INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 14 verses, 221 sentences, 900 letters and 2 Ruku’s.
The Surah derives its name from the sentence yuqatiluna fi sabil-i-hi saff-an of verse 4; thereby implying that it is a Surah in which the word saff occurred.
It could not be known from any reliable tradition, but a study of its subject-matter shows that this Surah probably was sent down in the period closely following the Battle of Uhud, for by reading between the lines perceives a clear description of the conditions that prevailed in that period.
Its theme is to exhort the Muslims to adopt sincerity in Faith and to struggle with their lives in the cause of Allah. It is addressed to the Muslims with weak faith as well as those who had entered Islam with a false profession of the Faith and also those who were sincere in their profession. Some verses are addressed to the first two groups, some only to the hypocrites, and some only to the sincere Muslims. The style itself shows where one particular group has been addressed and where the other.
At the outset the believers have been warned to the effect; "Allah indeed hates those people who say one thing and do another, and He indeed loves those who fight in the cause of the Truth, standing like a solid structure, against the enemies of Allah."'
In vv. 5-7 the people of the Holy Prophet's community have been warned that their attitude towards their Messenger and their Religion should not be like the attitude that the Israelites had adopted towards the Prophets Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). In spite of acknowledging the Prophet Moses as a Messenger of God they continued to malign him as long as he lived, and in spite of witnessing clear signs from the Prophet Jesus they denied him without any hesitation. Consequently, the Israelites became perverse, incapable of benefiting from divine guidance. This is certainly not an enviable state which another nation should imitate.
Then, in vv. 8-9 a proclamation has been made with the challenge: "The Jews and the Christians, and the hypocrites, who are conspiring with them, may try however hard they may to extinguish this Light of Allah, it will shine forth and spread in the world in all its fullness, and the Religion brought by the true Messenger of Allah shall prevail over every other religion however hateful it may be to the pagans and polytheists.
In vv. 10-13, the believers have been told that the way to success both here and in the Hereafter is only one: that they should believe in Allah and His Messenger sincerely and should exert their utmost in Allah's Way with their selves and their wealth. As a reward for this they will earn immunity from Allah's punishment, forgiveness of their sins and the eternal
Paradise in the Hereafter, and will be blessed with Allah's good pleasure, succour and victory in the world.
In conclusion,
the believers have been exhorted to the effect that just as the disciples of the
Prophet Jesus had helped him in the cause of Allah, so should they also become
"helpers of Allah", so that they too are blessed with the same kind of good
pleasure and approval of Allah as had been the believers before them against the
disbelievers. Maududi
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1
61 : 1
1. Sabbaha lillahi ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu
Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is upon the earth glorifies Allah, and He is Meritorious and Sagacious!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed before warfare against the disbelievers was made incumbent on believers; whilst a group of them who were closest to the Prophet were having a conversation about it between themselves, some said : 'If only we knew what pleases Allah the most so that we could do that, and only that, even if it were to cost us our lives!
61 : 2
2. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo lima taqooloona ma la tafAAaloona
O those of you who believe! Why say you that which you do not do?
61 : 3
3. Kabura maqtan AAinda Allahi an taqooloo ma la tafAAaloona
It is intensely abhorrent to Allah when you say a word but do not act upon it!
61 : 4
4. Inna Allaha yuhibbu allatheena yuqatiloona fee sabeelihi saffan kaannahum bunyanun marsoosun
Verily Allah cherishes those who battle for His cause, forming into ranks as if they were an unimpregnable rampart!
* * *
61 : 5
5. Wa-ith qala moosa liqawmihi ya qawmi lima tu/thoonanee waqad taAAlamoona annee rasoolu Allahi ilaykum falamma zaghoo azagha Allahu quloobahum waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alfasiqeena
And remember when Moses said to his people : 'O my people! Why do you persecute me when you are already aware that I am Allah's messenger to you? Hence, when they became crooked, Allah rendered their hearts crooked. And Allah concedes not to the invidious!
61 : 6
6. Wa-ith qala AAeesa ibnu maryama ya banee isra-eela innee rasoolu Allahi ilaykum musaddiqan lima bayna yadayya mina alttawrati wamubashshiran birasoolin ya/tee min baAAdee ismuhu ahmadu falamma jaahum bialbayyinati qaloo hatha sihrun mubeenun
And when Jesus son of Mary said : 'O Children of Israel! I am a messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Torah which was revealed before me and bringing you tidings of a messenger who will come after me bearing the name Ahmed!' Yet, when he has come to them with Our incontrovertible portents, they say : 'This is mere magic!'
61 : 7
7. Waman athlamu mimmani iftara AAala Allahi alkathiba wahuwa yudAAa ila al-islami waAllahu la yahdee alqawma alththalimeena
And who commits a worse sin than he who invents a lie concerning Allah when he is being invited to embrace Islam? And Allah guides not the pernicious!
61 : 8
8. Yureedoona liyutfi-oo noora Allahi bi-afwahihim waAllahu mutimmu noorihi walaw kariha alkafiroona
They aim to put out the splendour of Allah by blowing upon it with their mouths! But Allah will surely consummate His splendour, however much the idolaters are averse to it!
61 : 9
9. Huwa allathee arsala rasoolahu bialhuda wadeeni alhaqqi liyuthhirahu AAala alddeeni kullihi walaw kariha almushrikoona
He it is who has sent His messenger with the guidance and a religion based upon the Truth so that He might bring all the other religions into its fold, however much the idolaters are averse to it! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
2. O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?
3. Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.
4. Verily, Allâh loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure[] .
5. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Why do you hurt me while you know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allâh to you? So when they turned away (from the Path of Allâh), Allâh turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allâh guides not the people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
6. And (remember) when 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allâh unto you confirming the Taurât [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed[] . But when he (Ahmed i.e. Muhammad SAW) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic[]."
7. And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allâh, while he is being invited to Islâm? And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers) folk.
8. They intend to put out the Light of Allâh (i.e. the religion of Islâm, this Qur'ân, and Prophet Muhammad SAW) with their mouths. But Allâh will complete His Light even though the disbelievers hate (it).
9. He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâmic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammed SAW) hate (it)[].
061.001
YUSUFALI: Whatever is
in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for
He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
PICKTHAL: All that is
in the heavens and all that is in the earth glorifieth Allah, and He is the
Mighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: Whatever is in
the heavens and whatever is in the earth declares the glory of Allah; and He is
the Mighty, the Wise.
061.002
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! Why say ye that which ye do not?
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! Why say ye that which ye do not?
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! why do you say that which you do not do?
061.003
YUSUFALI: Grievously
odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not.
PICKTHAL: It is most
hateful in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not.
SHAKIR: It is most
hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do.
061.004
YUSUFALI: Truly Allah
loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid
cemented structure.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah
loveth them who battle for His cause in ranks, as if they were a solid
structure.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah
loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact
wall.
061.005
YUSUFALI: And
remember, Moses said to his people: "O my people! why do ye vex and insult me,
though ye know that I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you?" Then when they
went wrong, Allah let their hearts go wrong. For Allah guides not those who are
rebellious transgressors.
PICKTHAL: And
(remember) when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Why persecute ye me,
when ye well know that I am Allah's messenger unto you? So when they went astray
Allah sent their hearts astray. And Allah guideth not the evil-living folk.
SHAKIR: And when Musa
said to his people: O my people! why do you give me trouble? And you know indeed
that I am Allah's messenger to you; but when they turned aside, Allah made their
hearts turn aside, and Allah does not guide the transgressing people.
061.006
YUSUFALI: And
remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the
messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and
giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad."
But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!"
PICKTHAL: And when
Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah
unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and
bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the
Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This
is mere magic.
SHAKIR: And when Isa
son of Marium said: O children of Israel! surely I am the messenger of Allah to
you, verifying that which is before me of the Taurat and giving the good news of
an Messenger who will come after me, his name being Ahmad, but when he came to
them with clear arguments they said: This is clear magic.
061.007
YUSUFALI: Who doth
greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is being
invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong.
PICKTHAL: And who
doeth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie against Allah when he is
summoned unto Al-Islam? And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: And who is
more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allah and he is invited to Islam,
and Allah does not guide the unjust people.
061.008
YUSUFALI: Their
intention is to extinguish Allah's Light (by blowing) with their mouths: But
Allah will complete (the revelation of) His Light, even though the Unbelievers
may detest (it).
PICKTHAL: Fain would
they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His
light however much the disbelievers are averse.
SHAKIR: They desire to
put out the light of Allah with their mouths but Allah will perfect His light,
though the unbelievers may be averse.
061.009
YUSUFALI: It is He Who
has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may
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
make it conqueror of all religion however much idolaters may be averse.
SHAKIR: He it is Who
sent His Messenger with the guidance and the true religion, that He may make it
overcome the religions, all of them, though the polytheists may be averse.
61 : 10
10. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo hal adullukum AAala tijaratin tunjeekum min AAathabin aleemin
O those of you who believe! Shall I show you a barter that will protect you from a painful doom?
61 : 11
11. Tu/minoona biAllahi warasoolihi watujahidoona fee sabeeli Allahi bi-amwalikum waanfusikum thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona
Believe in Allah and His messenger and strive for the cause of Allah with all your possessions and with your lives! This is better for you, if you but knew!
61 : 12
12. Yaghfir lakum thunoobakum wayudkhilkum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu wamasakina tayyibatan fee jannati AAadnin thalika alfawzu alAAatheemu
He will forgive you your sins and enter you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow and into the immaculate mansions that are there in the Gardens of Eden! That is the matchless triumph.
16 : 13
13. Waokhra tuhibboonaha nasrun mina Allahi wafathun qarreebun wabashshiri almu/mineena
And He will grant you another wish that you dearly cherish : Allah's constant help and an imminent Victory! Give these good tidings (O Mohammed) to the believers!
16 : 14
14. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo koonoo ansara Allahi kama qala AAeesa ibnu maryama lilhawariyyeena man ansaree ila Allahi qala alhawariyyoona nahnu ansaru Allahi faamanat ta-ifatun min banee isra-eela wakafarat ta-ifatun faayyadna allatheena amanoo AAala AAaduwwihim faasbahoo thahireena
O those of you who believe! Be Allah's stalwarts in the same way as, when Jesus, son of Mary, said to his Apostles : 'Who are Allah's stalwarts for me?' they said 'We are Allah's stalwarts!' And a group from the Children of Israel upheld the Faith while a group renounced it, so We strengthened those who upheld the Faith and made them triumph over those who renounced it, - and they prevailed! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
10. O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment.
11. That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know!
12. (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of 'Adn Eternity ['Adn (Edn) Paradise], that is indeed the great success.
13. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, help from Allâh (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad SAW) to the believers.
14. O you who believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh as said 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to AlHawârîûn (the disciples): "Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh?" AlHawârîeen (the disciples) said: "We are Allâh's helpers" (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost.
061.010
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous
Penalty?-
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom?
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful
chastisement?
061.011
YUSUFALI: That ye
believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the
Cause of Allah, with your property and your persons: That will be best for you,
if ye but knew!
PICKTHAL: Ye should
believe in Allah and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah
with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know.
SHAKIR: You shall
believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's way with your
property and your lives; that is better for you, did you but know!
061.012
YUSUFALI: He will
forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, and
to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme
Achievement.
PICKTHAL: He will
forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow,
and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph.
SHAKIR: He will
forgive you your faults and cause you to enter into gardens, beneath which
rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty
achievement;
061.013
YUSUFALI: And another
(favour will He bestow,) which ye do love,- help from Allah and a speedy
victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers.
PICKTHAL: And (He will
give you) another (blessing) which ye love: help from Allah and present victory.
Give good tidings (O Muhammad) to believers.
SHAKIR: And yet
another (blessing) that you love: help from Allah and a victory near at hand;
and give good news to the believers.
061.014
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! Be ye helpers of Allah: As said Jesus the son of Mary to the Disciples,
"Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples, "We are
Allah's helpers!" then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a
portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed, against their
enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! Be Allah's helpers, even as Jesus son of Mary said unto the disciples:
Who are my helpers for Allah? They said: We are Allah's helpers. And a party of
the Children of Israel believed, while a party disbelieved. Then We strengthened
those who believed against their foe, and they became the uppermost.
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! be helpers (in the cause) of Allah, as~ Isa son of Marium said to (his)
disciples: Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We are
helpers (in the cause) of Allah. So a party of the children of Israel believed
and another party disbelieved; then We aided those who believed against their
enemy, and they became uppermost.