Surah At-Tawbah (The Repentance): (52) Say, "Do you await for us..."

Tafsir of Verse 52

This is the second response to the rejoicing of the hypocrites over the misfortunes of the believers.

Analysis of Outcomes:

1. For the Believer (Mujahid):
   • If defeated or killed in battle, he achieves a good reputation in this world and the great reward prepared by Allah for martyrs in the Hereafter.
   • If victorious, he gains lawful wealth and a noble reputation (manliness, strength, and power) in this world, and great reward in the Hereafter.

2. For the Hypocrite (who stays behind):
   • In this life, he is condemned, associated with cowardice, failure, weakness of heart, and contentment with base worldly matters shared even by women and children. He lives in constant fear for himself, his family, and his wealth.
   • In the Hereafter, if he dies naturally, he faces eternal torment on the Day of Resurrection. If Allah permits their killing, they face death, captivity, and plunder, transitioning from this world to the torment of the Fire.

The Challenge:

The hypocrite can only await one of two outcomes for the believer, both of which are characterized by utmost glory and honor. Conversely, the believer awaits one of two outcomes for the hypocrite:

1. Remaining in this world with shame, humiliation, and disgrace, followed by the torment of the Resurrection.
2. Being killed and plundered in this world, accompanied by shame and disgrace, followed by the torment of the Fire.

Both outcomes awaiting the hypocrite are characterized by extreme baseness and vileness.

Therefore, Allah tells the hypocrites: "Then wait; indeed, we are waiting with you..." (awaiting your fall into one of those vile, impending states).

Linguistic Notes:

• Al-Wahidi stated that saying someone "awaits calamities for another" means expecting misfortune to befall them, which has been discussed previously.
• The Scholars of Meanings define tarabbus (awaiting) as holding onto something until its time comes. Thus, someone "awaits food" if he holds onto it until its price increases.
• Hasna (الحسنى) is the feminine form of Ahsan (الأحسن - better/best).

Interpretation of "with punishment from Him or by our hands":

• Opinion 1: "From Him" means a punishment sent down by Allah in this world. "By our hands" means Allah permits us (the believers) to kill you.
• Opinion 2: "From Him" encompasses both the punishment of this world and the Hereafter. "By our hands" refers specifically to killing.

Addressing a Potential Objection:

Objection: If they are hypocrites who outwardly profess faith, killing them is not permissible. How can Allah say this?

Response: Al-Hasan said that "By our hands" means if their hypocrisy becomes manifest. Once their hypocrisy is exposed, they are treated like all other polytheists who are enemies of the believers.

Furthermore, although the command "Then wait" is in the imperative form, it carries the meaning of threat and warning, similar to the verse: "Taste! Indeed, you are the mighty, the noble one!" (referring to the wicked end of Abu Jahl).

And Allah knows best.

! 7 < { Say, "Spend willingly or unwillingly; never will it be accepted from you. Indeed, you were a people defiantly disobedient (Fasiqin)." } > 7

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Tafsir of Verse 53

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