Volume 8 Surah 9 - Enjoy Islam

Al-Tawbah (The Repentance) | MANIFESTATIONS OF HYPOCRISYmeans of transport nor cover their own expenses. Hence God states their exemptionin His revelation.Mujāhid says that this verse refers to a group from Muqarrin, a clan of Muzaynah.Muĥammad ibn Ka`b mentions seven people whom he lists by name and tribe. IbnIsĥāq says in his report on the expedition to Tabūk: “A group of Muslims, seven innumber, including Sālim ibn `Umayr, `Ilyah ibn Zayd, `Abd al-Raĥmān ibn Ka ID,`Amr ibn al-Ĥamām ibn al-Jamūh, `Abdullāh ibn Mughaffal, Ĥaramī ibn `Abdullāhand `Iyād ibn Sāriyah, requested the Prophet for mounts as they were too poor to beable to find their own transport. He said to them: “I have no means of transporting you.”(Verse 92) When they heard this they left with tears in their eyes, saddened at theirinability to cover their own expenses.With this spirit Islam was able to be victorious and establish its power. We shouldreflect on our own commitment in comparison to such people. If we believe that wepossess some of their attributes, we may appeal to God for victory. Otherwise weshould concentrate on improving our situation.The issue is clear, then. The weak, disabled, ill and also those who are too poor topay their own expenses and for whom the Prophet cannot provide transport will notbe blamed for staying behind. The real blame attaches to those who come to theProphet with their thinly disguised excuses, when they have the means to go tobattle and have no real reason for staying behind. “But blame shall certainly attach onlyto those who ask you for exemption even though they are rich.” (Verse 93)It is the ones happy to stay behind that are to be blamed, because they have no realdesire to take part in a struggle for God’s cause. They do not give what is due to Godwhen He has given them wealth and ability, nor do they fulfil their duties to Islamwhen it has given them power and dignity, or to their community which gives themprotection and honour. Hence God’s description of them: “They are well pleased to bewith those who are left behind.” (Verse 93) They are then weak of heart, spineless, andcontent, though without reason, to remain with those who stay behind for validreasons such as women, children and disabled men who are exempt from jihād.In view of this: “God has sealed their hearts, so that they have no knowledge.” (Verse 93)With what they have preferred for themselves of laziness and inactivity, stayingaway from active participation in efforts that open new horizons for the Islamiccause, God has sealed their means of reception, feeling and understanding. No oneprefers idle safety and miserable inactivity unless he has no aspiration for higherthings and no motivation to participate in a community which seeks to make itsmark on life and influence its direction. Indeed idleness and cheap comforts sealminds and hearts and inactivate feelings and interaction. Action is the mark of lifeand it also inspires life. Facing danger heightens senses, taps latent capabilities,177