In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, and in the Message of Prophet Muhammad ], and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah (Islamic Monotheism), He will render their deeds vain .
2. But those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and believe in that which is sent down to Muhammad (), for it is the truth from their Lord, He will expiate from them their sins, and will make good their state.
3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth their parables for mankind.
4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost,
5. He will guide them and set right their state.
6. And admit them to Paradise which He has made known to them (i.e. they will know their places in Paradise more than they used to know their houses in the world).
7. O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm.
8. But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), for them is destruction, and (Allah) will make their deeds vain.
9. That is because they hate that which Allah has sent down (this Qur’an and Islamic laws, etc.), so He has made their deeds fruitless.
10. Have they not travelled through the earth, and seen what was the end of those before them? Allah destroyed them completely and a similar (fate awaits) the disbelievers.
11. That is because Allah is the Maula (Lord, Master, Helper, Protector, etc.) of those who believe, and the disbelievers have no Maula (lord, master, helper, protector, etc.).
12. Certainly! Allah will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), while those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be their abode.
13. And many a town, stronger than your town (Makkah) (O Muhammad ) which has driven you out We have destroyed. And there was none to help them.
14. Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord, like those for whom their evil deeds that they do are beautified for them, while they follow their own lusts (evil desires)?
15. The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels?
16. And among them are some who listen to you (O Muhammad ) till, when they go out from you, they say to those who have received knowledge: “What has he said just now? Such are men whose hearts Allah has sealed, and they follow their lusts (evil desires).
17. While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance, and bestows on them their piety.
18. Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder?
19. So know (O Muhammad ) that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).
20. Those who believe say: “Why is not a Surah (chapter of the Qur’an) sent down (for us)? But when a decisive Surah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting (Jihad – holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with a look of one fainting to death. But it was better for them (hypocrites, to listen to Allah and to obey Him).
21. Obedience (to Allah) and good words (were better for them). And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them.
22. Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?
23. Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.
24. Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?
25. Verily, those who have turned back (have apostated) as disbelievers after the guidance has been manifested to them, Shaitan (Satan) has beautified for them (their false hopes), and (Allah) prolonged their term (age).
26. This is because they said to those who hate what Allah has sent down: “We will obey you in part of the matter,” but Allah knows their secrets.
27. Then how (will it be) when the angels will take their souls at death, smiting their faces and their backs?
28. That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless.
29. Or do those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy), think that Allah will not bring to light all their hidden ill-wills?
30. Had We willed, We could have shown them to you, and you should have known them by their marks, but surely, you will know them by the tone of their speech! And Allah knows all your deeds.
31. And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allah) and the patient ones, and We shall test your facts (i.e. the one who is a liar, and the one who is truthful).
32. Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah (i.e. Islam), and oppose the Messenger ( ) (by standing against him and hurting him), after the guidance has been clearly shown to them, they will not hurt Allah in the least, but He will make their deeds fruitless,
33. O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad ) and render not vain your deeds.
34. Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah (i.e. Islam); then die while they are disbelievers, Allah will not forgive them.
35. So be not weak and ask not for peace (from the enemies of Islam), while you are having the upper hand. Allah is with you, and will never decrease the reward of your good deeds.
36. The life of this world is but play and pastime, but if you believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and fear Allah, and avoid evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you your wealth.
37. If He were to ask you of it, and press you, you would covetously withhold, and He will bring out all your (secret) ill-wills.
38. Behold! You are those who are called to spend in the Cause of Allah, yet among you are some who are niggardly. And whoever is niggardly, it is only at the expense of his ownself. But Allah is Rich (Free of all wants), and you (mankind) are poor. And if you turn away (from Islam and the obedience of Allah), He will exchange you for some other people, and they will not be your likes.
Summary:
Surah Muhammad is the 47th chapter of the Quran, consisting of 38 verses. It is also known as “Surah Al-Qital” (The Surah of Fighting) due to its emphasis on the rules and consequences of combat between the forces of belief and disbelief. Revealed in Madinah, this surah deals with themes of justice, the rewards for believers, and the fate of disbelievers, focusing on the struggles of the early Muslim community and the importance of steadfastness in faith.
Verses 1-3: Contrast Between Believers and Disbelievers
The surah begins by contrasting the actions and fate of those who disbelieve and reject Allah’s message versus those who believe and do righteous deeds. Disbelievers will have their deeds nullified, while the deeds of believers will be accepted by Allah, ensuring their success.
Verses 4-6: Rules of Warfare
The surah provides instructions regarding warfare, particularly how prisoners should be treated. It emphasizes that war should only be conducted for the sake of Allah and under just circumstances. Believers are reminded that those who fight in the cause of Allah and are killed will be rewarded with Paradise, while disbelievers face the consequences of their opposition to the truth.
Verses 7-9: Divine Support for the Believers
These verses emphasize that Allah will support those who support His cause. If the believers remain steadfast and adhere to the path of righteousness, Allah will ensure their success. However, those who turn away from the faith and reject the guidance of Allah will have their deeds nullified and be misled.
Verses 10-12: The Consequences of Disbelief
The surah highlights the eventual downfall of those who oppose the truth, citing the destruction of previous nations that were stronger and wealthier than the disbelievers of Muhammad’s time. While the disbelievers indulge in worldly pleasures, the righteous will enjoy the rewards of Paradise, which Allah has prepared for them.
Verses 13-14: Strengthening the Believers
These verses remind believers that although the disbelievers may seem strong and prosperous, their power is temporary. True strength lies in faith, and believers should remain steadfast, knowing that their ultimate reward is with Allah. Those who are rightly guided and understand the truth will never be equal to those who follow their desires and remain heedless.
Verses 15-16: The Description of Paradise
The surah provides a vivid description of Paradise for the believers, where rivers of pure water, milk, wine, and honey flow freely. This is contrasted with the fate of the disbelievers, who will drink from boiling water that tears apart their insides as punishment for their rejection of Allah’s message.
Verses 17-19: Encouragement for the Believers
The surah encourages believers to continue following the guidance provided by Allah, increasing their understanding and faith. They are reminded to seek forgiveness for their sins and recognize the importance of adhering to the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. It emphasizes that Allah knows everything, both the seen and unseen.
Verses 20-23: The Hypocrites
The surah addresses the hypocrites within the Muslim community who hesitate when it comes to fighting for the cause of Allah. These hypocrites look for excuses and refuse to engage in battle. They are reminded that Allah knows their thoughts and intentions, and their deceitful actions will be exposed.
Verses 24-28: Warnings to the Disbelievers and Hypocrites
The surah warns the hypocrites and disbelievers that their refusal to accept the truth will lead them to destruction. They are reminded of how previous generations were punished for their arrogance and disbelief. The surah calls on them to reflect on the consequences of their actions before it is too late.
Verses 29-31: Tests and Trials
Believers are reminded that they will be tested in life to prove the sincerity of their faith. The trials they face, whether in combat or in other aspects of life, are meant to distinguish the true believers from the hypocrites. Allah knows the hearts of all individuals and will reward or punish them accordingly.
Verses 32-35: The Fate of Disbelievers
These verses warn the disbelievers of their eventual downfall and emphasize that their schemes against the believers will not succeed. The surah calls on the believers not to lose heart, remain firm in their commitment, and trust in Allah’s plan, as victory will ultimately belong to them.
Verses 36-38: Call for Generosity and Sacrifice
The surah concludes by encouraging believers to contribute to the cause of Allah, both financially and physically. It emphasizes that whatever sacrifices are made for Allah’s sake will be rewarded, while those who are stingy or refuse to participate will only harm themselves. Allah is not in need of anyone, but rather it is the believers who need to invest in their faith for their own benefit.