Tafsir of At-Tawbah 9:32

Surah At-Tawbah (9): 32

{يريدون أن يطفئوا نور الله بأفواههم}

Know that the purpose here is to explain a third type of reprehensible action originating from the leaders of the Jews and Christians: their striving to invalidate the mission of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and their zeal in concealing the proofs that indicate the truthfulness of his Law (Shari'ah) and the strength of his religion.

The term "Light" (نور) here refers to the numerous proofs indicating the truthfulness of his prophethood. These proofs are manifold:

1. The overwhelming miracles that appeared through him. A miracle is either a proof of truthfulness or it is not. If it is a proof of truthfulness, then wherever the miracle appears, truthfulness must necessarily follow, obligating that Muhammad (PBUH) is truthful. If the miracle does not indicate truthfulness, it casts doubt upon the prophethood of Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them).
2. The Great Qur'an, which was revealed through the tongue of Muhammad (PBUH), despite the fact that from the beginning to the end of his life, he neither studied, nor read, nor acquired knowledge, nor looked into any book. This is one of the greatest miracles.
3. The essence of his Law is the glorification and praise of God, submission to His obedience, turning the self away from the love of this world, and encouraging the pursuit of the felicities of the Hereafter. Reason dictates that there is no path to God except through this very way.
4. His Law was free from all defects. It does not establish anything unbecoming of God, nor does it call to anything other than God. He gained vast dominion, yet he did not change his manner regarding the disdain for the world and his lack of concern for it. Had his goal been the pursuit of worldly gain, this situation would not have persisted.

These conditions are luminous proofs and overwhelming evidence for the truthfulness of his saying. Yet, with their weak words, flimsy doubts, and various forms of cunning and deceit, they sought to invalidate these proofs. This is analogous to someone trying to extinguish the light of the sun by blowing upon it. Just as that attempt is futile and wasted effort, so too is their endeavor here. This is the meaning of His saying: {They intend to put out the Light of Allah with their mouths}.

Then, the Almighty promised Muhammad (PBUH) increased support, strength, elevation of rank, and perfection of status, saying: {But Allah refuses except to perfect His Light, even if the disbelievers hate it}.

If it is asked: How is it permissible to say “Allah refuses” (يأبى), when one usually says, “I hated” or “I detested” Zayd?

We reply: The word "refuses" (أبى) is used here in the sense of "did not will" (لم يرد). The meaning is: Allah did not will anything except that. However, the term Iba' (refusal/rejection) implies an intensified lack of will, which is prevention and abstention. The proof for this is the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): "If they intend to wrong us, We refuse (أبينا)." He was praised for this. It is not permissible for him to be praised for hating injustice, because that can be said of both the strong and the weak (e.g., "So-and-so refused oppression"). The meaning we mentioned is what is intended.

The proofs were named "Light" because light guides one to what is correct, just as these proofs guide one to what is correct in the religions.

{It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over all religions, even if the polytheists detest it.}