Volume 8 Surah 9 - Enjoy Islam

Al-Tawbah (The Repentance) | MANIFESTATIONS OF HYPOCRISYorder to join the Muslim ranks after Islam had shown its strength and looked certainto triumph. They felt it safer to bow their heads to Islam so as to acquire whateverthey might by way of other gain. Simultaneously, and with open hostility no longerfeasible, they could also undermine the Muslim community from within. Here, then,we will encounter all those aspects of weakness to which we referred in the Prologue.Had there been [a prospect of] an immediate gain, and a short journey, they wouldcertainly have followed you; but the distance was too far for them. Yet they will swearby God: ‘Had we been able, we would surely have joined you.’ They bring ruin uponthemselves. God knows indeed that they are liars. May God forgive you [Prophet]!Why did you grant them permission [to stay behind] before you had come to knowwho were speaking the truth and who were the liars. Those who believe in God and theLast Day will not ask you to exempt them from striving with their property and withtheir lives. God has full knowledge as to who are the God-fearing. Only those who donot truly believe in God and the Last Day ask you for exemption. Their hearts arefilled with doubt; and troubled by doubt, they do waver. Had they really intended toset out [with you], they would surely have made some preparations for that. But Godwas averse to their going, so He caused them to hold back; and it was said to them:Stay behind with those who stay.’ Had they set out with you, they would have addednothing to you but trouble, and would have scurried to and fro in your midst, seekingto sow discord among you. There are among you some who would have lent them ear.Certainly God has full knowledge of the wrongdoers. They had, even before this time,tried to sow discord, and devised plots against you, until the truth was revealed andthe will of God prevailed, no matter how hateful it is to them. (Verses 42-48)The first thing highlighted here is that had the situation involved the prospect ofimmediate gain or the undertaking of a short journey, which represented no seriousrisk, they would have joined the Prophet. But the undertaking was not an easy one.The destination was much too far for those with a weak resolve and a frail aptitudefor glory. The effort required was not for those with weak hearts. People were calledupon to rise to a great occasion, one which would prove their metal. Hence we findin the community a type of people that we encounter across all generations: “Hadthere been [a prospect of] an immediate gain, and a short journey, they would certainly havefollowed you; but the distance was too far for them.” (Verse 42)Countless people turn their backs when they see a road leading to a high summit.When they realize that it is a long way that they must traverse, they withdraw,preferring to seek immediate gain, petty as it may be. Such people are found in everycommunity and in all generations. They are not a small group found in the Madinahcommunity only; they are encountered everywhere. They languish on the margins oflife, although they may think that they have attained their goals without having to144