About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

       Whatsoever is in the heavens and on the earth glorifies Allah. And Allah is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       (Since Allah is so Great, all His Commands should be obeyed including Jihad, which some of you shun). O you who believe! Why do you utter something which you don’t do (in practice).

       It is extremely hateful to Allah that you say something but you (practically) don’t perform it. (You say: “If we know what Allah loves the most, we will readily do it.” Since Jihad is loved the most by Allah, then why do you shun it? – Bukhari, Vol.4, No.45, Musnad Ahmad 5/452)

       Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause (organized) in rows as if they were a solid structure.

       And (remember) when Musa ( )said to his people: “O my people! Why do you torture me while you know that I am a messenger to you from Allah?” So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allah does not guide people who are disobedient (to Allah).

       And (remember) when Isa (PBUH), son of Maryam, said: “I am a messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Taurat which came before me and giving you glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad. But when he [Ahmad i.e. Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] came to them with clear miracles, they said: “This is an obvious magic.”

       And who can be more wrong than the one who coins lie against Allah, though he is being invited to Islam? And Allah does not guide people who are wrong-doers.

       (Here are glad tidings of the final victory of Muslims and motivation for Jihad). They (the disbelievers) intend to put out the light of Allah (i.e. Islam) by their mouths (i.e. with their mockery), although Allah will bring His light to perfection (i.e. will dominate it over other religions) even though the disbelievers hate it.

       Allah has sent His Messenger [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] with guidance (i.e. the Quran) and the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) so that he makes this religion dominate all other religions even though the idolaters hate it.

       O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment. (Also see Surah At-Taubah:111)

       (It is as follows) you should believe in Allah and His Messenger [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] and you should strive (sincerely) in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That will be (much) better for you, if you understand.

       (If you do this) Allah will forgive your sins and admit you into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and gracious residence in Eden (i.e. Paradise). That is, indeed, a great success.

       There is a reward (in this worldly life too), and you shall love it. That is the help of Allah and a near victory (i.e. conquest of Makkah, Iran and Rome). [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Give glad tidings to the believers. (Also see Surah Aal-Imran:139)

       O you who believe! You should become helpers (in the Cause) of Allah, just like when Isa (PBUH), son of Maryam, said to his disciples: “Who are my helpers (in the Cause of Allah)?” The disciples said: “We are helpers (in the Cause) of Allah.” (The disciples did strive hard to propagate their religion. Inspite of their effort) a party of the Children of Israel believed and a party disbelieved. We helped the believers against their enemies and they became dominant.