Surah An Nisa: Ayats 61 —- 70
When they’re told, “Come to what Allah has revealed, and come to the Messenger,” you can see how the hypocrites turn their faces away from you in disgust. [61] How will it be then when they’re trapped with misfortune on account of what their hands have prepared? Then they’ll come to you, swearing to Allah, saying, “We only meant the best and to (help people) reconcile.” [62] Allah knows what’s in the hearts of those who are like that, so steer clear of them. Yet, still speak words that will touch their souls. [63]
We only sent messengers so they could be obeyed according to the will of Allah. Now if they would’ve just come to you, (Muhammad), when they were being wrong to their own souls and asked for Allah’s forgiveness – and the Messenger had asked for their forgiveness, they would’ve found that Allah accepts repentance and is merciful. [64] But no, by your Lord, they have no faith unless and until they make you, (Muhammad), the judge between them in all their disagreements. They must not allow any resistance towards your decisions to appear in their souls, but rather they should accept (your decisions) with the greatest conviction. (65)
If We had ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes (and migrate to a new land), very few of them would’ve done it. If they just would’ve done (the little) that they were asked to do, it would’ve been better for them, and their resolve would’ve been strengthened. [66] Then We would’ve given them a great reward from Our presence [67] and guided them towards a straight path. [68]
Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those who have the favor of Allah upon them, (among whom are) the prophets, the true (in faith), the witnesses (who sacrificed their lives in Allah’s cause) and the righteous. What a beautiful fellowship! [69] This is the bounty of Allah, and it’s enough that Allah knows (about all things). [70]
Translation: Yahiya Emerick
Messengers are to be Obeyed Background on verses 64-65:
Two Muslims in Medina had a dispute over irrigation rights. The first man (Tha’laba) was a native of the city, while the second man (az-Zubayr) was a cousin of the Prophet who had immigrated from Mecca. The Prophet listened to both men and found in favor of Az-Zubayr. (The settlement essentially was a compromise that said that the men must take turns irrigating their fields.) Tha’laba became angry and accused the Prophet of merely siding with his cousin. That remark upset the Prophet, and he became saddened. This passage was revealed in response. (Asbab ul-Nuzul)
Footnote:
The true in Faith are those who worship Allah unseen, realizing that even if they don’t see Him, He sees them all. A man once asked Ali Ibn Abi Talib if he has seen Allah, he replied in the negative. The man declared that he can’t worship something he had never seen. Even though no one has seen Allah with eyes, yet their hearts have seen Him through the realities of Faith.
The anology we can’t see air, but we can see it’s effects through wind, and temperature changes. In the same way we can feel in our hearts the presence, and effects of Allah, even as we feel the effects of sinister forces which tug our hearts in different directions. If we recognize evil is real, we can recognize that goodness, and justice is real also.
Flowers and Breezes 