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“Delve into The Dualities of Belief & Betrayal: S.Baqra”

Exegesis of Surah Al-Baqarah , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Delve into The Dualities of Belief & Betrayal: S.Baqra”

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّـهِ

And some people say: We believe in Allah… Surah Baqarah 2:8

The verse from Surah Baqarah 2:8 says:

“And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, but they are not at all believers.”

In a simplified interpretation according to the view of Imam Ali (AS), the verse can be rewritten and expanded as follows:

“There are people who claim to have faith in Allah, acknowledging Him and professing belief in the Day of Judgment. However, their belief is superficial and not genuine. These individuals outwardly express their faith, but inwardly they harbor doubts and disbelief. They specifically reject the command given by Allah to appoint Ali as the chief, governor, and commander of the Muslim Ummah. Despite their verbal assertions of faith, they conspire against the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Imam Ali (AS), intending to undermine Ali’s rightful position and authority. Their hearts are filled with intentions of rebellion and betrayal, planning to oppose Ali after the Prophet’s demise. Thus, their actions reveal their true lack of belief, as they do not truly adhere to the guidance and commands of Allah and His Messenger.”

This interpretation reflects the perspective that those who opposed the appointment of Imam Ali as the leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad were not true believers, despite their claims of faith. Their opposition and conspiracies against Ali were seen as evidence of their insincerity and hypocrisy.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:9

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّـهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe, and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive. Surah Baqarah 2:9

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Musa Ja’far (a.s.) recounted an incident involving the Holy Prophet (S) concerning the murmurings and conspiracies against Imam Ali (a.s.). This account provides a rich narrative that highlights the duplicity of certain individuals and the Prophet’s (S) response to their false allegiance.

The Holy Prophet (S) became aware of the secret discussions and plans being made by some individuals against Imam Ali (a.s.). To address this, he summoned these people and warned them of the severe consequences they would face if they continued their treacherous behavior. Despite the Prophet’s (S) stern warning, these individuals falsely reaffirmed their loyalty through deceitful oaths.

The first individual proclaimed: “O Messenger of Allah, I consider my pledge to you the most significant deed of my life. I hope that Allah, in His mercy, will reward me with the grand palaces of Paradise and the highest stations therein because of this allegiance.”

The second person said: “O Prophet of God, may my parents be sacrificed for you. My sole hope for salvation from hellfire and entry into Paradise rests on this pledge of allegiance. By Allah, even if I were offered all the treasures and gems that exist between the earth and the heavens in exchange for breaking this pledge, I would never accept it. My decision to uphold this allegiance is unshakable and firm in my heart.”

The third person asserted: “O Messenger of Allah, by abandoning all my desires to seek Allah’s pleasure through this pledge, I feel assured that even if I were guilty of the world’s sins, this allegiance would secure my pardon. He then swore to this effect and cursed those who would act against it.”

Following these declarations, others who shared similar sentiments also swore their oaths and provided justifications for their actions. Despite their fervent proclamations, the Prophet (S) knew their true intentions.

In response to their false assurances, Allah revealed to the Prophet (S) that their words were hollow and their hearts were insincere. This revelation served as a divine confirmation of the Prophet’s (S) suspicions and highlighted the contrast between outward expressions of faith and the true intentions concealed within their hearts.

This narrative underscores the theme of hypocrisy versus genuine faith. It teaches that true belief is reflected in consistent actions and sincerity, not merely in vocal affirmations. The Holy Prophet’s (S) ability to discern the true nature of these individuals and his subsequent warning serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of deceit in the eyes of Allah.

يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّـهَ

“They desire to deceive Allah…”

They are attempting to deceive Allah. In other words, they are trying to cheat the Holy Prophet (S) by making false oaths that contradict what they truly feel.

To explain in simpler terms: These people are pretending to be loyal and faithful by swearing oaths, but they don’t mean what they say. They are lying to the Prophet (S) and, by doing so, they think they can deceive Allah. However, Allah knows what is in their hearts and is aware of their true intentions. Their dishonesty attempts to appear righteous while hiding their true feelings and plans.

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا

…and those who believe…

Simply put: They are also trying to deceive the true believers, whose leader and commander is Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.).

To explain in simpler terms: These people are not just lying to the Prophet (S) and trying to deceive Allah. They are also trying to trick the sincere followers of Islam who recognize and follow Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) as their rightful leader and commander. By pretending to be loyal and faithful, they aim to mislead the true believers and undermine their unity and leadership.

وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنفُسَهُمْ

…and they deceive only themselves….

Simply put: By deceiving others, they are only harming themselves because Allah does not need their help or support. If Allah had not given them time, they would not have been able to commit such sins and evil actions.

To explain in simpler terms: These people think they are getting away with their deceit, but in reality, they are only hurting themselves. Allah does not need their loyalty or assistance; He is self-sufficient. The only reason they can continue their dishonest behavior is because Allah is giving them time to repent. If it weren’t for this period of grace, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do wrong. Ultimately, their actions will lead to their downfall.

وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

…and they do not perceive. Surah Baqarah 2:9

Simply put: They don’t realize the truth, which is that Allah reveals their lies, hypocrisy, and blasphemy to His messenger. He curses them and considers them among the oppressors and those who break their pledges. Allah’s chosen servants will always curse them, and they will face the harshest punishment from Allah in the Hereafter.

To explain in simpler terms: These people are unaware that Allah shows their true nature— their lies and hypocrisy— to His prophet. Because of their deceit and betrayal, Allah curses them and counts them as oppressors and oath-breakers. The faithful followers of Allah will continually curse these wrongdoers. In the end, these sinners will face the most severe punishment from Allah in the afterlife for their actions.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:10

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّـهُ مَرَضًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

There is a disease in their hearts, so Allah added to their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement because they lied. Surah Baqarah 2:10

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Musa bin Ja’far (a.s.) told the following story:

When the hypocrites made excuses, the Prophet (S) accepted their words but left their true intentions to be judged by Allah. Then, Jibraeel (a.s.) descended with a message from Allah, instructing the Prophet (S) to bring these deceitful people before Ali (a.s.) to witness his miraculous powers. This was to show them that Ali (a.s.), appointed as the Prophet’s successor, did not need their support because Allah had granted him immense abilities and miracles.

Following Allah’s command, the Prophet (S) called the group out to see Ali (a.s.) standing on a mountain. The Prophet (S) told them that Allah had commanded them to assist and obey Ali (a.s.). If they did so, they would live happily in paradise. If they opposed him, they would face eternal punishment in Hell.

The Prophet (S) then asked Ali (a.s.) to pray using the mediation of Muhammad and his family. Ali (a.s.) prayed, and the mountains turned into silver, gold, and precious stones, each proclaiming their servitude to Ali (a.s.). These miraculous transformations demonstrated that Ali (a.s.) did not need the wealth or support of these hypocrites.

The Prophet (S) further instructed Ali (a.s.) to pray again, turning trees into armed men and stones into fierce animals. Ali (a.s.) prayed, and the area was filled with powerful warriors and wild beasts, all ready to obey Ali (a.s.). The Prophet (S) told the hypocrites that Allah had made Ali (a.s.) independent of their support by granting him these treasures and powers.

The Prophet (S) then reassured Ali (a.s.), saying that his immense value to Allah meant he need not worry about the opposition from these rebels. Allah would support him, and their time on earth was insignificant compared to the eternal life to come. Allah had given these hypocrites respite, just as He had given to past rebels like Pharaoh and Nimrod, to ultimately demonstrate His power and the excellence of His chosen servants through miracles.

When the hypocrites witnessed the miraculous powers and the high rank of Ali (a.s.), their internal hatred and diseases of the heart increased. This was because, as Allah has stated, witnessing the miracles of the righteous increases the disbelief and corruption of those with insincere hearts.

In summary, the Prophet (S) used the miracles granted to Ali (a.s.) to show the hypocrites that their opposition was futile and that Ali’s (a.s.) authority and abilities were divinely supported, making him independent of their allegiance.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:11-12

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ {11}

أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ {12}

And when it is said to them, Do not make mischief in the land, they say: We are but peace-makers. Now surely they are the mischief makers, but they do not perceive. Surah Baqarah 2:11-12

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Kazim (a.s.) explained the following:

When it is said to the people who broke their allegiance at Ghadeer, “Do not create mischief on earth” (meaning, do not spread doubt and confusion among the weak-hearted believers by rejecting the allegiance you swore on the Day of Ghadeer), they respond, “We are only reforming and improving things.” They claim this because they do not genuinely believe in the religion of Muhammad or any other religion. They are in a state of confusion and pretend to be faithful to please Muhammad outwardly, while secretly following their desires. This way, they think they can free themselves from the obligations to Muhammad and avoid following his cousin, Ali. They plan to support Ali only if he succeeds, but if he fails, they believe they can protect themselves from his enemies.

This hypocritical behavior is why Allah says:

To simplify and explain: These people who broke their promise to support Ali after the Prophet Muhammad’s declaration at Ghadeer are told not to spread chaos and confusion among the believers. Instead of admitting their wrongdoing, they claim they are making things better. In truth, they do not have faith in Islam or any other faith. They are confused and pretend to follow Islam just to please the Prophet Muhammad outwardly, while inwardly they pursue their interests. They think this tactic allows them to avoid true commitment to Muhammad and Ali. They plan to align with Ali if he gains power but will abandon him to protect themselves if he does not. This deceitful attitude is what Allah condemns.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:13

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُوا كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ قَالُوا أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَا آمَنَ السُّفَهَاءُ أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَاءُ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ

And when it is said to them: Believe as the people believe, they say: Shall we believe as the fools believe? Now surely they are the fools, but they do not know. Surah Baqarah 2:13

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) explained the following:

When great believers like Salman, Miqdad, and Abu Dharr (r.a.) told those who broke their pledge at Ghadeer, “Believe as the true believers do—believe in the Messenger and in Ali, whom Allah has appointed as the Prophet’s successor. Accept Muhammad as Allah’s Messenger and Ali as the Imam, just as Salman, Miqdad, Abu Dharr, and Ammar (r.a.) do,” the hypocrites responded sarcastically, “Should we believe as the fools believe?”

These hypocrites did not dare to speak this way in front of the true believers, so they spoke privately to their fellow hypocrites and those who would not expose them, saying, “Should we believe like those foolish and unintelligent people, such as Salman?” They considered Salman and his companions foolish because of their unwavering love and support for Ali (a.s.), openly showing friendship for Ali’s friends and enmity for his enemies. The hypocrites thought that if Muhammad’s mission failed, these believers would be mercilessly killed by his enemies, believing the true believers to be unaware of such risks.

However, Allah declares:

“Beware, surely they are the fools.” (Surah Baqarah 2:13)

The hypocrites are the true fools and brainless ones because they did not carefully consider Muhammad’s mission. If they had understood the essence of Muhammad’s prophethood, they would have recognized the correctness of entrusting both worldly and spiritual affairs to Ali (a.s.). Their failure to ponder the divine signs and arguments left them ignorant and unaware.

As a result, the hypocrites live in a state of constant fear—afraid of Muhammad (S) and his companions, yet also uneasy around their opponents. They do not realize who will eventually destroy them, making them the true fools and unintelligent ones. Their hypocrisy leaves them without genuine support from either Muhammad’s followers or the Jews and other infidels. They harbor grudges against both groups.

When facing the Holy Prophet (S), they falsely display friendship towards him and Ali, while pretending enmity towards their enemies, such as the Jews and Nasibis. Similarly, when speaking to the Prophet’s opponents, they claim to be enemies of Muhammad and Ali, pretending to be friends of their enemies. This dual-faced behavior alerts both parties to their true nature—that they harbor grudges against everyone.

However, they do not understand that Allah will certainly reveal their secrets to His Messenger, who will then know their true intentions and curse them. Thus, these hypocrites are the ones truly lacking in knowledge and intelligence.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:14

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

إِذَا لَقُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَالُوا آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا إِلَىٰ شَيَاطِينِهِمْ قَالُوا إِنَّا مَعَكُمْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُسْتَهْزِئُونَ

And when they meet those who believe, they say: We believe; and when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: Surely we are with you, we were only mocking. Surah Baqarah 2:14

In simpler terms, Imam Askari narrates that hypocrites, who opposed Imam Ali’s rightful leadership, pretended to believe when they met true believers like Salman, Miqdad, Abu Tharr, and Ammar. They praised them and pretended to share their faith in Ali’s leadership, but in private, they mocked and plotted against them with their fellow hypocrites.

The hypocrites would say things like, “We believe as you do,” when around true believers, but when alone with their like-minded companions, they would reaffirm their disbelief and opposition to Ali’s leadership, claiming they were only pretending to mock and deceive the believers.

This behavior reveals their deceit and hypocrisy, as they would outwardly show allegiance to Ali and the believers, but in reality, they were conspiring against them. Their actions were merely a facade to deceive and undermine the true believers, as they secretly plotted against them.

References:

  1.  Salwa M. S. El-Awa, Introduction to Textual Relations in Qur’an, pg. 1. Part of the Routledge Studies in the Qur’an series. London: Routledge, 2005. ISBN 9781134227471
  2.  Quran 2:1
  3.  Sale, George (1891). The Koran: Commonly Called the Alkoran of Mohammed ... New York: John B. Alden.
  4.  Michael Binyon, Fighting is ‘allowed’ during the holy month of fasting The Times, 18 December 1998
  5.  Jump up to:a b Sadr-‘ameli Sayyid Abbas. “Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Introduction”. Al-islam. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  6.  Mahmoud Ayoub, The Qurʾan and its interpreters, pg. 55. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1984. ISBN 9780791495469
  7.  Maariful Quran
  8. Qurtubi
  9.  Wherry, Elwood Morris (1896). A Complete Index to Sale’s Text, Preliminary Discourse, and Notes. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, and Co. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  10.  Jump up to:a b Mubarakpuri, Safiur Rahman (2000). Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volumes;Abridged). Darussalam. pp. 70–87. ISBN 9781591440208.
  11.  Jump up to:a b Caner Dagli, 2 The Cow al-Baqarah, Study Quran
  12.  Mubarakpuri, Safiur Rahman (2000). Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volumes; Abridged). Darussalam. pp. 87–91. ISBN 978159144020

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