Context and Background (Shan-e-Nuzul)

These verses were revealed during a critical period in Mecca, when the opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from the Quraysh was at its peak. The pagan leaders were employing all means—from temptation to intimidation—to make him compromise on his message.

• The Offer: The leaders of the Quraysh were ready to make a deal. They said that if the Prophet (ﷺ) would stop criticizing their idols and speak favorably of them, or at least remain silent, they would, in return, stop persecuting his followers and even join him. They also tried to tempt him with wealth and status.
• The Pressure: The intense pressure was not just about physical harm; it was a psychological and social siege designed to make him bend the truth even slightly for worldly gain or temporary peace.

It is in this context that these powerful verses were revealed, offering comfort, a stern warning, and a profound lesson.

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Verse-by-Verse Explanation from Tafheem-ul-Quran

Verse 17:73

“And indeed, they were about to tempt you away from that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], in order that you would invent against Us something else. And then they would have taken you as a close friend.”

• Explanation: This verse exposes the plot of the disbelievers. The word “tempt you away” (Yuzighoonaka) implies trying to cause deviation or sway someone from their firm stance.
• “Invent against Us something else”: Their ultimate goal was to make the Prophet (ﷺ) compromise on the core of the message—Tawhid (Oneness of God). They wanted him to either praise their idols or fabricate a revelation that allowed for shirk (polytheism), even if just a little. This would have completely invalidated his prophethood.
• “Then they would have taken you as a close friend”: Had he succumbed, the Quraysh would have embraced him not as a Prophet, but as a political or tribal leader who compromised his principles for their approval. This highlights the stark choice between the pleasure of God and the pleasure of people.

Verse 17:74

“And if We had not strengthened you, you would have almost inclined to them a little.”

• Explanation: This is a profound statement of divine grace and a testament to the human nature of the Prophet (ﷺ). Maududi explains that this does not mean the Prophet (ﷺ) was on the verge of committing disbelief. Rather, it highlights the intensity of the pressure.
• Divine Strengthening: The “strengthening” (Thabbatnaka) refers to the constant spiritual support, firmness of heart, and unwavering conviction (Iman) that Allah grants His messengers. Without this divine protection, the immense social pressure and persecution could have caused any human to almost lean towards a temporary compromise.
• Purpose: This verse serves to:
  1. Praise the Prophet (ﷺ) for his ultimate steadfastness, attributing it to Allah’s grace.
  2. Teach the believers that holding onto faith under extreme pressure is impossible without Allah’s help.

Verse 17:75

“Then [if you had done so], We would have made you taste double [punishment] in life and double [after] death. Then you would not have found for yourself against Us any helper.”

• Explanation: This is a severe and terrifying warning. Had the Prophet (ﷺ) inclined even slightly towards their demands, the punishment would have been twofold.
• “Double in life and double in death”: Maududi interprets this as a punishment that would be multiplied in this world and the Hereafter. In this world, he would have lost his status as a Prophet and faced disgrace. In the Hereafter, the punishment for a messenger who alters the message would be the most severe.
• “You would not have found… any helper”: This emphasizes the absolute justice of Allah. No one, not even a prophet, is exempt from the consequences of betraying the trust of revelation. No intercession or help would be available against this specific sin.

Verse 17:76

“And indeed, they were about to drive you from the land to evict you therefrom. And then [when they do], they will not remain [there] after you, except for a little.”

• Explanation: Having failed to tempt him, the Quraysh resorted to their final plan: exile or murder. They were plotting to drive the Prophet (ﷺ) out of Mecca or kill him.
• Divine Assurance: Allah assures His Prophet that even if they succeed in expelling him, their victory will be short-lived.
• “Except for a little”: This is a prophecy. It foretold that after the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah), the Quraysh’s dominance in Mecca would not last long. This was miraculously fulfilled with the conquest of Mecca just a few years later, after which the polytheists’ rule ended forever.

Verse 17:77

“[That is Our] established way with which We sent Our messengers before you. And you will not find in Our way any alteration.”

• Explanation: This verse provides a universal law and a great comfort. The experience of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was not unique.
• Sunnatullah (The Way of Allah): This is the consistent pattern of Allah in dealing with His messengers and their opponents:
  1. The disbelievers will always try to tempt and persecute the bearers of truth.
  2. They will plot to expel or destroy them.
  3. Allah will grant steadfastness to His messengers.
  4. Ultimately, the truth will prevail, and the enemies of truth will be defeated.
• “You will not find… any alteration”: This law is fixed and unchanging. It applies to the struggle between truth and falsehood in every era. It gives hope to believers that no matter how powerful the opposition seems, the final outcome is decreed by Allah’s eternal law.

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Summary of Key Lessons from Tafheem-ul-Quran

1. The Nature of the Struggle: The struggle between truth and falsehood is fundamental. Falsehood will always try to corrupt, compromise, or crush the truth.
2. Steadfastness is a Divine Gift: Remaining firm on principle under extreme pressure is not merely a human effort but a blessing from Allah that must be sought through prayer and sincerity.
3. Zero Compromise on Core Principles: There can be no compromise on the fundamental tenets of faith, like Tawhid, even for the sake of peace, unity, or acceptance.
4. Divine Assurance for the Believers: The enemies of Islam may seem to gain temporary victories, but their triumph is always short-lived according to Allah’s eternal law (Sunnatullah).
5. The Prophet’s Humanity: Verse 74 beautifully balances the Prophet’s infallibility in conveying revelation (`Ismah) with his human nature, showing that even the greatest of humans need Allah’s constant support.

These verses, therefore, are not just a historical account but a timeless guide for believers facing pressure, temptation, and persecution for their faith, assuring them of Allah’s support and the ultimate victory of truth.