Surah ‘Al-Imran: The Family of Imran – Part Two

Surah Al-Imran
 سورة آل عمران

Tafsir: Al-Quranul Kareem – Ibn Kathir
Surah: Al-Imran – The Family of Imran |Part Two
Chapter 3: Part Two
Revealed: In Madinah

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

Part Two| Surah ‘Al-Imran
The Family of Imran

Chapter |003 – Part Two

3:52.| Then when `Isa came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allah’s cause!” Al-Hawariyyun said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims.”

3:53.| “Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger (`Isa); so write us down among those who bear witness.”

3:54.| And they (disbelievers) plotted and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot.

The Disciples Give
Their Support to `Isa

Allah said,

Then when `Isa came to know,

(… meaning, `Isa felt that they were adamant in disbelief and continuing in misguidance.

(…  of their disbelief, he said:

He said to them. Who will be my helper in Allah’s cause.

Mujahid commented, “Meaning, who would follow me to Allah.”

However, it appears that `Isa was asking,

“Who would help me convey the Message of Allah!”

The Prophet said during the Hajj season, before the Hijrah,

Who will give me asylum so that I can convey the Speech of my Lord, for the Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the Speech of my Lord. until he found the Ansar. The Ansar helped the Prophet and gave him refuge. He later migrated to them, they comforted the Prophet and protected him from all his enemies, may Allah be pleased with them all.

This is similar to what happened with `Isa, for some of the Children of Israel believed in him, gave him their aid and support and followed the light that was sent with him. This is why Allah said about them;

Al-Hawariyyun said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims.

Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger; so write us down among those who bear witness.”

Hawari in Arabic – means `support’.

The Two Sahihs recorded that; when the Prophet encouraged the people to fight during the battle of Al-Ahzab, Az-Zubayr came forward, and again, when the Prophet asked for fighters a second time.

The Prophet said, Every Prophet has a Hawari, and Az-Zubayr is my Hawari.

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn Abbas said about, (so write us down among those who bear witness),

“Meaning among the Ummah of Muhammad.”

This Hadith has a good chain of narration.

The Jews Plot to Kill `Isa

Allah tells;

And they plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot.

Allah states that the Children of Israel tried to kill `Isa by conspiring to defame him and crucify him.

They complained about him to the king who was a disbeliever. They claimed that `Isa was a man who misguided people, discouraged them from obeying the king, caused division, and separated between man and his own son. They also said other lies about `Isa, which they will carry on their necks, including accusing him of being an illegitimate son.

The king became furious and sent his men to capture `Isa to torture and crucify him. When they surrounded `Isa’s home and he thought that they would surely capture him, Allah saved him from them, raising him up from the house to heaven.

Allah put the image of `Isa on a man who was in the house; when the unjust people went in the house while it was still dark, they thought that he was `Isa. They captured that man, humiliated and crucified him. They also placed thorns on his head.

However, Allah deceived these people. He saved and raised His Prophet from them, leaving them in disarray in the darkness of their transgression, thinking that they had successfully achieved their goal.

Allah made their hearts hard, and defiant of the truth, disgracing them in such disgrace that it will remain with them until the Day of Resurrection. This is why Allah said, (And they plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot).

3:55.| And (remember) when Allah said: “O `Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify (save) you from those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute.”

3:56.| “As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.”

3:57.| And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.

3:58.| This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.

Meaning of “Take You”

Allah tells,

”And (remember) when Allah said: “O `Isa!

I will take you and raise you to Myself, while you are asleep.

Allah said in a similar Ayat,

It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep). (6:60)

It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. (39:42)

The Messenger of Allah used to recite the following words when he would awaken;

All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him.

Allah said,

And because of their saying, “We killed Al-Masih `Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah,” but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared as that to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain)  knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture.

For surely; they killed him not. But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the People of the Scripture, but must believe in him, before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them. (4:156-159)

`His death’ refers to `Isa, and the Ayah means that; the People of the Book will believe in `Isa, before `Isa dies. This will occur when `Isa comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will explain.

By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in `Isa, for he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people.

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah’s statement,

(I will take you), is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised `Isa while he was asleep.

Altering the Religion of `Isa

Allah said,

And purify (save) you from those who disbelieve, by raising you to heaven,

And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. This is what happened. When Allah raised `Isa to heaven, his followers divided into sects and groups.

• Some of them believed in what Allah sent `Isa as, a servant of Allah, His Messenger, and the son of His female-servant.
• However, some of them went to the extreme over `Isa, believing that he was the son of Allah.
• Some of them said that `Isa was Allah Himself, while others said that he was one of a Trinity.

Allah mentioned these false creeds in the Qur’an and refuted them.

The Christians remained like this until the third century CE, when a Greek king called, Constantine, became a Christian for the purpose of destroying Christianity.

Constantine was either a philosopher, or he was just plain ignorant. Constantine changed the religion of `Isa by adding to it and deleting from it. He established the rituals of Christianity and the so-called Great Trust, which is in fact the Great Treachery. He also allowed them to eat the meat of swine, changed the direction of the prayer that `Isa established to the east, built churches for `Isa, and added ten days to the fast as compensation for a sin that he committed, as claimed.

So the religion of `Isa became the religion of Constantine, who built more then twelve thousand churches, temples and monasteries for the Christians as well as the city that bears his name, Constantinople (Istanbul).

Throughout this time, the Christians had the upper hand and dominated the Jews. Allah aided them against the Jews because they used to be closer to the truth than the Jews, even though both groups were and still are disbelievers, may Allah’s curse descend on them.

When Allah sent Muhammad, those who believed in him also believed in Allah, His Angels, Books and Messengers in the correct manner. So they were the true followers of every Prophet who came to earth. They believed in the unlettered Prophet, the Final Messenger and the master of all mankind, who called them to believe in the truth in its entirety. This is why they had more right to every Prophet than his own nation, especially those who claim to follow their Prophet’s way and religion, yet change and alter his religion.

Furthermore, Allah abrogated all the laws that were sent down to the Prophets with the Law. He sent Muhammad with, which consists of the true religion that shall never change or be altered until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muhammad’s religion shall always be dominant and victorious over all other religions. This is why Allah allowed Muslims to conquer the eastern and western parts of the world and the kingdoms of the earth.

Furthermore, all countries submitted to them; they demolished Kisra (king of Persia) and destroyed the Czar, ridding them of their treasures and spending these treasures for Allah’s sake. All this occurred just as their Prophet told them it would, when he conveyed Allah’s statement,

Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me. (24:55)

Therefore, Muslims are the true believers in `Isa.

The Muslims then acquired Ash-Sham from the Christians, causing them to evacuate to Asia Minor, to their fortified city in Constantinople. The Muslims will be above them until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, he, Muhammad, who is truthful and who received the true news, has conveyed to Muslims that they will conquer Constantinople in the future, and seize its treasures.

Threatening the Disbelievers with Torment in This Life and the Hereafter.

Allah said,

And I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute.

As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.

This is what Allah did to the Jews who disbelieved in `Isa and the Christians who went to the extreme over him. Allah tormented them in this life; they were killed, captured, and lost their wealth and kingdoms. Their torment in the Hereafter is even worse and more severe,

And they have no Waq (defender or protector) against Allah. (13:34)

And as for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full.

in this life, with victory and domination, and in the Hereafter, with Paradise and high grades. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.

Allah then said,

This is what We recite to you of the verses and the Wise Reminder.

… meaning, “What We narrated to you, O Muhammad, regarding `Isa, his birth and his life, is what Allah conveyed and revealed to you, sent down from the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). So there is no doubt in it.

Similarly, Allah said in Surah Maryam;

Such is `Isa, son of Maryam. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not Allah that He should beget a son.

Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: “Be!” and it is. (19:34-35)

3:59.| Verily, the likeness of `Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: “Be!” and he was.

3:60.| (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.

3:61.| Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray and we invoke Allah’s curse upon the liars.”

3:62.| Verily, this is the true narrative, and there is no god except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Almighty, the All-Wise.

3:63.| And if they turn away, then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.

The Similarities Between the Creation
of Adam and the Creation of `Isa.

Allah said,

Verily, the likeness of `Isa before Allah, regarding Allah’s ability, since He created him without a father. is the likeness of Adam, for Allah created Adam without a father or a mother. Rather,

He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be!” and he was.

Therefore, He Who created Adam without a father or a mother is able to create `Isa, as well, without a father. If the claim is made that `Isa is Allah’s son because he was created without a father, then the same claim befits Adam even more. However, since such a claim regarding Adam is obviously false, then making the same claim about `Isa is even more false.

Furthermore, by mentioning these facts, Allah emphasizes His ability, by creating Adam without a male or female, Hawwa from a male without a female, and `Isa from a mother without a father, compared to His creating the rest of creation from male and female.

This is why Allah said in Surah Maryam,

(And We made him a sign for mankind), (19: 21).

Allah said in this Ayah,

(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt. meaning, this is the only true story about `Isa, and what is beyond truth save falsehood.

The Challenge to the Mubahalah

Allah next commands His Messenger to call those who defy the truth, regarding `Isa, to the Mubahalah (the curse).

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after the knowledge that has come to you, say: “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves” for the Mubahalah,

… then we pray, (supplicate),

… and we invoke Allah’s curse upon the liars, among the two of us.

The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that; a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about `Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah.

Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated.

Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said in his famous Sirah, “The delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah. The delegation consisted of sixty horsemen, including fourteen of their chiefs who make decisions.

These men were:

• Al-Aqib, also known as Abdul-Masih,
• As-Sayyid, also known as Al-Ayham,
• Abu Harithah bin Alqamah, of (the family of) Bakr bin Wa`il and
• Uways bin Al-Harith.

They also included:

• Zayd,
• Qays,
• Yazid,
• Nabih,
• Khuwaylid,
• `Amr,
• Khalid, A
• bdullah and
• Yuhannas.

Three of these men were chiefs of this delegation,

• Al-`Aqib, their leader and to whom they referred for advice and decision;
• As-Sayyid, their scholar and leader in journeys and social gatherings;
• and Abu Harithah bin Alqamah, their patriarch, priest and religious leader.

Abu Harithah was an Arab man from (the family of) Bakr bin Wa`il, but when he embraced Christianity, the Romans and their kings honored him and built churches for him (or in his honor).

They also supported him financially and gave him servants, because they knew how firm his faith in their religion was.”

Abu Harithah knew the description of the Messenger of Allah from what he read in earlier divine Books. However, his otherwise ignorance led him to insist on remaining a Christian, because he was honored and had a high position with the Christians.

Ibn Ishaq said,

“Muhammad bin Jafar bin Az-Zubayr said that, `The (Najran) delegation came to the Messenger of Allah in Al-Madinah, entered his Masjid wearing robes and garments, after the Prophet had prayed the Asr prayer. They accompanied a caravan of camels led by Bani Al-Harith bin Ka`b.

The Companions of the Messenger of Allah who saw them said that they never saw a delegation like them after that… Then Abu Harithah bin Alqamah and Al-Aqib Abdul-Masih or As-Sayyid Al-Ayham spoke to the Messenger of Allah, and they were Christians like the king (Roman King).

However, they disagreed about `Isa;

• some of them said, `He is Allah,’
• while some said, `He is the son of Allah,’
• and some others said, `He is one of a trinity.’

Allah is far from what they attribute to Him.” Indeed, these are the creeds of the Christians.

• They claim that `Isa is God, since he brought the dead back to life, healed blindness, leprosy and various illnesses, told about matters of the future, created the shape of birds and blew life into them, bringing them to life. However, all these miracles occurred by Allah’s leave, so that `Isa would be a sign from Allah for people.
• They also claim that `Isa is the son of Allah, since he did not have a father and he spoke when he was in the cradle, a miracle which had not occurred by any among the Children of Adam before him, so they claim.
• They also claim that `Isa is one of a trinity, because Allah would say, `We did, command, create and demand.’

They said, `If Allah were one, he would have said, `I did, command, create and decide.’ This is why they claim that `Isa and Allah are one (Trinity).

Allah is far from what they attribute to Him, and we should mention that the Qur’an refuted all these false Christian claims.

Ibn Ishaq continued,

“When these Ayat came to the Messenger from Allah, thus judging between him and the People of the Book, Allah also commanded the Prophet to call them to the Mubahalah if they still refused the truth.

The Prophet called them to the Mubahalah. They said, `O Abu Al-Qasim! Let us think about this matter and get back to you with our decision to what we want to do.’

They left the Prophet and conferred with Al-Aqib, to whom they referred to for advice. They said to him, `O Abdul-Masih! What is your advice?’

He said, `By Allah, O Christian fellows! You know that Muhammad is a Messenger and that he brought you the final word regarding your fellow (`Isa). You also know that no Prophet conducted Mubahalah with any people, and the old persons among them remained safe and the young people grew up. Indeed, it will be the end of you if you do it. If you have already decided that you will remain in your religion and your creed regarding your fellow (`Isa), then conduct a treaty with the man (Muhammad) and go back to your land.’

They came to the Prophet and said, `O Abu Al-Qasim! We decided that we cannot do Mubahalah with you and that you remain on your religion, while we remain on our religion.

However, send with us a man from your Companions whom you are pleased with to judge between us regarding our monetary disputes, for you are acceptable to us in this regard.”’

Al-Bukhari recorded that Hudhayfah said, “Al-Aqib and As-Sayyid, two leaders from Najran, came to the Messenger of Allah seeking to invoke Allah for curses (against whoever is unjust among them), and one of them said to the other, `Let us not do that. By Allah, if he were truly a Prophet and we invoke Allah for curses, we and our offspring shall never succeed afterwards.’

So they said, `We will give you what you asked and send a trusted man with us, just a trusted man.’

The Messenger of Allah said;

“Verily, I will send a trusted man with you, a truly trustworthy man.”

The Companions of the Messenger of Allah all felt eager to be that man.

The Messenger said,

“O Abu Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah! Stand up.”

When Abu Ubaydah stood up, the Messenger of Allah said,

“This is the trustee of this Ummah.”’

Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah said on another occasion, Every Ummah has a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah. Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Abbas said, “Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him, said, `If I see Muhammad praying next to the Ka`bah, I will step on his neck.’

The Prophet later said,

Had he tried to do it, the angels would have taken him publicly.

Had the Jews wished for death, they would have perished and would have seen their seats in the Fire.

Had those who sought Mubahalah with the Messenger of Allah, went ahead with it, they would not have found estates or families when they returned home.”

Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa’i also recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi graded Hasan Sahih.

Allah then said,

Verily, this is the true narrative, meaning, what we narrated to you, O Muhammad, about `Isa is the plain truth that cannot be avoided.

… and none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. And indeed, Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

And if they turn away, by abandoning this truth,

(… then surely, Allah is All-Aware of those who do mischief.

(… for those who abandon the truth for falsehood commit mischief, and Allah has full knowledge of them and will subject them to the worst punishment.

”Verily, Allah is able to control everything, all praise and thanks are due to Him, and we seek refuge with Him from His revenge.

3:64.| Say: “O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah the same, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.” Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”

Every Person Knows about Tawhid

This Ayah includes the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, and those who follow their ways.

Say: “O people of the Scripture! Come to a word.” `Word’ – in Arabic – also means a complete sentence, as evident from this Ayah. Allah described this word as being one, that is the same between us and you, an honest and righteous word that is fair to both parties.

Allah then explained this word,

… that we worship none but Allah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, we worship neither a statue, cross, idol, Taghut (false gods), fire or anything else. Rather, we worship Allah Alone without partners, and this is the message of all of Allah’s Messengers.

Allah said,

And We did not send any Messenger before you but We revealed to him (saying): “None has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else).” (21:25) and,

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities).” (16:36)

Allah said next,

(… “and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.”

Ibn Jurayj commented, “We do not obey each other in disobedience to Allah.”

Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” if they abandon this fair call, then let them know that you will remain in Islam as Allah has legislated for you.

We should mention that the letter that the Prophet sent to Heraclius reads,

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Heraclius, Leader of the Romans: peace be upon those who follow the true guidance. Embrace Islam and you will acquire safety, embrace Islam and Allah will grant you a double reward. However, if you turn away from it, then you will carry the burden of the peasants, and,

“O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is the same between us and you, that we worship none but Allah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.”

Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”” (3:64)

Muhammad bin Ishaq and other scholars said that; the beginning of Surah Al Imran, and more than eighty verses thereafter; were revealed about the delegation of Najran.

Az-Zuhri stated that; the people of Najran were the first people to pay the Jizyah (tax money paid to the Muslim State).

However, there is no disagreement that the Ayah that ordained the Jizyah (9:29) was revealed after the Fath (conquering Makkah, and therefore, after the delegation of Najran came to Al-Madinah).

So, how can this Ayah (3:64) be contained in the Prophet’s letter to Heraclius before the victory of Makkah, and how can we harmonize between the statements of Muhammad bin Ishaq and Az-Zuhri The answer is that the delegation of Najran came before Al-Hudaybiyyah (before the victory of Makkah), and what they paid was in lieu of the Mubahalah; not as Jizyah.

The Ayah about the Jizyah was later revealed, and its ruling supported what occurred with the Najran people.

In support of this opinion, we should mention that in another instance, the ruling on dividing the booty into one – fifth (for the Prophet) and four-fifths (for the fighters) agreed with the practice of Abdullah bin Jahsh during the raid that he led before Badr.

An Ayah later on upheld the way Abdullah divided the booty. Therefore, it is possible that the Prophet wrote this statement (Say, “O People of the Scripture. ..”) in his letter to Heraclius before the Ayah was revealed.

Later on, the Qur’an agreed with the Prophet’s statement, word by word.

It is also a fact that the Qur’an was revealed in agreement with what Umar said regarding the captured disbelievers at Badr, the Hijab (Muslim woman code of dress), refraining from performing prayer for the hypocrites, and regarding his statements:

‘’And take you the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.’’ (2:125) and,

‘’It may be if he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you.’’ (66:5)

3:65.| O people of the Scripture! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim, while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him! Have you then no sense..!

3:66.| Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge! It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.

3:67.| Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa and he was not of the Mushrikin.

3:68.| Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.

Disputing with the Jews and Christians
About the Religion of Ibrahim

Allah censures the Jews and Christians for their dispute with Muslims over Ibrahim Al-Khalil and the claim each group made that he was one of them.

Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar reported that Ibn Abbas said, “The Christians of Najran and Jewish rabbis gathered before the Messenger of Allah and disputed in front of him. The rabbis said, `Ibrahim was certainly Jewish.’ The Christians said, `Certainly, Ibrahim was Christian.’

So Allah sent down,

‘’O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim,’’

…meaning, `How is it that you, Jews, claim that Ibrahim was Jew, although he lived before Allah sent down the Tawrah to Musa!

How is it that you, Christians, claim that Ibrahim was Christian, although Christianity came after his time”

… while the Tawrah and the Injil were not revealed till after him!

This is why Allah said,

‘’Have you then no sense…!

Allah then said,

‘’Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge..!

This Ayah criticizes those who argue and dispute without knowledge, just as the Jews and Christians did concerning Ibrahim. Had they disputed about their religions, which they had knowledge of, and about the Law that was legislated for them until Muhammad was sent, it would have been better for them. Rather, they disputed about what they had no knowledge of, so Allah criticized them for this behavior. Allah commanded them to refer what they have no knowledge of to He Who knows the seen and unseen matters and Who knows the true reality of all things.

This is why Allah said,

It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.

Allah said,

Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa, shunning Shirk and living in Iman, … and he was not of the Mushrikin.

This Ayah is similar to the Ayah in Surah Al-Baqarah,

And they say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided…” (2:135)

Allah said next,

Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who have believed. And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.

This Ayah means,

“The people who have the most right to be followers of Ibrahim are those who followed his religion and this Prophet, Muhammad, and his Companions from the Muhajirin, Ansar and those who followed their lead.”

Sa`id bin Mansur recorded that Ibn Mas`ud said that the Messenger of Allah said,

Every Prophet had a Wali (supporter, best friend) from among the Prophets. My Wali among them is my father Ibrahim, the Khalil (intimate friend) of my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored.

The Prophet then recited,

(Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him…).

Allah’s statement,

And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers. means, Allah is the Protector of all those who believe in His Messengers.

3:69.| A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not.

3:70.| “O People of the Scripture! Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.”

­3:71.| “O People of the Scripture! Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know!”

3:72.| And a party of the People of the Scripture say: “Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back.

3:73.| And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.” Say (O Prophet): “Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.” (And they say:) “Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.” Say: “All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.”

3:74.| He selects for His Mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.

The Envy the Jews Feel Towards Muslims;
Their Wicked Plots Against Muslims

Allah says;

A party of the People of the Scripture wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not.

Allah states that the Jews envy the faithful and wish they could misguide them.

Allah states that the punishment of this behavior will fall back upon them, while they are unaware.

Allah criticizes them,

O People of the Scripture!: Why do you disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, while you bear witness.) You know for certain that Allah’s Ayat are true and authentic.

O People of the Scripture: Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know..! by hiding what is in your Books about the description of Muhammad, while you know what you do.

And a party of the People of the Scripture say: “Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers, and reject it at the end of the day,

This is a wicked plan from the People of the Book to deceive Muslims who are weak in the religion.

They decided that they would pretend to be believers in the beginning of the day, by attending the dawn prayer with the Muslims.

However, when the day ended, they would revert to their old religion so that the ignorant people would say, “They reverted to their old religion because they uncovered some shortcomings in the Islamic religion.”

This is why they said next.

(… so that they may turn back.

Ibn Abi Najih said that Mujahid commented about this Ayah, which refers to the Jews, “They attended the dawn prayer with the Prophet and disbelieved in the end of the day in order to misguide the people. This way, people would think that they have uncovered shortcomings in the religion that they briefly followed.”

“And believe no one except the one who follows your religion.”

They said, do not trust anyone with your secret knowledge, except those who follow your religion. Therefore, they say, do not expose your knowledge to Muslims in order to prevent them from believing in it and, thus, use it as proof against you.

Allah replied,

Say: (O Prophet) “Verily, right guidance is the guidance of Allah.”

Allah guides the hearts of the faithful to the perfect faith through the clear Ayat, plain proofs and unequivocal evidence that He has sent down to His servant and Messenger Muhammad. This occurs, O you Jews, even though you hide the description of Muhammad. the unlettered Prophet whom you find in your Books that you received from the earlier Prophets.

Allah’s statement;

(And they say:) “Do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord.”

They say, “Do not disclose the knowledge that you have to the Muslims, to prevent them from learning it and thus becoming your equals. They will be even better because they will believe in it or will use it against you as evidence with your Lord, and thus establish Allah’s proof against you in this life and the Hereafter.”

Allah said,

Say: “All the bounty is in the Hand of Allah; He grants to whom He wills. meaning, all affairs are under His control, and He gives and takes. Verily, Allah gives faith, knowledge and sound comprehension to whomever He wills. He also misguides whomever He wills by blinding his sight, mind, sealing his heart, hearing and stamping his eyes closed.

Allah has the perfect wisdom and the unequivocal proofs.

And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.”

He selects for His mercy whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of great bounty. meaning, He has endowed you, O believers, with tremendous virtue, in that He honored your Prophet Muhammad over all other prophets, and by directing you to the best Shariah there is.

3:75.| Among the People of the Scripture is he who, if entrusted with a Qintar (a great amount of wealth), will readily pay it back; and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, because they say: “There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs).” But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it.

3:76.| Yes, whoever fulfills his pledge and fears Allah much; verily, then Allah loves the Muttaqin (the pious).

How Trustworthy Are the Jews

Allah says;

Among the People of the Scripture is he who, Allah states that there are deceitful people among the Jews. He also warns the faithful against being deceived by them, because some of them, if entrusted with a Qintar (a great amount) of money, will readily pay it back;

This Ayah indicates that this type would likewise give what is less than a Qintar, as is obvious. However, and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, and insisting on acquiring your rightful property.

If this is what he would do with one Dinar, then what about what is more than a Dinar..! We mentioned the meaning of Qintar in the beginning of this Surah, while the value of Dinar is well known.

Allah’s statement,

(… because they say: “There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs).” means, what made them reject the truth (or what they owed) is that they said, “There is no harm in our religion if we eat up the property of the unlettered ones, the Arabs, for Allah has allowed it for us.”

Allah replied,

But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it. for they invented this lie and word of misguidance. Rather, Allah would not allow this money for them unless they had a right to it.

Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Sa`sa`ah bin Yazid said that; a man asked Ibn Abbas, “During battle, we capture some property belonging to Ahl Adh-Dhimmah, such as chickens and sheep.”

Ibn Abbas said, “What do you do in this case?”

The man said, “We say that there is no sin (if we confiscate them) in this case.”

He said, “That is what the People of the Book said,

(There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs)).

Verily, if they pay the Jizyah, then you are not allowed their property, except when they willingly give it up.”

Allah then said,

Yes, whoever fulfills his pledge and fears Allah much, fulfills his promise and fears Allah among you, O People of the Book, regarding the covenant Allah took from you to believe in Muhammad when he is sent, just as He took the same covenant from all Prophets and their nations. Whoever avoids Allah’s prohibitions, obeys Him and adheres to the Shariah that He sent with His Final Messenger and the master of all mankind. verily, then Allah loves the Muttaqin.

3:77.| Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter (Paradise). Neither will Allah speak to them nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful torment.

There is No Share in the Hereafter
for Those Who Break Allah’s Covenant

Allah says;

Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths, Allah states that whoever prefers the small things of this short, soon to end life, instead of fulfilling what they have promised Allah by following Muhammad, announcing his description (from their books) to people and affirming his truth, then, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter.

They will not have a share or part in the Hereafter’s rewards, Neither will Allah speak to them nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, with His mercy.

This Ayah indicates that Allah will not speak words of kindness nor look at them with any mercy.

(… nor will He purify them, from sins and impurities. Rather, He will order them to the Fire.

(… and they shall have a painful torment.

There are several Hadiths on the subject of this Ayah, some of which follow.

The First Hadith: Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Dharr said, “The Messenger of Allah said,

There are three persons whom Allah will not speak to, look at on the Day of Resurrection or purify, and they shall taste a painful torment.

I said, `O Messenger of Allah! Who are they, may they gain failure and loss?’

He said, repeating this statement thrice,

• `The Musbil (man whose clothes reach below the ankles),
• he who swears while lying so as to sell his merchandize and
• the one who gives charity and reminds people of it.”’

This was also recorded by Muslim, and the collectors of the Sunan.

Another Hadith: Imam Ahmad recorded that Adi bin Amirah Al-Kindi said,

“Imru Al-Qays bin Abis, a man from Kindah, disputed with a man from Hadramut in front of the Messenger of Allah concerning a piece of land.

The Prophet required the man from Hadramut to present his evidence, but he did not have any.

The Prophet required Imru’ Al-Qays to swear to his truthfulness, but the man from Hadramut said, `O Messenger of Allah! If you only require him to swear, then by the Lord of the Ka`bah (Allah), my land is lost.’

The Messenger of Allah said,

Whoever swears while lying to acquire the property of others, will meet Allah while He is angry with him.”

Raja’ one of the narrators of the Hadith, said that; the Messenger of Allah then recited,

(Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths…).

Imru’ Al-Qays said, `What if one forfeits this dispute, what will he gain, O Messenger of Allah?’

The Prophet answered, `Paradise.’

Imru’ Al-Qays said, `Bear witness that I forfeit all the land for him.”’

An-Nasa’i also recorded this Hadith.

Another Hadith: Imam Ahmad recorded that Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

Whoever takes a false oath to deprive a Muslim of his property will meet Allah while He is angry with him.

Al-Ash`ath said, “By Allah! This verse was revealed concerning me. I owned some land with a Jewish man who denied my right, and I complained against him to the Messenger of Allah.

The Prophet asked me, `Do you have evidence?’

I said, `I don’t have evidence.’

He said to the Jew, `Take an oath then.’

I said, `O Allah’s Messenger! He will take a (false) oath immediately, and I will lose my property.’

Allah revealed the verse,

(Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths…).”

The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith.

Another Hadith: Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the

Messenger of Allah said,

Three persons whom Allah shall not speak to on the Day of Resurrection, or look at, or purify them, and they shall taste a painful torment.

They are:

• a man who does not give the wayfarer some of the water that he has;
• a man who swears, while lying, in order to complete a sales transaction after the `Asr prayer;
• and a man who gives his pledge of allegiance to an Imam (Muslim Ruler), and if the Imam gives him (something), he fulfills the pledge, but if the Imam does not give him, he does not fulfill the pledge.

Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi also recorded this Hadith, and At-Tirmidhi graded it Hasan Sahih.

3:78.| And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues, so that you may think it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: This is from Allah, but it is not from Allah and they speak a lie against Allah while they know it.

The Jews Alter Allah’s Words

Allah says;

And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues, so that you may think it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: This is from Allah, but it is not from Allah, Allah states that some Jews, may Allah’s curses descend on them, distort Allah’s Words with their tongues, change them from their appropriate places, and alter their intended meanings. They do this to deceive the ignorant people by making it appear that their words are in the Book of Allah. They attribute their own lies to Allah, even though they know that they have lied and invented falsehood.

Therefore, Allah said,

.. and they speak a lie against Allah while they know it.

Mujahid, Ash-Sha`bi, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and Ar-Rabi bin Anas said that,

(who distort the Book with their tongues), means,

“They alter them (Allah’s Words).”

Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn Abbas said that; the Ayah means they alter and add although none among Allah’s creation can remove the Words of Allah from His Books, they alter and distort their apparent meanings.

Wahb bin Munabbih said, “The Tawrah and the Injil remain as Allah revealed them, and no letter in them was removed. However, the people misguide others by addition and false interpretation, relying on books that they wrote themselves. Then,

(they say: “This is from Allah,” but it is not from Allah;). As for Allah’s Books, they are still preserved and cannot be changed.”

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded this statement.

However, if Wahb meant the books that are currently in the hands of the People of the Book, then we should state that there is no doubt that they altered, distorted, added to and deleted from them. For instance, the Arabic versions of these books contain tremendous error, many additions and deletions and enormous misinterpretation.

Those who rendered these translations have incorrect comprehension in most, rather, all of these translations. If Wahb meant the Books of Allah that He has with Him, then indeed, these Books are preserved and were never changed.

3:79.| It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allah has given the Book and Al-Hukm and Prophethood to say to the people: “Be my worshippers rather than Allah’s.” On the contrary (he would say): “Be you Rabbaniyyun, because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it.”

3:80.| Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords. Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allah’s will!

No Prophet Ever Called People to
Worship him or to Worship
Other Than Allah

Allah says;

It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allah has given the Book and Al-Hukm and Prophethood to say to the people: “Be my worshippers rather than Allah’s.”

This Ayah means, it is not for a person whom Allah has given the Book, knowledge in the Law and Prophethood to proclaim to the people, “Worship me instead of Allah,” meaning, along with Allah. If this is not the right of a Prophet or a Messenger, then indeed, it is not the right of anyone else to issue such a claim.

This criticism refers to the ignorant rabbis, priests and teachers of misguidance, unlike the Messengers and their sincere knowledgeable followers who implement their knowledge; for they only command what Allah commands them, as their honorable Messengers conveyed to them.

They also forbid what Allah forbade for them, by the words of His honorable Messengers. The Messengers, may Allah’s peace and blessings be on all of them, are the emissaries between Allah and His creation, conveying Allah’s Message and Trust. The messengers indeed fulfilled their mission, gave sincere advice to creation and conveyed the truth to them.

Allah’s statement,

On the contrary (he would say), “Be you Rabbaniyyun, because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it.” means, the Messenger recommends the people to be Rabbaniyyun.

Ibn Abbas, Abu Razin and several others said that; Rabbaniyyun means, “Wise, learned, and forbearing.”

Ad-Dahhak commented concerning Allah’s statement, (because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it).

“Whoever learns the Qur’an deserves to become a Faqih (learned).”

(and you are studying it), preserving its words.

Allah then said,

Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords.

The Prophet does not command worshipping other than Allah, whether a sent Messenger or an angel.

Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allah’s will! meaning, he would not do that, for whoever calls to worshipping other than Allah, will have called to Kufr.

The Prophets only call to Iman which commands worshipping Allah Alone without partners.

Allah said in other Ayat,

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying):

“None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me”. (21:25)

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid Taghut (all false deities).” (16:36)

And ask those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: “Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allah)!” (43:45)

Allah said concerning the angels,

And if any of them should say: “Verily, I am a god besides Him (Allah),” such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the wrongdoers. (21:29)

3:81.| And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: “Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah, and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.” Allah said: “Do you agree (to it) and will you take up Isri!” They said: “We agree.” He said: “Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses.”

3:82.| Then whoever turns away after this, they are the rebellious.

Taking a Pledge From the Prophets
to Believe in Our Prophet, Muhammad

Allah states that He took a pledge from every Prophet whom He sent from Adam until `Isa, that when Allah gives them the Book and the Hikmah, thus acquiring whatever high grades they deserve, then a Messenger came afterwards, they would believe in and support him.

Even though Allah has given the Prophets the knowledge and the Prophethood, this fact should not make them refrain from following and supporting the Prophet who comes after them.

This is why Allah, the Most High, Most Honored, said,

And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: “Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah.” meaning, if I give you the Book and the Hikmah,

“and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.”

Allah said, “Do you agree (to it) and will you take up Isri!”

Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ar-Rabi, Qatadah and As-Suddi said that; `Isri’ means, “My covenant.”

Muhammad bin Ishaq said that, (Isri) means,

“The responsibility of My covenant that you took,”

(… meaning, the ratified pledge that you gave Me.

They said: “We agree.”

He said: “Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses.”

( … then whoever turns away after this,” from fulfilling this pledge and covenant,

(… they are the rebellious.

Ali bin Abi Talib and his cousin Abdullah bin Abbas said, “Allah never sent a Prophet but after taking his pledge that if Muhammad were sent in his lifetime, he would believe in and support him.”

Allah commanded each Prophet to take a pledge from his nation that if Muhammad were sent in their time, they would believe in and support him.

Tawus, Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Qatadah said, “Allah took the pledge from the Prophets that they would believe in each other,” and this statement does not contradict what Ali and Ibn Abbas stated.

Therefore, Muhammad is the Final Prophet until the Day of Resurrection. He is the greatest Imam, who if he existed in any time period, deserves to be obeyed, rather than all other Prophets. This is why Muhammad led the Prophets in prayer during the night of Isra when they gathered in Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).

He is the intercessor on the Day of Gathering, when the Lord comes to judge between His servants. This is Al-Maqam Al-Mahmud (the praised station) (refer to 17:79) that only Muhammad deserves, a responsibility which the mighty Prophets and Messengers will decline to assume. However, Muhammad will carry the task of intercession, may Allah’s peace and blessings be on him.

3:83.| Do they seek other than the religion of Allah, while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned.

3:84.| Say: “We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqub and Al-Asbat, and what was given to Musa, `Isa and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted.”

3:85.| And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

The Only Valid Religion To Allah is Islam

Allah says;

Do they seek other than the religion of Allah, while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.

Allah rebukes those who prefer a religion other than the religion that He sent His Books and Messengers with, which is the worship of Allah Alone without partners, to Whom, (submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth), Willingly, or not.

Allah said in other Ayat,

‘’And unto Allah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.’’ (13:15) and,

‘’Have they not observed things that Allah has created: (how) their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly. And to Allah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving creatures and the angels, and they are not proud. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.’’ (16:48-50)

Therefore, the faithful believer submits to Allah in heart and body, while the disbeliever unwillingly submits to Him in body only, since he is under Allah’s power, irresistible control and mighty kingship that cannot be repelled or resisted.

Waki reported that Mujahid said that; the Ayah, (While to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly), is similar to the Ayah, (And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens and the earth!” Surely, they will say: “Allah.)’ (39:38)

He also reported that Ibn Abbas said about, (while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly),

“When He took the covenant from them.” And to Him shall they all be returned. on the Day of Return, when He will reward or punish each person according to his or her deeds.

Allah then said,

Say: “We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, the Qur’an.

(… and what was sent down to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqub, the scriptures and revelation.

(… and the Asbat, the Asbat are the twelve tribes who originated from the twelve children of Israel (Yaqub).

(… and what was given to Musa, `Isa, the Tawrah and the Injil.

(… and the Prophets from their Lord. and this encompasses all of Allah’s Prophets.

We make no distinction between one another among them, we believe in all of them.

And to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).

Therefore, faithful Muslims believe in every Prophet whom Allah has sent and in every Book He revealed, and never disbelieve in any of them. Rather, they believe in what was revealed by Allah, and in every Prophet sent by Allah.

Allah said next,

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, whoever seeks other than what Allah has legislated, it will not be accepted from him.

(… and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

As the Prophet said in an authentic Hadith,

Whoever commits an action that does not conform to our matter (religion) then it is rejected.

3:86.| How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger is true and after clear proofs came to them! And Allah guides not the people who are wrongdoers.

3:87.| They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of the angels and of all mankind.

3:88.| They will abide therein. Neither will their torment be lightened nor will it be delayed or postponed.

3:89.| Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah Does Not Guide People Who Disbelieve After they Believed, Unless They Repent

Ibn Jarir recorded that Ibn Abbas said,

“A man from the Ansar embraced Islam, but later reverted and joined the polytheists. He later on became sorry and sent his people to, `Ask the Messenger of Allah for me, if I can repent.’

Then,

(How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief) until,

(Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful), (3:86-89) was revealed and his people sent word to him and he re-embraced Islam.”

This is the wording recorded by An-Nasa’i, Al-Hakim and Ibn Hibban.

Al-Hakim said, “Its chain is Sahih and they did not record it.”

Allah’s statement,

­How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger is true and after clear proofs came to them! means, the proofs and evidences were established, testifying to the truth of what the Messenger was sent with. The truth was thus explained to them, but they reverted to the darkness of polytheism. Therefore, how can such people deserve guidance after they willingly leapt into utter blindness!

This is why Allah said,

And Allah guides not the people who are wrongdoers.

He then said,

They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of the angels and of all mankind.

Allah curses them and His creation also curses them.

They will abide therein, in the curse.

Neither will their torment be lightened nor will it be delayed or postponed. for, the torment will not be lessened, not even for an hour.

After that, Allah said,

Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

This Ayah indicates Allah’s kindness, graciousness, compassion, mercy and favor on His creatures when they repent to Him, for He forgives them in this case.

3:90.| Verily, those who disbelieved after their belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief never will their repentance be accepted. And they are those who are astray.

3:91.| Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them if they offered it as a ransom. For them is a painful torment and they will have no helpers.

Neither Repentance of the Disbeliever Upon Death, Nor His Ransoming Himself on the Day of Resurrection Shall be Accepted.

Allah says;

Verily, those who disbelieved after their belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief never will their repentance be accepted.

Allah threatens and warns those who revert to disbelief after they believed and who thereafter insist on disbelief until death. He states that in this case, no repentance shall be accepted from them upon their death.

Similarly, Allah said,        

And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them. (4:18)

This is why Allah said,

(… never will their repentance be accepted. And they are those who went astray.

to those who abandon the path of truth for the path of wickedness.

Al-Hafiz Abu Bakr Al-Bazzar recorded that Ibn Abbas said that; some people embraced Islam, reverted to disbelief, became Muslims again, then reverted from Islam.

They sent their people inquiring about this matter and they asked the Messenger of Allah. On that, this Ayah was revealed,

(Verily, those who disbelieved after their belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief never will their repentance be accepted).

The chain of narration is satisfactory.

Thereafter, Allah said,

Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them even if they offered it as a ransom.

Those who die while disbelievers, shall have no good deed ever accepted from them, even if they spent the earth’s fill of gold in what was perceived to be an act of obedience.

The Prophet was asked about Abdullah bin Jud`an, who used to be generous to guests, helpful to the indebted and who gave food (to the poor); will all that benefit him?

The Prophet said,

No, for not even one day during his life did he pronounce, `O my Lord! Forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment.

Similarly, if the disbeliever gave the earth’s full of gold as ransom, it will not be accepted from him.

Allah said,

(…nor shall compensation be accepted from him, nor shall intercession be of use to him. (2:123) and,

(…on which there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending. (14:31) and,

(Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of them, and theirs would be a painful torment. (5:36)

This is why Allah said here,

Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them if they offered it as a ransom.

The implication of this Ayah is that the disbeliever shall never avoid the torment of Allah, even if he spent the earth’s fill of gold, or if he ransoms himself with the earth’s fill of gold, – all of its mountains, hills, sand, dust, valleys, forests, land and sea.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

A man from among the people of Paradise will be brought and Allah will ask him, “O son of Adam..!

How did you find your dwelling..?”

He will say, “O Lord, it is the best dwelling.”

Allah will say, “Ask and wish.”

The man will say, “I only ask and wish that You send me back to the world so that I am killed ten times in Your cause,”

(… because of the honor of martyrdom he would experience.

A man from among the people of the Fire will be brought, and Allah will say to him, “O son of Adam! How do you find your dwelling?”

He will say, “It is the worst dwelling, O Lord.”

Allah will ask him, “Would you ransom yourself from Me with the earth’s fill of gold?”

He will say, “Yes, O Lord.”

Allah will say, “You have lied. I asked you to do what is less and easier than that, but you did not do it,” and he will be sent back to the Fire.

This is why Allah said,

For them is a painful torment and they will have no helpers. for they shall not have anyone who will save them from the torment of Allah or rescue them from His painful punishment.

3:92.| By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.

Al-Birr is Spending from
the Best of One’s Wealth

Allah says,

By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.

In his Tafsir, Waki reported, that `Amr bin Maymun said that:

(By no means shall you attain Al-Birr), is in reference to attaining Paradise.

Imam Ahmad reported that Anas bin Malik said, “Abu Talhah had more property than any other among the Ansar in Al-Madinah, and the most beloved of his property to him was Bayruha’ garden, which was in front of the (Messenger’s)

Masjid. Sometimes, Allah’s Messenger used to go to the garden and drink its fresh water.” Anas added, “When these verses were revealed,

(By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless You spend of that which you love), Abu Talhah said, `O Allah’s Messenger! Allah says,

(By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love).

No doubt, Bayruha’ garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. So I want to give it in charity in Allah’s cause, and I expect its reward and compensation from Allah. O Allah’s Messenger! Spend it where Allah makes you think is feasible.’

On that, Allah’s Messenger said,

Well-done! It is profitable property, it is profitable property. I have heard what you have said, and I think it would be proper if you gave it to your kith and kin.

Abu Talhah said, `I will do so, O Allah’s Messenger.’

Then Abu Talhah distributed that garden among his relatives and cousins.”

This Hadith was recorded in the Two Sahihs.

They also recorded that Umar said, “O Messenger of Allah! I never gained possession of a piece of property more precious to me than my share in Khyber. Therefore, what do you command me to do with it”

The Prophet said,

‘’Retain the land to give its fruits in Allah’s cause.’’

3:93.| All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israil made unlawful for himself before the Tawrah was revealed. Say: “Bring here the Tawrah and recite it, if you are truthful. ”

3:94.| Then after that, whosoever shall invent a lie against Allah, then it is these that are the wrongdoers.

3:95.| Say: “Allah has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Ibrahim the Hanif (monotheist), and he was not of the Mushrikin (idolators).”

The Questions that the Jews
Asked Our Prophet

Allah says;

”All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israil made unlawful for himself before the Tawrah was revealed.”

Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Abbas said, “A group of Jews came to Allah’s Prophet and said, `Talk to us about some things we will ask you and which only a Prophet would know.’

He said, `Ask me about whatever you wish.

However, give your pledge to Allah, similar to the pledge that Yaqub took from his children, that if I tell you something and you recognize its truth, you will follow me in Islam.’

They said, `Agreed.’

The Prophet said, `Ask me about whatever you wish.’

They said, `Tell us about four matters:

• What kinds of food did Israil prohibit for himself..?
• What about the sexual discharge of the woman and the man, and what role does each play in producing male or female offspring..?
• Tell us about the condition of the unlettered Prophet during sleep..?
• And who is his Wali (supporter) among the angels..?’

The Prophet took their covenant that they will follow him if he answers these questions, and they agreed.

He said, `I ask you by He Who sent down the Tawrah to Musa, do you not know that Israil once became very ill When his illness was prolonged, he vowed to Allah that if He cures His illness, he would prohibit the best types of drink and food for himself. Was not the best food to him camel meat and the best drink camel milk’ They said, `Yes, by Allah.’

The Messenger said, `O Allah, be Witness against them.’

The Prophet then said, `I ask you by Allah, other than Whom there is no deity (worthy of worship), Who sent down the Tawrah to Musa, do you not know that man’s discharge is thick and white and woman’s is yellow and thin. If any of these fluids becomes dominant, the offspring will take its sex and resemblance by Allah’s leave. Hence, if the man’s is more than the woman’s, the child will be male, by Allah’s leave. If the woman’s discharge is more than the man’s, then the child will be female, by Allah’s leave.’

They said, `Yes.’

He said, `O Allah, be Witness against them.’

He then said, `I ask you by He Who sent down the Tawrah to Musa, do you not know that the eyes of this unlettered Prophet sleep, but his heart does not sleep.’

They said, `Yes, by Allah!’

He said, `O Allah, be Witness.’

They said, `Tell us now about your Wali among the angels, for this is when we either follow or shun you.’

He said, `My Wali (who brings down the revelation from Allah) is Jibril, and Allah never sent a Prophet, but Jibril is his Wali.’

They said, `We then shun you. Had you a Wali other than Jibril, we would have followed you.’

On that, Allah, the Exalted revealed,

Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Jibril…” (2:97)

Allah’s statement,

” … before the Tawrah was revealed, means, Israil forbade that for himself before the Tawrah was revealed.”

There are two objectives behind revealing this segment of the Ayah.

• First, he forbade himself the most delightful things for Allah’s sake. This practice was allowed during his period of Law, and is, thus, suitable that it is mentioned after Allah’s statement,

”By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love.” (3: 92)

What we are allowed in our Law is to spend in Allah’s obedience from what we like and covet (but not to prohibit what Allah has allowed).

Allah said in other Ayat;

”And gives his wealth, in spite of love for it.” (2:177)

”And they give food, in spite of their love for it.” (76:8)

• The second reason is that after Allah refuted the false Christian beliefs and allegations about `Isa and his mother. Allah started refuting the Jews here, may Allah curse them, by stating that the abrogation of the Law, that they denied occurs, already occurred in their Law.

For instance, Allah has stated in their Book, the Tawrah, that when Nuh departed from the ark, Allah allowed him to eat the meat of all types of animals. Afterwards, Israil forbade the meat and milk of camels for himself, and his children imitated this practice after him. The Tawrah later on prohibited this type of food, and added several more types of prohibitions.

Allah allowed Adam to marry his daughters to his sons, and this practice was later forbidden.

The Law of Ibrahim allowed the man to take female servants as companions along with his wife, as Ibrahim did when he took Hajar, while he was married to Sarah. Later on, the Tawrah prohibited this practice.

It was previously allowed to take two sisters as wives at the same time, as Yaqub married two sisters at the same time. Later on, this practice was prohibited in the Tawrah.

All these examples are in the Tawrah and constitute a Naskh (abrogation) of the Law.

Therefore, let the Jews consider what Allah legislated for `Isa and if such legislation falls under the category of abrogation or not. Why do they not then follow `Isa in this regard Rather, the Jews defied and rebelled against `Isa and against the correct religion that Allah sent Muhammad with.

This is why Allah said,

All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israil made unlawful for himself before the Tawrah was revealed, meaning, before the Tawrah was revealed, all types of foods were allowed, except what Israil prohibited for himself.

Allah then said,

Say: “Bring here the Tawrah and recite it, if you are truthful.”

(… for the Tawrah affirms what we are stating here.

Allah said next,

Then after that, whosoever shall invent a lie against Allah, then these it is that are the wrongdoers. in reference to those who lie about Allah and claim that He made the Sabbath and the Tawrah eternal. They are those who claim that Allah did not send another Prophet calling to Allah with the proofs and evidences, although evidence indicates that abrogation, as we have described,

(… occurred before in the Tawrah.

(then these it is that are the wrongdoers).

Allah then said,

Say, “Allah has spoken the truth;” meaning, O Muhammad, say that Allah has said the truth in what He conveyed and legislated in the Qur’an.

(… follow the religion of Ibrahim the Hanif, and he was not of the idolators.”

Therefore, follow the religion of Ibrahim that Allah legislated in the Qur’an. Indeed, this is the truth, there is no doubt in it, and the perfect way, and no Prophet has brought a more complete, clear, plain and perfect way than he did.

Allah said in other Ayat,

Say: “Truly, my Lord has guided me to a straight path, a right religion, the religion of Ibrahim, the Hanif, and he was not of the idolators.” (6:161) and,

Then, We have sent the revelation to you (saying): “Follow the religion of Ibrahim, the Hanif, and he was not of the idolaters. (16:123)

3:96.| Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-Alamin (mankind and Jinn).

3:97.| In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (station) of Ibrahim; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alamin.

The Ka`bah is the First House of Worship

Allah said,

Verily, the first House appointed for mankind, for all people, for their acts of worship and religious rituals. They go around the House (in Tawaf), pray in its vicinity and remain in its area in Itikaf.

… was that at Bakkah, meaning, the Ka`bah that was built by Ibrahim Al-Khalil, whose religion the Jews and Christians claim they follow. However, they do not perform Hajj to the house that Ibrahim built by Allah’s command, and to which he invited the people to perform Hajj.

Allah said next,

(… full of blessing, sanctified.

(… and a guidance for Al-Alamin.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Dharr said; “I said, `O Allah’s Messenger! Which Masjid was the first to be built on the surface of the earth?’

He said, `Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Makkah).’

I said, `Which was built next..?’

He replied `Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem).’

I said, `What was the period of time between building the two?’

He said, `Forty years.’

He added,

Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer becomes due, perform the prayer there, for the whole earth was made a Masjid.” Al-Bukhari and Muslim also collected this Hadith.

The Names of Makkah, Such As `Bakkah.

Allah said,

(… was that at Bakkah, where Bakkah is one of the names of Makkah.

Bakkah means, `it brings Buka’ (crying, weeping) to the tyrants and arrogant, meaning they cry and become humble in its vicinity.

It was also said that; Makkah was called Bakkah because people do Buka next to it, meaning they gather around it.

There are many names for Makkah, such as;

• Bakkah,
• Al-Bayt Al-Atiq (the Ancient House),
• Al-Bayt Al-Haram (the Sacred House),
• Al-Balad Al-Amin (the City of Safety) and
• Al-Ma’mun (Security).

Makkah’s names include:

• Umm Rahm (Mother of Mercy),
• Umm Al-Qura (Mother of the Towns),
• Salah, (as well as others).

The Station of Ibrahim

Allah’s statement,

In it are manifest signs, means, clear signs that Ibrahim built the Ka`bah and that Allah has honored and blessed it.

Allah then said,

(… the Maqam (station) of Ibrahim, When the building (the Ka`bah) was raised, Ibrahim stood on; the Maqam so that he could raise the walls higher, while his son Ismail was handing the stones to him.

We should mention that the Maqam used to be situated right next to the House. Later, and during his reign, Umar bin Al-Khattab moved the Maqam farther to the east, so that those who go around the House in Tawaf are able to perform it easily, without disturbing those who pray next to the Maqam after finishing their Tawaf. Allah commanded us to pray next to the Maqam;

(And take you (people) the Maqam (station) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer), (2:125).

We mentioned the Hadiths about this subject before, and all the thanks are due to Allah.

Al-Awfi said that, Ibn Abbas commented on Allah’s statement, (In it are manifest signs, the Maqam of Ibrahim),

“Such as the Maqam and Al-Mash`ar (Al-Haram).”

Mujahid said, “The impression of Ibrahim’s feet remains on the Maqam as a clear sign.”

It was reported that Umar bin Abdul-Aziz, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi, Muqatil bin Hayyan and others said similarly.

Al-Haram, the Sacred Area, is a Safe Area

Allah said,

”… whosoever enters it, he attains security, meaning, the Haram of Makkah is a safe refuge for those in a state of fear. There in its vicinity, they will be safe, just as was the case during the time of Jahiliyyah.”

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said,

“(During the time of Jahiliyyah) a man would commit murder, then wear a piece of wool around his neck and enter the Haram. And even when the son of the murdered person would meet him, he would not make a move against him, until he left the sanctuary.”

Allah said,

”Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a secure sanctuary, while men are being snatched away from all around them.” (29:67) and,

”So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka`bah). (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear.” (106:3-4)

It is not allowed for anyone to hunt in the Haram or to drive game out of its den to be hunted, or cut the trees in its vicinity, or pick its grass, as the Hadiths of the Prophet and the statements of the Companions testify.

The Two Sahihs recorded (this being the wording of Muslim) that Ibn Abbas said, “On the day of the conquest of Makkah, the Messenger of Allah said,

There is no more Hijrah (migration to Makkah), only Jihad and good intention. If you were mobilized, then march forth.

He also said on the day of the conquest of Makkah,

Beware! Allah made this town (Makkah) a sanctuary when He created the heavens and earth, and it is sacred by Allah’s decree until the Day of Resurrection.

Fighting in Makkah was not permitted for anyone before me, and it was made legal for me for only a few hours or so on that day. No doubt it is at this moment a sanctuary by Allah’s decree until the Day of Resurrection.

It is not allowed to uproot its thorny shrubs, hunt its game, pick up its lost objects, except by announcing it, or to uproot its trees.

Al-Abbas said, `Except the lemon grass, O Allah’s Messenger, as they use it in their houses and graves.’

The Prophet said:

”Except lemongrass.”

The Two Sahihs also recorded that Abu Shurayh Al-Adawi said that he said to `Amr bin Sa`id while he was sending the troops to Makkah (to fight Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr),

“O Commander! Allow me to tell you what Allah’s Messenger said on the day following the conquest of Makkah. My ears heard it and my heart memorized it thoroughly, and I saw the Prophet with my own eyes when he, after glorifying and praising Allah, said,

Allah, not the people, made Makkah a sanctuary. Therefore, anybody who has belief in Allah and the Last Day, should neither shed blood in it nor cut down its trees. If anybody argues that fighting in it is permissible on the basis that Allah’s Messenger fought in Makkah, say to him, `Allah allowed His Messenger and did not allow you.’

Allah allowed me only for a few hours on that day (of the conquest), and today its sanctity is as valid as it was before. So, those who are present, should inform those who are absent of this fact.”

Abu Shurayh was asked, “What did `Amr reply?”

He said that `Amr said, “O Abu Shurayh! I know better than you in this respect; Makkah does not give protection to a sinner, a murderer or a thief.”

Jabir bin Abdullah said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah saying,

”None of you is allowed to carry a weapon in Makkah.” Muslim recorded this Hadith.

Abdullah bin Adi bin Al-Hamra Az-Zuhri said that he heard the Messenger of Allah say while standing at Al-Hazwarah in the marketplace of Makkah,

By Allah! You are the best of Allah’s land and the most beloved land to Allah. Had it not been for the fact that I was driven out of you, I would not have left you.

Imam Ahmad collected this Hadith and this is his wording.

At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah also collected it.

At-Tirmidhi said, “Hasan Sahih.”

The Necessity of Performing Hajj.

Allah said,

”And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey.”

This Ayah established the obligation of performing Hajj.

There are many Hadiths that mention it as one of the pillars and fundamentals of Islam, and this is agreed upon by the Muslims.

According to texts and the consensus of the scholars, it is only obligatory for the adult Muslim to perform it once during his lifetime.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah once gave a speech in which he said,

‘’O people! Hajj has been enjoined on you, therefore, perform Hajj.’’

A man asked, “Is it every year, O Allah’s Messenger!”

The Prophet remained silent until the man repeated the question three times and he then said, Had I said yes, it would have become an obligation and you would not have been able to fulfill it.

He said next,

Leave me as I leave you, those before you were destroyed because of their many questions and disputing with their Prophets. If I command you with something, perform it as much as you can. If I forbid something for you, then refrain from it.

Muslim recorded similarly.

Meaning of `Afford’ in the Ayah There are several categories of “the ability to under take the journey”. There is the physical ability of the person himself and the ability that is related to other things as mentioned in the books of jurisprudence.

Abu Isa At-Tirmidhi recorded that Ibn Umar said, “A man stood up and asked the Messenger of Allah, `O Messenger of Allah! Who is the pilgrim?’

He said, `He who has untidy hair and clothes.’

Another man asked, `Which Hajj is better, O Messenger of Allah’!

He said, `The noisy (with supplication to Allah) and bloody (with sacrifice).’

Another man asked, `What is the ability to undertake the journey, O Messenger of Allah!’

He said, `Having provision and a means of transportation.”’

This is the narration that Ibn Majah collected.

Al-Hakim narrated that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah was asked about Allah’s statement, (for those who are able to undertake the journey),”What does `able to undertake the journey’ mean?”

The Prophet answered, “Having sufficient provision and a means of transportation.”

Al-Hakim stated that this Hadith’s chain of narration is authentic, following the guidelines of Muslim in his Sahih, but the Two Sahihs did not collect it.

Ahmad recorded that Ibn Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

”Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him rush to perform it.” Abu Dawud also collected this Hadith.

The One who Denies the Necessity
of Hajj Becomes a Disbeliever

Allah said,

”…and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alamin.” (3:97)

Ibn Abbas, Mujahid and several others commented on this Ayah;

“Whoever denies the necessity of Hajj becomes disbeliever, and Allah is far Richer than to need him.”

Al-Hafiz Abu Bakr Al-Ismaili recorded that Umar bin Al-Khattab said,

“Whoever can afford Hajj but did not perform it, there is no difference in his case if he dies while Jew or Christian.”

This has an authentic chain of narration leading to Umar.

3:98.| Say: “O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you reject the Ayat of Allah, while Allah is Witness to what you do!”

3:99.| Say: “O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you stop those who have believed, from the path of Allah, seeking to make it seem crooked, while you (yourselves) are witnesses! And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

Chastising the People of the Book
for Their Disbelief and Blocking the Path of Allah

Allah says,

”Say: “O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)..!”

Why do you reject the Ayat of Allah, while Allah is Witness to what you do!”

In this Ayah Allah criticizes the disbelieving People of the Book for refusing the truth, rejecting Allah’s Ayat and hindering those who seek to believe from His path, although they know that what the Messenger was sent with is the truth from Allah.

Say: “O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)..!

Why do you stop those who have believed, from the path of Allah, seeking to make it seem crooked, while you (yourselves) are witnesses!

They learned this from the previous Prophets and honorable Messengers, may Allah’s peace and blessings be on them all. They all brought the glad tidings and the good news of the coming of the unlettered, Arab, Hashimi Prophet from Makkah, the master of the Children of Adam, the Final Prophet and the Messenger of the Lord of heavens and earth.

And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

Allah has warned the People of the Book against this behavior, stating that He is Witness over what they do, indicating their defiance of the knowledge conveyed to them by the Prophets.

They rejected, denied and refused the very Messenger whom they were ordered to convey the glad tidings about his coming. Allah states that He is never unaware of what they do, and He will hold them responsible for their actions,

(The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail), (26:88).

3:100.| O you who believe! If you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians), they would (indeed) render you disbelievers after you have believed..!

3:101.| And how would you disbelieve, while unto you are recited the verses of Allah, and among you is His Messenger! And whoever depends upon Allah, then he is indeed guided to the right path.

Warning Muslims Against
Imitating People of the Scriptures

Allah warns;

”O you who believe! If you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians), they would (indeed) render you disbelievers after you have believed!”

Allah warns His believing servants against obeying the People of the Book, who envy the believers for the favor that Allah gave them by sending His Messenger.

Similarly, Allah said,

”Many of the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish that they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of their own envy.” (2:109)

In this Ayah (3:100) Allah said,

”If you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians), they would (indeed) render you disbelievers after you have believed!,” then said,

”And how would you disbelieve, while unto you are recited the verses of Allah, and among you is His Messenger,”

… meaning, disbelief is far from touching you, since the Ayat of Allah are being sent down on His Messenger day and night, and he recites and conveys them to you.

Similarly, Allah said,

”And what is the matter with you that you believe not in Allah! While the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord; and He has indeed taken your covenant, if you are real believers.” (57:8)

A Hadith states that one day, the Prophet said to his Companions,

“Who among the faithful believers do you consider has the most amazing faith?”

They said, “The angels.”

He said,

“Why would they not believe, since they are with their Lord?”

They mentioned the Prophets. and the Prophet said,

“Why would they not believe while the revelation is sent down to them?”

They said, “Then, we are.”

He said, “Why would not you believe when I am among you?”

They asked, “Who has the most amazing faith?”

The Prophet said, “A people who will come after you and who will find only books that they will believe in.”

Allah said next,

”And whoever depends upon Allah, then he is indeed guided to the right path.”

… for trusting and relying on Allah are the basis of achieving the right guidance and staying away from the path of wickedness. They also represent the tool to acquiring guidance and truth and achieving the righteous aims.