Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas
Attributed to Abu Tahir Muhammad Ibn
Ya‘qub al-Firuzabadi
Surah 9: Repentance (al‐Tawbah)
And of the surah in which repentance is
mentioned, which is Medinan in its entirety—except, it is said, the last two
verses which are Meccan—and consists of 129 verses, 2,467 words and 10,000
letters:
[9:1]
And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas who said regarding
Allah's saying: (Freedom from obligation): '(Freedom from obligation) this is
freedom from obligation (from Allah and His messenger towards those of the
idolaters with whom ye made a treaty) but then they broke that treaty; freedom
from obligation is the breaking of treaties. Allah says: whosoever has a treaty
with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) let him know that it is broken. Some of them
had a treaty lasting four months, and some of more nine months, while others had
treaties for longer or shorter periods. Others had no treaty with Allah's
Messenger at all. All these treaties were broken except for the treaty with the
Banu Kinanah which was for nine months. Whoever had a treaty for more or less
than four months, their treaties were ratified to last four month beginning
from the day of immolation; and whoever had a treaty of four months, that
treaty was ratified to last four months beginning from the day of immolation.
Those who had a treaty of nine months, their treaties were left as they were,
while those who did not sign any treaty, were granted one of 50 days beginning
from the day of immolation until the departure of the person who was in a state
of ritual consecration:
[9:2]
Allah said to them (Travel freely in the land) move about in the land
beginning from the day of immolation for (four months) safe from being killed
because of the treaty, (and know) O disbelievers (that ye cannot escape Allah)
that you cannot escape Allah's punishment, by being killed, after the lapse of
a the four months (and that Allah will confound the disbelievers) He will
punish the disbelievers after four months by subjecting them to death.
[9:3]
(And a proclamation from Allah) and this is a declaration from Allah (and
His messenger to all men on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage) on the day of
immolation (that Allah is free from obligation to the idolaters) their
religion, and the treaties they broke, (and (so is) His messenger) he is also
free from obligation to them. (So, if ye repent) from idolatry and believe in
Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) as well as in the Qur'an, (it will be better for you)
than idolatry; (but if ye are averse) to faith and repentance, (then know) O
idolaters (that ye cannot escape Allah) you cannot escape His punishment. (Give
tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom to those who disbelieve) i.e. that they
will be killed after the elapse of four months.
[9:4]
(Excepting those of the idolaters with whom ye (Muslims)
have a treaty) i.e. the Banu Kinanah after the year of al-Hudaybiyyah, (and who
have since abated nothing of your right) who they did not break their treaties,
i.e. those who had a nine month treaty (nor have supported anyone) of your
enemies (against you. (As for these), fulfil their treaty to them till their
term) i.e. nine months. (Lo! Allah loveth those who keep their duty (unto Him))
by not breaking their treaties.
[9:5]
(Then, when the sacred months have passed) then after the day of immolation
when the month of Muharram passes, (slay the idolaters) whose treaty is for
fifty days (wherever ye find them) whether in the Sacred Precinct or outside
it, during the sacred months or at any other time, (and take them (captive))
imprison them, (and besiege them) in their homes, (and prepare for them each ambush)
on every road they tread for trade. (But if they repent) from idolatry and
believe in Allah (and establish worship) and acknowledge the five daily prayers
(and pay the poor-due) acknowledge the payment of the poor-due, (then leave
their way free) if they wish to go to the House of Allah. (Lo! Allah is
Forgiving) He forgives whoever repents, (Merciful) towards whosoever dies in a
state of repentance.
[9:6]
(And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protection (O Muhammad), then
protect him so that he may hear the word of Allah) so that he may hear your
recitation of the words of Allah; (and afterward convey him to his place of
safety) to the place he is going, if he remains an unbeliever. (That) which I
have mentioned (is because they are a folk who know not) Allah's command and
His divine Oneness.
[9:7]
(How) this is said by way of astonishment (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?) after the year of al-Hudaybiyyah, the
reference here is to the Banu Kinanah. (So long as they are true to you) in
that they honour their treaty, (be true to them) completely. (Lo! Allah loveth
those who keep their duty) and abstain from breaking their treaties.
[9:8]
(How) this is also said by way of astonishment: how can there be any treaty
between you and them (when, if they have the upper hand of you) they were to
conquer you, (they regard no pact) they would have no regard for the ties of
kinship relating you ; it is also said: they would have no regard for you in
respect of Allah (nor honour about you?) because of the treaty between you.
(They satisfy you with their mouths) with their tongues (the while their hearts
refuse) while their hearts are averse to it. (And most of them) all of them
(are wrong-doers) breakers of treaties.
[9:9]
(They have purchased with the revelations of Allah) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh)
and the Qur'an (a little gain) a small profit, (so they debar (men) from His
way) from His religion and obedience. (Lo! evil is that which they are wont to
do) evil is that which they used to do of concealment and other things. It is
also said that this verse was revealed about the Jews.
[9:10]
(And they observe towards a believer neither pact) ties of kinship; it is
also said that the reference here is to Allah (nor honour) because of the
treaties they signed. (These are they who are transgressors) who shifted from
that which is lawful to that which is prohibited, by breaking their treaties
and committing other things.
[9:11]
(But if they repent) from idolatry and believe in Allah (and establish
worship) acknowledge the prayers (and pay the poor-due) and acknowledge the
poor-due, (then are they your brethren in religion) in Islam. (We detail Our
revelations) We explain the Qur'an by means of expositing the commands and
prohibitions (for a people who have knowledge) and believe.
[9:12]
(And if they) the people of Mecca (break their pledges) which are between
you and them (after their treaty (has been made with you) and assail your
religion) and defame the Religion of Islam, (then fight the heads of disbelief)
fight the leaders of disbelief: Abu Sufyan and his host. (Lo! they have no
binding oaths in order that they may desist) from breaking their pledges.
[9:13]
(Will ye not fight a folk) why is it that you do not fight a people, i.e.
the people of Mecca (who broke their solemn pledges) which are between them and
you, (and purposed to drive out the messenger) and wanted to kill the Messenger
when they entered Dar al-Nadwah (and did attack you first) by breaking their
pledge when they helped the Banu Bakr, their allies, against the Banu Khuza'ah,
the allies of the Prophet (pbuh)? (What! Fear ye them?) O believers, do you
fear fighting them? (Now Allah hath more right that you should fear Him)
because of leaving His command, (if ye are believers).
[9:14]
(Fight them! Allah will chastise them at your hands) He will chastise them
by means of your swords, i.e. by killing them, (and He will lay them low) He
will abase them by means of defeat (and give you victory over them, and He will
heal the breasts of folk who are believers) by the exultation of the Banu
Khuza'ah, in that they were allowed to kill their enemies for a while in the
Sacred Precinct upon the Conquest of Mecca.
[9:15]
(And He will remove the anger of their hearts. Allah relenteth towards whom
He will) He will relent towards whoever repents of them. (Allah is Knower) of
those who repent and of those who do not, (Wise) in that which He decreed for
them; it is also said that this means: He ordained their defeat and
killing.
[9:16]
(Or deemed ye) O believers (that ye would be left (in peace)) that you
would be given respite and not commanded to fight (when Allah yet knoweth not)
has not yet seen (those of you who strive) in the way of Allah, (choosing for
familiar none) of the disbelievers (save Allah and His messenger and the)
sincere (believers? Allah is Informed of what ye do) of good or evil during
jihad and at other places and times.
[9:17]
(It is not for the idolaters) the idolaters ought not (to tend Allah's
sanctuaries, bearing witness against themselves) through their calling (of
disbelief. As for such, their works are vain) their works are thwarted for as
long as they remain disbelievers (and in the Fire they will abide) never to die
or leave it.
[9:18]
(He only shall tend Allah's sanctuaries) the Inviolable Place of Worship
(who believeth in Allah and the Last Day) believes in resurrection after death
(and observeth proper worship) fulfils the five daily prayers (and payeth the
poor-due) which is obligated (and feareth) and worships (none save Allah. For
such (only) is it possible that they can be of the rightly guided) by means of
Allah's Religion and clear proof.
[9:19]
The following was revealed about a man among the
idolaters who was taken prisoner on the Day of Badr. He boasted to 'Ali or to
another believer who took part in the battle of Badr, saying: “we give water to
the pilgrims and tend to the Sacred House, and do this and that, etc.”, so
Allah, Exalted is He, said: (Count ye the slaking of a pilgrim's thirst) did
you say that giving water to the pilgrim (and tendance of the Inviolable Place
of Worship as (equal to the worth of him) who believeth in Allah) is like the
faith of he who believes in Allah, i.e. the believer who took part in the
battle of Badr (and the Last Day) and believes in resurrection after death,
(and striveth in the way of Allah) and strives in obedience of Allah on the Day
of Badr? (They are not equal in the sight of Allah) as far as obedience and
reward are concerned. (Allah guideth not) leads not to His religion
(wrong-doing folk) the idolaters, those who do not deserve it.
[9:20]
(Those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (and have left
their homes) migrating from Mecca to Medina (and striven with their wealth and
their lives) by spending their wealth and sacrificing their lives (in Allah's
way) in obedience of Allah (are of much greater worth) have much greater merit
(in Allah's sight) than others. (These are they who are triumphant) they have
gained Paradise and been saved from hell.
[9:21]
(Their Lord giveth them good tidings of mercy) of safety (from Him) from
His punishment, (and acceptance) their Lord's good pleasure with them, (and
Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs) unending and continuous
pleasure;
[9:22]
(There they will abide for ever) never to die or leave. (Lo! with Allah
there is immense reward) an abundant reward to the person who believes in
Him.
[9:23]
(O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren) who are in
Mecca from among the disbelievers (for friends) in religion (if they take
pleasure in disbelief rather than faith) if they choose disbelief instead of
faith. (Whoso of you taketh them for friends) in religion, (such are
wrong-doers) disbelievers like them; it is also said that this means: O ye who
believe! take not your believing fathers and brothers who are in Mecca, who had
prevented you from migrating to Medina, for allies, seeking their help and
assistance, if they choose to remain in the abode of disbelief, i.e. Mecca,
rather than migrate to the abode of Islam, i.e. Medina. Whosoever takes them
for allies harms only himself.
[9:24]
(Say) O Muhammad: (If your fathers, and your sons, and your brethren, and
your wives, and your tribe) your folk who are in Mecca, (and the wealth ye have
acquired) you have earned, (and merchandise for which ye fear that there will
be no sale) that will not be spent in Medina, (and dwellings) houses (ye
desire) to live in (are dearer to you than Allah) than Allah's obedience (and
His messenger) and dearer to you than migrating to His Messenger (and striving
in His way) for the sake of His obedience: (then wait till Allah bringeth His
command to pass) His punishment, i.e. killing upon the Conquest of Mecca. Those
who migrated after this (Allah guideth not) He does not lead to His religion
(wrong-doing folk) the disbelievers: those who not deserve it.
[9:25]
(Allah hath given you victory on many fields) on many battlefields (and on
the day of Hunayn) and especially on the day of Hunayn, a valley between Mecca
and Ta'if, (when ye exulted in your multitude) when you were pleased by your
sheer numbers. They were then 10,000 men (but it availed you naught) but your
multitude did not prevent your defeat, (and the earth, vast as it is, was
straitened for you) because of fear; (then ye turned back in flight) from the
enemy, who consisted of 4,000 men;
[9:26]
(Then Allah sent His peace of reassurance) His tranquillity
(down upon His messenger and upon the believers, and sent down hosts) from
heaven (ye could not see) meaning angels, to assist the believers, (and
punished those who disbelieved) through their killing and defeat. The reference
here is to the clan of Malik Ibn 'Awf al-Dahmani, and to that of Kinanah Ibn
'Abd Yalayl al-Thaqafi. (Such is the reward of disbelievers) in the life of
this world.
[9:27]
(Then afterward) after fighting and the defeat (Allah will relent towards
whom He will) towards those who repent amongst them; (for Allah is Forgiving,
Merciful) towards him who repents.
[9:28]
(O ye who believe! The idolaters only are unclean) impure. (So let them not
come near the Inviolable Place of Worship) for pilgrimage and circumambulation
(after this their year) the year of freedom from obligation (bara'ah) after the
day of immolation. (If ye fear poverty) impoverishment and neediness (Allah
shall preserve you of His bounty) of His provision in another way (if He will)
when He wills and will make you dispense with trading with Bakr Ibn Wa'il. (Lo!
Allah is Knower) of your sustenance, (Wise) in that which He has ordained for
you.
[9:29]
(Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture) the Jews
and Christians (as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day) nor in the bliss of
Paradise, (and forbid not) in the Torah (that which Allah hath forbidden by His
messenger, and follow not the religion of truth) do not submit themselves to
Allah through confession of Allah's divine Oneness, (until they pay the tribute
readily) standing: from hand to hand, (being brought low) abased.
[9:30]
(And the Jews) the Jews of Medina (say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the
Christians) the Christians of Najran (say: The Messiah is the son of Allah.
That is their saying with their mouths) with their tongues. (They imitate the
saying of those who disbelieved of old) before them, i.e. the disbelievers of
Mecca who said that al-Lat, al-'Uzza and Manat were His daughters, just as the
Jews claimed that Ezra was the son of Allah and some of the Christians claimed
that Jesus was the son of Allah, others that he was Allah's partner while there
were others who said that he was Allah Himself or one god among three. (Allah
(Himself) fights against them) Allah curses them. (How perverse are they!) from
where do they get their lies?
[9:31]
(They have taken as lords beside Allah) i.e. they obeyed them in acts of
disobedience (their rabbis) the men of knowledge among the Jews (and their
monks) who reside in monasteries (and the Messiah son of Mary) and they have
taken the Messiah son of Mary as lord, (when they were bidden) in all
Scriptures (to worship) to confess the divine Oneness of (only One God. There
is no god save Him. Be He glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto
Him)!) Allah exalts Himself above all that which they ascribe to Him.
[9:32]
(Fain would they put out) thwart (the light of Allah) the religion of Allah
(with their mouths) through their lies; it is also said: by means of their
mouths, (but Allah disdaineth (aught)) But Allah does not leave things (save
that He shall perfect His light) save that He shall manifest His religion:
Islam, (however much the disbelievers are averse) that this should be so.
[9:33]
(He it is Who hath sent His messenger) Muhammad (pbuh)
(with the guidance) with the Qur'an and faith (and the Religion of Truth) the
religion of Islam, and with it the confession that there is no deity except
Allah, (that He may cause it to prevail over all religion) that He may Cause
the religion of Islam to prevail over all religions which came before it until
the Day of Judgement, (however much the idolaters may be averse) that this
should be so.
[9:34]
(O you, who believe!) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (Lo! many of
the (Jewish) rabbis) the scholars of the Children of Israel (and the
(Christian) monks) who reside in monasteries (devour the wealth of mankind
wantonly) through bribery and unlawful earning (and debar (men) from the way of
Allah) from Allah's Religion and obedience. (They who hoard up) amass (gold and
silver and spend it not) the gold and silver (in the way of Allah) in obedience
of Allah; it is also said that this means: who do not pay the poor-due from it,
(unto them give tidings) O Muhammad (of a painful doom).
[9:35]
(On the day when it) the treasures they hoarded up (will (all) be heated in
the Fire of hell, and their foreheads and their flanks and their backs will be
branded therewith) with their treasures ((and it will be said unto them): Here
is) the punishment of (that which you hoarded) the wealth you amassed (for
yourselves) in the life of this world. (Now taste of what ye used to hoard)
amass.
[9:36]
(Lo! the number of the months with Allah) he says: the year is counted by
months, i.e. the months of the year in which the poor-due is paid (is twelve
months by Allah's ordinance) in the Guarded Tablet (in the day) from the day
(that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them) four of these months
(are sacred): Rajab, Dhu'l-Qa'dah, Dhu'l-Hijjah and Muharram: (that is the
right religion) that is the right calculation: it neither increases or
decreases. (So wrong not) harm not (yourselves) through transgression (in them)
in those months; it is also said: in the sacred months. (And wage war on all
the idolaters) in the sacred months and in other months (as they are waging war
on all of you) all together. (And know) O believers (that Allah is with those
who keep their duty (unto Him)) with those who ward off disbelief, idolatry,
indecencies, the breaking of treaties and fighting during the sacred
months.
[9:37]
(Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief) He says:
postponement of the month of Muharram to the month of Safar is an excess of
disbelief (whereby those who disbelieve are misled) they are wrong to postpone
Muharram to Safar, (they allow it) i.e. Muharram (one year) and thus fight in
it (and forbid it) i.e. Muharram ((another) year) and thus abstain from
fighting during it. And so when they used to do this, Muharram would not be
considered sacred while Safar became sacred instead, (that they may make up)
that they may match (the number of the months which Allah hath hallowed) four
in number, (so that they allow that which Allah hath forbidden) i.e. Muharram.
(The evil of their deeds is made fair-seeming unto them. Allah guideth not)
leads not to His religion (the disbelieving folk) those who do not deserve it.
The one who used to postpone the sacred months was a man called Nu'aym Ibn
Tha'labah.
[9:38]
(O ye who believe!) the address is to the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh)
(What aileth you that when it is said unto you: Go forth) with your Prophet (in
the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah at the Battle of Tabuk, (ye are bowed
down to the ground with heaviness) you wish to remain bowed down to the ground.
(Take ye pleasure in the life of the world) i.e. in that which is in the life
of this world (rather than in the Hereafter? The comfort of the life of the
world is but little in the Hereafter) and will not last.
[9:39]
(If ye go not forth) with your Prophet at the Battle of Tabuk (He will
afflict you with a painful doom) in this world and in the Hereafter, (and will
choose instead of you a folk other than you) who are better and more obedient
than you. (Ye cannot harm Him all) i.e. by staying back you cannot harm Allah.
(Allah is Able to do all things) whether it is punishment or reward.
[9:40] (If ye help him not) if you do not help
Muhammad (pbuh) by going forth with him to the battle of Tabuk, (still Allah
helped him when those who disbelieve) the disbelievers of Mecca (drove him
forth, the second of two) i.e. the Messenger of Allah and Abu Bakr; (when they
two) Allah's Messenger (pbuh) and Abu Bakr, may Allah be well pleased with him,
(were in the cave, when he) the Prophet (pbuh) (said unto his comrade) Abu
Bakr: (Grieve not) O Abu Bakr. (Lo! Allah is with us) and He will help us.
(Then Allah caused His peace of reassurance) His tranquillity (to descend upon
him) upon His Prophet (and supported him) helped him on the Day of Badr, at the
battle of the troops and also on the Day of Hunayn (with hosts ye cannot see)
i.e. with angels, (and made the word) the religion (of those who disbelieved
the nethermost) blameworthy and defeated, (while Allah's word it was that
became the uppermost) triumphant and praiseworthy. (Allah is Mighty) in
retribution against his enemies, (Wise) in helping His friends.
[9:41]
(Go forth) with your Prophet to the Battle of Tabuk, (light armed and heavy
armed) young and old; it is also said that this means: whether you are
enthusiastic for it or not; it is also said that this means: light with
property and children and heavy with property and children, (and strive with
your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah! (That)
jihad (is best for you) than sitting remaining in one place (if ye but knew)
and believed.
[9:42]
(Had it been a near adventure) a near spoil of war (and an easy journey
they had followed thee) to the Battle of Tabuk with a good disposition of the
soul, (but the distance seemed too far for them) Historic Syria seemed too far
for them. (Yet will they swear by Allah) to you when you come back from the
Battle of Tabuk, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Abi Wajd Ibn Qays, Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and
their companions who did not take part in the battle of Tabuk ((saying): If we
had been able) to acquire provision and mount (we would surely have set out
with you) to the Battle of Tabuk. (They destroy their souls) by lying in their
oaths, (and Allah knoweth that they verily are liars) because they were able to
set out with the Prophet (pbuh).
[9:43]
(Allah forgive thee) O Muhammad! (Wherefore didst thou grant them leave)
give leave to the hypocrites to stay behind and not go to Tabuk (ere those who
told the Truth were manifest to you) until those who are genuine in their faith
are manifest to you upon going forth with you (and thou didst know the liars)
about their faith, when they fail to set forth with you without leave?
[9:44]
(Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave) after the Battle
of Tabuk (of thee) in secret or in the open (lest they should strive with their
wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him))
those who ward off disbelief and idolatry.
[9:45]
(They alone ask leave of you) to stay behind and not take part in jihad
(who believe not in Allah and the Last Day) in the depth of their hearts, (and
whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver) they are bewildered.
[9:46]
(And if they had wished to go forth) with you to the
Battle of Tabuk (they would assuredly have made ready some equipment) weapons
and provision, (but Allah was averse to their being sent forth) with you to the
battle of Tabuk (and back and (it was said unto them): Sit ye with the
sedentary!) with those who stayed back without an excuse.
[9:47]
(Had they gone forth among you) with you (they had added to you naught save
trouble) evil and corruption (and had hurried to and fro among you) they would
have marched riding their camels in the middle of you, (seeking to cause
sedition among you) seeking to cause evil, corruption, humiliation and damage;
(and among you there are some who would have listened to them) among you there
are spies for the disbelievers. (Allah is Aware of evil-doers) i.e. the hypocrites:
'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his hosts.
[9:48]
(Aforetime) before the battle of Tabuk (they sought to cause sedition) they
sought to cause you evil things (and raised difficulties for you) right and
left (till the Truth came) until the believers became many (and the decree of
Allah) the religion of Allah: Islam (was made manifest, though they were loth)
of it.
[9:49]
(Of them) of the hypocrites (is he who saith) the reference here is to Jadd
Ibn Qays: (Grant me leave) to stay at home (and tempt me not) by the women of
Historic Syria. (Surely it is into temptation) idolatry and hypocrisy (that
they (thus) have fallen. Lo! Hell is all around) will be all around (the
disbelievers) on the Day of Judgement.
[9:50]
(If good) conquest and the spoils of war as on the Day of Badr (befalleth
thee (O Muhammad) it afflicteth them) i.e. the hypocrites, (and if calamity)
killings and defeat (befalleth thee) such as during the Battle of Uhud, (they
say) the hypocrites, 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host, say: (We took
precaution) by staying at home before the calamity took place, (and they turn
away) from jihad (well pleased) with that which has befallen the Prophet (pbuh)
and his Companions on the Day of Uhud.
[9:51]
(Say) O Muhammad, to the hypocrites: (Naught befalleth us save that which
Allah hath decreed for us. He is our protecting Friend) He has better right to
protect us. (In Allah let believers put their trust!) the believers ought to
put their trust in Allah.
[9:52]
(Say) O Muhammad, to the hypocrites: (Can ye await for us aught save one of
two good things) conquest and spoils of war or death and martyrdom? (while we
await for you that Allah will afflict you with a doom from Him) to destroy you
(or at our hands) with our swords to kill you. (Await then! Lo! we are awaiting
with you) for your destruction.
[9:53]
(Say) O Muhammad, to the hypocrites: (Pay) your wealth, (willingly) with a
good disposition of the soul (or unwillingly) coercively, out of fear from
dying, (it will not be accepted from you. Lo! ye were ever froward folk)
hypocrites.
[9:54]
(And naught preventeth that their contributions should be accepted from
them save that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His messenger) in secret,
(and they come not to worship) to the prayer (save as idlers) lax, (and pay
not) anything in the way of Allah (save reluctantly) save when they are forced
to.
[9:55] (So let not) O Muhammad (their riches) the
abundance of their riches (nor their children) the abundance of their children
(please thee. Allah thereby intendeth but to punish them) in the Hereafter (and
that their souls shall pass away) shall expire (in the life of the world while
they are disbelievers).
[9:56]
(And they) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host (swear by Allah that they are
in truth of you) with you secretly and openly, (when they are not of you) with
you, (but they are folk who are afraid) of your swords.
[9:57]
(Had they but found a refuge) to run to, (or caverns) in the mountain, (or
a place to enter) or an underground passage, (they surely had resorted thither
swift as runaways) they would have promptly gone there.
[9:58]
(And of them) of the hypocrites: Abu'l-Ahwas and his host (is he who
defameth thee in the matter of the alms) he defames you regarding the division
of alms. They claimed that he did not divide them fairly. (If they are given
thereof) of the alms a good share (they are content) with the division, (and if
they are not given thereof) of the alms a good share, (behold! they are
enraged) in relation to the division of the same.
[9:59]
((How much more seemly) had they) i.e. the hypocrites (been content with
that which Allah and His messenger had given them) of Allah's bounty (and had
said: Allah sufficeth us) we trust in Allah. (Allah will give us of His bounty)
Allah will make us rich with His favour by means of His sustenance, (and (also)
His messenger) through his gifts. (Unto Allah we are supplicants) we desire
Allah. Had they said this, it would have been better for them.
[9:60]
Allah then explained who is entitled to these alms, saying: (The alms are
only for the poor) for the folk of the Platform (and the needy) among the
pilgrims, (and those who collect them) i.e. the collectors of alms, (and those
whose hearts are to be reconciled) by giving them gifts such as Abu Sufyan and
his companions. These were 15 men, (and to free the captives) the captives who
want to ransom themselves (and the debtors) those who incurred debts to fulfil
works which are for the obedience of Allah, (and for the cause of Allah) and
for the fighters for the cause of Allah, (and (for) the wayfarers) guests, the
passer-by; (a duty imposed by Allah) an allotment from Allah for these. (Allah
is Knower) of these, (Wise) regarding that which He has ordained for these
categories of people.
[9:61]
(And of them) of the hypocrites: Judham Ibn Khalid, Iyyas Ibn Qays, Sammak
Ibn Yazid and 'Ubayd Ibn Malik (are those who vex the Prophet) by slandering
and vilifying him (and say) to one another: (He is only a hearer) he listens to
us and believes us when we tell him we have not said anything against you.
(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (A hearer of good) and not evil (for you) i.e. he
listens to you and believes what is good rather than believes that you are
lying; it is also said that this means: if he is a hearer, then it is good for
you, (who believeth in Allah) he believes in the word of Allah (and is true to
the believers) and he believes the word of sincere believers, (and a mercy)
preventing from torment (for such of you as believe) both inwardly and outwardly.
(Those who vex the Messenger of Allah) by not joining him at the Battle of
Tabuk. The reference here is to Jallas Ibn Suwayd, Sammak Ibn 'Amr, Mikhsha'
Ibn Humayr and their host, (for them there is a painful doom) in the life of
this world and in the Hereafter.
[9:62] (They swear by Allah to you (Muslims) to
please you) about not joining you in the military expedition, (but Allah, with
His messenger, hath more right that they should please Him if they are
believers) if they were sincere in their faith.
[9:63]
(Know they not) i.e. Jallas and his host (that whoso opposeth Allah and His
messenger) inwardly, (his portion verily is hell, to abide therein? That is the
extreme abasement) severe punishment.
[9:64]
(The hypocrites) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host (fear lest a surah should
be revealed) to their Prophet (concerning them, proclaiming) informing about
(what is in their hearts) of hypocrisy. (Say) O Muhammad, to Wadi'ah Ibn
Judham, Jadd Ibn Qays and Juhayr Ibn Humayr: (Scoff (your fill)) Muhammad
(pbuh) and the Qur'an! (Lo! Allah is disclosing what ye fear) what you conceal
regarding Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions.
[9:65]
(And if thou ask them) O Muhammad, about what they are laughing about (they
will say: We did but talk) about the troop (and jest) and joke with each other.
(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (was it at Allah and His revelations) the Qur'an
(and His Messenger that ye did scoff?)
[9:66]
(Make no excuse) for what you said. (Ye have disbelieved after your
(confession of) belief) while claiming you are believers. (If We forgive a
party of you) i.e. Juhayr Ibn Humayr because he did not make fun of Allah or
the Messenger but laughed with the others, (a party of you) Wadi'ah Ibn Judham
and Jadd Ibn Qays (We shall punish because they have been guilty) because they
were inwardly idolaters.
[9:67]
(The hypocrites, both men and women, proceed one from another) they follow
inwardly each other's religion. (They enjoin the wrong) disbelief and
opposition of the Messenger, (and they forbid the right) faith and compliance
with the Messenger, (and they withhold their hands) from spending in works of
goodness. (They forget Allah) they have left Allah's obedience inwardly, (so He
hath forgotten them) He has forsaken them in the life of this world and left
them in the Hereafter in hell. (Lo! the hypocrites, they are the transgressors)
the disbelievers inwardly.
[9:68]
(Allah promiseth the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers
fire of hell for their abode) i.e. dwelling therein. (It will suffice them) it
will be their destiny. (Allah curseth them) Allah torments them, (and theirs is
lasting torment).
[9:69]
(Even as those) even as the punishment of those (before
you) of hypocrites who (were mightier than you in strength) physically, (and
more affluent than you in wealth and children. They enjoyed their lot awhile)
they expend their share of the Hereafter in the life of this world, (so ye
enjoy your lot awhile) you expended your share of the Hereafter in the life of
this world (even as those before you) of hypocrites (did enjoy) expend (their
lot awhile) their share of the Hereafter in the life of this world. (And ye
prate) speak falsehood (even as they prated) and inwardly gave the lie to
Muhammad (pbuh) just as those before them indulged in falsehood and gave the
lie to the prophets of Allah. (Such are they whose works have perished) their
good works have been thwarted (in the world and the Hereafter. Such are they
who are the losers) in that they will face punishment.
[9:70]
(Hath not the fame) the news (of those before them reached them) how We
destroyed them (the folk of Noah) We destroyed them by drowning, ('Aad) the
people of Hud, We destroyed them by the wind, (Thamud) the people of Salih, We
destroyed them by means of the earthquake, (the folk of Abraham) We destroyed
them by razing them down, (the dwellers of Midian) the people of Shu'ayb, We
destroyed them by the earthquake (and the disasters) the deniers who were
swallowed up by the earth, i.e. the people of Lot who were destroyed by being
swallowed up by the earth and also by a rain of stones? (Their messengers (from
Allah) came unto them with proofs) with commands and prohibitions as well as
signs, but they refused to believe in them and Allah destroyed them. (So Allah
surely wronged them not) by destroying them, (but they did wrong themselves)
through disbelief and giving the lie to the prophets.
[9:71]
(And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another)
they follow the religion of one another inwardly and outwardly; (they enjoin
the right) the confession of Allah's divine unity and the following of Muhammad
(pbuh) (and forbid the wrong) disbelief, idolatry and abstention from following
Muhammad (pbuh) (and they establish worship) they perform the five daily
prayers (and they pay the poor-due) from their wealth, (and they obey Allah and
His messenger) in secret and in the open. (As for these, Allah will have mercy
on them) He will not punish them. (Lo! Allah is Mighty) in his dominion and
sovereignty, (Wise) in His command and ordinance.
[9:72]
(Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens beneath which)
beneath its tress and habitations (rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and
milk (flow, wherein they will abide) in Paradise (blessed dwellings) seemly
dwellings which Allah has made fragrant with musk and sweet basil; it is also
said that (blessed dwellings) means: beautiful dwellings; and it is said that
this means: dwellings filled with people (in Gardens of Eden) a high degree.
(And greater (far)! acceptance from Allah) the good pleasure of Allah is
greater than that which they are in. (That) which I have mentioned (is the
Supreme Triumph) abounding safety.
[9:73]
(O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers) with the sword (and the hypocrites)
with words! (Be harsh) be tough (with them) with both parties with words and
actions. (Their ultimate abode is hell) their destiny is hell, (a hapless
journey's end) they shall come to.
[9:74]
(They swear by Allah that they said nothing (wrong)) Jallas Ibn Suwayd
swore by Allah that he did not say what 'Amir Ibn Qays said he did, (yet they
did say the word of disbelief) the word of the disbelievers because when the
Prophet (pbuh) mentioned the defects of the hypocrites and their inward illnesses,
Jallas Ibn Suwayd said: “by Allah, if Muhammad is true in what he says about
our brothers, we are worse than asses”. When 'Amir Ibn Qays informed the
Prophet (pbuh) Jallas swore by Allah that he did not say this. But Allah gave
him the lie and said (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) they wanted to expel and kill the Messenger without success,
(and they sought revenge) they could not find anything wrong with the Prophet
(pbuh) and his Companions (only that Allah by His messenger should enrich them
of His bounty) through the spoils of war. (If they repent) from disbelief and
hypocrisy (it will be better for them) than disbelief and hypocrisy; (and if
they turn away) from repentance, (Allah will afflict them with a painful doom
in the world and the Hereafter, and they have no protecting friend) who will
protect them (nor helper in the earth) to prevent them from that which is
wanted with them.
[9:75] (And of them) i.e. of the hypocrites (is he
who made a covenant with Allah) he who swore by Allah, the reference here is to
Hatib Ibn Abi Balta'ah ((saying): If He give us of His bounty) the wealth that
he has in Historic Syria (We will give alms) for the sake of Allah's religion:
we shall give from it what is due to Allah and will use it to keep our ties of
kinship (and become of the righteous) of the thankful.
[9:76]
(Yet when He gave them of His bounty) of the wealth which was in Historic
Syria, (they hoarded it) they failed to give the right due to Allah as they had
promised (and turned away) from their promise, (averse) denying;
[9:77]
(So He hath made the consequence (to be) hypocrisy in their hearts) his end
was that Allah cast hypocrisy in his heart (until the day when they shall meet
Him) until the day of Judgement, (because they broke their word to Allah that
they promised Him) because of breaking his promise, (and because they lied) and
because he lied about what he said.
[9:78]
(Know they not) i.e. the hypocrites (that Allah knoweth both their secret)
that which is between them (and the thought that they confide) when they are
alone, (and that Allah is the Knower of Things Hidden) from His servants?
[9:79]
(Those who point at such of the believers as give the alms willingly) those
who find fault with 'Abd al-Rahman [Ibn 'Awf] and his fellow Companions who
give alms, accusing them of showing off and seeking fame (and such as can find
naught to give but their endeavours) and discredit those who do not find
anything to give away except their effort. This refers to Abu 'Uqayl 'Abd
al-Rahman Ibn Tijan who could not find anything to give for alms except a
measure of dates, (and deride them) because of the little alms he gave. The
hypocrites said about him: he did not bring this except that he wished to be
mentioned and be given more alms than he gave himself, (Allah (Himself)
derideth them) on the day of Judgement. (Theirs will be a painful doom) in the
Hereafter.
[9:80]
(Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad)) Allah says: if you ask forgiveness
for 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays, and Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their
followers-who were about 70 men-, (or ask not forgiveness for them) it is all
the same for them; (though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah
will not forgive them) that punishment. (That is because they disbelieved in
Allah and His messenger) in secret, (and Allah guideth not) forgives not
(wrong-doing folk) the hypocrites: 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host.
[9:81]
(Those who were left behind rejoiced) the hypocrites were pleased (at
sitting still) at staying behind and not joining the battle of Tabuk (behind
the Messenger of Allah, and were averse to striving with their wealth and their
lives in Allah's way) in obedience of Allah. (And they said) to one another:
(Go not forth in the heat!) do not go with Muhammad (pbuh) to the battle of
Tabuk in the scorching heat. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (The heat of hell is
more intense of heat) is most intense in firebrands, (if they but understood)
and believed.
[9:82]
(Then let them laugh a little) in the life of this world: (they will weep
much) in the Hereafter, (as the award of what they used to earn) of what they
used to say and do of transgression.
[9:83]
(If Allah bring thee back) from the Battle of Tabuk (unto a party of them)
a party of the hypocrites in Medina (and they ask of thee leave to go out (to
fight)) in another battle, (then say unto them) O Muhammad: (Ye shall never
more go out with me) after the Battle of Tabuk (nor fight with me against a
foe. Ye were content with sitting still the first time) upon leaving for the
Battle of Tabuk. (So sit still) not participating in jihad, (with the useless)
with the women and children.
[9:84]
(And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dieth) i.e. any of the
hypocrites after the death of 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, (nor stand by his grave. Lo!
they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger) in secret, (and they died while
they were evil-doers) hypocrites.
[9:85]
(Let not their wealth) the abundance of their wealth (nor their children)
nor the abundance of their children (please thee! Allah purposeth only to
punish them thereby in the world) and in the Hereafter, (and that their souls
shall pass away while they are disbelievers) and that they shall die while they
are unbelievers.
[9:86]
(And when a surah) from the Qur'an (is revealed (which saith)) as a
command: (Believe in Allah) be genuine in your belief in Allah (and strive
along with His messenger, the men of wealth among them) among the hypocrites:
'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays and Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr (still ask leave of
you) O Muhammad (and say: Suffer us to be with those who sit (at home)) without
any excuse.
[9:87]
(They are content that they should be with the useless) with the women and
children (and their hearts are sealed, so that they apprehend not) the command
of Allah.
[9:88]
(But the messenger) Muhammad (pbuh) (and those who believe) in secret and
in the open (with him strive with their wealth and their lives) in the way of
Allah. (Such are they for whom are the good things) accepted good deeds in the
life of this world; it is also said that the good things means: beautiful
maidens in the Hereafter. (Such are they who are the successful) those who escape
Allah's wrath and torment.
[9:89]
(Allah hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which) beneath its trees
and habitations (rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, wherein
they will abide) they will dwell in Paradise: never to die or be removed.
(That) which I have mentioned (is the Supreme Triumph) the abounding safety:
they earned Paradise and that which is in it and were saved from hell and that
which is in it.
[9:90]
(And those among the wandering Arabs) from the Banu
Ghifar (who had an excuse came) to you, O Muhammad (in order that permission
might be granted them) so that Allah's Messenger gives them permission not to
take part in the Battle of Tabuk. (And those who lied to Allah and His
messenger) in secret; it is also said this means: those who opposed Allah's
Messenger in secret regarding jihad without having a permission from him (sat
at home. A painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve) of the
hypocrites: 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host.
[9:91]
(Not unto the weak) among the elderly or the chronically ill (nor unto the
sick) among the youth (nor unto those who can find naught to spend) in jihad
(is any fault (to be imputed though they stay at home) if they are true to
Allah) in relation to His religion (and His messenger) regarding his practice.
(Not unto the good) in their works and words (is there any road (of blame).
Allah is Forgiving) of those who repent, (Merciful) towards he who dies in a
state of repentance.
[9:92]
(Nor unto those whom, when they came to you (asking) that thou shouldest
mount them) spend on them so that they take part in jihad. The reference here
is to 'Abdullah Ibn Maghfal Ibn Yasar al-Muzani, Salim Ibn 'Umayr al-Ansari and
their fellow Companions, (thou didst tell) them: (I cannot find) provision
(whereon to mount you) for jihad. (They turned back) they left you (with eyes
flowing with tears, for sorrow that they could not find the means to spend) for
jihad.
[9:93]
(The road (of blame) is only against those who ask for leave of thee) to
stay at home (when they are rich) these are 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays,
Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their host who were about 70 men. (They are content to
be with the useless) with the women and children. (Allah hath sealed their
hearts so that they know not) Allah's command nor do they genuinely believe.
[9:94]
(They will make excuse to you (Muslims) when ye return) from the Battle of
Tabuk (unto them) in Medina, saying: we were not able to go forth with you.
(Say) O Muhammad, to them: (Make no excuse) for staying behind, (for we shall
not believe you) we will not believe your excuses. (Allah hath told us tidings
of you) of your secrets and hypocrisy. (Allah and His messenger will see your
conduct) after this, if you repent, (and then ye will be brought back) in the
Hereafter (unto Him Who knoweth the invisible) Who knows that which is hidden
from His servants; it is also said that the invisible is that which the
servants do not know; it is also said that this means: that which will happen
(as well as the visible) that which the servants do know; it is also said that
this means: that which has already happened, (and He will tell you what ye used
to do) and say whether it is good or bad.
[9:95]
(They) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host (will swear by Allah unto you, when
ye return) from the Battle of Tabuk (unto them) in Medina, (that ye may let
them be) that you may pardon them and not punish them. (Let them be) and do not
punish them, (for lo! they are unclean) impure and filthy, (and their abode) their
destiny (is hell as the reward for what they used to earn) for what they used
to say and do of evil.
[9:96]
(They swear unto you, that ye may accept them) due to their swearing.
(Though ye accept them) due to lying with their oaths, (Allah verily accepteth
not wrong-doing folk) the hypocrites.
[9:97]
(The wandering Arabs) the tribes of Asad and Ghatafan
(are more hard in disbelief and hypocrisy) they are harder in disbelief and
hypocrisy than others, (and more likely to be ignorant of the limits which
Allah hath revealed) the obligations that Allah has revealed (unto His
messenger) in the Scripture. (And Allah is Knower) of the hypocrites, (Wise)
regarding the punishment He has decreed upon them; it is also said this means:
Allah is Knower of he who abstains from learning, Wise in that He decreed that
whoever does not learn remains ignorant.
[9:98]
(And of the wandering Arabs) i.e. Asad and Ghatafan (there is he who
taketh) who presumes that (that which he expendeth) in jihad, (as a loss, and
awaiteth (evil) turns of fortune) death and perishing (for you (that he may be
rid of it). The evil turn of fortune will be theirs) the evil turn of events
and consequence will be theirs. (Allah is Hearer) of what they say, (Knower) of
their punishment.
[9:99]
(And of the wandering Arabs) the tribes of Muzaynah, Juhaynah and Aslam
(there is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day) in secret and in the
open, (and taketh that which he expandeth) in jihad (and also the prayers of
the messenger as acceptable offering for in the sight of Allah) as means of
drawing near to Allah in degrees. (Lo! verily it) i.e. the expenditure (is an
acceptable offering for them) to Allah which raises them in degrees. (Allah
will bring them into His mercy) into His Paradise. (Lo! Allah is Forgiving,
Merciful) towards he who repents.
[9:100]
(And the first to lead the way) through faith: those who had prayed towards
the two Qiblahs and fought at Badr, (of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those
who followed them in goodness) through fulfilling the obligations and shunning
transgression, this being applicable until the Day of Judgement (Allah is well
pleased with them) because of their goodness (and they are well pleased with
Him) owing to His reward and the honour He bestowed upon them (and He hath made
ready for them Gardens underneath which) beneath its trees and habitations
(rivers) rivers of water, wine, honey and milk (flow, wherein they will abide
for ever) they will dwell in Paradise, never to die or be taken out of it. (That
is the Supreme Triumph) Allah's good pleasure and Paradise.
[9:101]
(And among those around you of the wandering Arabs) the tribes of Asad and
Ghatafan (there are hypocrites, and among the townspeople of Medina) 'Abdullah
Ibn Ubayy and his host ((there are some who) persist in hypocrisy whom thou (O
Muhammad) knowest not) whose hypocrisy you do not know. (We, We know them) We
know their hypocrisy, (and We shall chastise them twice) once upon taking away
their souls and another time in the grave; (then they will be relegated to a
painful doom) to the chastisement of hell.
[9:102]
(And (there are) others) and of the people of Medina, there are other
people: Wadi'ah Ibn Judham al-Ansari, Abu Lubabah Ibn 'Abd al-Mundhir al-Ansari
and Abu Tha'labah (who have acknowledged their faults) by not joining in the
Battle of Tabuk. (They mixed a righteous action) they went forth with the
Prophet (pbuh) once (with another that was bad) and stayed behind once. (It may
be) 'may be' ['asa] when used in connection with Allah denotes a requisite
(that Allah will relent towards them) forgive them. (Lo! Allah is Relenting)
towards those who repent among them, (Merciful) towards he who dies in a state
of repentance.
[9:103]
Allah then explained to the Prophet (pbuh) what he should
take of their wealth because they had asked him to take some of it because they
had stayed behind and not taken part in the Battle of Tabuk. But the Prophet
(pbuh) initially refused to take anything from them until, that is, Allah
explained the matter to him, saying: (Take alms) a third (of their wealth) the
wealth of those who stayed behind, wherewith thou mayst purify them) from their
sins (and mayst make them grow) and reform them with it, (and pray for them)
ask forgiveness for them and make supplication for them. (Lo! Your prayer) your
asking for their forgiveness and your supplications (is an assuagement for
them) tranquillity for their hearts that their repentance will be accepted.
(Allah is Hearer) of what they say, i.e. their saying: take our wealth,
(Knower) of their repentance and intention.
[9:104]
(Know they not that Allah is He Who accepteth repentance from His bondmen
and taketh the alms) and accepts the alms, (and that Allah is He Who is the
Relenting) the Forgiving, (the Merciful) towards he who repents.
[9:105]
(And say (unto them)) O Muhammad: (Act!) do good deeds after your
repentance (Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) His messenger and the
believers, and ye will be brought back) after death (to the Knower of the
invisible) that which is hidden from His servants; it is also said that this
means: that which will happen in the future (and the visible) that which His
servants know; it is also said that this means: that which has already
happened, (and He will tell you what ye used to do) and say of good and evil.
[9:106]
(And (there are) others) there are other people of Medina: Ka'b Ibn Malik,
Murarah Ibn al-Rabi' and Hilal Ibn Umayyah (who await Allah's decree) their
matter awaits Allah's command, (whether He will punish them) because of their
staying behind and not taking part in the Battle of Tabuk (or will forgive
them) for so doing. (Allah is Knower) of their repentance and also of their
staying behind, (Wise) in that which ordained concerning them.
[9:107]
(And as for those who chose) built (a place of worship) the reference here
is to 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays, Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their
friends, who were about 17 in number, (out of opposition) out of harm for the
believers (and disbelief) in their hearts; standing firm in their disbelief,
i.e. hypocrisy, (and in order to cause dissent among the believers) such that a
party of the believers performed their prayers in their mosque and a party in
the Mosque of the Messenger, (and as an outpost) waiting (for those who warred
against Allah and His messenger) for those who disbelieved in Allah and his
Messenger (aforetime) before them, referring here to Abu 'Amir, the monk, whom
the Prophet (pbuh) called a sinner [fasiq], (they will surely swear: We purposed)
by building the mosque (naught save good) save good for the believers so that
those who miss the prayer in Quba' Mosque can pray therein. (Allah beareth
witness) Allah knows (that they verily are liars) in their oaths.
[9:108]
(Never stand (to pray) there) never pray in the mosque of opposition. (A
place of worship) i.e. the mosque of Quba' (which was founded upon duty (to
Allah)) which was founded upon obedience and remembrance of Allah (from the
first day) the Prophet (pbuh) entered Medina; it is also said this means: the
first mosque ever built in Medina (is more worthy) is more right (that thou
shouldst stand (to pray) therein) in the mosque of Quba', (wherein are men who
love to purify themselves) men who wash their behinds with water [after defecating].
(Allah loveth the purifiers) those who purify themselves from filth with water.
[9:109]
(Is he who founded his building) is he who builds its foundation (upon duty
to Allah) upon obedience and remembrance of Allah (and His good pleasure) they
built the will of their Lord's good pleasure, i.e. the mosque of Quba' (better;
or he who founded his building) or he who builds its foundation, i.e. the
mosque of opposition (on the brink of a crumbling, overhanging precipice)
without a base (so that it toppled with him) the one who build it (into the
fire of hell? Allah guideth not wrong-doing folk) Allah neither forgives the
hypocrites nor saves them.
[9:110] (The building which they built will never
cease to be) after its destruction (a misgiving) a distress and a regret (in
their hearts unless their hearts be torn to pieces) unless they die. (Allah is
Knower) of their building of a mosque of opposition as well as of their
intentions, (Wise) when He ordained the destruction and burning of this mosque.
After returning from the Battle of Tabuk, the Prophet (pbuh) sent 'Amir Ibn
Qays and Wahshiyy, the client of Mut'am Ibn 'Adiyy, who destroyed and burnt
this mosque of opposition.
[9:111]
(Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers) who are sincere (their lives and
their wealth because the Garden will be theirs) in exchange for the Garden
(they shall fight in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah (and shall slay)
the enemy (and be slain) by the enemy. (It is a promise) from Allah (which is
binding on Him) that He must fulfil (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) with Allah, i.e. the Garden, (for that is the
Supreme Triumph) the abounding safety.
[9:112]
Allah then explained who they were, saying: ((Triumphant) are those who
turn repentant (to Allah)) those who repent of sins, (those who serve (Him))
the obedient, (those who praise (Him)) the thankful, (those who fast, these who
bow down, those who fall prostrate (in worship)) in the five daily prayers,
(those who enjoin the right) the confession of Allah's divine Oneness and
goodness (and who forbid the wrong) disbelief and all that which is not known
in the Sacred Law or the Prophetic Practice (and those who keep the limits
(ordained) of Allah) those who observe the obligations of Allah (And give glad
tidings to believers) that they shall have Paradise!
[9:113]
(It is not for the Prophet) it is not permissible for Muhammad (pbuh) (and
those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (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 hellfire) i.e. that they have died in
a state of disbelief.
[9:114]
(The prayer of Abraham for the forgiveness of his father was only because
of a promise he had promised him) that he would surrender, (but when it had
become clear unto him that he (his father) was an enemy to Allah) that he had
died an unbeliever (he (Abraham) disowned him) and his religion. (Lo! Abraham
was soft of heart) in the face of ignorance, (long-suffering) compassionate; it
is also said that Abraham used to complain about fire even before being thrown
in it.
[9:115]
(It was never Allah's (part) that he should send a folk astray) that he
should leave a folk in error; it is also said this means: Allah will never
thwart the works of a folk (after He had guided them) to faith (until He had
made clear unto them what they should avoid) that which has been abrogated by means
of that which has abrogated it. (Lo! Allah is Aware of all things) the
abrogated and the abrogating.
[9:116]
(Lo! Allah! Unto Him belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens) the stores
of the heavens: the sun, the moon, etc., (and the earth) the stores of the
earth such as the trees, beasts, mountains, seas, etc. (He quickeneth) for the
resurrection (and He giveth death) in the life of this world. (And ye have,
instead of Allah) against the punishment of Allah, (no protecting friend) to
benefit you (nor helper) to save you from His punishment.
[9:117] (Allah hath turned in mercy to the Prophet)
Allah has forgiven the Prophet, (and to the Muhajirin and the Ansar) as He has
forgiven the Emigrants and the Helpers who prayed towards the two Qiblahs and
had participated in the Battle of Badr. Allah then explained who these were,
saying: (who followed him) who followed the Prophet in the Battle of Tabuk (in
the hour of hardship) at a time of hardship and adversity. They were short of
provision and mounts and in great hardship because of the heat, the enemy and
the long distance they had to travel. (After the hearts of a party of them had
almost swerved aside) a party of sincere believers almost refrained from going
forth with the Prophet (pbuh) (then turned He unto them in mercy) He forgave
them and made their hearts firm such that they went with the Prophet (pbuh).
(Lo! He is Full of Pity, Merciful for them).
[9:118]
(And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) who were left behind) He also
turned in mercy to the three who stayed behind: Ka'b Ibn Malik and his two
Companions: (when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them, and their
own souls were straitened for them) their hearts became straitened because of
the delay in the acceptance of their repentance (till they bethought) until
they knew and became certain (them that there is no refuge from Allah) that
there is no safety from Allah (save towards Him) save in repenting to Him for
failing to join in the Battle of Tabuk. (Then turned He unto them in mercy) He
pardoned and forgave them (that they (too) might turn (repentant unto Him)) for
failing to join in the Battle of Tabuk. (Lo! Allah! He is the Relenting) the
Forgiving, (the Merciful) towards he who repents.
[9:119]
(O ye who believe!) 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers as well as all
other believers (Be careful of your duty to Allah) obey Allah in that which He
has commanded you, (and be with the Truthful) with Abu Bakr, 'Umar and their
companions when they stay behind and when they participate in jihad.
[9:120]
(It is not for the townsfolk of al-Medina) it is not permissible for the
folk of Medina (and for those around them of the wandering Arabs) from
Muzaynah, Juhaynah and Aslam (to stay behind the Messenger of Allah) when there
is a military expedition (and prefer their lives to his life) and it is not
permissible that they should feel more compassionate towards themselves than
they are towards the Prophet; it is also said that this means: they should not
refrain from accompanying the Prophet (pbuh) in jihad. (That) accompaniment (is
because neither thirst) when going or returning (nor toil nor hunger afflicteth
them in the way of Allah) in jihad, (nor step they any step) nor do they go
past any territory they conquer (that angereth the disbelievers, nor gain they
from the enemy a gain) by killing or defeating them, (but a good deed is
recorded for them therefore) the reward of a good deed is recorded for them in
jihad. (Allah loseth not) thwarts not (the wages of the good) the reward of the
believers in jihad.
[9:121]
(Nor spend they any spending, small or great) upon going or returning, (nor
do they cross a valley) in pursuit of the enemy, (but it is recorded for them)
as a reward of a good deed, (that Allah may repay them the best of what they
used to do) in jihad.
[9:122]
(And the believers should not all) it is not permissible for all the
believers to (go out to fight) and leave the Prophet (pbuh) alone in Medina.
(Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth) while another party
should stay in Medina, (that they (who are left behind) may gain sound
knowledge in religion) that they may learn the religion from the Prophet (pbuh)
(and that they may warn) and that they may inform (their folk when they return
to them) from their military expedition, (so that they may beware) in order to
know that which they have been commanded to do and that which they have been
prohibited from doing. It is also said that this verse was revealed about the
Banu Asad who came to the Prophet (pbuh) in Medina after being hit by drought.
Their arrival caused prices in Medina to rise and all the streets became filthy
with excrement. And so Allah prohibited them from this.
[9:123]
(O ye who believe!) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (Fight those of
the disbelievers who are near to you) the Banu Qurayzah, Banu'l-Nadir, Fadak
and Khaybar, (and let them find harshness in you) toughness from you, (and
know) O believers (that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him))
Allah helps the believers: Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions, by making them
victorious over their enemies.
[9:124]
(And whenever a surah is revealed) whenever a verse is revealed and
Muhammad (pbuh) recites it to them (there are some of them) i.e. of the
hypocrites (who say) to one another: (Which one of you hath this) surah or
verse (increased in faith) in fear, hope and certainty in what Muhammad said?
(As for those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in hid Companions, (it hath
increased them in faith) it has increased them in fear, hope and certainty (and
they rejoice (therefore)) they rejoice in that which is revealed of the Qur'an.
[9:125]
(But as for those in whose hearts is disease) doubt and hypocrisy, (it only
addeth wickedness to their wickedness) it only adds doubt to their doubt in
what is revealed of the Qur'an, (and they die while they are disbelievers)
inwardly in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.
[9:126]
(See they not) i.e. the hypocrites (that they are tested) that they are
tried by the revelation of their evil scheming and betrayal; it is also said
that they are tried by the breaking of their covenants (once or twice in every
year? Still they turn not in repentance) for their deeds and for the breaking
of their treaties, (neither pay they heed) nor do they accept any admonition.
[9:127]
(And whenever a surah is revealed) whenever Gabriel brings down a surah
exposing the fault of the hypocrites and the Prophet (pbuh) used to recite to
them, (they) the hypocrites (look one at another (as who should say): Doth
anybody) among the sincere believers (see you? Then they turn away) from the
prayer, the sermon, the Truth and guidance. (Allah turns away their hearts)
from the Truth and guidance; it is also said: they swerved from the Truth and
guidance, and so Allah swerved their hearts from the Truth and guidance
(because they are a folk who understand not) nor believe in the command of
Allah.
[9:128]
(There hath come unto you) O people of Mecca (a messenger, (one) of
yourselves) an Arab and Hashimite like yourselves, (and it grieves him) it is
hard on him (unto whom aught) of sins (that ye are overburdened is grievous,
full of concern for you) for your faith, (for the believers) for all the
believers he is (full of pity, merciful).
[9:129]
(Now, if they turn away) from faith, repentance and that which you have
told them ((O Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me) my trust is in Allah. (There
is no God save Him) there is no protector or helper except Him. (In Him have I
put my trust) I put my trust in and rely on Him, (and He is Lord of the
Tremendous Throne)'. And of the surah in which Jonah is mentioned, which is
Meccan in its entirety-except for the 40th verse (And of them is he who
believes therein, and of them is he who believes not therein, and your Lord is
best aware of the corrupters) which is Medinan, being revealed about the
Jews-and it consists of 109 verses, 1,802 words and 6,567 letters: