Category Archives: Hypocrites tactics

Hypocrites tactics

Futility of efforts against Allahs plan

Audio discussion of the summary

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ec4d80fa-00b1-4478-91ba-10a5aed33ac8/audio

‫یُرِیدُونَ أَن یُطۡفِـُٔوا۟ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفۡوَ ٰ⁠هِهِمۡ وَیَأۡبَى ٱللَّهُ إِلَّاۤ أَن یُتِمَّ نُورَهُۥ وَلَوۡ كَرِهَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ﴿ ٣٢ ﴾‬

• Fadel Soliman:

They want to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, yet Allah refuses but to complete His light, even if the deniers dislike it.

• Abdul Haleem:

They try to extinguish God’s light with their mouths, but God insists on bringing His light to its fullness, even if the disbelievers hate it.

• Muhsin Khan and Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali:

They (the disbelievers, the Jews and the Christians) want to extinguish Allah’s Light (with which Muhammad SAW has been sent – Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kafirun (disbelievers) hate (it).

• Dr. Mustafa Khattab:

They wish to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allah will only allow His light to be perfected, even to the dismay of the disbelievers.

• Yusuf Ali:

Fain would they extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it).

• ابوالاعلی مودودی:

یہ لوگ چاہتے ہیں کہ اللہ کی روشنی کو اپنی پھونکوں سے بجھا دیں مگر اللہ اپنی روشنی کو مکمل کیے بغیر ماننے والا نہیں ہے خواہ کافروں کو یہ کتنا ہی ناگوار ہو

At-Tawbah, Ayah 32

Grok

Below are explanations (tafaseer) of **Quranic verse 9:32** from Surah At-Tawbah, based on the works of different scholars, as derived from available sources. The verse is translated as follows (Sahih International): *”They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.”* The tafaseer provide insight into the meaning, context, and significance of this verse.

—

### 1. Tafsir by Abul Ala Maududi (Tafheem-ul-Quran)

– **Source**:,[](https://myislam.org/surah-taubah/ayat-32/)%5B%5D(https://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=9&verse=30&to=33)

– **Explanation**: 

  – Maududi notes that the verse refers to the efforts of disbelievers, specifically the idolaters and People of the Book (Jews and Christians), who attempt to suppress or extinguish the “light of Allah” (i.e., the guidance of Islam, its truth, and monotheism) through their words, arguments, or opposition. However, Allah declares that He will not allow their efforts to succeed and will ensure that His light—Islam and its message—prevails and is perfected, regardless of the disbelievers’ aversion.

  – Maududi emphasizes that the “light of Allah” symbolizes the divine guidance brought by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is destined to overcome all opposition. The phrase “with their mouths” indicates the disbelievers’ attempts to refute Islam through speech, slander, or false arguments, which are ultimately futile against divine will.

  – Contextually, this verse is linked to the broader theme of Surah At-Tawbah, which addresses the struggle between truth and falsehood, particularly in the context of Jihad and the establishment of Islam’s dominance over other systems.[](https://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=9&verse=30&to=33)

– **Key Points**:

  – The “light of Allah” represents Islam and its guidance.

  – The disbelievers’ attempts to extinguish it are through verbal opposition, propaganda, or rejection.

  – Allah’s will ensures the triumph and perfection of His religion.

—

### 2. Tafsir by Ibn Kathir

– **Source**:[](https://myislam.org/surah-taubah/ayat-32/)

– **Explanation**:

  – Ibn Kathir explains that the disbelievers, including the idolaters and some People of the Book (Jews and Christians), seek to undermine Islam—described as Allah’s Light—through their speech and actions. This “light” refers to the guidance, truth, and monotheism brought by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

  – The phrase “with their mouths” signifies their attempts to argue against Islam, spread falsehoods, or misrepresent its teachings to diminish its influence. However, Allah asserts that He will perfect His light, meaning He will ensure the spread and dominance of Islam, making it superior over all other religions, even if the disbelievers detest it.

  – Ibn Kathir connects this verse to the following verse (9:33), which reinforces that Allah has sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion to make it prevail over all others. This reflects the divine promise of Islam’s ultimate victory and resilience against opposition.

  – He also highlights the historical context, noting that this verse was revealed during a period of conflict, likely around the time of the Battle of Tabuk, when the Muslims faced opposition from both polytheists and certain groups among the People of the Book.[](https://quran.com/en/9:29/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran)

– **Key Points**:

  – The “light” is Islam, its guidance, and the monotheistic message.

  – Disbelievers try to extinguish it through verbal attacks or falsehoods.

  – Allah’s plan guarantees the triumph and perfection of Islam.

  – The verse is part of a broader context addressing Jihad and the struggle against disbelief.

—

### 3. Tafsir from Quranx.com

– **Source**:[](https://quranx.com/tafsirs/9.32)

– **Explanation**:

  – This source provides a commentary that aligns closely with Ibn Kathir’s interpretation, stating that the disbelievers desire to extinguish “God’s light,” which encompasses His Law, proofs, and guidance (Islam). They attempt to do so “with their tongues,” meaning through their speech, arguments, or false claims about Allah and His religion.

  – The commentary emphasizes that Allah refuses to let their efforts succeed and will instead make His light manifest, ensuring its dominance and clarity, even if the disbelievers are averse to it.

  – The verse is seen as a reassurance to the believers that the opposition’s attempts to suppress Islam will fail, and Allah’s guidance will prevail universally.

– **Key Points**:

  – “God’s light” includes His Law, guidance, and proofs.

  – The disbelievers’ efforts are through speech and arguments (“with their tongues”).

  – Allah’s will ensures the manifestation and triumph of His guidance.

—

### Contextual Analysis

– **Historical Context**: The verse is part of Surah At-Tawbah, revealed during a period of intense conflict, particularly around the Battle of Tabuk (circa 9 AH/630 CE). This battle involved the Muslims confronting the Byzantine Empire and their allies, including some Christian and Jewish tribes, who were seen as opposing the spread of Islam. The verse addresses the broader struggle between the truth of Islam and the falsehoods propagated by its opponents, including polytheists and certain groups among the People of the Book.[](https://quran.com/en/9:29/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran)

– **Connection to Surrounding Verses**: 

  – Verse 9:31 criticizes the People of the Book for taking their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah and for elevating the Messiah (Jesus) or Ezra to divine status, indicating a deviation from true monotheism.[](https://myislam.org/surah-taubah/ayat-31/)

  – Verse 9:33 reinforces the message of 9:32 by stating that Allah has sent His Messenger to make the true religion prevail over all others, highlighting the divine mission to establish Islam’s dominance.[](https://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=9&verse=30&to=33)

  – Together, these verses emphasize the futility of opposing Allah’s guidance and the certainty of Islam’s triumph.

—

### Summary of Common Themes Across Tafaseer

– **The “Light of Allah”**: All scholars agree that this refers to Islam, its guidance, and the monotheistic message brought by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It symbolizes divine truth and the system of life ordained by Allah.

– **Opposition by Disbelievers**: The disbelievers, including idolaters and some People of the Book, attempt to extinguish this light through verbal attacks, false arguments, or rejection of Islam’s truth.

– **Divine Assurance**: Allah’s will ensures that His light will not only endure but be perfected and made dominant, regardless of opposition.

– **Context of Struggle**: The verse is situated in a context of Jihad and the broader conflict between truth (Islam) and falsehood (disbelief), particularly during the time of the Battle of Tabuk.

—

### Note on Limitations

– The tafsir of Abul Ala Maududi for verse 9:32 is noted as unavailable in some sources (e.g.,), but a general commentary is provided, aligning with his broader interpretation of Surah At-Tawbah.[](https://myislam.org/surah-taubah/ayat-32/)

– The sources available do not provide additional tafaseer from other scholars (e.g., Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Tafsir al-Tabari) specifically for verse 9:32. If you require more tafaseer from other scholars, I can search further or provide insights based on related verses or general principles from other classical or contemporary scholars.

If you have specific scholars in mind (e.g., Al-Tabari, Al-Jalalayn, Al-Qurtubi) or want a deeper analysis of related verses, please let me know, and I can tailor the response further!

Key Points

  • Different Islamic scholars provide varied interpretations of Quranic verse 9:32, focusing on the disbelievers’ attempts to suppress Islam and Allah’s promise to perfect His light.
  • Interpretations generally agree that the verse highlights the futility of opposing Islam, with Allah ensuring its triumph, though details differ based on scholarly perspectives.
  • The evidence leans toward a consensus on the core message, but nuances exist, especially in how scholars describe the methods of opposition (e.g., lies, arguments, or words).

Understanding Verse 9:32

Quranic verse 9:32 states: “They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.” This verse is part of Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9), and scholars interpret it as addressing the disbelievers’ efforts to suppress Islam and Allah’s divine protection of His guidance.

Scholars like Ibn ‘Abbâs, Al-Jalalayn, Ibn Kathir, and Al-Tustari emphasize that the disbelievers use lies, arguments, or words to oppose Islam, but Allah will ensure its manifestation and dominance. For example, Ibn Kathir connects this to Islam’s eventual triumph over other religions, supported by hadiths. While the core message is consistent, the details vary, such as Al-Tustari specifically mentioning the Qur’an as the target of opposition.

This interpretation seems likely to reflect the verse’s intent, given the agreement among scholars, but the nuances highlight the complexity of Quranic exegesis, especially in understanding historical and theological contexts.

Scholarly Perspectives

Below is a breakdown of how different scholars explain verse 9:32, providing a balanced view of their interpretations:

  • Ibn ‘Abbâs: Suggests disbelievers use lies to thwart Islam, but Allah will manifest His religion despite their aversion.
  • Al-Jalalayn: Notes disbelievers try to extinguish Allah’s Law with words, but Allah will perfect His light regardless.
  • Ibn Kathir: Highlights disbelievers’ arguments and lies to suppress Islam, with Allah ensuring its perfection and dominance, supported by hadiths.
  • Al-Tustari: Focuses on the Qur’an as the target, with disbelievers using lying tongues, but Allah will fully manifest Islam.
  • Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi: While lacking a specific commentary for 9:32, his broader discussion (verses 9:30-35) aligns with the theme of Islam prevailing over falsehood.

These perspectives suggest a shared understanding, but the emphasis on methods of opposition (e.g., lies vs. arguments) and the scope (Qur’an vs. broader Islam) varies, reflecting scholarly diversity.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Tafaseer for Quranic Verse 9:32

This survey note provides an in-depth exploration of the tafaseer (explanations) of Quranic verse 9:32 by different Islamic scholars, drawing from reputable sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding. The analysis is grounded in the interpretations available from various tafsir works, aiming to present a detailed, professional overview for readers interested in Quranic exegesis.

Introduction

Quranic verse 9:32, from Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9), states: “They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.” This verse is part of a broader passage addressing the disbelievers’ opposition to Islam and Allah’s promise to ensure its triumph. The tafaseer by different scholars offer nuanced insights into the verse’s meaning, reflecting theological, historical, and linguistic perspectives. This note compiles and analyzes these interpretations, ensuring a strict superset of the content in the direct answer section, with additional details for a thorough understanding.

Methodology

The analysis is based on tafsir texts from sources such as QuranX.com, MyIslam.org, and IslamicStudies.info, which provide interpretations from renowned scholars like Ibn ‘Abbâs, Al-Jalalayn, Ibn Kathir, Al-Tustari, and Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. The focus is on extracting detailed explanations, identifying common themes, and highlighting variations, ensuring all relevant information from the research process is included.

Detailed Tafaseer by Scholars

Below is a table summarizing the tafsirs for verse 9:32, followed by a detailed discussion of each scholar’s perspective: Scholar Source Tafsir Text for Quran 9:32 Ibn ‘Abbâs Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs (Fain would they put out) thwart (the light of Allah) the religion of Allah (with their mouths) through their lies; it is also said: by means of their mouths, (but Allah disdaineth (aught)) But Allah does not leave things (save that He shall perfect His light) save that He shall manifest His religion: Islam, (however much the disbelievers are averse) that this should be so. Al-Jalalayn Al-Jalalayn They desire to extinguish God’s light, His Law and His proofs, with their tongues, with what they say about Him; and God refuses but to perfect, to make manifest, His light, even though the disbelievers be averse, to this. Ibn Kathir Tafsir Ibn Kathir People of the Scriptures try to extinguish the Light of Islam. Allah says, the disbelieving idolators and People of the Scriptures want to, (extinguish the Light of Allah). They try through argument and lies to extinguish the guidance and religion of truth that the Messenger of Allah was sent with. Their example is the example of he who wants to extinguish the light of the sun or the moon by blowing at them! Indeed, such a person will never accomplish what he sought. Likewise, the light of what the Messenger was sent with will certainly shine and spread. Allah replied to the idolators’ desire and hope, (but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers (Kafirun) hate (it)) 9:32. Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi Tafhim al-Qur’an (9:30-35 context) (No specific text for 9:32 alone, but context includes discussion on disbelief and deviation, relevant to 9:32’s theme of extinguishing Allah’s light.) Al-Tustari Al-Tustari They desire to extinguish God’s light with their mouths…This means that they are intent upon destroying the Qurʾān with the lying of their tongues. But God insists on bringing His light to its fullness, that is, He will [fully] manifest His religion, Islam.

1. Ibn ‘Abbâs – Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs

Ibn ‘Abbâs, a prominent early Islamic scholar, interprets verse 9:32 as addressing the disbelievers’ attempts to thwart the religion of Allah (Islam) through lies and falsehoods. He explains that the phrase “with their mouths” refers to their verbal efforts to suppress Islam, such as spreading lies. However, Allah will not allow this, ensuring that His religion is manifested and perfected, despite the disbelievers’ aversion. This interpretation emphasizes the futility of human opposition to divine will, with a focus on the linguistic aspect of “mouths” as a metaphor for verbal attacks.

2. Al-Jalalayn – Al-Jalalayn

Al-Jalalayn, a classical tafsir work by Jalaluddin al-Mahalli and Jalaluddin as-Suyuti, describes the disbelievers’ desire to extinguish Allah’s light, which includes His Law and proofs, using their tongues (i.e., through what they say about Him). The tafsir highlights that Allah refuses to let this happen, insisting on perfecting and manifesting His light, even if the disbelievers are averse. This interpretation aligns with Ibn ‘Abbâs in focusing on verbal opposition but extends the scope to include Allah’s Law and proofs, suggesting a broader theological framework.

3. Ibn Kathir – Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir, another prominent scholar, provides a detailed explanation, noting that both disbelieving idolators and People of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) attempt to extinguish the light of Allah (Islam’s guidance) through arguments and lies. He uses a vivid analogy, comparing their efforts to someone trying to extinguish the sun or moon by blowing at them—an impossible task. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that Allah will perfect His light, ensuring Islam’s spread and dominance, and supports this with hadiths that underscore Islam’s eventual triumph. This interpretation connects verse 9:32 to the broader context of Islam’s global mission, adding a historical and prophetic dimension.

4. Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi – Tafhim al-Qur’an

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, a modern Islamic scholar, does not provide a specific commentary for verse 9:32 alone but includes it within his discussion of verses 9:30-35 in Tafhim al-Qur’an. His broader commentary addresses the disbelief and deviation of those who oppose Allah’s guidance, aligning with the theme of verse 9:32. Maududi explains that the mission of the Messenger (peace be upon him) is to make Allah’s Way (Islam) dominant over all other systems, tolerating wrong ways only under Jizyah, and highlights the guilt of religious leaders in obstructing Allah’s Way. While not directly addressing 9:32, this context is relevant, offering a modern theological perspective on the verse’s implications.

5. Al-Tustari – Al-Tustari

Al-Tustari, known for his mystical (Sufi) interpretations, focuses on the Qur’an as the light being targeted by the disbelievers, who intend to destroy it with their lying tongues. He explains that Allah insists on bringing His light to its fullness, fully manifesting His religion (Islam). This interpretation adds a spiritual dimension, emphasizing the Qur’an’s divine protection and its role as the embodiment of Allah’s light, differing from other scholars by focusing on the textual aspect (Qur’an) rather than the broader religion.

Comparative Analysis

The tafaseer reveal a common theme: the disbelievers’ futile attempts to suppress Islam (Allah’s light) and Allah’s promise to perfect and manifest it. However, the methods of opposition vary:

  • Ibn ‘Abbâs and Al-Tustari emphasize lies and verbal attacks, with Al-Tustari specifically targeting the Qur’an.
  • Al-Jalalayn and Ibn Kathir extend this to include arguments and broader opposition, with Ibn Kathir adding historical and prophetic support.
  • Maududi’s context aligns with the theme but focuses on the broader mission of Islam, lacking a specific focus on 9:32.

This diversity reflects the richness of Quranic exegesis, accommodating linguistic, theological, historical, and spiritual perspectives. The consensus on the core message—Allah’s light prevailing—suggests a strong foundation, but the nuances highlight the complexity of interpreting sacred texts, especially in addressing historical and theological contexts.

Supporting Sources

The interpretations are drawn from the following reputable sources:

These sources are widely used in Islamic studies, ensuring the reliability of the information provided.

Conclusion

The tafaseer of verse 9:32 by different scholars offer a multifaceted understanding, emphasizing the disbelievers’ opposition to Islam and Allah’s divine protection of His guidance. While the core message is consistent, the details reflect scholarly diversity, enriching the interpretation. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview, suitable for readers seeking a deep understanding of Quranic exegesis, and aligns with the direct answer by ensuring all relevant details are included.

Xxxxx

By deepseek

Based on the search results, here is a comparative analysis of Quran 9:32 by prominent Islamic scholars and exegetes (mufassirūn):

Verse Text (9:32):

يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُطْفِـُٔوا۟ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِمْ وَيَأْبَى ٱللَّهُ إِلَّآ أَن يُتِمَّ نُورَهُۥ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ
“They desire to extinguish the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.”

Tafāsīr (Exegeses) by Scholar:

  1. Ibn Kathir (Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-’Aẓīm)
  • “They”: Refers to disbelieving idolators and People of the Scripture (Jews/Christians) opposing Islam .
  • Metaphor of “Extinguishing Light”: Their efforts (through false arguments/slander) are as futile as “blowing to extinguish the sun or moon” .
  • Divine Rejection: Allāh’s “perfection of light” signifies Islam’s inevitable dominance, supported by a ḥadīth predicting Islam’s global spread:
    > “This matter (Islam) will spread as far as night and day reach, entering every home of mud or hair (i.e., all dwellings).” .
  1. Al-Jalālayn (Tafsīr al-Jalālayn)
  • “Light of Allāh”: Represents Sharī’ah (Islamic law), divine proofs, and guidance .
  • “With their mouths”: Denotes slander, false claims, and theological distortions against Islam .
  • Allāh’s Refusal: He ensures His light remains manifest despite disbelievers’ hatred .
  1. Al-Ṭabarī (Tanwīr al-Miqbās min Tafsīr Ibn ‘Abbās)
  • Context: The verse addresses Jewish/Christian attempts to undermine Islam through lies .
  • “Perfection of Light”: Allāh will manifest Islam as the complete religion, irrespective of opposition .
  1. Abul Ala Maududi (Tafhīm al-Qur’ān)
  • Historical Background: Revealed during early Islamic struggles against Meccan pagans and hostile scripturalists .
  • “Light” as Guidance: Symbolizes Qur’ānic revelation and the Prophet’s mission. Opponents’ “blowing” signifies propaganda and persecution .
  • Theological Assurance: Allāh’s “perfection of light” affirms Islam’s invincibility against ideological attacks .
  1. Al-Tustarī (Ḥaqā’iq al-Tafsīr)
  • Sufi Perspective: “Extinguishing the light” specifically targets the Qur’ān through falsehoods. Allāh’s “perfection” ensures its eternal preservation .
  1. Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Ma’ariful Qur’ān)
  • Linguistic Insight:
    • “يُطْفِـُٔوا۟” (extinguish) implies aggressive suppression.
    • “يُتِمَّ نُورَهُۥ” (perfect His light) denotes Islam’s comprehensive victory .
  • Theological Conclusion: Human efforts against divine will are inherently futile .

Key Themes Across Tafāsīr:

  • Opponents’ Futility: All scholars concur that disbelievers’ efforts (e.g., slander, persecution) against Islam are doomed .
  • “Light” as Islam: Universally interpreted as Islām, divine guidance, or the Qur’ān .
  • Eschatological Triumph: Allāh decrees Islam’s supremacy over all religions (cf. 9:33), despite polytheists’ aversion .

Summary Table of Interpretations:

Scholar“They” (Opponents)“Light of Allāh”“Extinguishing with Mouths”Allāh’s RefusalIbn Kathir Idolators/People of Scripture Islam/Divine Guidance False arguments & lies Ensures Islam’s global dominance Al-Jalālayn Disbelievers Sharī’ah & divine proofs Slanderous speech Light remains manifest Maududi Pagans/Jews/Christians Prophetic mission Propaganda & persecution Affirms Islam’s invincibility Al-Tustarī Enemies of Islam The Qur’ān Falsehoods against revelation Qur’ān’s eternal preservation

This synthesis demonstrates scholarly consensus on Islam’s divinely ordained resilience, while contextual nuances enrich the verse’s application across eras. For deeper exploration, consult the cited sources directly.

Hypocrites tactics

Hypocrites actions: Distortions of txt

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/72899074-0910-487f-8a39-7391ebc56aa6/audio

Key Points

  • The translation of Quranic verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran seems to emphasize Allah’s protection and the behavior of some Jews who altered scripture.
  • It appears likely that verse 4:45 reassures believers of Allah’s knowledge and support, while verse 4:46 criticizes distortion of religious texts, though interpretations may vary.

Translation

Here are the translations of verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi:

  • Verse 4:45: “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.”
  • Verse 4:46: “Among those who have become Jews there are some who alter the words from their context, and make a malicious play with their tongues and seek to revile the true faith. They say: ‘We have heard and we disobey’ (sami’na wa ‘asayna), ‘Do hear us, may you turn dumb’ (isma’ ghayr musma’) and ‘Hearken to us’ (ra’ina). It would indeed have been better for them and more upright if they had said: ‘We have heard and we obey’ (sami’na wa ata’na) and: ‘Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)’ (wa isma’ wa unzurna). But Allah has cursed them because of their disbelief. Scarcely do they believe.”

Explanation

  • Verse 4:45 seems to comfort believers by highlighting Allah’s awareness of their enemies and His role as their protector and helper, encouraging trust in divine support.
  • Verse 4:46 appears to address some Jews who distorted scripture and used language maliciously, such as saying “We have heard and we disobey” instead of the obedient “We have heard and we obey.” This suggests a critique of altering religious texts and mocking faith, with a call for sincerity.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Quranic Verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran

This note provides a comprehensive examination of Quranic verses 4:45 and 4:46, translated and explained through the lens of Tafheemul Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, a prominent Islamic scholar. The analysis aims to elucidate the theological significance, historical context, and detailed commentary, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in Quranic studies.

Translation and Source

The translations provided are sourced from Tafheemul Quran, accessible via islamicstudies.info, which offers an English rendition of Maududi’s exegesis. The translations are as follows:

  • Verse 4:45: “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.”
  • Verse 4:46: “Among those who have become Jews there are some who alter the words from their context, and make a malicious play with their tongues and seek to revile the true faith. They say: ‘We have heard and we disobey’ (sami’na wa ‘asayna), ‘Do hear us, may you turn dumb’ (isma’ ghayr musma’) and ‘Hearken to us’ (ra’ina). It would indeed have been better for them and more upright if they had said: ‘We have heard and we obey’ (sami’na wa ata’na) and: ‘Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)’ (wa isma’ wa unzurna). But Allah has cursed them because of their disbelief. Scarcely do they believe.”

These translations were obtained by searching for “Tafheemul Quran translation of verses 4:45 and 4:46” and accessing relevant pages on islamicstudies.info, which hosts Maududi’s work with kind permission from the Islamic Foundation UK.

Detailed Commentary and Explanation

The commentary from Tafheemul Quran provides insights into the theological and historical context of these verses, which are part of Surah An-Nisa (The Women), revealed in Medina and addressing various legal, social, and interfaith issues.

Verse 4:45: Allah’s Knowledge and Protection
  • Translation Analysis: This verse states, “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.” It emphasizes Allah’s omniscience regarding the enemies of the believers and His sufficiency as both a protector and helper.
  • Commentary: While the specific commentary for verse 4:45 was not detailed in the accessed section, its placement in the context of Surah An-Nisa suggests it reassures early Muslims facing opposition, particularly from Jewish tribes in Medina. It underscores the Islamic principle of tawakkul (trust in Allah), encouraging believers to rely on divine support rather than being overwhelmed by adversaries.
  • Theological Significance: This verse reinforces the belief in Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and His role as the ultimate protector, providing comfort and strength. It aligns with Islamic teachings on divine justice and mercy, suggesting that believers should place their trust in Allah amidst challenges.
Verse 4:46: Critique of Distortion and Malice
  • Translation Analysis: This verse addresses “those who have become Jews,” noting that some alter words from their context, make malicious plays with their tongues, and seek to revile the true faith. It lists specific phrases like “We have heard and we disobey” (sami’na wa ‘asayna) and “Do hear us, may you turn dumb” (isma’ ghayr musma’), contrasting them with the correct “We have heard and we obey” (sami’na wa ata’na) and “Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)” (wa isma’ wa unzurna). It concludes with Allah’s curse due to their disbelief, noting that few believe.
  • Commentary: The commentary explains that “those who have become Jews” likely refers to individuals from the Abrahamic tradition who were originally Muslims (in the sense of submission to Allah) but later identified as Jews, particularly in the context of Medina’s Jewish tribes. It details three methods of distortion:
  1. Tampering with the Text of the Torah: This suggests textual corruption or deliberate misinterpretation.
  2. Misinterpreting Scripture: Twisting meanings to suit their purposes.
  3. Misreporting Conversations: Misrepresenting dialogues to discredit Muslims.
  • The phrases mentioned, such as “sami’na wa ‘asayna,” are seen as deliberate rejections of divine commands, with “isma’ ghayr musma'” interpreted as a wish for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or Muslims to be unable to respond, potentially a form of cursing. “Ra’ina” (Hearken to us) could also mean “our shepherd” in a derogatory sense, adding to the malice.
  • The commentary notes that using the correct phrases, like “sami’na wa ata’na,” would have been better and more upright, reflecting obedience and respect. However, their disbelief led to Allah’s curse, with few believing, indicating a call for return to faith.
  • Theological Significance: This verse critiques hypocrisy and deception in religious practice, emphasizing the gravity of altering scripture and using language maliciously. It serves as a warning against such actions, highlighting divine displeasure and the consequences of disbelief. It also calls for sincerity and proper conduct, contrasting malicious phrases with respectful alternatives, and reflects the historical tensions between early Muslims and certain Jewish communities.

Historical and Contextual Insights

These verses were revealed in Medina, a period marked by interactions with Jewish tribes like the Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza. The commentary suggests that the verses address specific instances where some Jews opposed the Prophet Muhammad, possibly through distorting their scriptures or using language to mock Muslims. This context is crucial for understanding the verses’ emphasis on maintaining the integrity of religious texts and the importance of respectful dialogue.

Comparative Analysis with Other Tafsirs

While Tafheemul Quran provides a detailed socio-historical interpretation, other tafsirs like Tafsir Ibn Kathir or Maarif-ul-Quran might offer additional perspectives. For instance, Ibn Kathir also discusses the distortion of scripture by some Jews, aligning with Maududi’s view, but may focus more on legal implications. The consistency across tafsirs suggests a shared understanding of the verses’ critique of textual corruption and malice.

Table: Summary of Key Elements

Verse Translation Summary Key Commentary Points Theological Significance 4:45 Allah knows enemies better; He is protector and helper. Reassures believers of divine support; emphasizes tawakkul (trust in Allah). Encourages reliance on Allah amidst opposition. 4:46 Some Jews alter words, use malicious phrases; Allah curses their disbelief. Details distortion methods (text, interpretation, conversation); contrasts malicious vs. respectful speech. Critiques hypocrisy, calls for sincerity, reflects historical tensions.

Broader Implications

These verses contribute to Islamic theology by reinforcing trust in Allah’s protection and condemning the distortion of religious texts, which is seen as a grave sin. They also provide guidance on interfaith interactions, emphasizing respect and sincerity. For modern readers, they may serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of sacred texts and maintaining respectful dialogue, especially in interfaith contexts.

Citations and Further Reading

This analysis, conducted on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 08:14 AM CDT, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of verses 4:45 and 4:46, ensuring all details from the translation and commentary are included for a thorough exploration.