Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Section 9: Muslims raised for the welfare of mankind

Muslims, as a whole, were raised for the welfare of human beings. They might not afraid of the Jews. The strength of the Jews shall be a failure. Muslims should not take the Jews as friends.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 110

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَلَوْ آمَنَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُم مِّنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

110. "You are the best nations brought forth for (the benefit of) mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah; and if the People of the Book had believed, it would surely have been better for them. Some of them are believers while most of them are transgressors."

Again, an Invitation to Truth

In this holy verse, again it has returned to the proposition of 'enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong' and also 'belief in Allah' when it says:

"You are the best nations brought forth for (the benefit of) mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah..."

It is interesting that the reason of being the best nations for Muslims is stated the fulfilment of 'enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong' and' belief in Allah'. This shows that the improvement of human society, without belief in Allah and not being accompanied with invitation to the Truth and struggling against corruption, is impossible.

Besides that, the accomplishment of these two obligatory duties guarantees the spread of belief and the execution of all personal and social rules, while the surety of execution is verbally prior to the law itself.

Then it points out that the benefits of a religion which is so clear and the ordinances which are so magnificent are deniable for none. Therefore, if the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) do believe, it is of their own gain.

But, unfortunately, only a minority of them have recalcitrated the foolish bigotries and have embraced Islam eagerly, when the majority of the People of the Book have disobeyed the command of Allah.

"... and if the People of the Book had believed, it would surely have been better for them. Some of them are believers while most of them are transgressors."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 111

لَن يَضُرُّوكُمْ إِلاَّ أَذًى وَإِن يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ يُوَلُّوكُمُ الأَدُبَارَ ثُمَّ لاَ يُنصَرُونَ

111. "They shall never harm you except for annoyance; and if they fight with you, they shall turn their back to you, then they shall not be helped."

This verse is both a prediction and a glad tidings and consolation for the Muslims. It tells them that under the shade of belief, union, and enjoining the right, they are insured. Therefore, they would not be afraid of the threats of the enemy, because the enemy is insignificant and the victory is of the Muslims'.

Explanations

1. The school of Islam and the Muslims themselves are insured in the shade of Faith.

"They shall never harm you ..."

2. The opponents of Muslims may attain only a small part of their molesting projects.

"... except for annoyance ..."

3. He who is faithless, is in lack of the spirit of perseverance.

"... and if they fight with you, they shall turn their back to you, then they shall not be helped."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 112

ضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ أَيْنَ مَا ثُقِفُواْ إِلاَّ بِحَبْلٍ مِّنْ اللّهِ وَحَبْلٍ مِّنَ النَّاسِ وَبَآؤُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللّهِ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَسْكَنَةُ ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُواْ يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ الأَنبِيَاء بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ ذَلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُواْ يَعْتَدُونَ

112. "Abasement has been branded on them, wherever they are found, unless (they cling to) the cord of Allah and the cord of men; so, they have incurred wrath from Allah; and wretchedness has been stumped upon them. That is because they went on rejecting Allah's Signs and slaying the prophets unjustly. That was because they disobeyed, and went on transgressing."

The result of disbelief and slaying prophets is being encountered with abasement and wretchedness in this world and the wrath of Allah in the coming world. Sin and transgression is a preparation for greater sins, like infidelity and slaying the prophets.

"... That was because they disobeyed, and went on transgressing."

It is worthy to note that what is worse than transgression and disbelief is the continuation and persistence of the act of disbelief and transgression.

"... so, they have incurred wrath from Allah; and wretchedness has been stumped upon them."

The Jews are always abased, although sometimes they take the cord of propagation, economics and policy, yet they are in the lowest position from the point of honesty, honour, amiability and security. The example of them is like the cruel persons who are armed and create alarm and terror in order to obtain masses of wealth, but they can never attain a high honourable rank. .

"Abasement has been branded on them, wherever they are found ..."

Explanations

1. The secret of honour is two things: The inwardly Faith in the Power of Allah, and outwardly communication with communities and nations.

"... unless (they cling to) the cord of Allah and the cord of men..."

So, each of them singly is imperfect. When there is Faith but accompanied with isolation and retreat with people, we can do nothing. And, when we are in contact with all people, but there is not Faith from inside, we are helpless, too.

2. Maybe, the repetition of the word 'cord' is the key to the fact that these two cords are not alike.

3. Islamic literatures denote that the Jews did not mostly slay the prophets with swords themselves, but they reported the prophets' mysteries and information to the enemies and, as a result of it, the cruel forces could capture the prophets and slay them.

"... That is because- they went on rejecting Allah's Signs and slaying the prophets unjustly..."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 113

لَيْسُواْ سَوَاء مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أُمَّةٌ قَآئِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ آيَاتِ اللّهِ آنَاء اللَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ

113. "Yet, they are not all alike: of the People of the Book is a group upright (in faith). They recite the verses of Allah in the night time while they prostrate themselves (in adoration)."

The Truth-seeking Soul in Islam

Following to the scorns and hard blames that the former verses had against the Jews, in this verse, to observe the justice and respecting the rights of eligible persons, and that all of them cannot be considered alike, it says:

"Yet, they are not all alike: of the People of the Book is a group upright (in faith)..."

Another quality that they have, is that they usually recite the revelations of Allah during the night. It says:

"... They recite the verses of Allah in the night time... "

And, at the conclusion of the verse, it refers to their humbleness, where it says:

"... while they prostrate themselves (in adoration)."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 114

يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَأُوْلَـئِكَ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

114. "They believe in Allah and the last Day; and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and hasten to do good deeds, and these are of the righteous ones."

In this verse, it adds that: some of the People of the Book, besides recitation of the verses of Allah and prostration, believe in Allah and in the Resurrection Day. It says:

"They believe in Allah and the Last Day..."

They furnish the proposition of enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong as their duty-

"…and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong..."

Another quality of them is that, in doing good, they take precedence of each other. It says:

"…and hasten to do good deeds..."

And, finally, they are such that it says:

"…and these are of the righteous ones."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 115

وَمَا يَفْعَلُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَن يُكْفَرُوْهُ وَاللّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُتَّقِينَ

115. "And whatever good they do, they will never be denied the reward of it; and Allah knows the pious ones."

In the insight of Allah, nothing will ever be wasted. It says:

"And whatever good they do, they will never be denied the reward of it…"

In the Qur'an we recite:

"…Allah only accepts from those who are pious."1

That is, the condition of the acceptance of deeds is Faith and piety. In this regard, here the verse denotes and Allah says that We ourselves know who the pious ones, whose deeds should be accepted, are:

"…and Allah knows the pious ones."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 116

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَن تُغْنِيَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلاَ أَوْلاَدُهُم مِّنَ اللّهِ شَيْئًا وَأُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

116. "(As for) those who disbelieve, surely neither their possession nor their children shall avail them in the least against Allah, and they are the inhabitants of the Five; wherein shall they abide forever."

The Qur'an has repeatedly announced that for the disbelievers neither wealth, nor progeny, nor family members, nor spouse, nor apology, nor friends, nor master, nor any thing else is of the slightest effectuality for the wrath of Allah (s.w.t.).

"(As for) those who disbelieve, surely neither their possession nor their children shall avail them in the least against Allah, and they are the inhabitants of the Five; wherein shall they abide forever."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 117

مَثَلُ مَا يُنفِقُونَ فِي هِـذِهِ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَثَلِ رِيحٍ فِيهَا صِرٌّ أَصَابَتْ حَرْثَ قَوْمٍ ظَلَمُواْ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَأَهْلَكَتْهُ وَمَا ظَلَمَهُمُ اللّهُ وَلَـكِنْ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

117. " The likeness of what they (disbelievers) spend in this life of the world is as the likeness of a wind wherein is intense cold which strikes the tilth of a people, who have wronged themselves, and destroys it. Allah has not been unjust to them, but they are unjust to themselves."

The Arabic term /sirr/ has been applied in the sense of: 'excessive cold that scorches plants'. The attractive point in this verse is that in view of Allah mere opinion and stimulus are not effective in affairs.

That is why the verse indicates that you may not be worried about the money the disbelievers spend in a false way, because the fruit of it is like a tilth that can easily be abolished by a cold wind.

"The likeness of what they (disbelievers) spend in this life of the world is as the likeness of a wind wherein is intense cold which strikes the tilth of a people, who have wronged themselves, and destroys it..."

From the beginning of Islam up to now, there have been many plots, accusations, invasions, wars, and evil propagations done against Islam and Muslims, but every day the religion of Allah have developed more than before.

When a nation faces with the wrath of Allah, it is not an injustice from the side of Allah, but it is a reflection of their own deeds that they themselves have performed.

"... Allah has not been unjust to them, but they are unjust to themselves."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 118

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لاَ يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالاً وَدُّواْ مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَاء مِنْ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِي صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الآيَاتِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

118. "O' you who have Faith! Do not take intimate other than yourselves. They do not fall short in corrupting you. They like what distresses you. Hatred has already appeared from (the utterance of) their mouths while what their breasts conceal is greater. We have made the Signs clear for you if you ponder."

Following to the verses stated the kind of relations the Muslims may have with the disbelievers, this verse points at one of the most sensitive subjects, and, in the form of a delicate resemblance, it warns the believers. It says:

"O' you who have Faith! Do not take intimate other than yourselves. They do not fall short in corrupting you..."

It is never such that their experience of friendship with you hinders them to desire pain and loss for you because of difference in religion and creed. In the contrary, they are interested in your distress and suffering.

"... They like what distresses you..."

They are usually careful of their statements and behaviour in order that you do not be cognizant of their interior mysteries and that their secrets would not be uncovered. They speak carefully and cautiously, yet the signs of enmity are manifest from among their speech.

"... Hatred has already appeared from (the utterance of) their mouth..."

In short, by this means, Allah has shown the way of recognition of the inward state of the enemies; and informs us from their hidden minds and their interior mysteries. It says:

"... while what their breasts conceal is greater..."

Then, it adds:

"... We have made the Signs dear for you if you ponder."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 119

هَاأَنتُمْ أُوْلاء تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْاْ عَضُّواْ عَلَيْكُمُ الأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُواْ بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

119. "Here you are, loving them while they do not love you! Though you believe in all Books and when they meet you, they say: 'We believe', but when they are alone, they bite the ends of their fingers in rage against you. Say: 'Die in your rage!' Surely Allah is aware of what is in the breasts."

In this verse it addresses the Muslims and says that you love them because of relationship or neighbourliness, or for other reasons, neglecting the fact that they do not like you. It is in the case that you believe in all the Books that have been sent down by Allah (irrespective of your own Book and the heavenly Book of theirs), but they do not believe in the revealed Book you have.

"Here you are, loving them while they do not love you! Though you believe in all Books..."

Then, the Qur'an introduces the real feature of this group of the People of the Book, who are hypocrites, when it says:

"... and when they meet you, they say: ' We believe', but when they are alone, they bite the ends of their fingers in rage against you..."

It says to the Prophet to tell them that they would die with the rage that they have and this grief will be with them until the day of their death-

"…Say: 'Die in your rage!'..."

You were not aware of their condition, but Allah is, because:

"... Surely Allah is aware of what is in the breasts."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 120

إِن تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِن تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُواْ بِهَا وَإِن تَصْبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ لاَ يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِنَّ اللّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ

120. "If any good befalls you, it grieves them; and if an evil afflicts you, they delight in it; but if you are patient and be pious, their plotting will not harm you in any way; surely Allah encompasses what they do."

In this verse one of the signs of their grudge and enmity is stated. It indicates that if a victory or a happy incident comes forth for you, those groups of the People of the Book will become inconvenient, but if an evil incident happens against you, they will become happy,

"If any good befalls you, it grieves them; and if an evil afflicts you, they delight in it;.."

But if you persevere against their hostilities and, in the meantime, you observe piety and patience, they cannot harm you by their treacherous plans, because Allah quitely encompasses whatever they do.

"…but if you are patient and be pious, their plotting will not harm you in any way; surely Allah encompasses what they do."

Notes

1. Surah Al-Maidah, no 5, verse 27

Section 10

The Battle of 'Uhud, The readiness of some and cowardice of others - The Muslims should only trust in Allah - The divine assistance at Badr - The assistance through angels - Allah's pardon.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 121

وَإِذْ غَدَوْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ تُبَوِّئُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَقَاعِدَ لِلْقِتَالِ وَاللّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

121. "And (remember) when you did set forth from your house folk at daybreak to lodge the believers in encampments for the battle (of 'Uhud), and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

From this verse on, the revelations are about an expansive important Islamic happening known as the Battle of 'Uhud. At the beginning, the verse has referred to the Prophet (S) and that he came out of Medina to lodge the forces at the side of 'Uhud mount. It says:

"And (remember) when you did set forth from your house folk at daybreak to lodge the believers in encampments for the battle (of 'Uhud), and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

Explanations

1. The Prophet himself (S) posted the believers at their stations for battle. Thus, it shows that not every ordinary person can decide on the site of the battle and defensive regions.

"... to lodge the believers in encampments for the battle (of 'Uhud) ..."

2. Technical, geographical, and natural planning of military operations should be performed before initiating the concerning program and in a quiet and calm circumstance.

"... when you did set forth from your house folk at daybreak ..."

3. Early morning is the best time for estimating the necessary battle conditions.

4. At the threshold of fighting, we must detach our hearts from our own house folk.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 122

إِذْ هَمَّت طَّآئِفَتَانِ مِنكُمْ أَن تَفْشَلاَ وَاللّهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ

122. "When two parties of you had decided to flinch but Allah was the protector of them both (and helped them to change their thought); So, in Allah (alone) should the believers trust."

Two groups of Muslims by the names of' Banu Salmah ' From 'Uss Tribe and 'Banu Harithah' from Khazraj tribe decided to shirk to participate in fight. There are different reasons mentioned for the inactivity of these two groups. Some of them are as follows.

1. Their own fear, when they saw that the number of enemy was large.

2. They were inconvenient for that their attitude was not attended to and the troops did not shelter in the city in spite of the side of 'Uhud mount.

3. Why did the Prophet (S) not let the confederate Jews help them? And so on.

But, by His Mercy, the Lord protected those two groups from falling in the trap of the sin of return and escape from the battlefield and He kept them safe in His Master ship.

Explanations

1. Those who are not under the master ship of Allah are inactive.

2. Allah does not leave the believers to themselves. He assists them in sensitive moments.

3. Allah is aware of our intentions and He informs His Prophet of the thoughts of people.

4. All those who go to fight, are not the same.

5. The only remedy of weakness is trust in Allah. This effective remedy is in the hands of the believers.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 123

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ فَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

123. "And certainly Allah did assist you at Badr when you were contemptibly scanty; so be in awe of Allah, in order that you might be thankful."

These verses are the revelations which were sent down in a critical state for the strengthening on the defeated spirits of Muslims. At first, the notable triumph of Muslims in the Battle of Badr is pointed out, so that, by its remembrance, they become assured about their future. Therefore, it says:

"And certainly Allah did assist you at Badr when you were contemptibly scanty..."

The numbers of your members were 313 with a little preparation, while the number of the disbelievers was more than one thousand, with many equipments.

Now that the situation is like this, be in awe of Allah, and avoid repeating disobedience from the command of your leader, viz, the Prophet of Islam (S), in order to be thankful for His numerous blessings.

"... so be in awe of Allah, in order that you might be thankful."

Explanations

1. Do not forget the unseen helps, especially in the battlefield.

2. The gratitude of the unseen helps is that you do not misuse them, be not proud of them, and be careful of your duty to Allah.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 124

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلاَثَةِ آلاَفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلآئِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

124. "When you said to the believers: 'Will it never suffice you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand of angels sent down?' "

1. By the leave of Allah, angels may be at the service of the believers.

2. It is necessary for a fighting believer to be hopeful in the Grace of Allah.

3. One of the duties of the leader in an Islamic society is to make people hopeful and regardful to the unseen helps.

"When you said to the believers: 'Will it never suffice you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand of angels sent down?' "

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 125

بَلَى إِن تَصْبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ وَيَأْتُوكُم مِّن فَوْرِهِمْ هَـذَا يُمْدِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِخَمْسَةِ آلافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلآئِكَةِ مُسَوِّمِينَ

125. "Yes! If you be patiently steadfast and act aright even if they (the enemy) rush on you in such a headlong manner, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand of angels distinguished."

In the previous verse, the speech was upon three thousand assisting angels, and in this verse, it speaks about five thousand angels. This may be for the sake of military conditions, and the necessities, or because of the spiritual circumstances and piety of the fighting believers.

Explanations

1. Perseverance and piety are the causes of the descent of the angels and the unseen helps.

"Yes, if you be patiently steadfast and act aright ..."

2. The Laws of Allah do not change with the change of time and people.

"... your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand of angels distinguished."

3. To be steadfast in affairs is worthy when it is accompanied with piety; otherwise it is stubbornness and obstinacy.

4. Do not neglect the enemy because their attack is urgent and roaring.

"... even if they (the enemy) rush on you in such a headlong manner..."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 126

وَمَا جَعَلَهُ اللّهُ إِلاَّ بُشْرَى لَكُمْ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُكُم بِهِ وَمَا النَّصْرُ إِلاَّ مِنْ عِندِ اللّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ

126. "And Allah did not make it (the descending of angels) but as good tidings for you, and to reassure your hearts thereby; and there is no victory save from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise."

1. In battlefield, peacefulness and good news are of the necessities of the fighting believers.

"And Allah did not make it (the descend of angels) but as good tidings for you, and to reassure your hearts thereby..."

2. The entire preparations of men including material, scientifical, psychological, and invisible affairs, without the Will of Allah (s.w.t.), are ineffective.

"... and there is no victory, save from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise."

3. Glory and Power of Allah are accompanied with His Wisdom. (It is possible, of course, that under some particular reasons Muslims also be defeated in some instances. Yes, the helps of Allah depend on His Wisdom.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 127

لِيَقْطَعَ طَرَفًا مِّنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ أَوْ يَكْبِتَهُمْ فَيَنقَلِبُواْ خَآئِبِينَ

127. "(The Divine help was for this) that He might cut off a part of the disbelievers or abase them so that they turn back disappointedly."

As At- Tahqiq says, the Arabic word /taraf/ means the end of something (not a corner of it). Thus, the verse says that the unseen helps come forth to eradicate the disbelievers.

In the lexicon and books, it is cited that there are two kinds of despair. If a person is hopeless from the beginning, in Arabic, the state is called /ya's/. But, if the person becomes disappointed after that he has been hopeful, the state, in Arabic, is called /xa'ib/.

Explanations

1. Infidelity and infidels should either be cut off or be abased and desperate.

(Be not happy with the weak, seasonal, partial, and humble acts that do not hurt the root of infidelity).

"(The Divine help was for this) that He might cut off a part of the disbelievers or abase them..."

2. Your union, power, policy and administrator ship must be in a form that at any moment the enemy be drawn to disappointment.

"... so that they turn back disappointedly."

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 128

لَيْسَ لَكَ مِنَ الأَمْرِ شَيْءٌ أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ أَوْ يُعَذَّبَهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ

128. "The affair is no concern at all of yours whether He turns towards them (mercifully) or punishes them, for verily, they are unjust."

When the leader is completely truthful, he behaves like that. He even faithfully and bravely recites the revelations that relieve him of a responsibility. The Lord said:

"The affair is no concern at all of yours..."

We study in the books of both great sects of Islam that when the tooth of the Prophet (S) was broken and it bled in the Battle of 'Uhud, he (S) said:

"How could these people be prosperous?"

The verse was revealed that he was not responsible of people's prosperity. They would be forgiven later that time, or they might be left to themselves and be punished.

"... whether He turns towards them (mercifully) or punishes them, for verily, they are unjust."

Explanations

1. The way of repentance is not shut to even those who run away from the godly battlefields, as well as to the disbelievers who have injured the Muslims with the greatest damages.

2. Do not judge promptly.

3. Both forgiveness and punishment depend on Allah. (The merit of intercession is a gift that Allah has endowed upon the Saints. Of course, it cannot be performed without the leave of Allah; and never have prophets any independence from their own before Allah. )

4. The chastisement of human beings is the fruit of their own injustice and transgression.

Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 129

وَلِلّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاء وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاء وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

129. "And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, He will forgive whom He wills, and will punish whom He wills; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

This verse, is an emphasis on the meaning of the previous verse, saying that the punishments and torments are up to Allah, because the creation and sovereignty of all existence is in His control.

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth..."

It is interesting that the persons who are involved with the wrath of Allah or those who receive the mercy of Allah are not defined in the verse. This case may be for the sake that everybody remains between fear and hope, and neither pride nor despair falls upon them.

"…He will forgive whom He wills, and will punish whom He wills..."

It is clear, of course, that forgiveness and punishment depend on both the Wisdom of Allah and the bases that the person produces in oneself and in the society.

"……and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."