were it not for Allah’s repelling some men with others, the earth would have been corrupted

Summary of the verse.. audio

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ce082c05-bd2f-4c8f-9615-f06992c655c8/audio

From TFMQ 

Below is the translation of **Qur’an 2:251** (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 251) followed by its explanation from **Tafhim-ul-Qur’an** by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, a prominent 20th-century Islamic scholar known for his comprehensive and contextual exegesis. The translation and explanation are drawn from the English version of Tafhim-ul-Qur’an, summarized and presented concisely for clarity.

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### Translation of Qur’an 2:251

**Arabic Text:**

> فَهَزَمُوهُمْ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ ۗ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ

**Translation (From Tafhim-ul-Qur’an):**

> So they defeated them by Allah’s permission, and David slew Goliath, and Allah granted him kingship and wisdom, and taught him of what He pleased. And were it not for Allah’s repelling some men with others, the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is the Lord of grace to all the worlds.

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### Explanation from Tafhim-ul-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi

**Context:**

In **Tafhim-ul-Qur’an**, Maududi places this verse within the narrative of the Israelites’ struggle against the Philistines, as described in Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 246–251). The story of Tālūt (Saul), Dāwūd (David), and Jālūt (Goliath) serves to illustrate the power of faith, the qualities of divinely appointed leadership, and Allah’s system of maintaining balance in the world. Maududi’s exegesis emphasizes the broader lessons for the Muslim ummah, particularly in the context of their challenges during the early Islamic period.

**Detailed Explanation:**

1. **Victory by Allah’s Permission (فَهَزَمُوهُمْ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ):**

   – Maududi explains that the Israelites’ triumph over the Philistines was entirely due to Allah’s will, not their own military prowess. The phrase “by Allah’s permission” highlights that victory depends on divine support, reinforcing the importance of tawakkul (reliance on Allah).

   – Despite their initial reluctance and small numbers, the believers’ faith enabled them to overcome a formidable enemy, serving as a lesson that spiritual strength surpasses material power.

2. **David’s Slaying of Goliath (وَقَتَلَ دَاوُودُ جَالُوتَ):**

   – Maududi notes that David, a young and seemingly insignificant figure, defeated Goliath, a symbol of arrogance and brute strength. This victory underscores that Allah grants success to those who trust in Him, regardless of their apparent weakness.

   – The event marks David’s emergence as a divinely chosen leader, demonstrating that Allah elevates the humble when they act with sincerity.

3. **Kingship and Wisdom (وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ):**

   – “Kingship” refers to David’s appointment as ruler of the Israelites, granting him political authority. “Wisdom” encompasses prophethood, including the revelation of the Zabur (Psalms), as well as sound judgment in governance and religious matters.

   – Maududi emphasizes that this combination of temporal and spiritual leadership reflects the ideal Islamic model, where rulers govern with justice and divine guidance. David’s dual role serves as an example for Muslim leaders.

4. **Knowledge Taught by Allah (وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ):**

   – Allah bestowed upon David specific knowledge, such as the art of making armor (Qur’an 21:80) and other skills suited to his prophetic and kingly duties. Maududi interprets this as a divine favor, equipping chosen individuals with abilities tailored to their mission.

   – The phrase “what He pleased” indicates the vastness of Allah’s knowledge, from which He imparts only what is necessary for His servants.

5. **Repelling Some by Others (وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ):**

   – Maududi provides a profound interpretation, describing this as a universal divine law to prevent corruption (fasād) on earth. Allah maintains balance by allowing some groups, nations, or individuals to check others, preventing any single force from dominating unjustly.

   – Examples include righteous movements countering oppressors, or one tyrannical power being challenged by another, ensuring that absolute evil does not prevail. Maududi cites historical cases, such as the rise of just rulers or nations to curb tyranny, and extends this to ideological struggles where truth confronts falsehood.

   – Without this system, corruption—such as oppression, disbelief, or moral decay—would render the earth uninhabitable.

6. **Allah’s Grace (وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ):**

   – Maududi highlights that Allah’s system of balance is a manifestation of His boundless grace, benefiting all creation. By preventing chaos, Allah ensures the earth remains a place where righteousness can thrive, reflecting His mercy to believers and non-believers alike.

   – This grace underscores Allah’s role as the sustainer of order and justice in the universe.

**Key Lessons:**

– **Faith Over Materialism**: The victory of David over Goliath teaches that faith and reliance on Allah outweigh worldly strength, encouraging Muslims to trust in divine support during trials.

– **Leadership Model**: David’s kingship and wisdom exemplify the need for leaders to combine authority with divine guidance and justice.

– **Divine Justice**: The principle of “repelling some by others” reflects Allah’s wisdom in maintaining global equilibrium, urging believers to actively resist oppression.

– **Universal Mercy**: Allah’s grace ensures the world remains viable for humanity, a reminder of His benevolence.

**Quote from Tafhim-ul-Qur’an (Paraphrased):**

> “The triumph of the believers, David’s rise to leadership, and Allah’s system of checking corruption through mutual opposition are all signs of divine wisdom and mercy. Without this balance, the earth would be overwhelmed by chaos, but Allah’s grace sustains order for the benefit of all creation.”

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### Notes

– **Maududi’s Approach**: Tafhim-ul-Qur’an is known for its contextual and practical exegesis, addressing both historical narratives and their relevance to modern challenges. Maududi connects this verse to the Muslim ummah’s role in upholding justice and resisting tyranny.

– **Relevance**: The explanation encourages Muslims to draw lessons from David’s faith, seek just leadership, and recognize Allah’s wisdom in global dynamics, such as the rise and fall of nations.

If you need further details from Tafhim-ul-Qur’an, comparisons with other tafsirs (e.g., Tadabbur-e-Qur’an, which you previously requested), or additional sources, please let me know! I can also search X or web resources for recent discussions if desired