian, these it is that are the unjust.
009.024
YUSUFALI: Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates,
or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a
decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or
His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about
His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.
PICKTHAL: Say: If your fathers, and your sons, and your brethren, and your
wives, and your tribe, and the wealth ye have acquired, and merchandise for
which ye fear that there will no sale, and dwellings ye desire are dearer to you
than Allah and His messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah
bringeth His command to pass. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: Say: If your fathers and your sons and your brethren and your mates and
your kinsfolk and property which you have acquired, and the slackness of trade
which you fear and dwellings which you like, are dearer to you than Allah and
His Messenger and striving in His way, then wait till Allah brings about His
command: and Allah does not guide the transgressing people.
Section 4.
9 : 25
25. Laqad nasarakumu Allahu fee mawatina katheeratin wayawma hunaynin ith aAAjabatkum kathratukum falam tughni AAankum shay-an wadaqat AAalaykumu al-ardu bima rahubat thumma wallaytum mudbireena
Allah has given you victory on many a battle-front; but in the battle of Huneyn, when you gloated over the volume of your numbers, - great as they were, - they availed you not; and the earth, - copious as it is, - it sufficed you not; and you turned your backs and fled!
9 : 26
26. Thumma anzala Allahu sakeenatahu AAala rasoolihi waAAala almu/mineena waanzala junoodan lam tarawha waAAaththaba allatheena kafaroo wathalika jazao alkafireena
Then Allah diffused His peace on His messenger and the believers and deployed for you an army that was not visible to your eyes in order to punish the disbelievers. And this is how We castigate the disbelievers!
9 : 27
27. Thumma yatoobu Allahu min baAAdi thalika AAala man yashao waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun
Then, after the castigation, Allah will forgive whom He will, for Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
(The Battle of Huneyn detailed in the above verses was fought between a twelve thousand strong Muslim army led by the Prophet and four thousand warriors belonging to the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif near the city of Ta'if on the outskirts of Mecca shortly after Mecca was conquered by the Muslims
When news of the fall of Mecca reached them, they realized it would only be a matter of time before the triumphant Muslims would head towards them because of their rejection of Islam and their adherence to idol worship regardless, and braced up.
Although, to begin with, the battle seemed to be going in favour of the Muslims by reason of their sheer numbers, it was not to be so. Sunk in the stupor of triumph, spiteful and over-confident, the believers thought it was going to be a walk-over and displayed such an unacceptable level of callousness that they needed to be dragged out of their stupor and made to face reality. This was done by giving them the bitter taste of defeat when they lost track of their primary goal, abandoned fighting and went after the spoils, which was swiftly exploited by their adversaries. Regrouping at once, they relentlessly targeted their enemies with their arrows, being skilled and tenacious archers. This turned the battle around in their favour, inflicting heavy casualties on the Muslims and forcing them to flee.
The Prophet himself, who never entered battle-fields on the strength of numbers but relied only on the will of Allah in matters of winning and losing them, sat breathless on his horse, watching with dismay his men abandoning their task and doing something which they were repeatedly exhorted never to resort to : turn their backs upon their enemy and flee from the battle-field.
When all but two of his twelve thousand strong army remained with him, - one of whom was his own uncle Abbas mentioned earlier, - he asked him to shout for his men to return to the battle-field at once, repeated the name of Allah thrice and sallied towards the enemy with resolute faith and indomitable courage.
Allah did respond to his call by sending His Angels to his aid one more time, who tilted the scales in his favour without physically taking part in the proceedings, simply manifesting themselves to the idolaters as an unimpregnable column of horsemen, clad in white robes and surrounding them on all sides. It was such a fearsome spectacle that it threw the enemy into a panic and forced them to abandon the battle-field.
Meanwhile, as the call of Abbas reverberated in the grim surroundings, those who heard it came to a halt, realized their folly and returned to where their duty lay and successfully concluded what they had set out to accomplish).
9 : 28
28. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo innama almushrikoona najasun fala yaqraboo almasjida alharama baAAda AAamihim hatha wa-in khiftum AAaylatan fasawfa yughneekumu Allahu min fadlihi in shaa inna Allaha AAaleemun hakeemun
O those of you who believe! The idolaters are unclean so let them not befoul the Hallowed Mosque with their presence in its vicinity after this year. If you fear indigence on account of losing their trade, Allah will bless you with affluence by His grace, if He will! Verily Allah is Erudite and Wise.
(The idolaters of Mecca were deemed physically unclean because they did not bother to dry themselves after urinating, - which the Muslims were required to do, - nor bathe after sexual intercourse or seminal or menstrual discharges.
Physical and spiritual cleanliness being at the core of Islam, Muslims were entrusted with the duty of maintaining the sanctity of the Hallowed Mosque and the Ka'ba by ensuring that they were nor fouled by the presence of those who did not take the trouble of keeping themselves clean).
9 : 29
29. Qatiloo allatheena la yu/minoona biAllahi wala bialyawmi al-akhiri wala yuharrimoona ma harrama Allahu warasooluhu wala yadeenoona deena alhaqqi mina allatheena ootoo alkitaba hatta yuAAtoo aljizyata AAan yadin wahum saghiroona
Fight against those from among the People of the Scripture who decline to believe in Allah and in the Last Day; who do not forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah through His messenger nor follow the true religion though they have been given the Scripture, until they pay you the tribute with humility. (R)
(Believing in Allah is a phenomenal complexity, though squeezed in the brevity of these simple words. It implies believing in His existence and His Oneness; believing in all His attributes, in all His messengers and Scriptures without exception; believing in our accountability to Him and in His Judgement on the Day of Resurrection; and above all, not associating ourselves with anything which casts aspersions upon His Divine Glory.
It is, therefore, hard to see how the Jews and the Christians could claim to believe in Allah, conforming to the above definition, when the Jews consider Uzair to be His son; the Christians consider Jesus to be His son; when they persistently vituperate His messengers, some resorting to repudiation while others even to slaying them; when they consume that which Allah forbade in their Scriptures and thus decline to follow the true religion of Allah in spite of the admonitions laid down in them.
That is why in this verse Allah has made it incumbent upon the Muslims to fight them until they either abide by the true Commandments of Allah or agree to pay the toll imposed on them)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
25. Truly Allâh has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you, then you turned back in flight.
26. Then Allâh did send down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquillity and reassurance, etc.) on the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which you saw not, and punished the disbelievers. Such is the recompense of disbelievers.
27. Then after that Allâh will accept the repentance of whom He will. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
28. O you who believe (in Allâh's Oneness and in His Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Verily, the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, and in the Message of Muhammad SAW) are Najasun (impure)[]. So let them not come near Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) after this year, and if you fear poverty, Allâh will enrich you if He will, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
29. Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah[] with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
009.025
YUSUFALI: Assuredly Allah did help you in many battle-fields and on the day of
Hunain: Behold! your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught: the
land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and ye turned back in retreat.
PICKTHAL: Allah hath given you victory on many fields and on the day of Huneyn,
when ye exulted in your multitude but it availed you naught, and the earth, vast
as it is, was straitened for you; then ye turned back in flight;
SHAKIR: Certainly Allah helped you in many battlefields and on the day of Hunain,
when your great numbers made you vain, but they availed you nothing and the
earth became strait to you notwithstanding its spaciousness, then you turned
back retreating.
009.026
YUSUFALI: But Allah did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believers, and
sent down forces which ye saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thus doth He
reward those without Faith.
PICKTHAL: Then Allah sent His peace of reassurance down upon His messenger and
upon the believers, and sent down hosts ye could not see, and punished those who
disbelieved. Such is the reward of disbelievers.
SHAKIR: Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and upon the
believers, and sent down hosts which you did not see, and chastised those who
disbelieved, and that is the reward of the unbelievers.
009.027
YUSUFALI: Again will Allah, after this, turn (in mercy) to whom He will: for
Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Then afterward Allah will relent toward whom He will; for Allah is
Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: Then will Allah after this turn (mercifully) to whom He pleases, and
Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
009.028
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after
this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon
will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-knowing,
All-wise.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! The idolaters only are unclean. So let them not come
near the Inviolable Place of Worship after this their year. If ye fear poverty
(from the loss of their merchandise) Allah shall preserve you of His bounty if
He will. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! the idolaters are nothing but unclean, so they shall
not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year; and if you fear poverty then
Allah will enrich you out of His grace if He please; surely Allah is Knowing
Wise.
009.029
YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that
forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge
the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they
pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
PICKTHAL: Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as
believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath
forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay
the tribute readily, being brought low.
SHAKIR: Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do
they prohibit what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, nor follow the
religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the
tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.
Section 5.
Context of Revelation: The following verse was revealed when a party of Jews came to the Prophet and asked him how he could expect them to follow him, if he abandoned their Qiblah and refused to acknowledge that Uzair was the son of Allah.
9 : 30
30. Waqalati alyahoodu AAuzayrun ibnu Allahi waqalati alnnasara almaseehu ibnu Allahi thalika qawluhum bi-afwahihim yudahi-oona qawla allatheena kafaroo min qablu qatalahumu Allahu anna yu/fakoona
And the Jews say : 'Uzair is the son of Allah', and the Christians say : 'The Messiah is the son of Allah!' Such is the gibberish they utter with their mouths while trying to emulate that which the other disbelievers used to babble in the past. Allah Himself will retaliate them for their blasphemy.
9 : 31
31. Ittakhathoo ahbarahum waruhbanahum arbaban min dooni Allahi waalmaseeha ibna maryama wama omiroo illa liyaAAbudoo ilahan wahidan la ilaha illa huwa subhanahu AAamma yushrikoona
They have taken the rabbis and the monks and the Messiah, son of Mary, as their Lords, though they were commanded to worship only One God. There is no God save Him, and may He rise above the blasphemy with which they impute Him!
* * *
9 : 32
32. Yureedoona an yutfi-oo noora Allahi bi-afwahihim waya/ba Allahu illa an yutimma noorahu walaw kariha alkafiroona
They wish to put out the light of Allah with their mouths while Allah would not concede to anything other than consummating His light, however much the disbelievers fret over it!
9 : 33
33. Huwa allathee arsala rasoolahu bialhuda wadeeni alhaqqi liyuthhirahu AAala alddeeni kullihi walaw kariha almushrikoona
He it is who has sent His messenger with Guidance and the religion of the Truth so that He may cause it to prevail over all other religions, however much the disbelievers fret over it!
(Commentators state that this verse is a presage of events to come, according to which, when Jesus returns before the onset of the Apocalypse, he would be charged by Allah to proscribe all other religions except His religion and bring all mankind in its fold).
* * *
Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed admonishing the believers not to hoard wealth, especially that from which a due share has not come out for giving alms to the poor.
9 : 34
34. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo inna katheeran mina al-ahbari waalrruhbani laya/kuloona amwala alnnasi bialbatili wayasuddoona AAan sabeeli Allahi waallatheena yaknizoona alththahaba waalfiddata wala yunfiqoonaha fee sabeeli Allahi fabashshirhum biAAathabin aleemin
O those of you who believe! Many Jewish rabbis and Christian monks devour the wealth that belongs to mankind with dishonesty and impede them from the path of Allah! To those who hoard up gold and silver without spending it in Allah's way, deliver them the tidings (O Mohammed) of an impending doom -
9 : 35
35. Yawma yuhma AAalayha fee nari jahannama fatukwa biha jibahuhum wajunoobuhum wathuhooruhum hatha ma kanaztum li-anfusikum fathooqoo ma kuntum taknizoona
On the Day when their treasures will be smelted in the flames of hell, and then with it will they be branded on their foreheads and their laps and their backs (saying) : 'This is what you hoarded for yourselves so taste now the flavour of that which you hoarded!'
(During Medieval times, when Christianity degenerated to the worst possible extent, dominated by the greedy Roman Papacy at the top and a chain of condescending priests across the Christendom exploiting uninformed adherents and their blind faith for accumulation of wealth by turning redemption into a cheap commodity to be bought and sold like any other commodity, its price governed by the severity of sins committed on earth and the quality of rewards offered in Heaven! Letters are known to have been written by Pontiffs addressed to the ‘heavenly father’, for the absolution of the bearer's soul and then 'marketed' by Archbishops and Bishops across the Papal States to those who could afford them, to be concealed inside their and buried in their graves, by way of guarantee that they would no longer be held accountable to Him for their offences and indiscretions. Christianity was in such a shambles that many theologians began to question the legitimacy of the Papal domain; the Reformation of the Western Church was spearheaded by men like Martin Luther in Germany and Calvin in France which led to the establishment of the new Protestant Church in opposition to the old Roman Catholic Church, still dogged by the same hierarchy as before, resulting in further fragmentation of a noble Faith that was launched by one of the noblest and cherished Prophets of Allah.
Even though these verses are seemingly aimed at the Jewish and Christian rabbis and priests, many commentators opine that they were revealed as a caution to Muslims too that, wealth from which a due portion towards alms and charities (Sadaqa and Zakaat) has not been taken out, even if it be a buried treasure, it would be smelted in the flames of hell and those to whom it belonged would be branded on their foreheads with it.
When the Prophet was asked by his associates what other wealth was there worth hoarding, if it was not gold and silver, he replied : 'A tongue that mentions the name of Allah; a heart that acknowledges sincere gratitude and a righteous wife who inspires righteousness).
* * *
9 : 36
36. Inna AAiddata alshshuhoori AAinda Allahi ithna AAashara shahran fee kitabi Allahi yawma khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda minha arbaAAatun hurumun thalika alddeenu alqayyimu fala tathlimoo feehinna anfusakum waqatiloo almushrikeena kaffatan kama yuqatiloonakum kaffatan waiAAlamoo anna Allaha maAAa almuttaqeena
Verily Allah's numeration of months is twelve as entered in the Book of Decrees since His creation of the heavens and the earth. Four of these are sacred during which bloodshed is forbidden : that is the right religion; hence wrong yourselves not in these months but fight the idolaters at all times in the same way as they fight you at all times and know that Allah is always alongside those who render their duty to Him.
9 : 37
37. Innama alnnasee-o ziyadatun fee alkufri yudallu bihi allatheena kafaroo yuhilloonahu AAaman wayuharrimoonahu AAaman liyuwati-oo AAiddata ma harrama Allahu fayuhilloo ma harrama Allahu zuyyina lahum soo-o aAAmalihim waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alkafireena
Their changing around these months does nothing else for them except exacerbating their disbelief and confounding the disbelievers, for they allow it one year and forbid it another year so that they may equal the number of months which Allah has rendered sacred, and so that they may do in these months all that which Allah has forbidden them to do! Their wicked deeds are made to seem fair to them, hence Allah will not guide the disbelievers! (R)
(It is confirmed in this verse that, since the creation of the heavens and the earth, the number of months in each year have always been twelve, as recorded in the Book of Decrees, four of which are deemed sacred. During these sacred months all forms of bloodshed and armed conflicts were forbidden.
Even before the advent of Islam, the pagan Arabs deemed the three consecutive months of Dhu'l Qa'da, Dhu'l Hijja and Muharam as well as the month of Rajjab as sacred and hence abstained from bloodshed.
However, since one of their main sources of livelihood came from armed raids they carried out on their neighbouring tribes, which inevitably resulted in bloodshed, abstaining from such a lucrative activity for three successive months at a stretch deprived them of their income for too long a time, so they got over the problem by shifting around the sacred months from one to the other as and when it suited them, which defeated the very purpose of prohibiting bloodshed during these months.
The verse ensures that the sanctity of these sacred months is not affected by selfish motives and that no one has the prerogative to deem lawful that which Allah has deemed unlawful or to deem unlawful that which Allah has deemed lawful, - a theme on which emphasis has been laid throughout the Qur'aan).
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
30. And the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allâh's Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth![]
31. They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) to worship none but One Ilâh (God - Allâh) Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)[]. Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)."
32. They (the disbelievers, the Jews and the Christians) want to extinguish Allâh's Light (with which Muhammad SAW has been sent - Islâmic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allâh will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kâfirûn (disbelievers) hate (it).
33. It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâm), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) hate (it).
34. O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the Way of Allâh (i.e. Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver [Al-Kanz: the money, the Zakât of which has not been paid], and spend it not in the Way of Allâh, -announce unto them a painful torment.
35. On the Day when that (Al-Kanz: money, gold and silver, etc., the Zakât of which has not been paid) will be heated in the Fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them):-"This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard."[]
36. Verily, the number of months with Allâh is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allâh on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islâmic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) collectively[], as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allâh is with those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).
37. The postponing (of a Sacred Month) is indeed an addition to disbelief: thereby the disbelievers are led astray, for they make it lawful one year and forbid it another year in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allâh, and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their deeds seems pleasing to them. And Allâh guides not the people, who disbelieve.
009.030
YUSUFALI: The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ
the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate
what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are
deluded away from the Truth!
PICKTHAL: And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say:
The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They
imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth
against them. How perverse are they!
SHAKIR: And the Jews say: Uzair is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The
Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate
the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are
turned away!
009.031
YUSUFALI: They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in
derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; yet
they were commanded to worship but One Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and
glory to Him: (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him).
PICKTHAL: They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and
the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One Allah. There
is no Allah save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner
(unto Him)!
SHAKIR: They have taken their doctors of law and their monks for lords besides
Allah, and (also) the Messiah son of Marium and they were enjoined that they
should serve one Allah only, there is no god but He; far from His glory be what
they set up (with Him).
009.032
YUSUFALI: Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with their mouths, but Allah
will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the
Unbelievers may detest (it).
PICKTHAL: Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but
Allah disdaineth (aught) save that He shall perfect His light, however much the
disbelievers are averse.
SHAKIR: They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, and Allah
will not consent save to perfect His light, though the unbelievers are averse.
009.033
YUSUFALI: It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of
Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
PICKTHAL: He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the
Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however
much the idolaters may be averse.
SHAKIR: He it is Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth,
that He might cause it to prevail over all religions, though the polytheists may
be averse.
009.034
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and
anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from
the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not
in the way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty-
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Lo! many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian)
monks devour the wealth of mankind wantonly and debar (men) from the way of
Allah. They who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah,
unto them give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom,
SHAKIR: O you who believe! most surely many of the doctors of law and the monks
eat away the property of men falsely, and turn (them) from Allah's way; and (as
for) those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in Allah's way,
announce to them a painful chastisement,
009.035
YUSUFALI: On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire
of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their
backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye buried
for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!"
PICKTHAL: On the day when it will (all) be heated in the fire of hell, and their
foreheads and their flanks and their backs will be branded therewith (and it
will be said unto them): Here is that which ye hoarded for yourselves. Now taste
of what ye used to hoard.
SHAKIR: On the day when it shall be heated in the fire of hell, then their
foreheads and their sides and their backs shall be branded with it; this is what
you hoarded up for yourselves, therefore taste what you hoarded.
009.036
YUSUFALI: The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)- so
ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are
sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight
the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is
with those who restrain themselves.
PICKTHAL: Lo! the number of the months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's
ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are
sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. And wage
war on all of the idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And know that
Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).
SHAKIR: Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah's
ordinance since the day when He created the heavens and the earth, of these four
being sacred; that is the right reckoning; therefore be not unjust to yourselves
regarding them, and fight the polytheists all together as they fight you all
together; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).
009.037
YUSUFALI: Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to
Unbelief: the Unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful one
year, and forbidden another year, in order to adjust the number of months
forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course
seems pleasing to them. But Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief
whereby those who disbelieve are misled; they allow it one year and forbid it
(another) year, that they may make up the number of the months which Allah hath
hallowed, so that they allow that which Allah hath forbidden. The evil of their
deeds is made fairseeming unto them. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk.
SHAKIR: Postponing (of the sacred month) is only an addition in unbelief,
wherewith those who disbelieve are led astray, violating it one year and keeping
it sacred another, that they may agree in the number (of months) that Allah has
made sacred, and thus violate what Allah has made sacred; the evil of their
doings is made fairseeming to them; and Allah does not guide the unbelieving
people.
Section 6.
Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed when the army of believers, exhausted by the rigors of successive battles, plagued by drought and trounced by doubts, gave a lukewarm response to the call of the Prophet for taking on the Romans in the battle of Tabuk
9 : 38
38. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ma lakum itha qeela lakumu infiroo fee sabeeli Allahi iththaqaltum ila al-ardi aradeetum bialhayati alddunya mina al-akhirati fama mataAAu alhayati alddunya fee al-akhirati illa qaleelun
O those of you who believe! What troubles you that, when you are asked to set out for the Cause of Allah, you collapse on the ground as though you are crushed underneath a heavy burden? Do you prefer the life of this world over life in the Hereafter? The comforts of the living world are trivial in comparison to those in the Hereafter!
9 : 39
39. Illa tanfiroo yuAAaththibkum AAathaban aleeman wayastabdil qawman ghayrakum wala tadurroohu shay-an waAllahu AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun
If you do not proceed, He will inflict on you a severe punishment and will replace you with others; and there is nothing you can do to harm Him, for Allah has power all things!
9 : 40
40. Illa tansuroohu faqad nasarahu Allahu ith akhrajahu allatheena kafaroo thaniya ithnayni ith huma fee alghari ith yaqoolu lisahibihi la tahzan inna Allaha maAAana faanzala Allahu sakeenatahu AAalayhi waayyadahu bijunoodin lam tarawha wajaAAala kalimata allatheena kafaroo alssufla wakalimatu Allahi hiya alAAulya waAllahu AAazeezun hakeemun
Whether you helped him or not, Allah helped him when he was driven out of his home by disbelievers, - the two of them sheltered in the Cave - when he said to his companion: 'Do not fear, for Allah is with us!' Then Allah sent down on him His reassuring solace and supported him with armies you could not see, thus undermining the avowal of those who disbelieved and exalting the avowal of Allah above theirs! Allah is Mighty and wise!
(The reference in this verse is to the events which took place when the Quraish hired some professional assassins to assassinate the Prophet while he was asleep in his house; how he was forewarned about the impending danger by the Archangel at the behest of Allah; how Hadrath Ali offered to sleep on his bed that night, covered by his blanket, to fool the assassins; how the Prophet fled from Mecca under cover of darkness in the company his closest associate Hadrath Abu Bakr; how they took shelter in the Cave of Thawr to escape the men who were hunting them down; how Allah helped and protected them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
The armies that were invisible to the eye is a reference to the columns of Angels sent down to the aid of the Prophet by Allah during the Battles of Badr, Ahzaab and Huneyn).
9 : 41
41. Infiroo khifafan wathiqalan wajahidoo bi-amwalikum waanfusikum fee sabeeli Allahi thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona
Set forth, whether ill-equipped or well equipped, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah, for this is in your best interests, - if you but knew!
9 : 42
42. Law kana AAaradan qareeban wasafaran qasidan laittabaAAooka walakin baAAudat AAalayhimu alshshuqqatu wasayahlifoona biAllahi lawi istataAAna lakharajna maAAakum yuhlikoona anfusahum waAllahu yaAAlamu innahum lakathiboona
If it was an easy catch and within a short distance, they would have followed you; but the arduous journey seemed too far for them! Now they are bound to swear upon Allah saying : 'If we could, we would surely have accompanied you!' Thus they encumber their souls, and Allah is aware that they are mendacious! (R)
(The above verses deal with the Tabuk campaign, the details of which were as follows :
Tabuk is a place situated in the neighbourhood of Syria and not too far away from Arabia. When news reached the Prophet that the Emperor of Rome and the Byzantine Orthodox Church had put together a massive army of Roman and Syrian contingents well in excess of 40,000 fighting men, at the instance of the Arab Christians, to invade Arabia and annihilate Islam, he responded to it by raising an equally large army of 30, 000 Muslims and set out on his critical mission, leaving Hadrath Ali to take charge of the reigns in his absence, much to the chagrin of the hypocrites, who did not believe that he stood even the remotest chance of succeeding and forsook his side, showing their true colours.
On account of shortage of rainfall and scorching heat, the nation was caught up in the grip of a drought so severe that two men had to share a single date each day by way of sustenance. Their destination being too remote and the enemy being too many, it was a great ordeal for the believers to participate in such an exacting campaign. But they did, and with exemplary dedication. Hadrath Uthmaan, by himself, provided arms and armour for 10,000 fighting men, not to mention 900 camels and around 100 horses in addition to a cash donation of 10,000 Dinars by way of his contribution towards the war effort. Besides him, there were other close associates of the Prophet who also made many laudable gestures of generosity, notably Hadrath Abu Bakr by giving away everything that belonged to him, and Hadrath Omar by parting with one half of his total assets
But by the time they arrived in Tabuk, the Roman Emperor had withdrawn his forces and left because, according to some commentators, he carried the conviction deep down his heart that the Prophet was a true messenger of Allah and hence did not have the motivation to fight a man of God over a cause which had so little to do with him.
However, having come there prepared for battle, the Prophet stayed in Tabuk for a while, dispatching his contingents to various tribes of Jews and Christians in the surrounding suburbs, entering into alliances with some and imposing tolls upon others.
When the Prophet and the army of Muslims returned to Madina, triumphant and revelling in glory, laden with spoils, the hypocrites who had distanced themselves from the cause of the Prophet at the start made desperate bids to mend the bridges and be friends once again, but he firmly instructed his men never to fraternize with traitors, which resulted in sons being torn apart from fathers and bothers from brothers).
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
38. O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allâh (i.e. Jihâd) you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter.[]
39. If you march not forth, He will punish you with a painful torment and will replace you by another people, and you cannot harm Him at all, and Allâh is Able to do all things.
40. If you help him (Muhammad SAW) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (Muhammad SAW and Abu Bakr ÑÖì <> <>) were in the cave, and he (SAW) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ÑÖì <> <>): "Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us." Then Allâh sent down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allâh that became the uppermost, and Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
41. March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allâh. This is better for you, if you but knew.
42. Had it been a near gain (booty in front of them) and an easy journey, they would have followed you, but the distance (Tabuk expedition) was long for them, and they would swear by Allâh, "If we only could, we would certainly have come forth with you." They destroy their ownselves, and Allâh knows that they are liars.
009.038
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked
to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer
the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life,
as compared with the Hereafter.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! What aileth you that when it is said unto you: Go
forth in the way of Allah, ye are bowed down to the ground with heaviness. Take
ye pleasure in the life of the world rather than in the Hereafter? The comfort
of the life of the world is but little in the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! What (excuse) have you that when it is said to you:
Go forth in Allah's way, you should incline heavily to earth; are you contented
with this world's life instead of the hereafter? But the provision of this
world's life compared with the hereafter is but little.
009.039
YUSUFALI: Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and
put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath
power over all things.
PICKTHAL: If ye go not forth He will afflict you with a painful doom, and will
choose instead of you a folk other than you. Ye cannot harm Him at all. Allah is
Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: If you do not go forth, He will chastise you with a painful chastisement
and bring in your place a people other than you, and you will do Him no harm;
and Allah has power over all things.
009.040
YUSUFALI: If ye help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed
help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion;
they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, "Have no fear, for
Allah is with us": then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him
with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the
Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is
Exalted in might, Wise.
PICKTHAL: If ye help him not, still Allah helped him when those who disbelieve
drove him forth, the second of two; when they two were in the cave, when he said
unto his comrade: Grieve not. Lo! Allah is with us. Then Allah caused His peace
of reassurance to descend upon him and supported him with hosts ye cannot see,
and made the word of those who disbelieved the nethermost, while Allah's Word it
was that became the uppermost. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
SHAKIR: If you will not aid him, Allah certainly aided him when those who
disbelieved expelled him, he being the second of the two, when they were both in
the cave, when he said to his companion: Grieve not, surely Allah is with us. So
Allah sent down His tranquillity upon him and strengthened him with hosts which
you did not see, and made lowest the word of those who disbelieved; and the word
of Allah, that is the highest; and Allah is Mighty, Wise.
009.041
YUSUFALI: Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and
struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of Allah. That is best
for you, if ye (but) knew.
PICKTHAL: Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and
your lives in the way of Allah! That is best for you if ye but knew.
SHAKIR: Go forth light and heavy, and strive hard in Allah's way with your
property and your persons; this is better for you, if you know.
009.042
YUSUFALI: If there had been immediate gain (in sight), and the journey easy,
they would (all) without doubt have followed thee, but the distance was long,
(and weighed) on them. They would indeed swear by Allah, "If we only could, we
should certainly have come out with you": They would destroy their own souls;
for Allah doth know that they are certainly lying.
PICKTHAL: Had it been a near adventure and an easy journey they had followed
thee, but the distance seemed too far for them. Yet will they swear by Allah
(saying): If we had been able we would surely have set out with you. They
destroy their souls, and Allah knoweth that they verily are liars.
SHAKIR: Had it been a near advantage and a short journey, they would certainly
have followed you, but the tedious journey was too long for them; and they swear
by Allah: If we had been able, we would certainly have gone forth with you; they
cause their own
Section 7.
Context of Revelation: The following verses were also revealed in the same context as above, but aimed at the hypocrites who were reluctant to take part in the Battle of Tabuk
9 : 43
43. AAafa Allahu AAanka lima athinta lahum hatta yatabayyana laka allatheena sadaqoo wataAAlama alkathibeena
May Allah give you grace! Why did you grant them exemption before it became apparent to you who were speaking the truth, and before you could spot the liars?
9 : 44
44. La yasta/thinuka allatheena yu/minoona biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri an yujahidoo bi-amwalihim waanfusihim waAllahu AAaleemun bialmuttaqeena
Those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day would never seek to be exempted from striving with their wealth and with their lives. Allah is well aware of the righteous!
9 : 45
45. Innama yasta/thinuka allatheena la yu/minoona biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri wairtabat quloobuhum fahum fee raybihim yataraddadoona
Exemption would be sought from you only by those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day. Their hearts are plunged in doubt and their uncertainty causes them to hesitate.
9 : 46
46. Walaw aradoo alkhurooja laaAAaddoo lahu AAuddatan walakin kariha Allahu inbiAAathahum fathabbatahum waqeela oqAAudoo maAAa alqaAAideena
Had they really wished to go, they would have taken necessary preparations; but Allah was disinclined towards their participation in it, so He filled them with indolence (and it was said to them) : 'Stay behind with those who stay behind!'
9 : 47
47. Law kharajoo feekum ma zadookum illa khabalan walaawdaAAoo khilalakum yabghoonakumu alfitnata wafeekum sammaAAoona lahum waAllahu AAaleemun bialththalimeena
And if they had gone along with you, they would have given you nothing but trouble by running back and forth, causing rifts within your ranks. And among your ranks are some who would have even succumbed to their exploitation. Allah knows who the invidious really are!
9 : 48
48. Laqadi ibtaghawoo alfitnata min qablu waqallaboo laka al-omoora hatta jaa alhaqqu wathahara amru Allahi wahum karihoona
They always wanted to create feud in your midst and placed hurdles in your way until the Truth arrived and the will of Allah became evident, though they were averse to it.
* * *
Context of Revelation: The following verse was revealed when a hypocrite sought exemption from taking part in the Tabuk expedition on the grounds that he might not be able to resist the charm of Syrian women who were renowned for their beauty and got tempted into sin!
9 : 49
49. Waminhum man yaqoolu i/than lee wala taftinnee ala fee alfitnati saqatoo wa-inna jahannama lamuheetatun bialkafireena
There is he among them who says to you : 'Exempt me from going so that I am not exposed to temptation!' These are the people who have already fallen prey to temptation and verily hell surrounds the disbelievers from all sides!'
* * *
9 : 50
50. In tusibka hasanatun tasu/hum wa-in tusibka museebatun yaqooloo qad akhathna amrana min qablu wayatawallaw wahum farihoona
If a good thing befalls you, they become envious; but if anything adverse befalls you, they say : 'Lucky that we took adequate precautions!' and then turn their faces away with relief!
9 : 51
51. Qul lan yuseebana illa ma kataba Allahu lana huwa mawlana waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoona
Say to them : 'Nothing happens to us except that which Allah has set aside for us. Only He is our Guardian and in Him must all believers put their trust.
9 : 52
52. Qul hal tarabbasoona bina illa ihda alhusnayayni wanahnu natarabbasu bikum an yuseebakumu Allahu biAAathabin min AAindihi aw bi-aydeena fatarabbasoo inna maAAakum mutarabbisoona
Say to them : 'What is it that you are waiting to see happen to us other than one out of two good things - (victory or martyrdom)? - As for us, we are waiting to see doom land upon you, either from Him or through our hands! So wait, and verily we too shall await!'
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when a hypocrite asked to be exempted from taking part in Tabuk in return for a financial contribution he was prepared to make, provided he did not have to go.
9 : 53
53. Qul anfiqoo tawAAan aw karhan lan yutaqabbala minkum innakum kuntum qawman fasiqeena
Say to them : 'Whether you make your contributions willingly or unwillingly, it will not be accepted from you, for verily you are a disobedient folk!'
9 : 54
54. Wama manaAAahum an tuqbala minhum nafaqatuhum illa annahum kafaroo biAllahi wabirasoolihi wala ya/toona alssalata illa wahum kusala wala yunfiqoona illa wahum karihoona
And a contribution would not be acceptable from them because they decline to believe in Allah and in His messenger, and come to offer worship with great reluctance and make their contributions with extreme unwillingness!
* * *
9 : 55
55. Fala tuAAjibka amwaluhum wala awladuhum innama yureedu Allahu liyuAAaththibahum biha fee alhayati alddunya watazhaqa anfusuhum wahum kafiroona
So let not their being given wealth and children daunt you (O Mohammed), for verily Allah merely intends to tie them down to the life of this world and their souls to pass away whilst they are in a state of apostasy!
9 : 56
56. Wayahlifoona biAllahi innahum laminkum wama hum minkum walakinnahum qawmun yafraqoona
And they swear by Allah that they are your affiliates when they are not really your affiliates but are people who live in dread!
9 : 57
57. Law yajidoona maljaan aw magharatin aw muddakhalan lawallaw ilayhi wahum yajmahoona
If they find a den or a cloister for taking refuge, they would surely resort to it with utmost haste!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a hypocrite tried to cast aspersions upon the integrity of the Prophet by asking him to be 'fair in apportioning the part that was to be set aside for alms' from the Spoils!
9 : 58
58. Waminhum man yalmizuka fee alssadaqati fa-in oAAtoo minha radoo wa-in lam yuAAtaw minha itha hum yaskhatoona
And among them is he who criticizes you over the apportionment of alms (from the spoils). If they too were getting something from it for themselves, they are quite content to let you apportion it. But if they are not, then they criticize!
9 : 59
59. Walaw annahum radoo ma atahumu Allahu warasooluhu waqaloo hasbuna Allahu sayu/teena Allahu min fadlihi warasooluhu inna ila Allahi raghiboona
How appropriate would it have been If they had remained content with what Allah and His messenger have given them and had said : 'Allah suffices us! He will bestow upon us of His bounty in abundance, as will His messenger! And to Allah it is that we are drawn!' (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
43.
May
Allâh forgive you (O Muhammad
SAW).
Why did you grant them leave (for remaining behind, you should have persisted as
regards your order to them to proceed on Jihâd), until those who told the
truth were seen by you in a clear light, and you had known the liars?
44. Those who believe in Allâh and the Last Day would not ask your leave to be exempted from fighting with their properties and their lives, and Allâh is the All-Knower of Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).
45. It is only those who believe not in Allâh and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihâd). So in their doubts they waver.
46. And if they had intended to march out, certainly, they would have made some preparation for it, but Allâh was averse to their being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said (to them), "Sit you among those who sit (at home)."
47. Had they marched out with you, they would have added to you nothing except disorder, and they would have hurried about in your midst (spreading corruption) and sowing sedition among you, and there are some among you who would have listened to them. And Allâh is the All-Knower of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).
48. Verily, they had plotted sedition before, and had upset matters for you, - until the truth (victory) came and the Decree of Allâh (His Religion, Islâm) became manifest though they hated it.
49. And among them is he who says:"Grant me leave (to be exempted from Jihâd) and put me not into trial." Surely, they have fallen into trial. And verily, Hell is surrounding the disbelievers.
50. If good befalls you (O Muhammad SAW), it grieves them, but if a calamity overtakes you, they say: "We took our precaution beforehand," and they turn away rejoicing.
51. Say: "Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allâh has ordained for us. He is our Maulâ (Lord, Helper and Protector)." And in Allâh let the believers put their trust.
52. Say: "Do you wait for us (anything) except one of the two best things (martyrdom or victory); while we await for you either that Allâh will afflict you with a punishment from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we too are waiting with you."
53. Say: "Spend (in Allâh's Cause) willingly or unwillingly, it will not be accepted from you. Verily, you are ever a people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)."
54. And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allâh and in His Messenger (Muhammad SAW); and that they came not to As-Salât (the prayer) except in a lazy state[]; and that they offer not contributions but unwillingly.
55. So let not their wealth or their children amaze you (O Muhammad SAW); in reality Allâh's Plan is to punish them with these things in the life of the this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.
56. They swear by Allâh that they are truly of you while they are not of you, but they are a people (hypocrites) who are afraid (that you may kill them).
57. Should they find a refuge, or caves, or a place of concealment, they would turn straightway thereto with a swift rush.
58. And of them are some who accuse you (O Muhammad SAW) in the matter of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if they are not given thereof, behold! They are enraged![]
59. Would that they were contented with what Allâh and His Messenger (SAW) gave them and had said: "Allâh is Sufficient for us. Allâh will give us of His Bounty, and (also) His Messenger (from alms, etc.). We implore Allâh (to enrich us)."
009.043
YUSUFALI: Allah give thee grace! why didst thou grant them until those who told
the truth were seen by thee in a clear light, and thou hadst proved the liars?
PICKTHAL: Allah forgive thee (O Muhammad)! Wherefor didst thou grant them leave
ere those who told the truth were manifest to thee and thou didst know the
liars?
SHAKIR: Allah pardon you! Why did you give them leave until those who spoke the
truth had become manifest to you and you had known the liars?
009.044
YUSUFALI: Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask thee for no exemption
from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knoweth well those who do
their duty.
PICKTHAL: Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of thee lest
they should strive with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those
who keep their duty (unto Him).
SHAKIR: They do not ask leave of you who believe in Allah and the latter day (to
stay away) from striving hard with their property and their persons, and Allah
knows those who guard (against evil).
009.045
YUSUFALI: Only those ask thee for exemption who believe not in Allah and the
Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in their doubts
to and fro.
PICKTHAL: They alone ask leave of thee who believe not in Allah and the Last
Day, and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver.
SHAKIR: They only ask leave of you who do not believe in Allah and the latter
day and their hearts are in doubt, so in their doubt do they waver.
009.046
YUSUFALI: If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made some
preparation therefor; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth; so He made
them lag behind, and they were told, "Sit ye among those who sit (inactive)."
PICKTHAL: And if they had wished to go forth they would assuredly have made
ready some equipment, but Allah was averse to their being sent forth and held
them back and it was said (unto them): Sit ye with the sedentary!
SHAKIR: And if they had intended to go forth, they would certainly have provided
equipment for it, but Allah did not like their going forth, so He withheld them,
and it was said (to them): Hold back with those who hold back.
009.047
YUSUFALI: If they had come out with you, they would not have added to your
(strength) but only (made for) disorder, hurrying to and fro in your midst and
sowing sedition among you, and there would have been some among you who would
have listened to them. But Allah knoweth well those who do wrong.
PICKTHAL: Had they gone forth among you they had added to you naught save
trouble and had hurried to and fro among you, seeking to cause sedition among
you; and among you there are some who would have listened to them. Allah is
Aware of evil-doers.
SHAKIR: Had they gone forth with you, they would not have added to you aught
save corruption, and they would certainly have hurried about among you seeking
(to sow) dissension among you, and among you there are those who hearken for
their sake; and Allah knows the unjust.
009.048
YUSUFALI: Indeed they had plotted sedition before, and upset matters for thee,
until,- the Truth arrived, and the Decree of Allah became manifest much to their
disgust.
PICKTHAL: Aforetime they sought to cause sedition and raised difficulties for
thee till the Truth came and the decree of Allah was made manifest, though they
were loth.
SHAKIR: Certainly they sought (to sow) dissension before, and they meditated
plots against you until the truth came, and Allah's commandment prevailed
although they were averse (from it).
009.049
YUSUFALI: Among them is (many) a man who says: "Grant me exemption and draw me
not into trial." Have they not fallen into trial already? and indeed Hell
surrounds the Unbelievers (on all sides).
PICKTHAL: Of them is he who saith: Grant me leave (to stay at home) and tempt me
not. Surely it is into temptation that they (thus) have fallen. Lo! hell verily
is all around the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And among them there is he who says: Allow me and do not try me. Surely
into trial have they already tumbled down, and most surely hell encompasses the
unbelievers.
009.050
YUSUFALI: If good befalls thee, it grieves them; but if a misfortune befalls
thee, they say, "We took indeed our precautions beforehand," and they turn away
rejoicing.
PICKTHAL: If good befalleth thee (O Muhammad) it afflicteth them, and if
calamity befalleth thee, they say: We took precaution, and they turn away well
pleased.
SHAKIR: If good befalls you, it grieves them, and if hardship afflicts you, they
say: Indeed we had taken care of our affair before; and they turn back and are
glad.
009.051
YUSUFALI: Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us:
He is our protector": and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
PICKTHAL: Say: Naught befalleth us save that which Allah hath decreed for us. He
is our Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust!
SHAKIR: Say: Nothing will afflict us save what Allah has ordained for us; He is
our Patron; and on Allah let the believers rely.
009.052
YUSUFALI: Say: "Can you expect for us (any fate) other than one of two glorious
things- (Martyrdom or victory)? But we can expect for you either that Allah will
send his punishment from Himself, or by our hands. So wait (expectant); we too
will wait with you."
PICKTHAL: Say: Can ye await for us aught save one of two good things (death or
victory in Allah's way)? while we await for you that Allah will afflict you with
a doom from Him or at our hands. Await then! Lo! We are awaiting with you.
SHAKIR: Say: Do you await for us but one of two most excellent things? And we
await for you that Allah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or by our
hands. So wait; we too will wait with you.
009.053
YUSUFALI: Say: "Spend (for the cause) willingly or unwillingly: not from you
will it be accepted: for ye are indeed a people rebellious and wicked."
PICKTHAL: Say: Pay (your contribution), willingly or unwillingly, it will not be
accepted from you. Lo! ye were ever froward folk.
SHAKIR: Say: Spend willingly or unwillingly, it shall not be accepted from you;
surely you are a transgressing people.
009.054
YUSUFALI: The only reasons why their contributions are not accepted are: that
they reject Allah and His Messenger; that they come to prayer without
earnestness; and that they offer contributions unwillingly.
PICKTHAL: And naught preventeth that their contributions should be accepted from
them save that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His messenger, and they
come not to worship save as idlers, and pay not (their contribution) save
reluctantly.
SHAKIR: And nothing hinders their spendings being accepted from them, except
that they disbelieve in Allah and in His Messenger and they do not come to
prayer but while they are sluggish, and they do not spend but while they are
unwilling.
009.055
YUSUFALI: Let not their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle thee: in
reality Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in this life, and that
their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
PICKTHAL: So let not their riches nor their children please thee (O Muhammad).
Allah thereby intendeth but to punish them in the life of the world and that
their souls shall pass away while they are disbelievers.
SHAKIR: Let not then their property and their children excite your admiration;
Allah only wishes to chastise them with these in this world's life and (that)
their souls may depart while they are unbelievers.
009.056
YUSUFALI: They swear by Allah that they are indeed of you; but they are not of
you: yet they are afraid (to appear in their true colours).
PICKTHAL: And they swear by Allah that they are in truth of you, when they are
not of you, but they are folk who are afraid.
SHAKIR: And they swear by Allah that they are most surely of you, and they are
not of you, but they are a people who are afraid (of you).
009.057
YUSUFALI: If they could find a place to flee to, or caves, or a place of
concealment, they would turn straightaway thereto, with an obstinate rush.
PICKTHAL: Had they but found a refuge, or caverns, or a place to enter, they
surely had resorted thither swift as runaways.
SHAKIR: If they could find a refuge or cave or a place to enter into, they would
certainly have turned thereto, running away in all haste.
009.058
YUSUFALI: And among them are men who slander thee in the matter of (the
distribution of) the alms: if they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but
if not, behold! they are indignant!
PICKTHAL: And of them is he who defameth thee in the matter of the alms. If they
are given thereof they are content, and if they are not given thereof, behold!
they are enraged.
SHAKIR: And of them there are those who blame you with respect to the alms; so
if they are given from it they are pleased, and if they are not given from it,
lo! they are full of rage.
009.059
YUSUFALI: If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave
them, and had said, "Sufficient unto us is Allah! Allah and His Messenger will
soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!" (that would have
been the right course).
PICKTHAL: (How much more seemly) had they been content with that which Allah and
His messenger had given them and had said: Allah sufficeth us. Allah will give
us of His bounty, and (also) His messenger. Unto Allah we are suppliants.
SHAKIR: And if they were content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them,
and had said: Allah is sufficient for us; Allah will soon give us (more) out of
His grace and His Messenger too; surely to Allah do we make our petition.
Section 8.
5 : 60
60. Innama alssadaqatu lilfuqara-i waalmasakeeni waalAAamileena AAalayha waalmu-allafati quloobuhum wafee alrriqabi waalgharimeena wafee sabeeli Allahi waibni alssabeeli fareedatan mina Allahi waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
Alms are only for the poor and the needy and for those who collect them and those whose hearts need to be reconciled and for freeing the slaves and for easing the burden of debts and for the Cause of Allah and for the wayfarer. A duty that has been imposed by Allah! And Allah is Erudite and Wise!
(The verse denotes with clinical precision who are entitled to receive Sadaqa and Zakaat, and the Causes towards which it should be expended: the poverty-stricken who begs for alms because he has nothing else to sustain him; the destitutes who are too modest to beg; the officials who are authorized to collect these, regardless of their financial means; those whom love of Islam drove into penury; for ransoming slaves who have willingly embraced Islam and their masters have agreed to set them free in consideration of a modest sum; for easing burden of debts in deserving cases; for promoting the Causes of Allah as well as towards helping the wayfarer who is experiencing hardship).
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed as a rebuke towards the Hypocrites who used to say unseemly things about the Prophet in their assemblies. When one of them said that he would get upset if he heard about it, another one said that he was like an 'ear in which everything sinks without producing reaction'
9 : 61
61. Waminhumu allatheena yu/thoona alnnabiyya wayaqooloona huwa othunun qul othunu khayrin lakum yu/minu biAllahi wayu/minu lilmu/mineena warahmatun lillatheena amanoo minkum waallatheena yu/thoona rasoola Allahi lahum AAathabun aleemun
And there are those among them who harass the Prophet, saying : 'He is but an ear!' Say : 'He hears what is best for you; he believes in Allah and trusts the believers.' As for those who harass the messenger of Allah, a harsh chastisement awaits them!
9 : 62
62. Yahlifoona biAllahi lakum liyurdookum waAllahu warasooluhu ahaqqu an yurdoohu in kanoo mu/mineena
They swear by Allah (O Muslims) to please you although it is Allah and His messenger whom they should endeavour to please foremost, - if they are believers!
9 : 63
63. Alam yaAAlamoo annahu man yuhadidi Allaha warasoolahu faanna lahu nara jahannama khalidan feeha thalika alkhizyu alAAatheemu
Do they not know that whoever disobeys Allah and His messenger, in his share is the Fire of hell in which he shall abide forever? That is the worst disgrace of all!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Hypocrites secretly mocked the Prophet and his army of believers whilst journeying to Tabuk for his sheer audacity even to contemplate confronting the Romans and the Byzantines in the battle-field.
9 : 64
64. Yahtharu almunafiqoona an tunazzala AAalayhim sooratun tunabbi-ohum bima fee quloobihim quli istahzi-oo inna Allaha mukhrijun ma tahtharoona
The hypocrites fear lest a Surah is revealed disclosing that which is hidden in their hearts! Say to them: 'Mock to your heart's content! Verily Allah is exposing that which you fear He might!
9 : 65
65. Wala-in saaltahum layaqoolunna innama kunna nakhoodu wanalAAabu qul abiAllahi waayatihi warasoolihi kuntum tastahzi-oona
If you ask them, they will say : 'We were jesting merely to while away the journey.' Say to them : 'Is Allah and His revelations and His messenger a matter of jest for you?'
9 : 66
66. La taAAtathiroo qad kafartum baAAda eemanikum in naAAfu AAan ta-ifatin minkum nuAAaththib ta-ifatan bi-annahum kanoo mujrimeena
Make no excuses! You reverted to apostasy after becoming believers! Even if We forgive those of you who feel remorse for it, We shall never condone those who persist with their agnosticism! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
60. As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ'[] (poor), and Al-Masâkin[] (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allâh's Cause (i.e. for Mujâhidûn - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise.
61. And among them are men who hurt the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and say: "He is (lending his) ear (to every news)." Say: "He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allâh; has faith in the believers; and is a mercy to those of you who believe." But those who hurt Allâh's Messenger (Muhammad SAW) will have a painful torment.
62. They swear by Allâh to you (Muslims) in order to please you, but it is more fitting that they should please Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), if they are believers.
63. Know they not that whoever opposes and shows hostility to Allâh (ÚÒ æ Ìá) and His Messenger (SAW), certainly for him will be the Fire of Hell to abide therein. That is extreme disgrace.
64. The hypocrites fear lest a Sûrah (chapter of the Qur'ân) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allâh will bring to light all that you fear."
65. If you ask them (about this), they declare: "We were only talking idly and joking." Say: "Was it at Allâh (ÚÒ æ Ìá), and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger (SAW) that you were mocking?"
66. Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.).
009.060
YUSUFALI: Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer
the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth);
for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer:
(thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
PICKTHAL: The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect
them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and
the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed
by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed)
over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the
(ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the
wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise.
009.061
YUSUFALI: Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear."
Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the
Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the
Messenger will have a grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: And of them are those who vex the Prophet and say: He is only a
hearer. Say: A hearer of good for you, who believeth in Allah and is true to the
believers, and a mercy for such of you as believe. Those who vex the messenger
of Allah, for them there is a painful doom.
SHAKIR: And there are some of them who molest the Prophet and say: He is one who
believes every thing that he hears; say: A hearer of good for you (who) believes
in Allah and believes the faithful and a mercy for those of you who believe; and
(as for) those who molest the Messenger of Allah, they shall have a painful
punishment.
009.062
YUSUFALI: To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: But it is more
fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they are Believers.
PICKTHAL: They swear by Allah to you (Muslims) to please you, but Allah, with
His messenger, hath more right that they should please Him if they are
believers.
SHAKIR: They swear to you by Allah that they might please you and, Allah, as
well as His Messenger, has a greater right that they should please Him, if they
are believers.
009.063
YUSUFALI: Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, is
the Fire of Hell?- wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.
PICKTHAL: Know they not that whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, his verily
is fire of hell, to abide therein? That is the extreme abasement.
SHAKIR: Do they not know that whoever acts in opposition to Allah and His
Messenger, he shall surely have the fire of hell to abide in it? That is the
grievous abasement.
009.064
YUSUFALI: The Hypocrites are afraid lest a Sura should be sent down about them,
showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: "Mock ye! But verily
Allah will bring to light all that ye fear (should be revealed).
PICKTHAL: The hypocrites fear lest a surah should be revealed concerning them,
proclaiming what is in their hearts. Say: Scoff (your fill)! Lo! Allah is
disclosing what ye fear.
SHAKIR: The hypocrites fear lest a chapter should be sent down to them telling
them plainly of what is in their hearts. Say: Go on mocking, surely Allah will
bring forth what you fear.
009.065
YUSUFALI: If thou dost question them, they declare (with emphasis): "We were
only talking idly and in play." Say: "Was it at Allah, and His Signs, and His
Messenger, that ye were mocking?"
PICKTHAL: And if thou ask them (O Muhammad) they will say: We did but talk and
jest. Say: Was it at Allah and His revelations and His messenger that ye did
scoff?
SHAKIR: And if you should question them, they would certainly say: We were only
idly discoursing and sporting. Say: Was it at Allah and His communications and
His Messenger that you mocked?
009.066
YUSUFALI: Make ye no excuses: ye have rejected Faith after ye had accepted it.
If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you, for that they are
in sin.
PICKTHAL: Make no excuse. Ye have disbelieved after your (confession of) belief.
If We forgive a party of you, a party of you We shall punish because they have
been guilty.
SHAKIR: Do not make excuses; you have denied indeed after you had believed; if
We pardon a party of you, We will chastise (another) party because they are
guilty.
9 : 67
67. Almunafiqoona waalmunafiqatu baAAduhum min baAAdin ya/muroona bialmunkari wayanhawna AAani almaAAroofi wayaqbidoona aydiyahum nasoo Allaha fanasiyahum inna almunafiqeena humu alfasiqoona
The Hypocrites, men and women, emerge from the same stock. Evil they enjoin, good they forbid, and keep their fists locked (when it comes to spending for the cause of Allah). They have recanted Allah and Allah has recanted them. Verily the hypocrites, they are an utterly recalcitrant folk!
9 : 68
68. WaAAada Allahu almunafiqeena waalmunafiqati waalkuffara nara jahannama khalideena feeha hiya hasbuhum walaAAanahumu Allahu walahum AAathabun muqeemun
Allah promises the hypocrites, men and women, and the disbelievers, fire of hell in which to abide forever! It suffices them as punishment and upon them rests Allah's curse and for them their torment is perpetual.
9 : 69
69. Kaallatheena min qablikum kanoo ashadda minkum quwwatan waakthara amwalan waawladan faistamtaAAoo bikhalaqihim faistamtaAAtum bikhalaqikum kama istamtaAAa allatheena min qablikum bikhalaqihim wakhudtum kaallathee khadoo ola-ika habitat aAAmaluhum fee alddunya waal-akhirati waola-ika humu alkhasiroona
As it happened to those who were here before you, who were greater than you in strength and excelled you in affluence and progeny and enjoyed their portion for a brief while! You too enjoy your portion for a brief while as they enjoyed theirs for a brief while! You are as vain as they were! Such are they whose toils came to a naught in this world and in the Hereafter and such are they who have lost everything!
9 : 70
70. Alam ya/tihim nabao allatheena min qablihim qawmi noohin waAAadin
wathamooda waqawmi ibraheema waas-habi madyana waalmu/tafikati
atat-hum rusuluhum bialbayyinati fama kana Allahu
liyathlimahum walakin kanoo anfusahum yathlimoona
Have not the news of those before them reached their ears? The folk of Noah and of ‘Ad and Thamud; and the folk of Abraham and the dwellers of Midian and the catastrophes that befell them even though their messengers came to them with clear signs from Allah? It was not Allah who wronged them but it was they who wronged their own souls!
(The reason why the six communities mentioned above, destroyed by Allah on account of their solecism, have been specified in this context was because they are situated in Syria, Egypt and Yemen, in very close proximity to Arabia, and are regularly frequented by the Arab travellers, so that they can witness the ruins of the upturned cities with their own eyes and learn their lessons from).
9 : 71
71. Waalmu/minoona waalmu/minatu baAAduhum awliyao baAAdin ya/muroona bialmaAAroofi wayanhawna AAani almunkari wayuqeemoona alssalata wayu/toona alzzakata wayuteeAAoona Allaha warasoolahu ola-ika sayarhamuhumu Allahu inna Allaha AAazeezun hakeemun
And believing men and believing women are guardians of one another. They enjoin virtue and forbid evil and establish worship and give charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. These are they on whom Allah will bestow His Mercy! And verily Allah is Meritorious and Sagacious!
(Note the sharp contrast between verses 67 and 71, the former referring to the hypocrites and latter to the believers, which is of immense significance to the young Muslims growing up in western countries and are susceptible to all sorts of adverse influences brought about by conflicting lifestyles, especially so when it comes to choosing their partners and setting up their homes. A partnership between men and women who think alike and feel alike; whose ideologies and concepts are in harmony with one another; and who are together in aiming to accomplish a common goal burgeons on and produces a rich harvest. To ensure its prosperity, our Lord has admonished us to bear in mind that believing men and women are guardians of one another; they enjoin the same things and proscribe the same things; they dread the same punishment and aspire for the same reward and lead their lives in accordance with the preaching of the Qur'aan in which both believe with equal resolve).
9 : 72
72. WaAAada Allahu almu/mineena waalmu/minati jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha wamasakina tayyibatan fee jannati AAadnin waridwanun mina Allahi akbaru thalika huwa alfawzu alAAatheemu
Allah has promised the believers, men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they shall abide forever - salubrious dwellings in Gardens of Eden - but above all Allah's accord which is their most significant gain! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
67. The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islâm has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allâh's Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allâh, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
68. Allâh has promised the hypocrites; men and women, and the disbelievers, the Fire of Hell, therein shall they abide. It will suffice them. Allâh has cursed them and for them is the lasting torment.
69. Like those before you, they were mightier than you in power, and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion awhile, so enjoy your portion awhile as those before you enjoyed their portion awhile; and you indulged in play and pastime (and in telling lies against Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad SAW) as they indulged in play and pastime. Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers.
70. Has not the story reached them of those before them? - The people of Nûh (Noah), 'Ad, and Thamûd, the people of Ibrahîm (Abraham), the dwellers of Madyan (Midian) and the cities overthrown [i.e. the people to whom Lout (Lot) preached], to them came their Messengers with clear proofs. So it was not Allâh Who wronged them, but they used to wrong themselves.
71. The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
72. Allâh has promised to the believers -men and women, - Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of 'Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh. That is the supreme success.
009.067
YUSUFALI: The Hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each
other: They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are close with their
hands. They have forgotten Allah; so He hath forgotten them. Verily the
Hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.
PICKTHAL: The hypocrites, both men and women, proceed one from another. They
enjoin the wrong, and they forbid the right, and they withhold their hands (from
spending for the cause of Allah). They forget Allah, so He hath forgotten them.
Lo! the hypocrites, they are the transgressors.
SHAKIR: The hypocritical men and the hypocritical women are all alike; they
enjoin evil and forbid good and withhold their hands; they have forsaken Allah,
so He has forsaken them; surely the hypocrites are the transgressors.
009.068
YUSUFALI: Allah hath promised the Hypocrites men and women, and the rejecters,
of Faith, the fire of Hell: Therein shall they dwell: Sufficient is it for them:
for them is the curse of Allah, and an enduring punishment,-
PICKTHAL: Allah promiseth the hypocrites, both men and women, and the
disbelievers fire of hell for their abode. It will suffice them. Allah curseth
them, and theirs is lasting torment.
SHAKIR: Allah has promised the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women and
the unbelievers the fire of hell to abide therein; it is enough for them; and
Allah has cursed them and they shall have lasting punishment.
009.069
YUSUFALI: As in the case of those before you: they were mightier than you in
power, and more flourishing in wealth and children. They had their enjoyment of
their portion: and ye have of yours, as did those before you; and ye indulge in
idle talk as they did. They!- their work are fruitless in this world and in the
Hereafter, and they will lose (all spiritual good).
PICKTHAL: Even as those before you who were mightier than you in strength, and
more affluent than you in wealth and children. They enjoyed their lot awhile, so
ye enjoy your lot awhile even as those before you did enjoy their lot awhile.
And ye prate even as they prated. Such are they whose works have perished in the
world and the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers.
SHAKIR: Like those before you; they were stronger than you in power and more
abundant in wealth and children, so they enjoyed their portion; thus have you
enjoyed your portion as those before you enjoyed their portion; and you entered
into vain discourses like the vain discourses in which entered those before you.
These are they whose works are null in this world and the hereafter, and these
are they who are the losers.
009.070
YUSUFALI: Hath not the story reached them of those before them?- the People of
Noah, and 'Ad, and Thamud; the People of Abraham, the men of Midian, and the
cities overthrown. To them came their messengers with clear signs. It is not
Allah Who wrongs them, but they wrong their own souls.
PICKTHAL: Hath not the fame of those before them reached them - the folk of
Noah, A'ad, Thamud, the folk of Abraham, the dwellers of Midian and the
disasters (which befell them)? Their messengers (from Allah) came unto them with
proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). So Allah surely wronged them not, but they did
wrong themselves.
SHAKIR: Has not the news of those before them come to them; of the people of Nuh
and Ad and Samood, and the people of Ibrahim and the dwellers of Madyan and the
overthrown cities; their messengers came to them with clear arguments; so it was
not Allah Who should do them injustice, but they were unjust to themselves.
009.071
YUSUFALI: The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they
enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers,
practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah
pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
PICKTHAL: And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of
another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship
and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these,
Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.
SHAKIR: And (as for) the believing men and the believing women, they are
guardians of each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil and keep up prayer and
pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Messenger; (as for) these, Allah will
show mercy to them; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.
009.072
YUSUFALI: Allah hath promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under which
rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting
bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme
felicity.
PICKTHAL: Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens underneath
which rivers flow, wherein they will abide - blessed dwellings in Gardens of
Eden. And - greater (far)! - acceptance from Allah. That is the supreme triumph.
SHAKIR: Allah has promised to the believing men and the believing women gardens,
beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and goodly dwellings in gardens of
perpetual abode; and best of all is Allah's goodly pleasure; that is the grand
achievement.
9 : 73
73. Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu jahidi alkuffara waalmunafiqeena waoghluth AAalayhim wama/wahum jahannamu wabi/sa almaseeru
O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites at all times and be astringent towards them! Hell is their eternal abode, and how awful a destination it is to aim for!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when two hypocrites of Madina quarrelled with each other over allegations that one of them said unseemly things about the Prophet and the other denied it, and their mutual recriminations continued even after they were called to the mosque and asked to swear upon Allah.
9 : 74
74. Yahlifoona biAllahi ma qaloo walaqad qaloo kalimata alkufri wakafaroo baAAda islamihim wahammoo bima lam yanaloo wama naqamoo illa an aghnahumu Allahu warasooluhu min fadlihi fa-in yatooboo yaku khayran lahum wa-in yatawallaw yuAAaththibhumu Allahu AAathaban aleeman fee alddunya waal-akhirati wama lahum fee al-ardi min waliyyin wala naseerin
They swear by Allah that they said nothing unbecoming though they did speak words of disbelief, and they did lapse into apostasy after having surrendered to Allah and they did covet that which they could not be allowed. What else is there for them to complain about other than that Allah and His messenger enriched them with His benefactions! Yet, if they repent, it will be for their own good; but if they turn away, Allah shall inflict upon them an opprobrious punishment in this world and in the Hereafter and they shall not have either a sympathizer or a cohort upon the earth!
* * *
Context of Revelation: The following verses were revealed with reference to those who seek more material affluence from Allah than what He has already given them, promising to give more in charity and to perform more good deeds but neglect their promise to Him once their wish has been granted.
9 : 75
75. Waminhum man AAahada Allaha la-in atana min fadlihi lanassaddaqanna walanakoonanna mina alssaliheena
And among them are those who made a covenant with Allah (saying) : 'If You bestow on us more of Your bounty, verily we will give more in alms and be of the righteous!'
9 : 76
76. Falamma atahum min fadlihi bakhiloo bihi watawallaw wahum muAAridoona
Yet when He gave them of His bounty, they hoarded it and broke their covenant.
9 : 77
77. FaaAAqabahum nifaqan fee quloobihim ila yawmi yalqawnahu bima akhlafoo Allaha ma waAAadoohu wabima kanoo yakthiboona
So Allah filled their hearts with mistrust towards one another till the Day they come face to face with Him, in retaliation for making a false promise to Him and being mendacious.
9 : 78
78. Alam yaAAlamoo anna Allaha yaAAlamu sirrahum wanajwahum waanna Allaha AAallamu alghuyoobi
Do they not realize that Allah is aware of what they hide and what they secretly confide in each other and that Allah is aware of all things hidden?
(The reference here is to a man who approached the Prophet and asked him to pray that Allah increased his wealth. The Prophet told him that if he could be content with what little Allah had given him and be thankful, it would be better than the big fortune he sought. But he came back to him again and again until the Prophet prayed for him, as a result of which his wish was granted and his small herd of sheep bred so much that there was no longer enough space for him to continue living in Madina and tend to it. So he had to move away into the hills, thus depriving himself of the opportunity of visiting the local mosque for worship and attending the congregation held by the Prophet on Fridays in the central mosque.
When the Prophet heard about it, he said 'I pity him!' but his herd kept growing more and more each day until he no longer had the time to do anything else other than tending to his herd and making money, - no Salaat, no Zakaat, no fasting, no mass, no congregations, no time for seeking guidance from the Prophet, no inclination for acknowledging gratitude to Allah for His Benefaction and no time to spare even for his own family!
When the Prophet heard about it, he said : 'I pity him!' until the day when the collectors of Sadaqa and Zakaat called on him to ask for his contribution, which was well overdue. But by then his obsession with wealth had reached such a peak that he became critical of the idea of collecting charity as though it were a 'toll', and turned away the collectors saying that he would have to think it over first!
When the Prophet heard about it, he said 'I pity him!' again, at which point the above verse was revealed, obviously aimed at him and others like him who become embroiled in material rewards to such an extent that they lose track of the rewards of the Hereafter and wrong themselves.
Sometime later, when he came back to his senses and brought his contribution in person, it was too late. The Prophet declined to touch it and said that his charity was not acceptable to Allah because it had not come from his heart
Such was his misfortune that it was never accepted during the lifetime of the Prophet, nor during the Caliphate of his successors Hadrath Abu Bakr and Hadrath Omar. And during the reign of Hadrath Uthmaan, he was slain in a local dispute and died an ignoble death).
* * *
9 : 79
79. Allatheena yalmizoona almuttawwiAAeena mina almu/mineena fee alssadaqati waallatheena la yajidoona illa juhdahum fayaskharoona minhum sakhira Allahu minhum walahum AAathabun aleemun
As for those that criticize the believers who give alms with generosity, but mock at those who have nothing to give except their endeavours, Allah will chastise them for their scoffing and mete out to them an acerbic castigation.
(When the verses concerning the obligation of all Muslims towards alms-giving and charity were revealed, specifying who were liable to pay and who were entitled to receive, many believers came up with whatever they could afford, some a substantial proportion of wealth they possessed and others according to their means. As for the hypocrites, far from making a contribution, great or small, they dubbed those who were lavish in their offerings as 'show-offs', and mocked those with modest means as 'contemptible'. The above verse was revealed as a rebuff to them.
The second part of the verse refers to a sincere and dedicated believer who contributed one cluster of dates, saying that he was given two clusters of dates by his employer for a night's labour, out of which he left a cluster for his family and had brought the other for charity).
* * *
Context of Revelation: The following verse was revealed when certain hypocrites wanted the Prophet to seek Allah's forgiveness for them, once their secret plotting and conspiracies were exposed and they could no longer hide behind false pretences.
9 : 80
80. Istaghfir lahum aw la tastaghfir lahum in tastaghfir lahum sabAAeena marratan falan yaghfira Allahu lahum thalika bi-annahum kafaroo biAllahi warasoolihi waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alfasiqeena
Seek forgiveness for them (O Mohammed) or seek no forgiveness for them - and even if you seek forgiveness for them seventy times over, - Allah will never forgive them! This is because they repudiated Allah and His messenger and because Allah does not guide the invidious folks! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
73. O Prophet (Muhammad SAW)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell, - and worst indeed is that destination.
74. They swear by Allâh that they said nothing (bad), but really they said the word of disbelief, and they disbelieved after accepting Islâm, and they resolved that (plot to murder Prophet Muhammad SAW) which they were unable to carry out, and they could not find any cause to do so except that Allâh and His Messenger had enriched them of His Bounty. If then they repent, it will be better for them, but if they turn away, Allâh will punish them with a painful torment in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. And there is none for them on earth as a Walî (supporter, protector) or a helper.
75. And of them are some who made a covenant with Allâh (saying): "If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily, give Sadaqâh (Zakât and voluntary charity in Allâh's Cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous."
76. Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqâh (Zakât or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.
77. So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allâh) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies.
78. Know they not that Allâh knows their secret ideas, and their Najwa[] (secret counsels), and that Allâh is the All-Knower of the unseen.
79. Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allâh's Cause) voluntarily, and those who could not find to give charity (in Allâh's Cause) except what is available to them, so they mock at them (believers), Allâh will throw back their mockery on them, and they shall have a painful torment.
80. Whether you (O Muhammad SAW) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for them … (and even) if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness … Allâh will not forgive them, because they have disbelieved in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW). And Allâh guides not those people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
009.073
YUSUFALI: O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and
be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge indeed.
PICKTHAL: O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be
harsh with them. Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey's end.
SHAKIR: O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be
unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination.
009.074
YUSUFALI: They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they
uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a
plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their)
only return for the bounty with which Allah and His Messenger had enriched them!
If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil
ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the
Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.
PICKTHAL: They swear by Allah that they said nothing (wrong), yet they did say
the word of disbelief, and did disbelieve after their Surrender (to Allah). And
they purposed that which they could not attain, and they sought revenge only
that Allah by His messenger should enrich them of His bounty. If they repent it
will be better for them; and if they turn away, Allah will afflict them with a
painful doom in the world and the Hereafter, and they have no protecting friend
nor helper in the earth.
SHAKIR: They swear by Allah that they did not speak, and certainly they did
speak, the word of unbelief, and disbelieved after their Islam, and they had
determined upon what they have not been able to effect, and they did not find
fault except because Allah and His Messenger enriched them out of His grace;
therefore if they repent, it will be good for them; and if they turn back, Allah
will chastise them with a painful chastisement in this world and the hereafter,
and they shall not have in the land any guardian or a helper.
009.075
YUSUFALI: Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah, that if He
bestowed on them of His bounty, they would give (largely) in charity, and be
truly amongst those who are righteous.
PICKTHAL: And of them is he who made a covenant with Allah (saying): If He give
us of His bounty we will give alms and become of the righteous.
SHAKIR: And there are those of them who made a covenant with Allah: If He give
us out of His grace, we will certainly give alms and we will certainly be of the
good.
009.076
YUSUFALI: But when He did bestow of His bounty, they became covetous, and turned
back (from their covenant), averse (from its fulfilment).
PICKTHAL: Yet when He gave them of His bounty, they hoarded it and turned away,
averse;
SHAKIR: But when He gave them out of His grace, they became niggardly of it and
they turned back and they withdrew.
009.077
YUSUFALI: So He hath put as a consequence hypocrisy into their hearts, (to last)
till the Day, whereon they shall meet Him: because they broke their covenant
with Allah, and because they lied (again and again).
PICKTHAL: So He hath made the consequence (to be) hypocrisy in their hearts
until the day when they shall meet Him, because they broke their word to Allah
that they promised Him, and because they lied.
SHAKIR: So He made hypocrisy to follow as a consequence into their hearts till
the day when they shall meet Him because they failed to perform towards Allah
what they had promised with Him and because they told lies.
009.078
YUSUFALI: Know they not that Allah doth know their secret (thoughts) and their
secret counsels, and that Allah knoweth well all things unseen?
PICKTHAL: Know they not that Allah knoweth both their secret and the thought
that they confide, and that Allah is the Knower of Things Hidden?
SHAKIR: Do they not know that Allah knows their hidden thoughts and their secret
counsels, and that Allah is the great Knower of the unseen things?
009.079
YUSUFALI: Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves freely to
(deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to give except the
fruits of their labour,- and throw ridicule on them,- Allah will throw back
their ridicule on them: and they shall have a grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: Those who point at such of the believers as give the alms willingly
and such as can find naught to give but their endeavours, and deride them -
Allah (Himself) derideth them. Theirs will be a painful doom.
SHAKIR: They who taunt those of the faithful who give their alms freely, and
those who give to the extent of their earnings and scoff at them; Allah will pay
them back their scoffing, and they shall have a painful chastisement.
009.080
YUSUFALI: Whether thou ask for their forgiveness, or not, (their sin is
unforgivable): if thou ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allah will not
forgive them: because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger: and Allah
guideth not those who are perversely rebellious.
PICKTHAL: Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for
them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive
them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and Allah
guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: Ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; even if you
ask forgiveness for them seventy times, Allah will not forgive them; this is
because they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger, and Allah does not guide the
transgressing people.
Section 11.
9 : 81
81. Fariha almukhallafoona bimaqAAadihim khilafa rasooli Allahi wakarihoo an yujahidoo bi-amwalihim waanfusihim fee sabeeli Allahi waqaloo la tanfiroo fee alharri qul naru jahannama ashaddu harran law kanoo yafqahoona
Those who were left behind rejoiced at staying behind, away from the messenger of Allah
Because they were averse to striving with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way! And they said : 'Do not go in this heat!' Say to them : 'The inferno of hell is the most sweltering of all!' - if they but grasped!
9 : 82
82. Falyadhakoo qaleelan walyabkoo katheeran jazaan bima kanoo yaksiboona
So, let them know there is less for them to rejoice over and more for them to mourn about in return for what they used to earn!
(According to a Hadith of our beloved Prophet, he said to have told the hypocrites : 'If you knew what I know, you would laugh less and weep more', - as reflected in the above verse).
9 : 83
83. Fa-in rajaAAaka Allahu ila ta-ifatin minhum faista/thanooka lilkhurooji faqul lan takhrujoo maAAiya abadan walan tuqatiloo maAAiya AAaduwwan innakum radeetum bialquAAoodi awwala marratin faoqAAudoo maAAa alkhalifeena
If Allah brings you back to them from the battlefield and they ask your leave to accompany you next time, say : 'You will never accompany me, nor will you fight another enemy alongside me! Since you preferred to stay behind the first time, stay behind with those who stay behind!'
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a prominent leader of the hypocrites passed away and his son, a true and dedicated believer, requested the Prophet to cover the corpse of his father with his garment and perform the final rites.
9 : 84
84. Wala tusalli AAala ahadin minhum mata abadan wala taqum AAala qabrihi innahum kafaroo biAllahi warasoolihi wamatoo wahum fasiqoona
And never (O Mohammed) perform their final rites nor stand by their graves! Verily they repudiated Allah and His messenger in life and they died in a state of apostasy!
(The reference is to Abdullah ibn Abi Salul, a resident of Madina who lead a group of hypocrites and caused a great deal of trouble to the Prophet behind the facade of friendship and loyalty, which he never truly felt towards him in his entire life. When he died, his son requested the Prophet to consecrate his soul by covering his corpse with his robe and giving him his final rites. Since the son was a dedicated believer, and no ordinances had yet been revealed banning participation in the final rites of hypocrites, the Prophet obliged him by laying his shirt on the corpse and performing the final rites in the presence of a large crowd who had gathered to watch the ceremony.
Subsequent to the revelation of this verse, the Prophet never performed the final rites of anyone except his fellow Muslims).
9 : 85
85. Wala tuAAjibka amwaluhum waawladuhum innama yureedu Allahu an yuAAaththibahum biha fee alddunya watazhaqa anfusuhum wahum kafiroona
Let not their affluence and their progeny daunt you! Allah intends to punish them in this world by their means and will cause their souls to pass away while they are in a state of apostasy!
9 : 86
86. Wa-itha onzilat sooratun an aminoo biAllahi wajahidoo maAAa rasoolihi ista/thanaka oloo alttawli minhum waqaloo tharna nakun maAAa alqaAAideena
And when there comes a revelation which says : 'Believe in Allah and strive alongside His messenger,' the affluent amongst them seek exemption from you and say : 'Permit us to be with those who stay behind!'
9 : 87
87. Radoo bi-an yakoonoo maAAa alkhawalifi watubiAAa AAala quloobihim fahum la yafqahoona
Since they were content to stay behind with those who stayed behind, a seal has been put upon their hearts because of which they cannot understand!
9 : 88
88. Lakini alrrasoolu waallatheena amanoo maAAahu jahadoo bi-amwalihim waanfusihim waola-ika lahumu alkhayratu waola-ika humu almuflihoona
But the messenger and those with him who believe have striven with their possessions and their lives! To them belong all the rewards and they alone shall attain redemption.
9 : 89
89. aAAadda Allahu lahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha thalika alfawzu alAAatheemu
Allah has kept ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and in them will they live forever! And that is the ultimate triumph! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
81. Those who stayed away (from Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allâh; they hated to strive and fight with their properties and their lives in the Cause of Allâh, and they said: "March not forth in the heat." Say: "The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat", if only they could understand!
82. So let them laugh a little and (they will) cry much as a recompense of what they used to earn (by committing sins).
83. If Allâh brings you back to a party of them (the hypocrites), and they ask your permission to go out (to fight), say: "Never shall you go out with me, nor fight an enemy with me; you agreed to sit inactive on the first occasion, then you sit (now) with those who lag behind."
84. And never (O Muhammad SAW) pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (hypocrites) who dies, nor stand at his grave. Certainly they disbelieved in Allâh and His Messenger, and died while they were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, - disobedient to Allâh and His Messenger SAW).
85. And let not their wealth or their children amaze you. Allâh's Plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.
86. And when a Sûrah (chapter from the Qur'ân) is revealed, enjoining them to believe in Allâh and to strive hard and fight along with His Messenger, the wealthy among them ask your leave to exempt them (from Jihâd) and say, "Leave us (behind), we would be with those who sit (at home)."
87. They are content to be with those (the women) who sit behind (at home). Their hearts are sealed up (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance), so they understand not.
88. But the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and those who believed with him (in Islâmic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allâh's Cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful.
89. For them Allâh has got ready Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.
009.081
YUSUFALI: Those who were left behind (in the Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their
inaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allah: they hated to strive and
fight, with their goods and their persons, in the cause of Allah: they said, "Go
not forth in the heat." Say, "The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat." If only they
could understand!
PICKTHAL: Those who were left behind rejoiced at sitting still behind the
messenger of Allah, and were averse to striving with their wealth and their
lives in Allah's way. And they said: Go not forth in the heat! Say: The fire of
hell is more intense of heat, if they but understood.
SHAKIR: Those who were left behind were glad on account of their sitting behind
Allah's Messenger and they were averse from striving m Allah's way with their
property and their persons, and said: Do not go forth in the heat. Say: The fire
of hell is much severe in heat. Would that they understood (it).
009.082
YUSUFALI: Let them laugh a little: much will they weep: a recompense for the
(evil) that they do.
PICKTHAL: Then let them laugh a little: they will weep much, as the reward of
what they used to earn.
SHAKIR: Therefore they shall laugh little and weep much as a recompense for what
they earned.
009.083
YUSUFALI: If, then, Allah bring thee back to any of them, and they ask thy
permission to come out (with thee), say: "Never shall ye come out with me, nor
fight an enemy with me: for ye preferred to sit inactive on the first occasion:
Then sit ye (now) with those who lag behind."
PICKTHAL: If Allah bring thee back (from the campaign) unto a party of them and
they ask of thee leave to go out (to fight), then say unto them: Ye shall never
more go out with me nor fight with me against a foe. Ye were content with
sitting still the first time. So sit still, with the useless.
SHAKIR: Therefore if Allah brings you back to a party of them and then they ask
your permission to go forth, say: By no means shall you ever go forth with me
and by no means shall you fight an enemy with me; surely you chose to sit the
first time, therefore sit (now) with those who remain behind.
009.084
YUSUFALI: Nor do thou ever pray for any of them that dies, nor stand at his
grave; for they rejected Allah and His Messenger, and died in a state of
perverse rebellion.
PICKTHAL: And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dieth, nor stand by
his grave. Lo! they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and they died while
they were evil-doers.
SHAKIR: And never offer prayer for any one of them who dies and do not stand by
his grave; surely they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger and they shall die
in transgression.
009.085
YUSUFALI: Nor let their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle thee:
Allah's plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that their
souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
PICKTHAL: Let not their wealth nor their children please thee! Allah purposeth
only to punish them thereby in the world, and that their souls shall pass away
while they are disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And let not their property and their children excite your admlration;
Allah only wishes to chastise them with these in this world and (that) their
souls may depart while they are unbelievers
009.086
YUSUFALI: When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allah and to
strive and fight along with His Messenger, those with wealth and influence among
them ask thee for exemption, and say: "Leave us (behind): we would be with those
who sit (at home)."
PICKTHAL: And when a surah is revealed (which saith): Believe in Allah and
strive along with His messenger, the men of wealth among them still ask leave of
thee and say: Suffer us to be with those who sit (at home).
SHAKIR: And whenever a chapter is revealed, saying: Believe in Allah and strive
hard along with His Messenger, those having ampleness of means ask permission of
you and say: Leave us (behind), that we may be with those who sit.
009.087
YUSUFALI: They prefer to be with (the women), who remain behind (at home): their
hearts are sealed and so they understand not.
PICKTHAL: They are content that they should be with the useless and their hearts
are sealed, so that they apprehend not.
SHAKIR: They preferred to be with those who remained behind, and a seal is set
on their hearts so they do not understand.
009.088
YUSUFALI: But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight
with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is
they who will prosper.
PICKTHAL: But the messenger and those who believe with him strive with their
wealth and their lives. Such are they for whom are the good things. Such are
they who are the successful.
SHAKIR: But the Messenger and those who believe with him strive hard with their
property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and
these it is who shall be successful.
009.089
YUSUFALI: Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell
therein: that is the supreme felicity.
PICKTHAL: Allah hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow,
wherein they will abide. That is the supreme triumph.
SHAKIR: Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide
in them; that is the great achievement.
Section
12.
9 : 90
90. Wajaa almuAAaththiroona mina al-aAArabi liyu/thana lahum waqaAAada allatheena kathaboo Allaha warasoolahu sayuseebu allatheena kafaroo minhum AAathabun aleemun
And some of the pretentious amongst the nomads came and offered excuses to stay behind while others simply lied to Allah and His messenger and stayed behind. For the disbelievers among them awaits an acerbic castigation.
9 : 91
91. Laysa AAala aldduAAafa-i wala AAala almarda wala AAala allatheena la yajidoona ma yunfiqoona harajun itha nasahoo lillahi warasoolihi ma AAala almuhsineena min sabeelin waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun
No blame shall rest upon the old and the infirm nor upon those without adequate means to prepare for battle, provided they remain dedicated to Allah and His messenger. Nor is there any way of blaming the righteous. And Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when some of the Prophet's close associates who were ready and willing to ride alongside him to the battlefield asked him to provide for them suitable horses, which he was unable to do because of constraints in the war budget.
9 : 92
92. Wala AAala allatheena itha ma atawka litahmilahum qulta la ajidu ma ahmilukum AAalayhi tawallaw waaAAyunuhum tafeedu mina alddamAAi hazanan alla yajidoo ma yunfiqoona
Nor on those who came to you hoping you could provide them with mounts, but you did say to them : 'I have nothing to give you on which you can ride!' and they returned home in tears out of grief that they did not have the means to participate in the battle!
* * *
9 : 93
93. Innama alssabeelu AAala allatheena yasta/thinoonaka wahum aghniyao radoo bi-an yakoonoo maAAa alkhawalifi watabaAAa Allahu AAala quloobihim fahum la yaAAlamoona
The access for blame is only upon those who come to you for exemption in spite of having the means to participate, because they would rather be with those who stay behind! Allah has sealed off their hearts so that they do not know (what they are missing).
9 : 94
94. YaAAtathiroona ilaykum itha rajaAAtum ilayhim qul la taAAtathiroo lan nu/mina lakum qad nabbaana Allahu min akhbarikum wasayara Allahu AAamalakum warasooluhu thumma turaddoona ila AAalimi alghaybi waalshshahadati fayunabbi-okum bima kuntum taAAmaloona
They will give you a host of excuses when you return to them. Say : 'Make no excuses and rest assured that we will never believe you because Allah has kept us abreast of news about you! Allah and His messenger will take stock of your actions, and then you will be brought back to Him who knows the invisible as well as the visible, and then He will tell you all that which you used to do!'
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the hypocrites came to the Prophet after he returned from Tabuk and swore that, if he forgave them their inability to participate in this battle, they would never turn down another opportunity of taking part in future expeditions.
9 : 95
95. Sayahlifoona biAllahi lakum itha inqalabtum ilayhim lituAAridoo AAanhum faaAAridoo AAanhum innahum rijsun wama/wahum jahannamu jazaan bima kanoo yaksiboona
They will swear on Allah when you return, so that you do not sever your links with them. You sever your links, for they are unclean people and their abode is hell by way of a requital for that which they used to earn!
9 : 96
96. Yahlifoona lakum litardaw AAanhum fa-in tardaw AAanhum fa-inna Allaha la yarda AAani alqawmi alfasiqeena
They will swear to you so that you condone them. But even if you condone them, Allah will never condone the mendacious!
* * *
9 : 97
97. Al-aAArabu ashaddu kufran wanifaqan waajdaru alla yaAAlamoo hudooda ma anzala Allahu AAala rasoolihi waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
The nomads are inflexible in matters of heresy and hypocrisy and are therefore more likely to be ignorant of the limits that Allah has revealed to His messenger! Allah is Erudite and Wise!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when a tribe of nomads said that whatever they spend towards the way of Allah was an unjustifiable toll and therefore a total waste.
9 : 98
98. Wamina al-aAArabi man yattakhithu ma yunfiqu maghraman wayatarabbasu bikumu alddawa-ira AAalayhim da-iratu alssaw-i waAllahu sameeAAun AAaleemun
And amongst the nomads are those who think that whatever they spend towards the Cause of Allah is an extortion and wait for you to be smitten by turns of ill luck, - though it is they who are in line for turns of ill luck!
9 : 99
99. Wamina al-aAArabi man yu/minu biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri wayattakhithu ma yunfiqu qurubatin AAinda Allahi wasalawati alrrasooli ala innaha qurbatun lahum sayudkhiluhumu Allahu fee rahmatihi inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun
And amongst the nomads there are also those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day and consider that whatever they spend will earn them nearness to Allah and the blessings of His messenger! Indeed, it will surely earn them His propinquity and Allah will enter them into the sphere His Mercy. Verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
90. And those who made excuses from the bedouins came (to you, O Prophet SAW) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allâh and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.
91. There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no resources to spend [in holy fighting (Jihâd)], if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allâh and His Messenger.[] No ground (of complaint) can there be against the Muhsinûn (good-doers - see the footnote of V.9:120). And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said: "I can find no mounts for you," they turned back, while their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend (for Jihâd).
93. The ground (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption[]. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allâh has sealed up their hearts (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance) so that they know not (what they are losing).
94. They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say (O Muhammad SAW) "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allâh has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allâh and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allâh) will inform you of what you used to do." [Tafsir At-Tabari]
95. They will swear by Allâh to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijsun [i.e. Najasun[] (impure) because of their evil deeds], and Hell is their dwelling place, - a recompense for that which they used to earn.
96. They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allâh is not pleased with the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
97. The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allâh's Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allâh has revealed to His Messenger. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise.
98. And of the bedouins there are some who look upon what they spend (in Allâh's Cause) as a fine and watch for calamities for you, on them be the calamity of evil. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
99. And of the bedouins there are some who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, and look upon what they spend in Allâh's Cause as approaches to Allâh, and a cause of receiving the Messenger's invocations. Indeed these (spendings in Allâh's Cause) are an approach for them. Allâh will admit them to His Mercy. Certainly Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
009.090
YUSUFALI: And there were, among the desert Arabs (also), men who made excuses
and came to claim exemption; and those who were false to Allah and His Messenger
(merely) sat inactive. Soon will a grievous penalty seize the Unbelievers among
them.
PICKTHAL: And those among the wandering Arabs who had an excuse came in order
that permission might be granted them. And those who lied to Allah and His
messenger sat at home. A painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.
SHAKIR: And the defaulters from among the dwellers of the desert came that
permission may be given to them and they sat (at home) who lied to Allah and His
Messenger; a painful chastisement shall afflict those of them who disbelieved.
009.091
YUSUFALI: There is no blame on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find no
resources to spend (on the cause), if they are sincere (in duty) to Allah and
His Messenger: no ground (of complaint) can there be against such as do right:
and Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Not unto the weak nor unto the sick nor unto those who can find naught
to spend is any fault (to be imputed though they stay at home) if they are true
to Allah and His messenger. Not unto the good is there any road (of blame).
Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: It shall be no crime in the weak, nor in the sick, nor in those who do
not find what they should spend (to stay behind), so long as they are sincere to
Allah and His Messenger; there is no way (to blame) against the doers of good;
and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful;
009.092
YUSUFALI: Nor (is there blame) on those who came to thee to be provided with
mounts, and when thou saidst, "I can find no mounts for you," they turned back,
their eyes streaming with tears of grief that they had no resources wherewith to
provide the expenses.
PICKTHAL: Nor unto those whom, when they came to thee (asking) that thou
shouldst mount them, thou didst tell: I cannot find whereon to mount you. They
turned back with eyes flowing with tears, for sorrow that they could not find
the means to spend.
SHAKIR: Nor in those who when they came to you that you might carry them, you
said: I cannot find that on which to carry you; they went back while their eyes
overflowed with tears on account of grief for not finding that which they should
spend.
009.093
YUSUFALI: The ground (of complaint) is against such as claim exemption while
they are rich. They prefer to stay with the (women) who remain behind: Allah
hath sealed their hearts; so they know not (What they miss).
PICKTHAL: The road (of blame) is only against those who ask for leave of thee
(to stay at home) when they are rich. They are content to be with the useless.
Allah hath sealed their hearts so that they know not.
SHAKIR: The way (to blame) is only against those who ask permission of you
though they are rich; they have chosen to be with those who remained behind, and
Allah has set a seal upon their hearts so they do not know.
009.094
YUSUFALI: They will present their excuses to you when ye return to them. Say
thou: "Present no excuses: we shall not believe you: Allah hath already informed
us of the true state of matters concerning you: It is your actions that Allah
and His Messenger will observe: in the end will ye be brought back to Him Who
knoweth what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all
that ye did."
PICKTHAL: They will make excuse to you (Muslims) when ye return unto them. Say:
Make no excuse, for we shall not believe you. Allah hath told us tidings of you.
Allah and His messenger will see your conduct, and then ye will be brought back
unto Him Who knoweth the Invisible as well as the Visible, and He will tell you
what ye used to do.
SHAKIR: They will excuse themselves to you when you go back to them. Say: Urge
no excuse, by no means will we believe you; indeed Allah has informed us of
matters relating to you; and now Allah and His Messenger will see your doings,
then you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He
will inform you of what you did.
009.095
YUSUFALI: They will swear to you by Allah, when ye return to them, that ye may
leave them alone. So leave them alone: For they are an abomination, and Hell is
their dwelling-place,-a fitting recompense for the (evil) that they did.
PICKTHAL: They will swear by Allah unto you, when ye return unto them, that ye
may let them be. Let them be, for lo! they are unclean, and their abode is hell
as the reward for what they used to earn.
SHAKIR: They will swear to you by Allah when you return to them so that you may
turn aside from them; so do turn aside from them; surely they are unclean and
their abode is hell; a recompense for what they earned.
009.096
YUSUFALI: They will swear unto you, that ye may be pleased with them but if ye
are pleased with them, Allah is not pleased with those who disobey.
PICKTHAL: They swear unto you, that ye may accept them. Though ye accept them.
Allah verily accepteth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: They will swear to you that you may be pleased with them; but if you are
pleased with them, yet surely Allah is not pleased with the transgressing
people.
009.097
YUSUFALI: The Arabs of the desert are the worst in Unbelief and hypocrisy, and
most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent down to His
Messenger: But Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise.
PICKTHAL: The wandering Arabs are more hard in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more
likely to be ignorant of the limits which Allah hath revealed unto His
messenger. And Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: The dwellers of the desert are very hard in unbelief and hypocrisy, and
more disposed not to know the limits of what Allah has revealed to His
Messenger; and Allah is Knowing, Wise.
009.098
YUSUFALI: Some of the desert Arabs look upon their payments as a fine, and watch
for disasters for you: on them be the disaster of evil: for Allah is He That
heareth and knoweth (all things).
PICKTHAL: And of the wandering Arabs there is he who taketh that which he
expendeth (for the cause of Allah) as a loss, and awaiteth (evil) turns of
fortune for you (that he may be rid of it). The evil turn of fortune will be
theirs. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
SHAKIR: And of the dwellers of the desert are those who take what they spend to
be a fine, and they wait (the befalling of) calamities to you; on them (will be)
the evil calamity; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.
009.099
YUSUFALI: But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, and
look on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allah and
obtaining the prayers of the Messenger. Aye, indeed they bring them nearer (to
Him): soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful.
PICKTHAL: And of the wandering Arabs there is he who believeth in Allah and the
Last Day, and taketh that which he expendeth and also the prayers of the
messenger as acceptable offerings in the sight of Allah. Lo! verily it is an
acceptable offering for them. Allah will bring them into His mercy. Lo! Allah is
Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: And of the dwellers of the desert are those who believe in Allah and the
latter day and take what they spend to be (means of) the nearness of Allah and
the Messenger's prayers; surely it shall be means of nearness for them; Allah
will make them enter into His mercy; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
9 : 100
100. Waalssabiqoona al-awwaloona mina almuhajireena waal-ansari waallatheena ittabaAAoohum bi-ihsanin radiya Allahu AAanhum waradoo AAanhu waaAAadda lahum jannatin tajree tahtaha al-anharu khalideena feeha abadan thalika alfawzu alAAatheemu
And foremost (among the righteous) are the first of Muhajireen and Ansar and then those who followed in their footsteps on the righteous path! Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him - and for them He has kept Gardens underneath which rivers flow in which they shall abide forever! And that is the ultimate triumph!
9 : 101
101. Wamimman hawlakum mina al-aAArabi munafiqoona wamin ahli almadeenati maradoo AAala alnnifaqi la taAAlamuhum nahnu naAAlamuhum sanuAAaththibuhum marratayni thumma yuraddoona ila AAathabin Aaatheemin
And among the nomads in your neighbourhood are some who are hypocrites; and amongst the residents of Madina are also some who are prone to hypocrisy - you do not know them (O Mohammed) but We know them! - and We shall punish them twice before subjecting them to the ultimate castigation!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when some believers excused themselves from taking part in the Tabuk expedition under false pretexts, and then, realizing their error, tied themselves to the pillars of the mosque and refused to be set free until the Prophet returned and released them. But the Prophet declined to free them unless Allah relented towards them first.
9 : 102
102. Waakharoona iAAtarafoo bithunoobihim khalatoo AAamalan salihan waakhara sayyi-an AAasa Allahu an yatooba AAalayhim inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun
And there are some who have realized their errors and have added a good deed to an evil deed by way of atonement. It may well be that Allah will accept their penance, for Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in the same context as above when, after being freed by the Prophet, they asked him to accept alms from them by way of expiation for their lies, but he declined to consecrate their offerings on the grounds that he was not instructed by Allah to accept their expiation.
9 : 103
103. Khuth min amwalihim sadaqatan tutahhiruhum watuzakkeehim biha wasalli AAalayhim inna salataka sakanun lahum waAllahu sameeAAun AAaleemun
Take alms from them so that you may sanctify them and purify their souls and pray for their well-being, for verily your prayer can bring solace to their hearts. Allah hears and knows everything!
* * *
9 : 104
104. Alam yaAAlamoo anna Allaha huwa yaqbalu alttawbata AAan AAibadihi waya/khuthu alssadaqati waanna Allaha huwa alttawwabu alrraheemu
Know they not that only Allah accepts expiation from His creatures - and the alms which they give - and that verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful?
9 : 105
105. Waquli iAAmaloo fasayara Allahu AAamalakum warasooluhu waalmu/minoona wasaturaddoona ila AAalimi alghaybi waalshshahadati fayunabbi-okum bima kuntum taAAmaloona
Say to them : 'Perform! Allah will check your performance, as will His messenger and your other believing brethren, and then you will be brought back to Him Who knows that which is invisible and that which is visible and He will tell you what you used to do!
9 : 106
106. Waakharoona murjawna li-amri Allahi imma yuAAaththibuhum wa-imma yatoobu AAalayhim waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
And there are some who are left in suspense pending Allah's decision whether to punish them or to forgive them! And Allah is Erudite and Wise!
(The people who evaded taking part in Tabuk expedition fall into three categories : the hypocrites who were habitual promoters of feud and relished discord; the Muslims who did exempt themselves from participation but lost no time in repenting over their indiscretion in this matter and offered expiation at once, to whom reference has been made in verse 103; and the Muslims who not only stayed away but also delayed in offering their expiation for one reason or another, referred to in this verse, who may or may not be forgiven by Allah).
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Hypocrites built a mosque at the behest of a staunch enemy of Islam and of the Prophet, outwardly to facilitate the old and the infirm who were experiencing difficulty in visiting the Central Mosque five times a day, but inwardly to cause rifts within the community.
9 : 107
107. Waallatheena ittakhathoo masjidan diraran wakufran watafreeqan bayna almu/mineena wa-irsadan liman haraba Allaha warasoolahu min qablu walayahlifunna in aradna illa alhusna waAllahu yashhadu innahum lakathiboona
And those who built a mosque with malicious intent because of their apostasy and in order to create rifts between the believers and are waiting for him who is already an enemy of Allah and of His messenger, they are bound to swear and say : 'We meant nothing but well!' Allah bears testimony against them that assuredly they are liars!
9 : 108
108. La taqum feehi abadan lamasjidun ossisa AAala alttaqwa min awwali yawmin ahaqqu an taqooma feehi feehi rijalun yuhibboona an yatatahharoo waAllahu yuhibbu almuttahhireena
So do not stand in it to pray! A place of worship built upon the bedrock of righteousness from the start is worth your standing up to pray. That is where those who cherish purity get together, and Allah cherishes those that are pure!
9 : 109
109. Afaman assasa bunyanahu AAala taqwa mina Allahi waridwanin khayrun am man assasa bunyanahu AAala shafa jurufin harin fainhara bihi fee nari jahannama waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alththalimeena
Is he who has raised his edifice on the plinth of Allah's reverence and accord better, - or he who erected it on the verge of an unsteady chasm which will slide into the fire of hell along with him? Allah guides not the invidious folk!
9 : 110
110. La yazalu bunyanuhumu allathee banaw reebatan fee quloobihim illa an taqattaAAa quloobuhum waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
The edifice they erect will remain forever as a symbol of contrition in their hearts until their hearts are torn asunder. Allah is Erudite and Wise! (R)
(The reference in the above verses is to Abu Amir who had embraced Christianity during the days of Paganism and thereafter enlisted a solid following in Madina until he came into clash with the Prophet, on a collision course with him by preaching a religion that was not too dissimilar to his own denomination and yet poles apart. His rivalry towards the Prophet soon reached such a delirious peak that he vowed to join any group with whom he was involved in an armed conflict and fight him tooth-and-nail. This he did, including the Battle of Huneyn, until defeat forced him to flee to Syria.
Nevertheless, he continued with his opposition to the Prophet and sent word to his friends in Madina to build a fake Mosque in order to disunite the Muslims and wait until he could muster an army of Romans to fight his adversary and eradicate his religion.
His followers did what he asked them to do, - built a new mosque under the pretext that it was merely to facilitate the old and the infirm who found it difficult to walk to the Central Mosque where the Prophet held his congregations and even requested him to inaugurate it by holding a mass there.
Being preoccupied with preparations for Tabuk expedition at the time, the Prophet excused himself and promised to do it after he came back, if Allah willed; but Allah did not will him to, as it can be seen from this revelation, which exposed the real truth behind it.
Subsequently, at the behest of the Prophet, his associates razed the structure to the ground, and Abu Amir himself died a lonely death in transit whist wandering around in search of a new base to renew his hostility to Islam.
It should be noted that any mosque built for a purpose other than worship of Allah, such as to satisfy one's vanity or for ostentation, or with funds raised from forbidden sources, such as gambling or robbery or profanities, there is no sin in razing it to the ground, even if it is a sanctuary of Allah)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
100. And the first to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.
101. And among the bedouins round about you, some are hypocrites, and so are some among the people of Al-Madinah, they exaggerate and persist in hypocrisy, you (O Muhammad SAW) know them not, We know them. We shall punish them twice, and thereafter they shall be brought back to a great (horrible) torment.
102. And (there are) others who have acknowledged their sins, they have mixed a deed that was righteous with another that was evil. Perhaps Allâh will turn unto them in forgiveness. Surely, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful[].
103. Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allâh for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them, and Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
104. Know they not that Allâh accepts repentance from His slaves and takes the Sadaqât (alms, charities) and that All&achrc;h Alone is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?
105. And say (O Muhammad SAW) "Do deeds! Allâh will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger and the believers. And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do."
106. And others await Allâh's Decree, whether He will punish them or will forgive them. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
107. And as for those who put up a mosque by way of harming and disbelief, and to disunite the believers, and as an outpost for those who warred against Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) aforetime, they will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good. Allâh bears witness that they are certainly liars.
108. Never stand you therein. Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray). In it are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allâh loves those who make themselves clean and pure (i.e. who clean their private parts with dust [i.e. to be considered as soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature].
109. Is it then he, who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allâh and His Good Pleasure, better, or he who laid the foundation of his building on an undetermined brink of a precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the Fire of Hell. And Allâh guides not the people who are the Zâlimûn (cruel, violent, proud, polytheist and wrong-doer).
110. The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy and doubt in their hearts, unless their hearts are cut to pieces. (i.e. till they die). And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
009.100
YUSUFALI: The vanguard (of Islam)- the first of those who forsook (their homes)
and of those who gave them aid, and (also) those who follow them in (all) good
deeds,- well-pleased is Allah with them, as are they with Him: for them hath He
prepared gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: that is the
supreme felicity.
PICKTHAL: And the first to lead the way, of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and
those who followed them in goodness - Allah is well pleased with them and they
are well pleased with Him, and He hath made ready for them Gardens underneath
which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the supreme
triumph.
SHAKIR: And (as for) the foremost, the first of the Muhajirs and the Ansars, and
those who followed them in goodness, Allah is well pleased with them and they
are well pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which
rivers flOw, to abide in them for ever; that is the mighty achievement.
009.101
YUSUFALI: Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are hypocrites, as well as
(desert Arabs) among the Medina folk: they are obstinate in hypocrisy: thou
knowest them not: We know them: twice shall We punish them: and in addition
shall they be sent to a grievous penalty.
PICKTHAL: And among those around you of the wandering Arabs there are
hypocrites, and among the townspeople of Al-Madinah (there are some who) persist
in hypocrisy whom thou (O Muhammad) knowest not. We, We know them, and We shall
chastise them twice; then they will be relegated to a painful doom.
SHAKIR: And from among those who are round about you of the dwellers of the
desert there are hypocrites, and from among the people of Medina (also); they
are stubborn in hypocrisy; you do not know them; We know them; We will chastise
them twice then shall they be turned back to a grievous chastisement
009.102
YUSUFALI: Others (there are who) have acknowledged their wrong-doings: they have
mixed an act that was good with another that was evil. Perhaps Allah will turn
unto them (in Mercy): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: And (there are) others who have acknowledged their faults. They mixed
a righteous action with another that was bad. It may be that Allah will relent
toward them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: And others have confessed their faults, they have mingled a good deed
and an evil one; may be Allah will turn to them (mercifully); surely Allah is
Forgiving, Merciful.
009.103
YUSUFALI: Of their goods, take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify
them; and pray on their behalf. Verily thy prayers are a source of security for
them: And Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth.
PICKTHAL: Take alms of their wealth, wherewith thou mayst purify them and mayst
make them grow, and pray for them. Lo! thy prayer is an assuagement for them.
Allah is Hearer, Knower.
SHAKIR: Take alms out of their property, you would cleanse them and purify them
thereby, and pray for them; surely your prayer is a relief to them; and Allah is
Hearing, Knowing.
009.104
YUSUFALI: Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from His votaries and
receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is verily He, the Oft-Returning,
Most Merciful?
PICKTHAL: Know they not that Allah is He Who accepteth repentance from His
bondmen and taketh the alms, and that Allah is He Who is the Relenting, the
Merciful.
SHAKIR: Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance from His servants and
takes the alms, and that Allah is the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful?
009.105
YUSUFALI: And say: "Work (righteousness): Soon will Allah observe your work, and
His Messenger, and the Believers: Soon will ye be brought back to the knower of
what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye
did."
PICKTHAL: And say (unto them): Act! Allah will behold your actions, and (so
will) His messenger and the believers, and ye will be brought back to the Knower
of the Invisible and the Visible, and He will tell you what ye used to do.
SHAKIR: And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger
and the believers; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and
the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.
009.106
YUSUFALI: There are (yet) others, held in suspense for the command of Allah,
whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and Allah is All-Knowing,
Wise.
PICKTHAL: And (there are) others who await Allah's decree, whether He will
punish them or will forgive them. Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: And others are made to await Allah's command, whether He chastise them
or whether He turn to them (mercifully), and Allah is Knowing, Wise.
009.107
YUSUFALI: And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and
infidelity - to disunite the Believers - and in preparation for one who warred
against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their
intention is nothing but good; But Allah doth declare that they are certainly
liars.
PICKTHAL: And as for those who chose a place of worship out of opposition and
disbelief, and in order to cause dissent among the believers, and as an outpost
for those who warred against Allah and His messenger aforetime, they will surely
swear: We purposed naught save good. Allah beareth witness that they verily are
liars.
SHAKIR: And those who built a masjid to cause harm and for unbelief and to cause
disunion among the believers and an ambush to him who made war against Allah and
His Messenger before; and they will certainly swear: We did not desire aught but
good; and Allah bears witness that they are most surely liars.
009.108
YUSUFALI: Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was
laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for
prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those
who make themselves pure.
PICKTHAL: Never stand (to pray) there. A place of worship which was found upon
duty (to Allah) from the first day is more worthy that thou shouldst stand (to
pray) therein, wherein are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loveth the
purifiers.
SHAKIR: Never stand in it; certainly a masjid founded on piety from the very
first day is more deserving that you should stand in it; in it are men who love
that they should be purified; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.
009.109
YUSUFALI: Which then is best? - he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah
and His good pleasure? - or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined
sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? and it doth crumble to pieces with him,
into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong.
PICKTHAL: Is he who founded his building upon duty to Allah and His good
pleasure better; or he who founded his building on the brink of a crumbling,
overhanging precipice so that it toppled with him into the fire of hell? Allah
guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: Is he, therefore, better who lays his foundation on fear of Allah and
(His) good pleasure, or he who lays his foundation on the edge of a cracking
hollowed bank, so it broke down with him into the fire of hell; and Allah does
not guide the unjust people.
009.110
YUSUFALI: The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and
shakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. And Allah is
All-Knowing, Wise.
PICKTHAL: The building which they built will never cease to be a misgiving in
their hearts unless their hearts be torn to pieces. Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: The building which they have built will ever continue to be a source of
disquiet in their hearts, except that their hearts get cut into pieces; and
Allah is Knowing, Wise.
9 : 111
111. Inna Allaha ishtara mina almu/mineena anfusahum waamwalahum bi-anna lahumu aljannata yuqatiloona fee sabeeli Allahi fayaqtuloona wayuqtaloona waAAdan AAalayhi haqqan fee alttawrati waal-injeeli waalqur-ani waman awfa biAAahdihi mina Allahi faistabshiroo bibayAAikumu allathee bayaAAtum bihi wathalika huwa alfawzu alAAatheemu
Assuredly Allah has acquired from the believers their lives and their wealth in return for the Garden which is theirs; when they fight in the way of Allah, they fight until they slay or are slain, - a promise with which He has bound Himself in the Torah and in the Gospel and in the Qur'aan. And who can honour a covenant more resolutely than Allah can! So rejoice in the barter which you have made with Him, for it yields you the richest lucre!
(When 70 men from amongst the Ansar who had given shelter to the Meccan immigrants in their houses and looked after them with kindness and compassion, swore allegiance to the Prophet, Abudullah ibn Rawaha asked him : 'How do you stipulate the terms of allegiance to your Lord and for yourself?' he replied : 'My stipulation for my Lord is that you obey Him and refrain from ascribing partners to Him. As for me, any evil from which you keep your own lives and your possessions protected, protect me from it!' When they asked him : 'And if we do it, what would be our reward?' he replied : 'The Garden!')
9 : 112
112. Altta-iboona alAAabidoona alhamidoona alssa-ihoona alrrakiAAoona alssajidoona al-amiroona bialmaAAroofi waalnnahoona AAani almunkari waalhafithoona lihudoodi Allahi wabashshiri almu/mineena
Those who repent and those who worship Him and those who praise Him and those who fast and those who bow and those who prostrate and those who prescribe virtue and those who proscribe evil and those who heed Allah's limits! - convey tidings of joy to these who are true the believers!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet promised his uncle Abu Talib that he would seek redemption for his soul from Allah, in spite of knowing that he was an idolater, but the Prophet was admonished through this verse not to do so.
9 : 113
113. Ma kana lilnnabiyyi waallatheena amanoo an yastaghfiroo lilmushrikeena walaw kanoo olee qurba min baAAdi ma tabayyana lahum annahum as-habu aljaheemi
It is not befitting for a Prophet, nor for those who believe, to seek absolution for idolaters, even if they are their kinsmen, after it has become apparent to them that they belong to the Fire of Hell!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a believer prayed for absolution of his parents, both of whom were idolaters and, although the Qur'aan forbade it, he cited in defence of his plea the example of Abraham who had prayed for the redemption of his father, also an idolater.
9 : 114
114. Wama kana istighfaru ibraheema li-abeehi illa AAan mawAAidatin waAAadaha iyyahu falamma tabayyana lahu annahu AAaduwwun lillahi tabarraa minhu inna ibraheema laawwahun haleemun
Abraham's seeking forgiveness for his father was not the same thing because he was bound by a promise he had already made. But when he realized that his father persisted in being an enemy of Allah, he severed his links with him. Abraham was, indeed, a gentle and diligent man!
(After verse 113 was revealed, Hadrath Ali brought it to the attention of the Prophet that, when he heard a believer praying for the absolution of his parents, neither of whom were believers, and asked him why he was praying for them, though the Qur'aan forbade it, he replied : 'Did not Abraham pray for absolution of his father Azar even though he was an idolater?'
Verse 114 was revealed in response to the issue, clarifying that in the case of Abraham, he promised to pray for the absolution of his father's soul only because his father promised to renounce the idols and surrender to Allah, which would have become binding on him, if his father had kept his word. But after realizing that his father showed no inclinations of doing so, Abraham distanced himself from him and refused to pray).
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in order to reassure the believers that their prayers for forgiveness of their kinsmen offered prior to the above revelation would not be affected by the admonition in it because Allah never punishes anyone for anything which they did prior to receiving guidance.
9 : 115
115. Wama kana Allahu liyudilla qawman baAAda ith hadahum hatta yubayyina lahum ma yattaqoona inna Allaha bikulli shay-in AAaleemun
And Allah does not send a people astray after having given them guidance without making clear to them beforehand what they should avoid doing. Allah is aware of all things!
* * *
9 : 116
116. Inna Allaha lahu mulku alssamawati waal-ardi yuhyee wayumeetu wama lakum min dooni Allahi min waliyyin wala naseerin
Verily to Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth! He bestows life and He inflicts death and apart from Him you have no Guardian or a cohort!
9 : 117
117. Laqad taba Allahu AAala alnnabiyyi waalmuhajireena waal-ansari allatheena ittabaAAoohu fee saAAati alAAusrati min baAAdi ma kada yazeeghu quloobu fareeqin minhum thumma taba AAalayhim innahu bihim raoofun raheemun
The blessings of Allah have showered on the Prophet, the Muhajireen and the Ansar who adhered to him in the moment of his need, though some of them did come very close to forsaking him, and yet He turned to them with mercy! Verily Allah is full of compassion and kindness towards them!
('The moment of need' refers to the Tabuk expedition that was one of the most exacting occasions in the Prophet's career. The distances to cover were phenomenal, the news about the strength of the enemy was terrifying, the terrain rough, the elements hostile and the need for victory at such a critical juncture never greater. Beset by starvation and thirst, scorching in the ferocious rays of an unsparing sun, roasting in its sweltering heat, ill prepared, ill-equipped and outnumbered, the struggling Muslim army was virtually on the brink of a disaster. But they held together and marched on in spite of the overwhelming odds against them, one camel shared between five riders, one date sucked by five hungry mouths, one fistful of water quenching the thirst of five parched throats, firm in resolve, unshakeable in faith and unyielding to the temptations of desertion).
9 : 118
118. WaAAala alththalathati allatheena khullifoo hatta itha daqat AAalayhimu al-ardu bima rahubat wadaqat AAalayhim anfusuhum wathannoo an la maljaa mina Allahi illa ilayhi thumma taba AAalayhim liyatooboo inna Allaha huwa alttawwabu alrraheemu
And also towards the three who evaded; and for whom the earth, in spite of being so vast, became choking, and their souls suffocated, until they realized that there was no turning away from Allah but only turning towards Him! Then He showered His mercy on them so that they may repent. Verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful! (R)
(The reference here is to the three Muslims of Madina who offered excuses to the Prophet for not being able to join him in the Tabuk expedition. After returning from there, he was quite upset by their behaviour and asked for them to be excommunicated by those who were staking their lives while they sat at home in safety. It had such a profound affect upon them that, laden by the weight of remorse and smitten by the sense of guilt, unable to change the past and incapable of controlling the future, they felt like social pariahs for whom the earth seemed no longer wide enough to accommodate; whose conscience had blistered and whose souls had putrefied, until Allah turned to them in mercy).
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
111. Verily, Allâh has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allâh's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur'ân. And who is truer to his covenant than Allâh? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success[].
112. (The believers whose lives Allâh has purchased are) those who repent to Allâh (from polytheism and hypocrisy, etc.), who worship Him, who praise Him, who fast (or go out in Allâh's Cause), who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer), who enjoin (people) for Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all what Islâm has ordained) and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds and all that Islâm has forbidden), and who observe the limits set by Allâh (do all that Allâh has ordained and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden). And give glad tidings to the believers.[]
113. It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allâh's Forgiveness for the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief).
114. And [Ibrahîm's (Abraham)] invoking (of Allâh) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he [Ibrahîm (Abraham)] had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him [Ibrahîm (Abraham)] that he (his father) is an enemy to Allâh, he dissociated himself from him. Verily Ibrahîm (Abraham) was Al-Awwah (has fifteen different meanings but the correct one seems to be that he used to invoke Allâh with humility, glorify Him and remember Him much), and was forbearing. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî).[]
115. And Allâh will never lead a people astray after He has guided them until He makes clear to them as to what they should avoid. Verily, Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.[]
116. Verily, Allâh! Unto Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, He gives life and He causes death. And besides Allâh you have neither any Walî (protector or guardian) nor any helper.
117. Allâh has forgiven the Prophet (SAW), the Muhajirûn (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (Muslims of Al-Madinah) who followed him (Muhammad SAW) in the time of distress (Tabûk expedition, etc.), after the hearts of a party of them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful.
118. And (He did forgive also) the three [who did not join the Tabûk expedition (whom the Prophet SAW)] left (i.e. he did not give his judgement in their case, and their case was suspended for Allâh's Decision) till for them the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their ownselves were straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allâh, and no refuge but with Him. Then, He accepted their repentance, that they might repent (unto Him). Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.
009.111
YUSUFALI: Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods;
for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and
slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the
Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah?
then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement
supreme.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth
because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and
shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah
and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah?
Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah has bought of the believers their persons and their
property for this, that they shall have the garden; they fight in Allah's way,
so they slay and are slain; a promise which is binding on Him in the Taurat and
the Injeel and the Quran; and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah?
Rejoice therefore in the pledge which you have made; and that is the mighty
achievement.
009.112
YUSUFALI: Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise
Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate
themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit
set by Allah;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the
Believers.
PICKTHAL: (Triumphant) are those who turn repentant (to Allah), those who serve
(Him), those who praise (Him), those who fast, those who bow down, those who
fall prostrate (in worship), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong
and those who keep the limits (ordained) of Allah - And give glad tidings to
believers!
SHAKIR: They who turn (to Allah), who serve (Him), who praise (Him), who fast,
who bow down, who prostrate themselves, who enjoin what is good and forbid what
is evil, and who keep the limits of Allah; and give good news to the believers.
009.113
YUSUFALI: It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that they
should pray for forgiveness for Pagans, even though they be of kin, after it is
clear to them that they are companions of the Fire.
PICKTHAL: It is not for the Prophet, and those who believe, to pray for the
forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin (to them) after it
hath become clear that they are people of hell-fire.
SHAKIR: It is not (fit) for the Prophet and those who believe that they should
ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even though they should be near relatives,
after it has become clear to them that they are inmates of the flaming fire.
009.114
YUSUFALI: And Abraham prayed for his father's forgiveness only because of a
promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy
to Allah, he dissociated himself from him: for Abraham was most tender-hearted,
forbearing.
PICKTHAL: The prayer of Abraham for the forgiveness of his father was only
because of a promise he had promised him, but when it had become clear unto him
that he (his father) was an enemy to Allah he (Abraham) disowned him. Lo!
Abraham was soft of heart, long-suffering.
SHAKIR: And Ibrahim asking forgiveness for his sire was only owing to a promise
which he had made to him; but when it became clear to him that he was an enemy
of Allah, he declared himself to be clear of him; most surely Ibrahim was very
tender-hearted forbearing.
009.115
YUSUFALI: And Allah will not mislead a people after He hath guided them, in
order that He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid)- for Allah hath
knowledge of all things.
PICKTHAL: It was never Allah's (part) that He should send a folk astray after He
had guided them until He had made clear unto them what they should avoid. Lo!
Allah is Aware of all things.
SHAKIR: It is not (attributable to) Allah that He should lead a people astray
after He has guided them; He even makes clear to them what they should guard
against; surely Allah knows all things.
009.116
YUSUFALI: Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He
giveth life and He taketh it. Except for Him ye have no protector nor helper.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah! Unto Him belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the
earth. He quickeneth and He giveth death. And ye have, instead of Allah, no
protecting friend nor helper.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; He brings to
life and causes to die; and there is not for you besides Allah any Guardian or
Helper.
009.117
YUSUFALI: Allah turned with favour to the Prophet, the Muhajirs, and the Ansar,-
who followed him in a time of distress, after that the hearts of a part of them
had nearly swerved (from duty); but He turned to them (also): for He is unto
them Most Kind, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Allah hath turned in mercy to the Prophet, and to the Muhajirin and
the Ansar who followed him in the hour of hardship. After the hearts of a party
of them had almost swerved aside, then turned He unto them in mercy. Lo! He is
Full of Pity, Merciful for them.
SHAKIR: Certainly Allah has turned (mercifully) to the Prophet and those who
fled (their homes) and the helpers who followed him in the hour of straitness
after the hearts of a part of them were about to deviate, then He turned to them
(mercifully); surely to them He is Compassionate, Merciful.
009.118
YUSUFALI: (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left behind; (they
felt guilty) to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all
its spaciousness, and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them,- and they
perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah (and no refuge) but to Himself.
Then He turned to them, that they might repent: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most
Merciful.
PICKTHAL: And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) who were left behind,
when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them, and their own souls were
straitened for them till they bethought them that there is no refuge from Allah
save toward Him. Then turned He unto them in mercy that they (too) might turn
(repentant unto Him). Lo! Allah! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: And to the three who were left behind, until the earth became strait to
them notwithstanding its spaciousness and their souls were also straitened to
them; and they knew it for certain that there was no refuge from Allah but in
Him; then He turned to them (mercifully) that they might turn (to Him); surely
Allah is the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.
Section 15.
9 : 119
119. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha wakoonoo maAAa alssadiqeena
O those of you who believe! Beware of your duty to Allah at all times and fraternize with no one but the steadfast!
9 : 120
120. Ma kana li-ahli almadeenati waman hawlahum mina al-aAArabi an yatakhallafoo AAan rasooli Allahi wala yarghaboo bi-anfusihim AAan nafsihi thalika bi-annahum la yuseebuhum thamaon wala nasabun wala makhmasatun fee sabeeli Allahi wala yataoona mawti-an yagheethu alkuffara wala yanaloona min AAaduwwin naylan illa kutiba lahum bihi AAamalun salihun inna Allaha la yudeeAAu ajra almuhsineena
And it was not befitting for the dwellers of Madina and the nomads in their neighbourhood to forsake the messenger of Allah, nor to consider their own lives dearer to them than his life. This is so because in return for enduring thirst or anguish or hunger in the way of Allah or for making incursions into a territory that causes embarrassment to the disbelievers or for inflicting losses upon their enemies, they will be credited with righteous deeds! Verily Allah does not render futile the righteousness of the righteous.
9 : 121
121. Wala yunfiqoona nafaqatan sagheeratan wala kabeeratan wala yaqtaAAoona wadiyan illa kutiba lahum liyajziyahumu Allahu ahsana ma kanoo yaAAmaloona
And whatever they spend in the way of Allah, - their least or their most, - and whichever valleys they cross, - everything is recorded in their favour so that Allah may reward them with the best of rewards for all their deeds.
9 : 122
122. Wama kana almu/minoona liyanfiroo kaffatan falawla nafara min kulli firqatin minhum ta-ifatun liyatafaqqahoo fee alddeeni waliyunthiroo qawmahum itha rajaAAoo ilayhim laAAallahum yahtharoona
And the believers should not go to the battlefield altogether. From each of their troops let only a few at a time go forth so that those who remained may gain knowledge about their religion and so that those who returned may apprise them of outside news and ensure that their folks are forewarned. (R)
(As a result of the series of revelations detailed above, deprecating those who knowingly avoided standing alongside the Prophet in his endeavours against the forces of evil and felicitating those who did venture to strive with him and put their lives at risk for the Cause of Allah, seldom did Muslims ignore call for Jihad and enlisted in huge numbers, which often resulted in households being abandoned by those whom they needed the most and tribes stripped of able-bodied men, leaving behind vulnerable communities to fend for themselves against marauding opportunists.
Since such a state of affairs was not ideal for the protection and proliferation of those who prostrated before Allah, thronged His sanctuaries, spoke His name, recited His Word, followed His commandment and kept the torch of His Glory alight at all times, through the darkness of nights and the glare of dawn, through the tumult of upheavals and the tranquillity of peace, the above verse was revealed to make sure that the men who went to strive did not go at the expense of those who could not strive, such as children, women, the old and the infirm; that they were well protected and cared for; that adequate instruction was made available to the youngsters to equip them for the future; that the knowledge of Islam was passed on from mouth to mouth and hand to hand, so that after the battle cries subsided, the hooves of the horses muffled, the chink of swords and armour faded, the stench of blood receded and everything culminated into a new era of peace and progress, there did remain a community intact to benefit from sacrifices made by those who passed away, to hail the peace their toils ushered in and to consecrate their blood which was spilled on distant battle-fields!
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR
MUHSIN:
119. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)[].
120. It was not becoming of the people of Al-Madinah and the bedouins of the neighbourhood to remain behind Allâh's Messenger (Muhammad SAW when fighting in Allâh's Cause) and (it was not becoming of them) to prefer their own lives to his life. That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allâh, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allâh wastes not the reward of the Muhsinûn[]
121. Nor do they spend anything (in Allâh's Cause) - small or great - nor cross a valley, but is written to their credit, that Allâh may recompense them with the best of what they used to do (i.e. Allâh will reward their good deeds according to the reward of their best deeds which they did in the most perfect manner).[]
122. And it is not (proper) for the believers to go out to fight (Jihâd) all together. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islâmic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil).
009.119
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word
and deed).
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with the
truthful.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and be with the
true ones.
009.120
YUSUFALI: It was not fitting for the people of Medina and the Bedouin Arabs of
the neighbourhood, to refuse to follow Allah's Messenger, nor to prefer their
own lives to his: because nothing could they suffer or do, but was reckoned to
their credit as a deed of righteousness,- whether they suffered thirst, or
fatigue, or hunger, in the cause of Allah, or trod paths to raise the ire of the
Unbelievers, or received any injury whatever from an enemy: for Allah suffereth
not the reward to be lost of those who do good;-
PICKTHAL: It is not for the townsfolk of Al-Madinah and for those around them of
the wandering Arabs so stay behind the messenger of Allah and prefer their lives
to his life. That is because neither thirst nor toil nor hunger afflicteth them
in the way of Allah, nor step they any step that angereth the disbelievers, nor
gain they from the enemy a gain, but a good deed is recorded for them therefor.
Lo! Allah loseth not the wages of the good.
SHAKIR: It did not beseem the people of Medina and those round about them of the
dwellers of the desert to remain behind the Messenger of Allah, nor should they
desire (anything) for themselves in preference to him; this is because there
afflicts them not thirst or fatigue or hunger in Allah's way, nor do they tread
a path which enrages the unbelievers, nor do they attain from the enemy what
they attain, but a good work is written down to them on account of it; surely
Allah does not waste the reward of the doers of good;
009.121
YUSUFALI: Nor could they spend anything (for the cause) - small or great- nor
cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit: that Allah may
requite their deed with the best (possible reward).
PICKTHAL: Nor spend they any spending, small or great, nor do they cross a
valley, but it is recorded for them, that Allah may repay them the best of what
they used to do.
SHAKIR: Nor do they spend anything that may be spent, small or great, nor do
they traverse a valley, but it is written down to their credit, that Allah may
reward them with the best of what they have done.
009.122
YUSUFALI: Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from
every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in
religion, and admonish the people when they return to them,- that thus they (may
learn) to guard themselves (against evil).
PICKTHAL: And the believers should not all go out to fight. Of every troop of
them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may gain
sound knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when they return
to them, so that they may beware.
SHAKIR: And it does not beseem the believers that they should go forth all
together; why should not then a company from every party from among them go
forth that they may apply themselves to obtain understanding in religion, and
that they may warn their people when they come back to them that they may be
cautious?
Section 16.
9 : 123
123. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo qatiloo allatheena yaloonakum mina alkuffari walyajidoo feekum ghilthatan waiAAlamoo anna Allaha maAAa almuttaqeena
O those of you who believe! Fight foremost the disbelievers who are the closest to you and let them find inflexibility in you and know that Allah is always on the side of those that render their duty to Him
9 : 124
124. Wa-itha ma onzilat sooratun faminhum man yaqoolu ayyukum zadat-hu hathihi eemanan faamma allatheena amanoo fazadat-hum eemanan wahum yastabshiroona
And whenever a Surah is revealed, some of them ask: 'Whose faith has this multiplied?' It has multiplied the faith of the believers and they are jubilant on account of it!
9 : 125
125. Waamma allatheena fee quloobihim maradun fazadat-hum rijsan ila rijsihim wamatoo wahum kafiroona
But as for those in whose hearts there lies a disease, it only adds contagion to its contagion, - and they shall die in a state of apostasy!
9 : 126
126. Awa la yarawna annahum yuftanoona fee kulli AAamin marratan aw marratayni thumma la yatooboona wala hum yaththakkaroona
Do they not realize that their integrity is probed once or twice every year? Yet they do not repent nor do they heed admonition.
9 : 127
127. Wa-itha ma onzilat sooratun nathara baAAduhum ila baAAdin hal yarakum min ahadin thumma insarafoo sarafa Allahu quloobahum bi-annahum qawmun la yafqahoona
And whenever a Surah is revealed, each looks askance at the other as if to say : 'Are you being watched?' then they swing round and slip away! Allah has turned away their hearts, for they are devoid of sense.
9 : 128
128. Laqad jaakum rasoolun min anfusikum AAazeezun AAalayhi ma AAanittum hareesun AAalaykum bialmu/mineena raoofun raheemun
There has come to you from amongst your own brotherhood a messenger for whom it is unendurable to watch you sink into adversity because he wishes you well to the utmost extent, and is full of compassion for the believers and is merciful!
(The significance of the above verse cannot be stressed enough in which Allah has given two of the titles denoting His own attributes to His cherished Prophet : 'al-Ra'oof', which means the compassionate and 'al-Rahim', which means the merciful, - an accolade never conferred upon any other Prophet in the past)
9 : 129
129. Fa-in tawallaw faqul hasbiya Allahu la ilaha illa huwa AAalayhi tawakkaltu wahuwa rabbu alAAarshi alAAatheemi
But if they turn their faces away (O Mohammed) say to them : 'Allah suffices me! There is no God but Him and I have put my trust in Him alone, for He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne! (R)
123. O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allâh is with those who are the Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).
124. And whenever there comes down a Sûrah (chapter from the Qur'ân), some of them (hypocrites) say: "Which of you has had his Faith increased by it?" As for those who believe, it has increased their Faith, and they rejoice.
125. But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers.
126. See they not that they are tried once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine, etc.)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it).
127. And whenever there comes down a Sûrah (chapter from the Qur'ân), they look at one another (saying): "Does any one see you?" Then they turn away. Allâh has turned their hearts (from the light) because they are a people that understand not.
128. Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad SAW) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allâh, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers (he SAW is) full of pity, kind, and merciful.
129. . But if they turn away, say (O Muhammad SAW): "Allâh is sufficient for me. Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne."[]
009.123
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let
them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you,
and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep
their duty (unto Him).
SHAKIR: O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you
and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard
(against evil).
009.124
YUSUFALI: Whenever there cometh down a sura, some of them say: "Which of you has
had His faith increased by it?" Yea, those who believe,- their faith is
increased and they do rejoice.
PICKTHAL: And whenever a surah is revealed there are some of them who say: Which
one of you hath thus increased in faith? As for those who believe, it hath
increased them in faith and they rejoice (therefor).
SHAKIR: And whenever a chapter is revealed, there are some of them who say:
Which of you has it strengthened in faith? Then as for those who believe, it
strengthens them in faith and they rejoice.
009.125
YUSUFALI: But those in whose hearts is a disease,- it will add doubt to their
doubt, and they will die in a state of Unbelief.
PICKTHAL: But as for those in whose hearts is disease, it only addeth wickedness
to their wickedness, and they die while they are disbelievers.
SHAKIR: And as for those in whose hearts is a disease, it adds uncleanness to
their uncleanness and they die while they are unbelievers.
009.126
YUSUFALI: See they not that they are tried every year once or twice? Yet they
turn not in repentance, and they take no heed.
PICKTHAL: See they not that they are tested once or twice in every year? Still
they turn not in repentance, neither pay they heed.
SHAKIR: Do they not see that they are tried once or twice in every year, yet
they do not turn (to Allah) nor do they mind.
009.127
YUSUFALI: Whenever there cometh down a Sura, they look at each other, (saying),
"Doth anyone see you?" Then they turn aside: Allah hath turned their hearts
(from the light); for they are a people that understand not.
PICKTHAL: And whenever a surah is revealed, they look one at another (as who
should say): Doth anybody see you? Then they turn away. Allah turneth away their
hearts because they are a folk who understand not.
SHAKIR: And whenever a chapter is revealed, they cast glances at one another:
Does any one see you? Then they turn away: Allah has turned away their hearts
because they are a people who do not understand.
009.128
YUSUFALI: Now hath come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves
him that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is
he most kind and merciful.
PICKTHAL: There hath come unto you a messenger, (one) of yourselves, unto whom
aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the
believers full of pity, merciful.
SHAKIR: Certainly a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves; grievous to
him is your falling into distress, excessively solicitous respecting you; to the
believers (he is) compassionate,
009.129
YUSUFALI: But if they turn away, Say: "Allah sufficeth me: there is no god but
He: On Him is my trust,- He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme!"
PICKTHAL: Now, if they turn away (O Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me. There is
no Allah save Him. In Him have I put my trust, and He is Lord of the Tremendous
Throne.
SHAKIR: But if they turn back, say: Allah is sufficient for me, there is no god
but He; on Him do I rely, and He is the Lord of mighty power.