Surah At-Tawbah (The Repentance): Verse 24

Translation and Exegesis (Tafsir) based on Mafatih al-Ghayb (Al-Razi)

Commentary:

• Contextual Background: This verse confirms the response mentioned in the first verse (of this section). A group of believers had expressed concern, saying: "O Messenger of Allah, how can we completely sever ties with them (the disbelievers)? This severance will lead to the cutting off of our relationship with our fathers, brothers, and clans, the loss of our trade, the ruin of our wealth, and the devastation of our homes, leaving us destitute."

• Divine Response: The Almighty clarified that one must endure all these worldly losses to keep the religion sound and intact.

• The Warning: He stated that if prioritizing the preservation of these worldly interests over obedience to Allah, obedience to His Messenger, and striving (Jihad) in His path is what you prefer, then "wait until Allah executes His command"—meaning an immediate or delayed punishment. The intent here is a severe threat (Wa'eed).

• Conclusion: Then He said: "And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people (al-qawm al-fāsiqīn)." This means those who deviate from His obedience toward disobedience. This is also a threat.

• The Principle Established: This verse proves that if a single matter concerning the religion conflicts with all worldly necessities, the Muslim is obligated to prioritize religion over the world.

• Linguistic Notes (Al-Wahidi):
  • {wa 'ashīratukum} (and your kindred): A man's ‘ashīrah refers to his closest relatives whom he associates with.
  • Recitation Variants: Abu Bakr (reading from 'Asim) recited it as {wa ‘ashīrātukum} (plural), while the rest recited it as singular.
    • The plural reading is used because each addressee has a clan, so when addressing them collectively, it becomes plural.
    • The singular reading is used because ‘ashīrah itself can denote a collective group, making its pluralization unnecessary. This is supported by Al-Akhfash, who noted that Arabs rarely pluralize ‘ashīrah to ‘ashīrāt; they usually pluralize it to ‘ashā’ir.
  • {iqtaraftumūhā} (you have acquired): Means 'you have earned' or 'gained.'

• Order of Worldly Concerns: Allah mentioned four categories of things that motivate association with the disbelievers:
  1. Kinship: Detailed by mentioning four specific types: fathers, sons, brothers, and spouses. The rest are covered generally by the term ‘ashīrah (kindred).
  2. Existing Wealth: The desire to keep the wealth already earned.
  3. Acquiring Wealth: The desire to gain wealth through trade.
  4. Dwellings: The desire for residences and homes built for dwelling.

• Wisdom in Ordering: This arrangement is excellent. The greatest motivator for association is kinship. Through that association, one maintains existing wealth. Through association, one acquires wealth that is not yet possessed. The last category is the desire for homes and abodes built for residence. Allah mentioned these things in this necessary order, ultimately clarifying that prioritizing religion is better than prioritizing the entirety of these matters.

{Indeed, Allah has already given you victory at many battlefields and on the day of Hunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth became tight upon you despite its spaciousness. Then you turned back in retreat. Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent down soldiers whom you did not see. And He punished those who disbelieved. And that is the recompense of the disbelievers. Then Allah will accept the repentance thereafter of whomever He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.}

Summary of Meaning:

This passage serves as a reminder and evidence supporting the command to prioritize faith over worldly attachments. Allah reminds the believers of His past aid:

1. Victory in Many Battles: Allah has already helped you previously.
2. The Lesson of Hunayn: Even on the Day of Hunayn, when your large numbers made you feel secure (which was a form of worldly attachment/pride), that number offered no benefit. The earth felt constricted despite its vastness, and you turned to flee.
3. Divine Intervention: Subsequently, Allah sent down His Sakīnah (tranquility/calmness) upon His Messenger and the believers, and He sent unseen armies (angels). This divine aid punished the disbelievers, which is the due reward for them.
4. Hope for the Believers: Following this trial, Allah accepts the repentance of whomever He wills thereafter, emphasizing His attributes of Forgiveness and Mercy.

This historical context reinforces the idea that reliance on worldly strength (like large numbers or wealth) is futile compared to reliance on Allah and adherence to His command.