Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah At-Taghabun

 

Name of the Surah

This surah is called At-Taghabun (“Mutual Loss and Gain”) to remind people of the Day of Judgment. On that day, it will become clear that the disbelievers will be the losers, while the believers will be the winners. Surah At-Taghabun was revealed in Al-Madinah and contains eighteen Ayat.

Relationship between Surah Al-Munafiqun and Surah At-Taghabun

Surah Al-Munafiqun mentions some characteristics of the hypocrites and warns the believers against imitating them. In contrast, Surah At-Taghabun explains that people are divided into two groups: believers, who will be the inhabitants of Paradise, and disbelievers, who will be the inhabitants of Hell. It also warns against the characteristics of the disbelievers.

64:5 Has there not come to you the news of those who disbelieved in the past? They tested the evil consequence of their conduct, and for them will be a painful punishment.

In Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah, Exalted be He, warns the believers against becoming occupied with their wealth and neglecting the remembrance of Allah and the performance of righteous deeds for the sake of Allah. He, Exalted be He, also mentions that wealth and children are nothing but a trial for people.

64:15 Your wealth and your children are only a trial, and with Allah is a great reward.

At the end of Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah commands the believers to spend their wealth for His sake. Likewise, He, Exalted be He, commands the believers at the end of Surah At-Taghabun to spend for His sake.

64:16 So fear Allah as much as you can; and listen, obey, and spend, that is better for yourselves. And whoever is guarded against the avarice of his soul, those – they are the successful.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah At-Taghabun

Although Surah At-Taghabun was revealed in Al-Madinah, it discusses issues related to creed.

The Attributes of Allah and the Creation of Humanity

Surah At-Taghabun begins by mentioning some of the attributes of Allah that relate to His perfect power and knowledge. It also refers to the creation of humankind, whose members will ultimately become either believers or disbelievers.

64:1 Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorify Allah. To Him belongs the kingdom, and to Him belongs all praises, and He is able over all things.

64:2 He is Who created you; then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allah sees well what you do.

Warning to the Disbelievers

Surah At-Taghabun then warns the disbelievers by referring to the punishment that befell the former nations who rejected their Messengers because they were human beings. The surah also mentions their denial of the Day of Judgment, which Allah refutes through His oath that it will certainly occur and that people will be justly recompensed for their deeds on that day.

64:6 That is because their Messengers came to them with the clear proofs, and then they said, ‘Shall mere men guide us?’ So they disbelieved and turned away, and Allah was in no need of them. And Allah is All-Sufficient, All-Laudable.

64:7 Those who disbelieve claim that they shall never be raised. Say, ‘Yes, indeed, by my Lord, you shall certainly be raised, then shall be told what you did, and that is easy for Allah.’

The Call to Faith and the Day of Gathering

Surah At-Taghabun invites people to believe in the Oneness of Allah, His Messenger, and the Quran, which Allah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad as guidance to the straight path. It also warns of the coming Day of Judgment, on which all people will be gathered.

On that day:

• The believers will regret not performing more righteous deeds.
• The disbelievers will regret failing to believe in the Oneness of Allah.
• The believers who performed righteous deeds in the life of this world will be admitted into Paradise, where they will enjoy everlasting happiness.
• The disbelievers will enter Hell, where they will suffer severe punishment.

64:8 So, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Light which We have revealed. And Allah is well aware of what you do.

64:9 On the day that He will gather you for the Day of Gathering, that is the Day of Mutual Loss and Gain. And whoever believes in Allah and performs righteous deeds, He will absolve him of his sins and admit him into gardens underneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever, that is the great success.

Allah’s Decree and Obedience to Him

Surah At-Taghabun further confirms that everything that occurs in the universe takes place by the will of Allah. It also emphasizes obedience to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad and complete reliance upon Allah in all matters. However, those who turn away from the path that pleases Allah will never harm Allah or His Messenger in the least.

64:11 No affliction befalls save by the leave of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah, He will guide his heart. And Allah is All-Knowing of all things.

The Trial of Wealth and Family

Surah At-Taghabun also warns against the trial of wives and children, as they may prevent a person from striving for the sake of Allah.

64:15 Your wealth and your children are only a trial, and with Allah is a great reward.

Concluding Commandments

Finally, Surah At-Taghabun concludes with the command to fear Allah as much as one is able and to spend for the sake of Allah. Moreover, it warns against greed and stinginess. The surah also mentions that Allah, out of His generosity, will multiply the reward of those who spend for the sake of raising the religion of Allah high.

64:16 So fear Allah as much as you can; and listen, obey, and spend, that is better for yourselves. And whoever is guarded against the avarice of his soul, those – they are the successful.

64:17 If you lend to Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you, and forgive you. And Allah is All-thankful, All-Forbearing.

 

Tafsir Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 9–11 Warning the Believers of the Danger of Worldly Distraction

 

63:9 O you who believe, let not your wealth, nor your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah; and whoever does that – those are the losers.

63:10 And spend of that which We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he should say, ‘O my Lord, if only You give me a reprieve until a brief term so that I may give charity and become of the righteous.’

63:11 And Allah will never give a soul a reprieve when its term comes, and Allah is well aware of what you do.

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous parts discuss the wickedness of the hypocrites and strongly criticize them. This part warns the believers against adopting the evil characteristics of the hypocrites. Moreover, the believers are commanded to spend from their wealth as much as they can before death comes to them suddenly. Otherwise, they will regret not performing righteous deeds that would benefit them in the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Tafsir

63:9 O you who believe, let not your wealth, nor your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah; and whoever does that – those are the losers.

The intended meaning of this Ayah is to prohibit the believers from imitating the hypocrites in their wickedness and from favoring the transient life of this world over the lasting life of the Hereafter.

O you who believe in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad, do not let your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah and from performing righteous deeds that will benefit you in the Hereafter. This includes occupying yourselves with collecting wealth and taking care of your children to the exclusion of preparing yourselves for the Hereafter.

The remembrance of Allah in this Ayah refers to all obligations that Allah has commanded the believers to perform and all types of righteous deeds for which the believer will be rewarded.

The Ayah refers specifically to wealth and children because people usually occupy themselves with caring for them while neglecting what will benefit them in the Hereafter. A person may spend most of his life collecting wealth. In addition, many people may neglect fulfilling their religious and moral obligations in pursuit of wealth.

63:9 O you who believe, let not your wealth, nor your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah.

This Ayah implies that if one seeks to collect wealth and take care of his children without allowing them to divert him from performing his obligations and remembering Allah, then he will not be blamed; rather, Allah will be pleased with him.

And whoever does that – those are the losers.

Those who occupy themselves with collecting wealth and taking care of their children to the exclusion of fulfilling their obligations are the losers. That is because they neglect the commands of Allah and favor the transient life of this world over the lasting life of the Hereafter.

63:10 And spend of that which We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he should say, ‘O my Lord, if only You give me a reprieve until a brief term so that I may give charity and become of the righteous.’

Allah, Exalted be He, exhorts the believers to spend for His sake.

O you who believe in Allah and His Messenger, spend from what Allah has provided you on righteous deeds to thank Allah for His blessings before death comes to one of you and he regrets not doing so. When death approaches one of you, he will say, ‘O my Lord, if only You give me a reprieve until a brief term so that I may give charity for Your sake and become of the righteous.’

This statement indicates that every neglectful person will suffer intense regret at the time of death and will wish to be given a brief extension so that he may make up for his past negligence.

Spending in this Ayah refers to spending one’s wealth on all kinds of righteous deeds, including obligatory and voluntary charity and other beneficial deeds.

Moreover, the Ayah indicates that spending should be from some of one’s wealth and not all of it. This demonstrates the mercy of Allah toward His slaves, as He does not obligate them to spend all their wealth on charitable causes.

In other words, O you who believe, do not let your wealth and children divert you from obeying Allah, Exalted be He. Rather, you should always obey His commands and spend on charitable causes as much as you can before the signs of death approach you. Otherwise, you will strongly regret failing to perform righteous deeds while you were healthy and capable of doing so. When death comes, hoping to return to the life of this world will be impossible, and one will not be able to make up for the negligence committed while healthy and able to perform righteous deeds. The wealth that you enjoy is a bounty from Allah that He has granted you out of His generosity and mercy.

63:11 And Allah will never give a soul a reprieve when its term comes, and Allah is well aware of what you do.

Allah will never give a soul a reprieve when its term in the life of this world comes to an end. Allah is fully aware of what people do, and He will justly recompense them according to their deeds, whether good or evil.

The Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 9–11

·        The believer should occupy his time with righteous deeds, such as recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah, and performing the prayer.

·        The believers are warned against dedicating their time solely to collecting wealth and taking care of their children in a manner that causes them to neglect their obligations toward Allah.

·        The believers should fulfill their obligations as soon as they become due because they do not know when death will come.

·        The believers should spend from the wealth that Allah has given them on righteous deeds.

·        Those who neglect abiding by the commands of Allah will deeply regret it when death comes. They will wish to return to the life of this world to perform righteous deeds; however, it will be too late. Allah will never delay the appointed time of death.

·        Allah is fully aware of what people do, and He will justly recompense them according to their deeds, whether good or evil.

 

Tafsir Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 5–8 Proofs Attesting to the Lying of the Hypocrites

 

63:5 And when it is said to them, ‘Come, and Allah’s Messenger will ask forgiveness for you,’ they twist their heads, and you see them turning away arrogantly.

63:6 It is the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; Allah will never forgive them. Verily, Allah guides not the disobedient people.

63:7 They are the ones who say, ‘Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they desert him.’ And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

63:8 They say, ‘If we return to Al-Madinah, the more honorable ones will expel the meaner ones therefrom’; and to Allah belong the honor, and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part discloses the hideous characteristics of the hypocrites. This part then presents proofs attesting to their repugnant traits through real-life examples, such as their refusal to apologize for their mistakes and their insistence on expelling the believers from Al-Madinah after the battle of Banu Al-Mustaliq.

Tafsir

63:5 And when it is said to them, ‘Come, and Allah’s Messenger will ask forgiveness for you,’ they twist their heads, and you see them turning away arrogantly.

The Quran exegetes mention several narrations concerning the cause of revelation of this Ayah. Imam Muhmmad Bin Jarir At-Tabari said:

‘Abdul Allah Bin Abi Salul said to his companions, “Do not spend on those with the Messenger of Allah until they desert him.” And he also said, “If we return to Al-Madinah, the more honorable ones will expel the meaner ones therefrom.” Thereafter, Zayd Bin Arqam heard what he said. Thus, Zayd informed Messenger Muhammad about the statement of Abdul Allah Bin Abi Salul. However, Abdul Allah swore that he never made such a statement. Abdul Allah was then told that he should go to Messenger Muhammad and ask him to ask Allah to forgive his sins. However, Abdul Allah kept twisting and moving his head arrogantly, indicating that he would not do so. Thereafter, Allah, Exalted be He, revealed Surah Al-Munafiqun concerning him and his companions.’

This Ayah reveals another characteristic of the hypocrites, namely their arrogance, stubbornness, and insistence on disbelief and hypocrisy.

When some believers advise the hypocrites to desist from hypocrisy and disbelief by saying, ‘Come, Allah’s Messenger will ask forgiveness for you from Allah,’ the hypocrites twist their heads in refusal and turn away arrogantly.

Meaning of: ‘Come, and Allah’s Messenger will ask forgiveness for you’

Allah’s Messenger asking forgiveness for the hypocrites means that they repent of their sins before him and declare their repentance openly so that Allah’s Messenger may ask Allah to accept their repentance and forgive their sins.

In other words, some believers said to the hypocrites, ‘A Quranic revelation has been revealed exposing your wickedness; therefore, repent of your sins, ask Allah to forgive your sins, desist from hypocrisy, and seek the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad.’ However, the hypocrites turned away arrogantly and refused to seek the forgiveness of Allah.

63:6 It is the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; Allah will never forgive them. Verily, Allah guides not the disobedient people.

This Ayah clearly declares that the hypocrites will never accept the path of guidance and will never believe in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad.

For those whose disbelief and hypocrisy are deeply rooted in their hearts, it is the same whether Messenger Muhammad asks Allah to forgive their sins or does not ask Allah to forgive them. This is because disbelief and hypocrisy are firmly established in their hearts; thus, they cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood, nor between light and darkness. Consequently, they disbelieve in reward for righteous deeds and punishment for evil deeds.

Allah will never forgive them. Verily, Allah guides not the disobedient people.

Since disbelief and hypocrisy are deeply rooted in the hearts of the hypocrites, Allah will never forgive their sins, regardless of how eager Messenger Muhammad is to guide them to the right path. Verily, Allah does not guide the disobedient people who choose falsehood and refuse to follow the truth.

The divine law necessitates that Allah will never guide to the path of guidance those who persist in disobeying His commands and who prefer falsehood over truth, and disbelief over belief in the Oneness of Allah, because of their wickedness and their love for following the steps of Satan.

63:7 They are the ones who say, ‘Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they desert him.’ And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

Those hypocrites, whom Allah will never forgive because they arrogantly disobey His commands, supported the statement of their leader, who said to them, ‘Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah among the poor emigrant believers until they desert him and leave him alone.’

In reality, the hypocrites did not mean that they would spend on those believers if they deserted Messenger Muhammad. Rather, they meant, ‘Continue withholding support from the poor emigrant believers until they leave Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and it becomes a residence exclusively for us.’

Not all the hypocrites said, ‘Do not spend on those with the Messenger of Allah.’ However, the Ayah attributes this statement to them collectively because they accepted it and did not object to it.

Qatada said: ‘[63:7 They are the ones who say, “Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they desert him.”] This is the statement of Abdul Allah Bin Abi Salul to his companions among the hypocrites. He said to them, “Do not spend on Muhammad and his companions so that they will desert him.”’

And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

To Allah alone belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth. He grants from His bounty to whomever He wills and deprives whomever He wills of His bounty. However, the hypocrites do not understand this reality because they are ignorant of the perfect ability of Allah, and denial and misguidance overwhelm their souls.

63:8 They say, ‘If we return to Al-Madinah, the more honorable ones will expel the meaner ones therefrom’; and to Allah belong the honor and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

This Ayah narrates another example of the hideous statements of the hypocrites. Although Abdul Allah Bin Abi Salul made this statement, the Quran attributes it to all the hypocrites because they accepted it and were pleased with it.

Arrogantly and shamelessly, the hypocrites said, ‘If we return to Al-Madinah after this battle ends, the more honorable ones will expel the meaner ones from Al-Madinah so that none of them will remain therein.’

And to Allah belong the honor and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

To Allah alone belong honor and dignity, and also to those whom Allah honors among His Messengers and the believers. However, the hypocrites do not know this because they are ignorant of the perfect ability of Allah. Denial and misguidance have filled their hearts, preventing them from distinguishing truth from falsehood.

The Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 5–8

• The reason for the hypocrites’ refusal to apologize for their evil deeds and statements, and their turning away from believing in Messenger Muhammad, is their arrogance and haughtiness.
• Asking Allah to forgive the hypocrites will never benefit them because Allah will never forgive them as long as they persist in disbelieving in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad and continue provoking others against Messenger Muhammad and the believers. Indeed, Allah will never guide those who insist on disbelief to the right path.
• The hypocrites urged people not to spend on those who were with Messenger Muhammad in order to force them to leave him. Allah emphasizes that He is the Owner of all the treasures of the heavens and the earth, and that all the keys of sustenance are in His Hands. Allah provides sustenance to whomever He wills and deprives whomever He wills of sustenance. However, the hypocrites do not understand this reality, nor do they understand that when Allah wills something, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it immediately comes into existence.
• The hypocrites were deceived by their wealth and position, leading them to believe that they alone were the honored ones to the exclusion of the believers. This is sheer delusion. The truth is that dignity and honor belong only to Allah and to those whom He has chosen among the prophets, the messengers, and the believers.

 

Tafsir Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 1–4 Characteristics of the Hypocrites

 

63:1 When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’ And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars.

63:2 They have taken their oaths as a shield, and thus, they turn others from the path of Allah. Surely, evil is that which they used to do.

63:3 That is because they believed, then they disbelieved; thus, a seal has been set on their hearts so that they do not understand.

63:4 And when you see them, their bodies please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are like propped-up timbers. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemy; so beware of them. Allah has cursed them. How they are perverted!

Tafsir

63:1 “When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’”

Surah Al-Munafiqun begins by referring to one of the most obnoxious characteristics of the hypocrites, namely, lying and deception.

O noble Messenger Muhammad, when the hypocrites come to your assembly, they deceptively and falsely say, ‘We bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah and that you are truthful regarding the revelation that Allah has revealed to you.’

The hypocrites emphasized their statement that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah in order to give the false impression that they were truthful in their testimony.

“And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars.”

O noble Messenger Muhammad, Allah, Exalted be He, knows that you are truly His Prophet and Messenger whether the hypocrites acknowledge it or not. Indeed, you do not need the testimony of the hypocrites, for it is false. Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars because their statements contradict what their hearts truly believe.

The hearts of the hypocrites conceal disbelief, doubt, and enmity toward Messenger Muhammad and the believers.

True belief in Allah and His Messenger is only complete when what one believes in the heart agrees with what the tongue says. However, the hypocrites say what contradicts their hearts. Their tongues declare belief in Allah and His Messenger, while their hearts disbelieve in them.

63:2 “They have taken their oaths as a shield, and thus, they turn others from the path of Allah.”

This refers to some of the evil means that the hypocrites use to make people believe them.

When the lies of the hypocrites are exposed and their disbelief and hypocrisy are revealed, they immediately resort to swearing false oaths in order to conceal their evil nature. They swear that they never said anything against Messenger Muhammad or the believers, although this is a sheer lie.

In other words, the hypocrites make false oaths their shield in order to protect themselves from any harm that may befall them if their true nature is exposed.

“And thus, they turn others from the path of Allah. Surely, evil is that which they used to do.”

By using false oaths, the hypocrites turn people away from the straight path of Allah. This is because people are deceived by these false oaths, which cause them to doubt the truthfulness of the message of Messenger Muhammad.

Surely, evil is that which the hypocrites used to do. They not only follow the path of misguidance themselves, but also cause other people to follow it. Thus, they combine more than one evil act, including:

Intentionally making false oaths

Turning away from the path of guidance

Causing other people to turn away from the path of guidance

63:3 “That is because they believed, then they disbelieved; thus, a seal has been set on their hearts so that they do not understand.”

The hypocrites used to lie, deceive, and turn other people away from the path of Allah because they uttered the testimony of faith with their tongues while their hearts disbelieved. Then they persisted in disbelief and manifested clear actions and behaviors confirming their deep disbelief.

Thus, Allah set a seal upon their hearts because of their persistence in disbelief, so they could no longer understand the true meaning of sincere faith, let alone experience the strong feeling of true belief.

Regarding the statement, “That is because they believed, then they disbelieved...,” Abu Al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari said:

‘If you say, “The hypocrites were always disbelievers. Thus, why is it said that they believed and then disbelieved?” I say, “There are three meanings to this statement:

They uttered the testimony of faith and outwardly acted as the believers do, and then they disbelieved. Namely, their disbelief became exposed, and their statements confirmed their true attitude toward Islam and the Muslims.

The hypocrites uttered the testimony of faith when they were with the believers, and then they uttered words of disbelief when they were with their fellow hypocrites.

The statement in the Ayah refers only to those hypocrites who disbelieved after they had truly believed.”’

Qatada, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

‘[63:3 That is because they believed, then they disbelieved; thus, a seal has been set on their hearts so that they do not understand.] The hypocrites testified with their tongues that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah, but their hearts denied and hated that.’

63:4 And when you see them, their bodies please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are like propped-up timbers. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemy; so beware of them. Allah has cursed them. How they are perverted!

This Ayah eloquently portrays the hypocrites in a manner that causes every person of sound mind to despise and disdain them and to strive to avoid them.

O noble Messenger, when you see those hypocrites, their bodies please you because of their beauty and attractive appearance. If they speak, you listen to their speech and may think that they are truthful, although they are liars.

When the hypocrites sit in your assembly, leaning their backs against the walls while their hearts are devoid of faith and goodness, they are like propped-up timbers that are devoid of any beneficial use.

In summary, the hypocrites possess appealing appearances and eloquent speech; however, their hearts are devoid of goodness. Rather, their hearts are filled with ugly characteristics.

Allah, Exalted be He, has likened the hypocrites to propped-up timbers in order to criticize them and clearly demonstrate that they are devoid of goodness.

“They think that every cry is against them.”

This Ayah clearly demonstrates that the hypocrites are cowardly and fainthearted.

The hypocrites think that every cry is directed against them because of their cowardly hearts, evil intentions, and wicked souls. They think that every cry of a person searching for his lost animal is intended to expose or punish them for their evil deeds and wicked behavior.

It was also said that the hypocrites feared that Allah might reveal a revelation exposing their wickedness.

“They are the enemy; so beware of them. Allah has cursed them. How they are perverted!”

O noble Prophet, the hypocrites are the true enemy. They are the enemies of Allah, His Prophet, and the believers. Their enmity is extreme and deeply rooted in their hearts. Therefore, beware of them and do not be deceived by their outward appearance or deceitful conduct toward you.

Allah has cursed them because of their maliciousness and wickedness. How greatly they are perverted and turned away from the straight path that leads to happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

The Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Munafiqun Ayah 1–4

·        True faith is firm belief in the heart, and truthful speech reflects what is in the heart. Whoever says something while believing its opposite in his heart is a liar. The hypocrites are liars because they say what they do not believe in their hearts.

·        The hypocrites do not hesitate to make false oaths and turn people away from Islam. They use false oaths as a shield to protect themselves from any harm that may befall them if their true nature is exposed. Consequently, people are deceived by their false oaths and think that they are true believers when they are not. This behavior causes people to turn away from embracing Islam and discourages them from fighting for the sake of Allah, since the hypocrites themselves habitually refrain from fighting for the sake of Allah, thereby encouraging others to imitate their evil behavior.

·        The hypocrites are disbelievers because they testify with their tongues that they are believers while their hearts disbelieve. The decisive criterion for true belief is the heart. Since the hypocrites believe only with their tongues, Allah, Exalted be He, has placed a seal upon their hearts, making them unable to understand or recognize the signs and proofs of true faith.

·        People are not judged by their outward shapes, forms, or appearances. Rather, actual deeds, truthful speech, and perceived realities are the proper standards by which they are judged. The hypocrites possess beautiful appearances and eloquent tongues, yet they are like bodies without souls and images without meaning.

·        Hypocrisy usually leads to anxiety, hesitation, weakness, cowardice, defeatism, apprehension, and restlessness. The hypocrites think that every cry is against them because of their extreme cowardice.

·        The hypocrites are enemies of the believers; therefore, caution should be exercised regarding their eloquent speech, their conspiracies against the believers, and their knowledge of the believers’ affairs, lest such information reach the enemies of the Muslims.

·        Allah, Exalted be He, has cursed the hypocrites because they willingly turn away from the straight path and follow the path of misguidance, despite the presence of clear proofs supporting the truth before them.

 

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Munafiqun

 

Name of the Surah

This surah is called Al-Munafiqun (“the hypocrites”) because it begins by a discussion about the hypocrites and describing their attributes, as well as their hostile attitudes toward Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] and the believers.
Surah Al-Munafiqun was revealed in Al-Madinah and contains eleven Ayah.

Relationship between Surah Al-Jumu’ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun
There is a clear contrast between the themes of Surah Al-Jumu’ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun:

·         Surah Al-Jumu’ah speaks about the believers.

·         Surah Al-Munafiqun speaks about the hypocrites.

·         Surah Al-Jumu’ah refers to those who disbelieved in the message of Messenger Muhammad, namely the Jews.

·         Surah Al-Munafiqun refers to those who disbelieved in the message of Messenger Muhammad in their hearts while pretending to believe in him with their tongues, namely the hypocrites.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Munafiqun
The main theme of Surah Al-Munafiqun is similar to the themes of other surahs revealed in Al-Madinah. These surahs typically address matters related to Islamic law and issues that led to the emergence of the phenomenon of hypocrisy.

Surah Al-Munafiqun begins by describing the attributes of the hypocrites. Among their characteristics are:

·         Lying, as they pretend to be believers while concealing disbelief in their hearts

·         Making false oaths

·         Cowardice and weakness

·         Conspiring against Prophet Muhammad and the believers

·         Turning people away from Islam

63:1 When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’ And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars.

63:2 They have taken their oaths as a shield, and thus, they turn others from the path of Allah. Surely, evil is that which they used to do.

The surah then refers to some of the hypocrites’ shameful and arrogant attitudes. They claim that they are more honorable than Messenger Muhammad and the believers. The Quran completely refutes this claim and affirms that honor belongs to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.

63:8 They say, ‘If we return to Al-Madinah, the more honorable ones will expel the meaner ones therefrom’; and to Allah belong the honor and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

Finally, Surah Al-Munafiqun concludes by urging the believers to obey Allah and His Messenger and to spend from their wealth for the sake of Allah before death comes to them, which will never be delayed when its appointed time arrives.

63:10 And spend of that which We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he should say, ‘O my Lord, if only You give me a reprieve until a brief term so that I may give charity and become of the righteous.’

63:11 And Allah will never give a soul a reprieve when its term comes, and Allah is well aware of what you do.

 

Tafsir of Surah Al-Jumu’ah Ayah 9–11 Friday Prayer is Obligatory

 

62:9 O you who believe, when a proclamation is made for the prayer on the Day of Friday, proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business; that is better for you if you but know.

62:10 And when the prayer is finished, go about in the land and seek of the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may succeed.

62:11 And when they see merchandise or diversion, they disperse heading to it and leave you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than diversion and merchandise. And Allah is the Best of Sustainers.’

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentions that the Jews flee from death because of their love for the life of this world. Thus, Allah, Exalted be He, seeks to educate the believers and direct them to balance their efforts between the life of this world and the Hereafter. He commands them to attend the Friday prayer to attain the reward of the Hereafter and then directs them to go about in the land to seek lawful subsistence for the life of this world.

Allah, Exalted be He, then strongly criticizes the believers who left Messenger Muhammad while he was delivering the Friday sermon in order to attend to their business. Thereafter, Allah permits the believers to go about in the land and seek livelihood after performing the Friday prayer.

Cause of Revelation

Jabir Bin Abdul Allah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: ‘While we were performing the Friday prayer with Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], a caravan carrying food arrived. Thereupon, the people went towards it until only twelve persons remained with the Prophet. Thereafter, the following Ayah was revealed: [62:11 And when they see merchandise or diversion, they disperse heading to it and leave you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than diversion and merchandise. And Allah is the Best of Sustainers.’]’

Tafsir

62:9 O you who believe, when a proclamation is made for the prayer on the Day of Friday, proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business; that is better for you if you but know.

The previous part criticized the Jews, who claimed that they were the chosen people of Allah to the exclusion of others. In contrast, in this part, Allah, Exalted be He, addresses the believers, commanding them to proceed promptly to the prayer upon hearing the call and forbidding them from occupying themselves with worldly matters at the expense of remembering and obeying Him.

O you who believe in the Oneness of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad, when the call for the Friday prayer is proclaimed, you should proceed to the remembrance of Allah and the performance of the prayer. You should be eager to benefit from listening to the Friday sermon, as it contains beneficial knowledge, and you will be rewarded immensely for doing so. You should leave off business regardless of the profit you may attain.

Proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business…

When proceeding to the prayer, the believers should walk with solemnity and dignity. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said: ‘When you proceed to pray, do not walk swiftly; rather, proceed to it with calmness. Whatever you catch up of it, pray, and whatever you miss, make up for it. Whoever is proceeding to perform the prayer is in the prayer.’

The remembrance of Allah refers to the Friday sermon and the prayer, as both contain the remembrance of Allah.

That is better for you if you but know.

Leaving off business upon hearing the call for the Friday prayer, proceeding to perform it, and listening to the sermon are better for you than any worldly gain, if you know. Verily, complying with the commands of Allah is better for you if you possess sound understanding, as it leads to happiness in both the life of this world and the Hereafter.

62:10 And when the prayer is finished, go about in the land and seek of the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may succeed.

O believers, after you have performed the prayer as properly as you can, you may go about in the land and resume your previous activities. You may seek the bounty of Allah by engaging in trade and any form of permissible business. Moreover, you should continue to remember Allah frequently so that you may succeed and attain reward in both this world and the Hereafter.

It should be noted that the command to seek livelihood after the prayer is not obligatory; rather, it is permissible. The believers may seek it after the prayer or at any other time.

The intended meaning is to draw people’s attention to the abundance of time available after the prayer to pursue livelihood and attend to business. However, when they hear the call for the prayer—especially the Friday prayer—they should leave whatever occupation they are engaged in and immediately prepare for and perform the prayer.

And remember Allah much so that you may succeed.

O believers, after performing the prayer and going about in the land to seek livelihood, you should remember Allah frequently and not allow the pursuit of livelihood to distract you from the remembrance of Allah and obedience to His commands. Verily, all success lies in prioritizing matters of religion over worldly concerns and preferring what is lasting over what is transient.

Reflecting on this Ayah, one finds that it presents a well-balanced methodology for the Muslim, combining the requirements of the Hereafter with those of the life of this world. It commands the Muslim to seek lawful livelihood while also instructing him to leave all worldly matters when the time of prayer arrives, so that he may remember Allah and attain His pleasure, in which all success lies.

Surah Al-Jumu’ah then concludes with a criticism that offers both guidance and reproach to those who prefer the gains of the life of this world over the sublime rewards of the Hereafter.

62:11 And when they see merchandise or diversion, they disperse heading to it and leave you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than diversion and merchandise. And Allah is the Best of Sustainers.’

O noble Prophet of Allah, when the believers who were listening to your Friday sermon saw a caravan carrying merchandise entering the city or observed a form of amusement, they dispersed towards it and left you standing on the pulpit while you were still delivering the sermon.

O noble Prophet of Allah, say to them: ‘What is with Allah—the great reward that He has prepared for the sincere believers in the Hereafter—is better than diversion, amusement, and merchandise. Allah is the Best of Sustainers; therefore, you should seek sustenance from Him alone. You should strive to attain His pleasure by obeying His commands and performing righteous deeds, which are among the causes of attaining lawful sustenance. Allah has apportioned sustenance for His servants, and He will never deprive anyone of their decreed provision for attending the prayer.’

Ibn Malik reported that Dihyah Bin Khalifah brought oil merchandise from Ash-Sham while Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] was delivering the Friday sermon. When the people saw him, they went towards him for fear that others might reach him before them. Thus, the following Ayah was revealed: [62:11 And when they see merchandise or diversion, they disperse heading to it and leave you standing.]’

The Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Jumu’ah Ayah 9–11

• It is obligatory to answer the call for the Friday prayer, which must be performed in congregation in the mosque. Books of Fiqh provide detailed discussions regarding those upon whom it is obligatory.
• It is prohibited to engage in business at the time of the Friday prayer for those who are required to attend it.
• The believer should remember Allah as much as possible.
• The believer’s pursuit of worldly livelihood should be accompanied by remembrance and fear of Allah, lest love for it overwhelms him.
• Constant fear of Allah leads to success in both the life of this world and the Hereafter.
• It is permissible to engage in business and seek livelihood after performing the Friday prayer.