Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War): (14) That is it, so taste it...

There are two issues concerning this verse:

Al-Zajjaj said:

• The word {ذالكم} is in the nominative case (رفع) because it functions as the predicate (khabar) for an implied subject (mubtada').
• The implied structure is: "The matter is that (الأمر ذالكم), so taste it."
• It is not permissible for {ذالكم} to be the subject (mubtada') and {فذوقوه} (so taste it) to be its predicate. This is because what follows the particle fa' (ف) cannot be the predicate of the subject, unless the subject is a relative pronoun (like alladhi) or an indefinite noun that is qualified (like rajulun fi ad-dar).
• However, one cannot say: Zaydun fa-munṭaliq (Zayd, then he is setting out). This is only permissible if we treat Zayd as the predicate of an implied subject, meaning: "This is Zayd, so he is setting out (أي فهو منطلق)."

After Allah established that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, Allah is severe in punishment, He then clarified the nature of that punishment:

1. It may be hastened in this world.
2. It may be postponed until the Hereafter.

By saying {ذالكم فذوقوه} (That is it, so taste it), which refers to the immediate punishment (like killing and capture), the verse hints that this worldly consequence is minor compared to the punishment reserved for them in the Hereafter.

• Therefore, Allah called it "tasting" (ذوق) because tasting is only done to become acquainted with a small portion, which then serves as a reference point for the great portion.
• The pains they immediately experience in this world are like a small taste compared to the immense matter prepared for them in the Hereafter.
• The phrase {فذوقوه} indicates that this "tasting" occurs through a means other than the perception of specific physical tastes. This is similar to His saying: {Taste! Indeed, you are the mighty, the noble!} (Ad-Dukhan 49).
• It is also related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: "I spend the night with my Lord; He feeds me and gives me drink." This indicates the affirmation of tasting, eating, and drinking through a spiritual means, distinct from the physical means.

7 < O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [in battle], do not turn your backs to them. * And whoever turns his back to them that day—unless maneuvering for battle or joining another company—has certainly brought upon himself wrath from Allah, and his refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination. > 7

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