Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Section 8: Leaning to injustice and evil to be avoided

Jews preferring the idolaters to Muslims -Abraham's seed blessed -Recompense for disbelief and faith -Obedience to Allah, the Apostle Muhammad and those vested with the authority.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 51

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْجِبْتِ وَالطَّاغُوتِ وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ هَؤُلاء أَهْدَى مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ سَبِيلاً

51. "Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt (idol) and Taghut (false deities) and they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided on the way than those who have believed (in Islam)'."

After that the fight of 'Uhud ended, a group of the Jews went to Mecca in order that they ally with the pagans there against the Muslims. Having the aim to please and assure the pagans the Jews prostrated before the pagans' idols. They said that their idolatry was better than the faith of Muslims in Islam and Muhammad (S).

"Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt (idol) and Taghut (false deities) and they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided on the way than those who have believed (in Islam)'."

The Arabic term 'Jibt', which is applied for the idol of magician, has occurred only once in the Qur'an; while the term Taghut, which is derived from the sense of 'disobedience', has occurred eight times therein.

Perhaps, the objective meaning of these two terms mentioned in the verse is the very two idols before which the Jews prostrated. Or, may be, the purpose of 'Jibt' is the idol, but the purpose of 'Taghut' is the idol worshippers and the advocators of idolatry.

Explanations

1. The enemies of Islam, in order to work against Muslims, sometimes ignore their own conviction. (The Jews prostrated before idols for the pleasure of the pagans against the Muslims.)

2. The mood of obstinacy and enmity changes the way of judgement, and causes the truth to be concealed.

"... they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided…"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 52

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ اللّهُ وَمَن يَلْعَنِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ نَصِيرًا

52. "These are they whom Allah has cursed, and whomever Allah curses, then you will not find any helper for him."

The inauspicious alliances of the opponents of the truth will never gain their expected results, (As it was seen in the alliance of the parties of infidels, Idolaters, and the Jews due to the plotting against Islam when the Jews went into Mecca and prostrated before idols, and when they judged unjustly and allied against Islam. They gained, then, nothing through opposing the Will of Allah.)

"…then you will not find any helper for him."

However, whoever is cursed by Allah, will always be wretched.

"These are they whom Allah has cursed, and whomever Allah curses, then you will not find any helper for him."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 53

أَمْ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُلْكِ فَإِذًا لاَّ يُؤْتُونَ النَّاسَ نَقِيرًا

53. "Or have they a share in the kingdom? Then in that case, they do not give even a speck to anybody!"

By the commentaries of the previous couple of verses, it was said that the Jews, to attract the attention of the idol-worshippers of Mecca, testified that the idolatry of the Quraysh was better than the theistic practice of the Muslims.

Even they themselves fell prostration before the idols. In this verse, as well as the next one, this fact has been pointed out that their judgement was worthless and invalid. Each of these two verses contains a considerable proof.

In this verse the Qur'an inquires whether the Jews had any share in the government that they let themselves judge like that. And, yet, if they had such an authority, they would not give people any right when they might keep everything for themselves exclusively.

"Or have they a share in the kingdom? Then in that case, they do not give even a speck to anybody! "

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 54

أَمْ يَحْسُدُونَ النَّاسَ عَلَى مَا آتَاهُمُ اللّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ فَقَدْ آتَيْنَا آلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَآتَيْنَاهُم مُّلْكًا عَظِيمًا

54. "Or, do they (the Jews) envy people for that which Allah has given them of His grace? But indeed We have given to Abraham's children the Book, and the Wisdom and We have given them a grand kingdom."

In the former verses, the words were about the niggardliness of the Jews, and here, in this verse, their envy is dealt with. Envy, of course, is worse than niggardliness, because a miser simply does not remit his own property, but an envious person is inconvenient of the favour of another person, either.

The word /an-nas/ 'people', mentioned in this verse, as Tafsir-us-Safi indicates, refers to the Prophet (S) and his progeny.1

Thus, the verse says that the Jews envied them for that which Allah had given them out of His Grace. Then, through such judgements, they wished to quench the fire of their envy.

"Or, do they (the Jews) envy people for that which Allah has given them of His grace. ..."

Then the Qur'an says: why do you wonder and envy that the Prophet of Islam (S), chosen from the family of Bani-Hashim, has been given such a rank? It is in the case that Allah has also given the progeny of Abraham (from whose family are the Jews) the Book and the wisdom and He has bestowed the prophets of the Children of Israel the authority of a great kingdom.

"... But indeed We have given to Abraham's children the Book and the Wisdom and We have given them a grand kingdom."

But, unfortunately you, the degenerate people, lost those worthy spiritual and physical capitals because of your own wickedness and hard-heartedness.

A tradition narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) denotes that he (as) was asked about this verse and he (as) answered:

"We are those whom have been jealous of by, the enemies ..."

The physical and spiritual damages of envy, irrespective of personal and social ones, are extraordinarily abundant. They have been mentioned in the traditions of the leaders of Islam. Including them, it is narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) who said:

"Envy and malevolence are from the darkness of the heart and blind heartedness, which in turn originate from the denial of the bounties of Allah upon human beings. These two, (blind-heartedness and denial of the bounties of Allah) are two wings of disbelief which causes the annihilation of man."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 55

فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ آمَنَ بِهِ وَمِنْهُم مَّن صَدَّ عَنْهُ وَكَفَى بِجَهَنَّمَ سَعِيرًا

55. "So, of them were (some) who believed in it and of them were (some) who barred from it, and sufficient (to punish them) is the Blazing Fire (of Hell)."

This verse is both a soothing for the Prophet (S) and a solace for the Muslims, so that they would not be tired and despaired of the faithlessness of people. In the length of history, the circumstances have always been such, and all the prophets had been faced with the unfaithfulness of some groups of people.

"So, of them were (some) who believed in it, and of them were (some) who barred from it, and sufficient (to punish them) is the Blazing Fire (of Hell)."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 56

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُمْ بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُواْ الْعَذَابَ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا

56. "Verily those who disbelieved in Our Signs, soon We will cast them into Fire so oft as their skins shall be burnt We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the torment. Surely Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.".

Since the infidels were constantly obstinate, they should be retributed constantly with their new skins.

Once, Ibn-i-Abil-'Uja', who was one of the opponents of the religion, asked Imam Sadiq (as) what the fault of the new skin was.

Imam (as) said: "The new skin is from the remaining of the burnt of the very first skin. It is like a sun-dried brick which breaks into pieces and will be made of it mud and a new sun-dried brick again."

Explanations

1. The punishment of the disbelievers is permanent.

"...We will change them for other skins ..."

2. The punishment, because of its continuation, will never become ordinary for the disbelievers.

3. The new skin is for tasting a severe chastisement; (since, in burning, the utmost pain is felt in the skin, and when the fire reaches the bone its pain seems less than before).

4. The Resurrection will be bodily, because the punishment will be upon the skin and the change that it will have. .

"Verily those who disbelieved in Our Signs, soon We will cast them into Fire so oft as their skins shall be burnt We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the torment. Surely Allah is the Mighty, the Wise."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 57

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا لَّهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَنُدْخِلُهُمْ ظِـلاًّ ظَلِيلاً

57. "And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow -therein shall they abide forever; for them are pure companions - and We will make them enter a dense shade."

In this verse, the holy Qur'an promises those believers who have a good Faith and do good deeds that surely they will live soon in gardens of Heaven, where under its trees some rivers flow. Their life therein will be forever.

Besides that, in Paradise, they will have the pure spouses who will be the source of calmness and tranquillity for both their bodies and souls. They will be pure from the point of menstruation blood, all meanness, and pollutions. They will live under some eternal shades that, unlike to the inconstant shades of this world, are permanent, wherein neither hot wind nor bitter cold enters.

"And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow -therein they will abide forever; for them are pure companions - and We will make them enter a dense shade.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 58

إِنَّ اللّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤدُّواْ الأَمَانَاتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُواْ بِالْعَدْلِ إِنَّ اللّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُم بِهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا

58. "Verily Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners, and when you judge between people, you judge with justice; verily good is the admonition Allah gives you; verily Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

Occasion of Revelation

This verse was revealed at the time when the holy Prophet (S), being completely victorious, arrived in Mecca. The Messenger of Allah (S) called for 'Uthman-ibn- Talhah, the key holder of the Ka'bah, and took the key from him in order to clear out the Ka'bah from the existence of the idols.

After the fulfilment of that aim, 'Abbas, the Prophet's uncle, asked the Prophet (S) to give the key of the Ka'bah to him.

The rank of key-holding of the Sacred-House, in fact, was a distinguished and honourable rank among Arabs. But, contrary to that, after clearing out the Ka'bah from the filth of the existence of the idols, the Prophet (S) closed the door of the House and delivered the key to 'Uthman-ibn- Talhah while he (S) was reciting the verse under discussion.

Deposit and Justice in Islam

This holy verse, from which a general and common ordinance is understood, explicitly says:

"Verily Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners ..."

In the second part of the verse, it points to another important subject. It is the proposition of observing justice in government. The verse, conveying the command of Allah, says:

"... and when you judge between people, you judge with justice; ..."

Then, to lay emphasis on these two commands, it says:

"...verily good is the admonition Allah gives you; ..."

Again, the verse emphasizes and says that Allah is watching you in any state you are, and He both hears your words and sees what you do. It says:

"... verily Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing."

It is evident that the term' deposit' has a vast meaning. It includes any physical and spiritual capitals. Therefore, according to the clear meaning of this verse, every Muslim is enjoined not to be treacherous in any deposit and unto any person, whether the owner of the deposit is Muslim or non-Muslim. This ordinance is, in fact, one of the principles of the declaration of the rights of human kind in Islam '.

Even the scientists of a society are the depositaries. They are charged with a duty not to conceal the facts. Our children are also the deposits of Allah with us.

We must not neglect training and educating them. Beyond than that, our existence and whatever power Allah (s.w.t.) has given us are the deposits of Allah, and we should try to protect them carefully.

A tradition narrated from Imam -Sadiq (as) about the importance of 'deposit' indicates that once he (as) told one of his companions:

"If the murderer of Hadrat Ali (as) trusted me a deposit, or wanted me to advise him, or consulted me, and I accepted that from him, certainly I would be honest in the deposition."2

In many Islamic traditions, the purpose of the term 'deposit', mentioned in the current verse, has been introduced the leadership of the society, the men of which are Ahlul-Bayt (as). This is the clear extension of practising this verse.3

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 59

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلاً

59. "O' you who have Faith! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. Then, if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better and very good in the end."

This verse, together with a few verses next to it, discuss about one of the most important matters of Islam, that is, the subject of leadership. They determine the true source of imitation of Muslims for the different social and religious affairs that they may have.

At first, it commands those who have faith, saying:

"O' you who have Faith! Obey Allah…"

It is obvious that, for a believing person, all obedience must be led to the obedience of Allah. Then, any form of leadership must originate from His pure Essence and be adopted to His command, because it is He Who is the Ruler and the genetic Owner of the world of existence, and every sovereignty and ownership should be under His command.

For the second stage it, says:

"... and obey the Messenger ..,"

Obey the Prophet who is immaculate and never speaks out of desire4 , an Apostle appointed from the side of Allah amongst people, whose word is the word of Allah, and whose rank and position have been bestowed to him by Allah.

And, for the third stage, it says:

"... and those charged with authority among you..."

Obey such ones who are from the inside of the Islamic society and protect both the divine religion and worldly affairs of people.

After that, it says:

"... Then, if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better and very good in the end."

Who are 'Those Charged with Authority'?

All the Shi'ite commentators have the same attitude on this matter that the purpose of the phrase /'ulil-'amr/ mentioned in this verse, is the immaculate Imams to whom the physical and spiritual leadership of the Islamic society, consisting of all affairs of life, have been given from the side of Allah and His Apostle (S), and it does not conclude any other than them.

This meaning is said according to the contents of 33 authentic traditions cited in At-Tafsir-ul Burhan, vol. l, pp. 381-386 (second edition).

Of course, under some conditions, the obedience of those who are appointed to a rank and charge a position in the society is necessary. This obedience is not for that they themselves are 'those charged with authority', but for that they are agents of 'those charged with authority'.

Explanations

1. Absolute obedience from the Messenger of Allah and 'those charged with authority' is a token for inerrancy of those magnanimous ones. Thus, any denotation expansion which is stated for 'those charged with authority' is not valid, if the one is not infallible.

2. The repetition of the word /'ati'u/ 'obey' is the secret of the kind of orders. The holy Prophet (S) sometimes stated the ordinances of Allah, and sometimes gave the governmental commands, since he had both offices of 'prophecy' and government.5

3. The name of 'those charged with authority' is mentioned next to the names of Allah and the Apostle, accompanied with an absolute obedience. This is a sign to show that the one in charge of Islamic government should be qualified with a high saintliness.

Based on many traditions, as was mentioned in the commentary of the verse, the purpose of the phrase 'those charged with authority' is Ahlul-Bayt (as).

4. People ought to accept the Islamic system and support its godly leaders by their words and deeds.

"... Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you ..."

5. In obedience, hierarchical order should be observed, that is Allah, the Messenger, and those charged with authority.

6. One of the ways of: acknowledgement is comparison with opposites and contraries.

7. When speaking of mischief-makers, the extravagant, the misguided, the ignorant, the tyrants and so on, the Qur'an's command is: "Do not yield..." and "Do not follow ..." The conclusion is that the aspects of the word /'ati'u/ 'obey' must be those whose obedience have not been prohibited of.

8. To obey false deities is forbidden.

9. If all groups assume the Qur'an and the practice of the Prophet (S) as reliable testimonies, discords will be removed and unity will govern.

10. A complete religion must have a solution for discords. The Qur'an says:

"...refer it to Allah and the Messenger ..."

11. Those who are opponent to the orders of Allah, the Messenger, and 'those charged with authority' should doubt in their own religion, if they want to believe in truth.

"…if you believe…"

12. Farsightedness and being careful of the interests of long future, time is the standard of value.

"... This is better and very good in the end."

Notes

1. At-Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 425

2. Tafsir-us-Safi, vol. 1, p. 427

3. Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 380 (second edition) narrates 15 traditions upon this meaning.

4. Surah An-Najm, No. 53, Verse 3.

5. Allah addresses the Prophet (S) in the Qur'an both for the rank of statement (Surah An-Nahl, No.16, Verse 44) and 'for the rank of government (Surah An-Nisa’', No.4, Verse 105).

Section 9: Hypocrites refuse to accept the Messenger's judgement

Hypocrites' leaning to Satan -the Messenger's judgement shall be accepted-Reward for the obedience to Allah and the Messenger.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 60

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمْ آمَنُواْ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَحَاكَمُواْ إِلَى الطَّاغُوتِ وَقَدْ أُمِرُواْ أَن يَكْفُرُواْ بِهِ وَيُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُضِلَّهُمْ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا

60. "Have you not seen those who think they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you? They intend to resort in the judgement of Taghut (false deities) while they have been ordered to reject him, and Satan intends to mislead them far astray."

It happened that there arose a dispute between a hypocritical Muslim and a Jew. They decided to refer to the arbitrator.

The Jew elected the Prophet (S) as the arbitrator for trustworthiness and justice he (S) had, but the hypocrite agreed with Ka'b-ibn-'Ashraf (one of the distinguished Jews) as his arbitrator, because the hypocrite knew that he could tend the attitude of Ka'b towards his benefit by giving him some gifts. This verse is for the bleme of that manner.

"Have you not seen those who think they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you? They intend to resort in the judgement of Taghut (false deities) while they have been ordered to reject him, and Satan intends to mislead them far astray."

As for the definition of 'the false deities', Imam -Sadiq (as) says:

'false deity is he who does not judge rightfully, decides against the command of Allah, and his order is obeyed."1

In the previous verse, Allah and the Apostle were introduced as the place of resorts of discords, but in this verse, the blame is upon those who refer to false deities as the place of resorts of their own discords.

Thus, in that verse the virtuous cite of resort has been introduced, while in this verse the impious one has been pointed out. So, true believers do not even think of going to false deities since agreement with /Taghut/ 'false deities' is prohibited.

"... they have been ordered to reject him..."

For removing the interior discords, going to non-Muslims is forbidden for Muslims.

"... They intend to resort to the judgement of taghut (false deities)..."

Through a verse (No.35) in the current Surah, formerly the Qur'an pointed out that: for a family discord an arbitrator from the family of the wife and another one from the family of the husband should judge.

"... Then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 61

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْاْ إِلَى مَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ وَإِلَى الرَّسُولِ رَأَيْتَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنكَ صُدُودًا

61. "And when it is said to them: 'Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,' you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

The reference of hypocrites to false deities and asking judgement from (non-Muslim) foreigners is not a casual happening. But, it is the quality and spiritual specification of hypocrites that they oppose the heavenly leaders and reject the path of truth.

"And when it is said: 'Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,' you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

Explanations

1. The hypocrites do not surrender to the law of Allah and the command of the Prophet (S). But, in the meanwhile, we must invite them to the truth.

2. The hypocrites are not sensitive to the heartily faith of people to Allah. Their main worriment is the crowd of people gathered around the heavenly Messenger.

"... you will see the hypocrites barring (people) to you with utter aversion."

3. The blameworthy plot of the hypocrites is separating people from the Prophet (S).

However, in another occurrence, the Qur'an indicates that barring the path of the Prophet (S) is, in fact, barring the path of Allah, and denying the Messenger of Allah (S) is the denial of the signs of Allah. In another verse, it says:

".. but surely they do not call you a liar, but the unjust deny the signs of Allah."2

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 62

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ جَآؤُوكَ يَحْلِفُونَ بِاللّهِ إِنْ أَرَدْنَا إِلاَّ إِحْسَانًا وَتَوْفِيقًا

62. "But how will it be, when some disaster befalls them on account of what their (own) hands have forwarded, then they come to you swearing by Allah (saying): 'We intended naught but kindness and concord '?"

The justification of the hypocrites for referring the judgment to the false deities, as they said, was that their final aim was to make peace.

So, if they had gone to the Prophet (S) for judgment and he judged for the benefit of one party, naturally the other party would have become displeased from the Messenger of Allah (S) and would have raised a tumult noisily, which was not appropriate with the position of the holy Prophet (S).

Therefore, to avoid this matter and to protect the honour, rank, and amiability of the Prophet (S), they did not take the conflict to him.

Explanations

1. The hypocritical Muslims refer to the divine leaders only when they encounter a difficulty and feel danger.

"...they come to you...."

2. The opponents usually justify their wrong actions.

"... We intended naught but kindness ..."

3. The hypocrites apply the swearing to Allah as a cover over their own goals.

"... swearing by Allah ..."

4. Among the deeds of the hypocrites is: showing a feature of benevolence, kindness and claiming the motto of peacefulness and exchanging agreements.

"....kindness and concord?"

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 63

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُ اللّهُ مَا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ قَوْلاً بَلِيغًا

63. "Those are they of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts, therefore turn away from them, and admonish them and speak to them concerning themselves effectual words."

The effort of the hypocrites is useless, because Allah knows both their interiors and their evil intentions, and manifests them at an appropriate time.

"Those are they of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts ..."

Also, the apology of the hypocrites is not done truthfully; otherwise they would not issue the command of rejection.

"... Allah knows what is in their hearts, therefore turn away from them ..."

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 64

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلاَّ لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذ ظَّلَمُواْ أَنفُسَهُمْ جَآؤُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُواْ اللّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُواْ اللّهَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا

64. "And We did not send any Messenger save that he should be obeyed, by Allah's leave, and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and sought forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger ( also) had asked forgiveness for them, they would certainly have found Allah forgiving, Merciful. "

Through the previous verses, the Qur'an has seriously condemned referring to the tyrannical arbitrators. Yet, as an emphasis in this verse, it says:

"And We did not send any Messenger save that he should be obeyed, by Allah's leave, ..."

The reason of it is that those Apostles have been both the Messenger of Allah and the chief in the divine government. Therefore, people have been enjoined to obey them from the point of stating the ordinances of Allah, and the manner of practicing them both. They should not suffice only to a mere claim of faith.

Then, in the continuation of the verse, it has opened the door of return to the sinners and those who have referred to the false deities, or in some way or other, have committed a fault or faults, where it says:

"... and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and sought forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger (also) had asked forgiveness for them, they would certainly have found Allah forgiving, Merciful. "

The current discussed part of the verse points to this fact that the fruit of the obedience of Allah and His Apostle (S) returns to yourselves, as well as the result of your disobedience, which is a kind of injustice, that returns to you, too, because it disturbs the material affairs of your life and, also from the spiritual point of view, it causes your retrogression.

By the way, this verse is an answer to those who imagine referring to the Prophet or Imam is a kind of polytheism, because this verse clearly denotes that coming to the Prophet (S) and setting him as an intercessor before Allah, in order to seek forgiveness from Him for the sinners, is effective and causes their repentance to be accepted and the grace of Allah to be showered.

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 65

فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا

65. "But no, by your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you the judge regarding the disagreement between them, then they find within themselves no dislike of which you decide and submit with full submission."

Occasion of Revelation

There was a dispute between Zubayr-ibn-'Awam (one of the Emigrants) and another Muslim from the Helpers upon the irrigation of a palm-plantation. Since the Upper part of the garden belonged to Zubayr, the Prophet (S) judged that he should irrigate it first.

The other man, the Helper, became worried from the Prophet's judgement (S) and told him: "As Zubayr is your cousin, you judged in his benefit." As soon as he uttered that expression, the face of the Prophet (S) paled, and the above verse was revealed.

Surprising! They themselves elected the Prophet (S) as an arbitrator, but they refused his judgement.

Imam -Sadiq (as) in a tradition said:

"If some people worship Allah by establishing prayer, performing Hajj pilgrimage, paying alms, and so on to adore Him, but they doubt about the deeds of the Messenger of Allah (S), they are not, indeed, believers."

Then he (as) recited this verse.

"But no, by your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you the judge regarding the disagreement between them, then they find within themselves no dislike of which you decide and submit with lull submission."

However, the signs of a true believer are three:

A) Instead of referring to the false deities, he takes the judgement to the Prophet (S).

B) He should not have any suspicion to the judgement of the Messenger of Allah (S).

"... they find within themselves no dislike ..."

C) He ought to accept the command of the Prophet (S) ardently and surrender to it.

By the way, judgement is from among the ranks of messenger ship and master ship. And, personal attitude against the sacred Qur'anic text is forbidden, because this manner is the sign of faithlessness, (regarding to the occasion of revelation).

Surah An-Nisa', Verse 66

وَلَوْ أَنَّا كَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اقْتُلُواْ أَنفُسَكُمْ أَوِ اخْرُجُواْ مِن دِيَارِكُم مَّا فَعَلُوهُ إِلاَّ قَلِيلٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ فَعَلُواْ مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ تَثْبِيتًا

66. "And if We had decreed for them (saying): (Kill yourselves or go forth from your dwellings', they would not have done it except a few of them; and if they had done what they were admonished, it would have certainly been better for them and more efficacious for strengthening (their faith).

Here, in order to complete the previous discussion about those who sometimes felt inconvenience for the just judgements of the Prophet (S), the verse points to some laborious duties of the former nations, such as the Jews whom, after idol-worshipping and calf-worshipping, were ordained to kill each other as an atonement of that great sin, or to go out of their beloved homes.

But, this group are not ordained a heavy and grave duty. If they were also enjoined to do hard duties, how could they tolerate?

These people who do not submit the judgement of the Prophet (S) upon the irrigation of a palm-plantation, how can they fulfil other trials? So, it says:

"And if We had decreed for them (saying): (Kill yourselves or go forth from your dwellings, they would not have done it except a few of them; ..."

Then, it points to two advantages that result from the fulfilment of the commands of Allah, saying:

"...and if they had done what they were admonished, it would have certainly been better for them and more efficacious for strengthening (their faith).

Here, the commands and ordinances of Allah have been rendered into admonishments and advices. This shows that these ordinances are not any things that benefit the Commander (Allah), but they are some advices that benefit us ourselves.

It is interesting that the verse implies that the further a person paves the path of obedience of Allah (s.w.t.), the more his perseverance and steadfastness promotes. In fact, the obedience of the command of Allah is a kind of spiritual practice for human beings.

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 67 - 68

وَإِذاً لَّآتَيْنَاهُم مِّن لَّدُنَّـا أَجْراً عَظِيمًا

وَلَهَدَيْنَاهُمْ صِرَاطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا

67. "And then We would certainly have given them from Our Own accord a great reward."

68. " And We would certainly have guided them in the straight path."

In these two verses, two other advantages of obeying and submitting to Allah are stated. In addition to the advantages mentioned in the previous verses, the first verse points to the third gain of this obedience. It says:

"And then We would certainly have given them from Our Own accord a great reward."

And the second verse points to the fourth result of obeying and submitting to Allah when it says:

"And We would certainly have guided them in the straight path."

The objective meaning of the term 'guidance', mentioned in this verse, is some additional graces which are bestowed upon these eligible persons from the side of Allah in the form of a secondary guidance and as a particular reward.

Surah An-Nisa', Verses 69 - 70

وَمَن يُطِعِ اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاء وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَـئِكَ رَفِيقًا

ذَلِكَ الْفَضْلُ مِنَ اللّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ عَلِيمًا

69. "And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favours, of the prophets, and the truthful, and the martyrs, and the righteous; and excellent are these as companions."

70. "This is the grace from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as the Knower."

Occasion of Revelation

Upon the revelation of this verse, it has been cited that: once one of the companions of the Prophet (S), who was named Nuban, and who had a fairly intensive affection to the Messenger of Allah (S), came to him while he was very distressed.

The Messenger of Allah (S) asked him about his disturbance and he answered that he reviewed the thought in his mind on that day that if he would be admitted into Paradise on the Day of Judgement, he would surely not be in the position of the Prophet (S) therein.

And, if he would not be admitted into Paradise, his circumstances were evident. Therefore, in either of the cases he might be deprived from being at the presence of him (S). That was why he was distressed.

Then, these two verses were revealed and gave glad tidings to such people implying that the obedient persons will be the companions of the prophets and the chosen ones in Heaven. Then the Prophet (S) said:

"By Allah, the faiths of a Muslim will not he completed except that the one loves me better than himself; his parents and all his relatives, and that he he submitted to my words."

Companions in Heaven

In the previous holy verses, the privileges of the obedient to the command of Allah (s.w.t.) were enumerated. To complete them, this holy verse says:

"And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favours ..."

As it was mentioned in the commentary of Surah Al-Hamd, This bounty reaches to those who constantly pave the Straight Path and go astray naught.

Then, to explain this phrase, it points to the following four groups, and says:

"... of the prophets, and the truthful, and the martyrs, and the righteous; ..."

1. The prophets and the special messengers of Allah are those who take the first step for the guidance, leadership and invitation of people to the Straight Path.

2. The truthful are those who both tell the truth in their speech and prove it by their own true and sincere deeds. They practically show that they are not only some bare claimers of Faith, but they truly do believe in the commands of Allah.

In Islamic authentic literature, the whole immaculate Imams (as) and Fatima Zahra (as) are introduced as the best samples of 'the truthful'.

3. The martyrs are those slain in the path of divine goal and belief, or those distinguished persons who will be witnesses to the deeds of human beings on the Day of Judgement.

4. The Righteous are the distinguished eligible persons who have gained some prominent ranks by performing some positive, productive and useful deeds and also by obeying the commands of the prophets.

At the end of the verse, it remarks:

"... and excellent are these as companions."

It is clearly understood from the above verse that having good companions and valuable friends is so great and important that even in the Hereafter, to complete the Heavenly bounties, this great favour will be granted to' the obedient', too.

To express the importance of this great advantage (viz. the companionship of the Chosens), it says:

"This is the grace from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as the Knower."

However, being with prophets and the truthful is a grace from Allah to those who obey Him.

Allah is cognizant to the states of the obedient and disobedient people, as well as to the circumstances of the hypocrites and sincere believers. He knows those who are eligible for the friendship of the prophets, the truthful and so on, the same as the states of those who are not eligible, because He is aware of even the treachery of the eyes.

Notes

1. Al-Tafsir-ul-Burhan, vol. 1, p. 387

2. Surah Al-'An'am, No.6, Verse 33.