047 Muhammad

As for those who believe, do righteous deeds, and believe in what has been sent down to Muhammad – which is the truth from their Lord – He will absolve them of their sins and set their condition right.

That is because the disbelievers follow falsehood, whereas the believers follow the truth from their Lord. This is how Allah explains to people their comparisons[1].

Translation notes: [1] So that each party may know the outcome of its choice.

When you encounter the disbelievers [in battle], strike [their] necks until you have thoroughly subdued them, then bind the captives firmly[2]. Later [you may free them] as a favor[3] or for ransom until the war comes to an end[4]. That [is Our command], if Allah had willed, He could have subjected them to punishment, but [He ordered you to fight] to test some of you by means of others. Those who are killed in the way of Allah, He will never render their deeds void.

Translation notes: [2] i.e., seize those remaining fighters as captives. [3] i.e., release them without taking any ransom. [4] lit., until the war lays down its burdens, its armor.

He will guide them, and will set their condition right,

and He will admit them to Paradise, which He has already made known to them[5].

Translation notes: [5] The believers will recognize their mansions in Paradise just like they recognize their homes in the life of this world.

O you who believe, if you stand up for Allah, He will help you and make your steps firm[6].

Translation notes: [6] i.e., if you stand up for Allah’s cause, His religion, and for His Prophet with your life and wealth, He will make your feet firm on the battlefield and grant you victory.

As for those who disbelieve, how wretched will be their state! And He will render their deeds void.

That is because they detest what Allah has sent down, so He rendered their deeds worthless.

Have they not traveled through the land to see what was the end of those before them? Allah destroyed them utterly[7], and a similar end awaits the disbelievers.

Translation notes: [7] i.e., Allah destroyed them and all their belongings of wealth, property, and offspring.

That is because Allah is the Protector of the believers whereas the disbelievers have no protector.

Allah will surely admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens under which rivers flow. As for those who disbelieve, they enjoy themselves [in this world] and they eat as cattle eat[8]; their final abode is the Fire.

Translation notes: [8] The disbelievers enjoy their life while they are oblivious of their consequences in the Hereafter, just like the cattle that graze in the pasture not knowing that they will probably be slaughtered soon.

How many towns We destroyed that were more powerful than your town that expelled you, and there was none to help them!

Are those who possess clear proof from their Lord like those whose evil deeds are made appealing to them and who follow their own desires?

The likeness of Paradise promised to the righteous is that of a [garden which has] rivers of fresh water[9]; rivers of milk the taste of which never changes; rivers of wine delicious to drink; and rivers of pure honey. They will have therein all kinds of fruit and forgiveness from their Lord. Can they be like those who will abide in the Fire forever, and will be given boiling water to drink that tears apart their intestines?

Translation notes: [9] Neither stagnant nor polluted.

Among these [hypocrites] are some who listen to you [O Prophet], but when they leave your presence, they say to those who were given knowledge[10], “What did he just say[11]?” It is they whose hearts Allah has sealed up and who follow their desires.

Translation notes: [10] From among the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ). [11] In an ignoring and indifferent manner.

As for those who follow guidance, He increases them in guidance and blesses them with righteousness[12].

Translation notes: [12] Taqwā: It means piety, fear and consciousness of Allah, and care to avoid displeasing Him.

Are they but waiting for the Hour to come upon them by surprise? Already [some of] its signs have appeared[13]. What good will it do them to take heed when it actually befalls them?

Translation notes: [13] Such as the coming of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the splitting of the moon after the pagans of Makkah challenged the Prophet (ﷺ) which was fulfilled before their eyes, yet they denied that miracle.

Then know [O Prophet] that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah, and seek forgiveness for your sins[14] and for the [the sins of] the believing men and women, for Allah knows your movements and your places of rest.

Translation notes: [14] See footnote 40:55. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) is urged to seek forgiveness, the believers are far greater in need of seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

Those who believe say, “If only a Chapter were sent down [about fighting]? But when a precise Chapter is sent down and fighting[15] is mentioned therein, you see those in whose hearts is sickness looking at you like someone who is about to die. It would have been better for them[16]

Translation notes: [15] The believers longed for a Qur’anic revelation that would give them permission to fight their enemies. [16] It could also mean “Woe to them!” if disconnected from the next verse.

to obey and say good words. Once the fighting was ordained, it would be better for them to be truthful to Allah.

Then if you turn away[17], what else can be expected but that you will spread corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship[18]?

Translation notes: [17] From Islam or from struggling in the way of Allah. [18] As you used to do in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.

These are the ones whom Allah has cursed and has made them deaf and blinded their sight.

Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?

Indeed, those who turn back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them, it is Satan who has tempted them and deceived them with false hopes of a long life.

That is because they say to those[19] who hate what Allah has sent down, “We will obey you in some matters[20].” But Allah knows their secret schemes.

Translation notes: [19] i.e., the Jews of Madīnah. [20] i.e., your hostility to the Prophet (ﷺ) and hindering people from participation in Jihad.

How will they feel when the angels take their souls, striking their faces and their backs?

That is because they follow what incurs Allah’s wrath and they hate what pleases Him, so He will render their deeds worthless.

Do those in whose hearts is sickness think that Allah will never expose their malice?

If We willed, We could show them to you [O Prophet], so you would recognize them by their faces, but you will surely recognize them by the manner of their speech. And Allah knows all what you do.

We will certainly test you so as to reveal those of you who struggle [in Allah’s way] and remain patient, and We will test the sincerity of your assertions.

Those who disbelieve and prevent others from Allah’s way, and oppose the Messenger after guidance had become clear to them, they will never harm Allah in the least, and He will render their deeds worthless.

O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and do not cause your deeds to be nullified.

Those who disbelieve and prevent others from Allah’s way, and then die as disbelievers, Allah will never forgive them.

Do not lose heart or call for peace, for you will have the upper hand and Allah is with you. And He will never detract [the reward of] your deeds.

The life of this world is only play and amusement. But if you believe and fear Allah, He will give you your rewards, and He does not ask you for all your wealth[21].

Translation notes: [21] He only asks you for zakah (obligatory charity).

If He were to ask you for it[22] and insist that you give it, you would greedily withhold, and He would expose your resentment [for spending].

Translation notes: [22] i.e., all your wealth.

O you who are being called to spend in Allah’s way; among you are some who greedily withhold, but whoever withholds, he in fact withholds against himself, for Allah is the Self-Sufficient, whereas you are in need [of Him]. If you turn away, He will replace you with other people, then they will not be like you.