Tafsir of Al Imran 3:175

"It is only that Satan..."

"It is only that Satan" The predicate of "that" (dhalikum) is "Satan," meaning: "This discourager is only Satan."

"And he frightens his allies" This is an independent sentence explaining his devilish nature. Alternatively, "Satan" is an adjective for the demonstrative pronoun (dhalikum), and "he frightens" is the predicate.

The intended meaning of "Satan" here is Nu‘aym [ibn Mas‘ud] or Abu Sufyan. It is also possible that a genitive noun is omitted, meaning: "This is only the word of Satan," i.e., the word of Iblis—may God curse him.

"He frightens his allies" He frightens you with his allies, who are Abu Sufyan and his companions. This is supported by the reading of Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas‘ud: "He frightens you with his allies."

His statement, "So do not fear them," follows this. It is also said that he frightens his allies who remained behind and did not go out with the Messenger of God (peace be upon him).

If you ask: To whom does the pronoun refer in "So do not fear them" according to this interpretation? I say: It refers to "the people" in His saying: "The people have gathered against you" (3:173). So, do not fear them, lest you refrain from fighting and become cowardly.

"And fear Me" Strive alongside My Messenger and hasten to what he commands you.

"If you are believers" Meaning that faith requires you to prioritize the fear of God over the fear of people.

"And they fear no one except God" (33:39).