The Hypocrites’ Parable Exposition on Faith & Deception

Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:19

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَاتٌ وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ يَجْعَلُونَ أَصَابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِم مِّنَ الصَّوَاعِقِ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ وَاللَّـهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ

The Parable of Hypocrites in Surah Baqarah: Verses 2:19-2:21

Surah Baqarah 2:19-20

• Verse 2:19: “Or the parable of these hypocrites is like that of those fellows on whom rain is falling from the sky, with clouds darkening the atmosphere fully, thunder roaring, and lightning flashing. They push their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, fearing death. Allah encompasses the unbelievers.”
• Verse 2:20: “The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them, they walk in its light, and when darkness falls around them, they stand still. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and sight, for Allah is powerful over all things.”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explains that the Quran uses this metaphor to address hypocrites. The Quran reveals the oneness of Allah, affirms the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) messengers, and validates that Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) deserves the rank and leadership given to him by the Prophet (S). The hypocrites’ condition is likened to those trapped in a storm, fearful of the consequences of rejecting Ali’s (a.s.) allegiance.

When the Prophet (S) curses those who break Ali’s (a.s.) allegiance and announces divine chastisement, the hypocrites’ fear grows, fearing death or punishment if the Prophet (S) discovers their hypocrisy. Allah can inform the Prophet (S) of their inner states, leading to their possible demise.

Surah Baqarah 2:20 Exegesis:

• “The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them, they walk in its light, and when darkness falls around them, they stand still. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and sight, for Allah is powerful over all things.”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) elaborates that hypocrites are like those who face continuous flashes of lightning. Despite the clear verses and miracles that prove the Prophet’s (S) and Ali’s (a.s.) truth, hypocrites fail to ponder them. Their obedience is momentary and conditional, based on personal gains. When conditions are favorable, they praise Ali (a.s.), but they blame him and the Prophet (S) when circumstances worsen.

Surah Baqarah 2:21:

Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:21

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

• “O men! Serve your Lord Who created you and those before you so that you may guard (against evil).”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) quotes Imam Zainul Aabideen (a.s.), emphasizing the command to worship Allah, who created humans and those before them, to attain piety. This worship includes acknowledging Allah’s oneness, the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) messengers, and Ali’s (a.s.) rightful leadership.

The Prophet (S) explained the creation process, highlighting Allah’s precise and wise management of creation, including the angel’s role in noting down a newborn’s fate. The Prophet (S) stressed that if a person’s life ends with love for Ali (a.s.), their sins are forgiven, showing the importance of recognizing Ali’s (a.s.) status.

An incident involving Buraidah illustrates the Prophet’s (S) defense of Ali (a.s.) when faced with unfounded accusations. The Prophet (S) warned against causing pain to Ali (a.s.), as it equates to harming the Prophet (S) and displeasing Allah. He highlighted Ali’s (a.s.) impeccable record and his high rank, cautioning against any hostility towards him.

The verse “Serve your Lord” (Surah Baqarah 2:21) encourages worshipping Allah with respect for Muhammad (S) and Ali (a.s.), recognizing Allah’s role in creation and seeking piety to avoid Hellfire. The promise of reward for worship signifies Allah’s just and merciful nature, ensuring that true worshippers receive His grace.

Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:22

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَّكُمْ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّـهِ أَندَادًا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

Who made the earth a resting place for you and the heaven a canopy and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud, then brings forth with it subsistence for you of the fruits; therefore do not set up rivals to Allah while you know. Surah Baqarah 2:22

The Parable of Hypocrites in Surah Baqarah: Verses 2:19-2:21

Surah Baqarah 2:19-20

• Verse 2:19: “Or the parable of these hypocrites is like that of those fellows on whom rain is falling from the sky, with clouds darkening the atmosphere fully, thunder roaring, and lightning flashing. They push their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, fearing death. Allah encompasses the unbelievers.”
• Verse 2:20: “The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them, they walk in its light, and when darkness falls around them, they stand still. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and sight, for Allah is powerful over all things.”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explains that the Quran uses this metaphor to address hypocrites. The Quran reveals the oneness of Allah, affirms the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) messengers, and validates that Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) deserves the rank and leadership given to him by the Prophet (S). The hypocrites’ condition is likened to those trapped in a storm, fearful of the consequences of rejecting Ali’s (a.s.) allegiance.

When the Prophet (S) curses those who break Ali’s (a.s.) allegiance and announces divine chastisement, the hypocrites’ fear grows, fearing death or punishment if the Prophet (S) discovers their hypocrisy. Allah can inform the Prophet (S) of their inner states, leading to their possible demise.

Surah Baqarah 2:20 Exegesis:

• “The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them, they walk in its light, and when darkness falls around them, they stand still. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and sight, for Allah is powerful over all things.”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) elaborates that hypocrites are like those who face continuous flashes of lightning. Despite the clear verses and miracles that prove the Prophet’s (S) and Ali’s (a.s.) truth, hypocrites fail to ponder them. Their obedience is momentary and conditional, based on personal gains. When conditions are favorable, they praise Ali (a.s.), but they blame him and the Prophet (S) when circumstances worsen.

Surah Baqarah 2:21:

• “O men! Serve your Lord Who created you and those before you so that you may guard (against evil).”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) quotes Imam Zainul Aabideen (a.s.), emphasizing the command to worship Allah, who created humans and those before them, to attain piety. This worship includes acknowledging Allah’s oneness, the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) messengers, and Ali’s (a.s.) rightful leadership.

The Prophet (S) explained the creation process, highlighting Allah’s precise and wise management of creation, including the angel’s role in noting down a newborn’s fate. The Prophet (S) stressed that if a person’s life ends with love for Ali (a.s.), their sins are forgiven, showing the importance of recognizing Ali’s (a.s.) status.

An incident involving Buraidah illustrates the Prophet’s (S) defense of Ali (a.s.) when faced with unfounded accusations. The Prophet (S) warned against causing pain to Ali (a.s.), as it equates to harming the Prophet (S) and displeasing Allah. He highlighted Ali’s (a.s.) impeccable record and his high rank, cautioning against any hostility towards him.

The verse “Serve your Lord” (Surah Baqarah 2:21) encourages worshipping Allah with respect for Muhammad (S) and Ali (a.s.), recognizing Allah’s role in creation and seeking piety to avoid Hellfire. The promise of reward for worship signifies Allah’s just and merciful nature, ensuring that true worshippers receive His grace.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ‏ وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ وَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الطَّيِّبِينَ

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Gracious, no one has any power and strength except the High and the Great Allah. May Allah bless Muhammad and his pious progeny.
After reciting these words, when the eight angels lifted the Arsh, it felt as light as a hair on their shoulders, despite their strength.
Almighty Allah then commanded the other angels to continue carrying the Arsh and to circumambulate around it, praising and glorifying Him, for He is the Lord with unmatched might and power over everything.
Upon hearing this, the companions exclaimed about the incredible strength of the angels carrying Allah’s Arsh. The Prophet Muhammad (S) responded that despite their strength, these angels could not lift the scroll containing a man’s good deeds from his Ummah. The companions asked who this man was so they could honor him and gain closeness to Allah.
The Prophet (S) narrated that this man was sitting with his companions when a man from the Prophet’s family passed by, hiding his face. Initially, he did not recognize him, but upon recognizing him later, he rushed towards him, bare-headed and barefoot, and expressed his profound respect and love for him, acknowledging his closeness to the Prophet (S).
This act of devotion was so highly rewarded by Allah that if the details were recorded in books, the angels holding the Arsh would not be able to lift them. When this man returned to his companions, they questioned his actions despite his high status in Islam. He explained that merely being a Muslim is not enough; one must also love and honor the Prophet and his family.
As a reward for his actions, Allah granted him an immense divine reward, greater than all his previous good deeds. The Prophet (S) emphasized that if someone lives a long life, amasses great wealth, and devotes themselves to worship but harbors enmity towards Muhammad (S) and Ali, their deeds would be nullified, and they would be thrown into Hell.
The companions then asked who these two men were. The Prophet (S) pointed out Saad bin Maaz Ansari, who was approaching with a cloth on his head, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). The Prophet (S) warned that many would claim to be friends with one and enemies of the other, which would lead to their misfortune, as both men and the Prophet (S) himself would be their enemies, and Allah’s chastisement would be upon them.
Finally, the Prophet (S) congratulated Saad, prophesying his martyrdom, which would lead many deniers to Hell, and through his intercession, many would enter Paradise.

Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:23-25

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُوا بِسُورَةٍ مِنْ مِثْلِهِ وَادْعُوا شُهَدَاءَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ {23}

فَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلُوا وَلَنْ تَفْعَلُوا فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ ۖ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ{24}

وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۖ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ ثَمَرَةٍ رِزْقًا ۙ قَالُوا هَٰذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُطَهَّرَةٌ ۖ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ{25}

If you have any doubt about the Book that We have revealed to Our servant Muhammad—thinking he might have written it himself—then produce a chapter like it. Call upon your greatest writers, or even your idols, if you are truthful.

If you cannot do this—and indeed, you will never be able to do so—then be warned of the Fire, fueled by men and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.

To those who believe and do good deeds, convey the good news that they will have gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. Whenever they receive fruits in these gardens, they will say: “These are similar to what we had before,” as they will be given fruits that look alike but are more delightful. They will also have pure companions, and they will reside there forever.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explained: When Allah presented clear examples of those who rejected belief and doubted the prophethood of Muhammad (S), those with enmity towards the Prophet and his family did not accept the truth. They doubted the signs and miracles and claimed they were not from Allah. Allah addressed these disbelievers in Mecca and Medina:

“If you doubt what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it. Call upon your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful” (Surah Baqarah 2:23).

If you doubt the Quran, thinking Muhammad (S) is not a prophet and that the Quran is not from Allah, despite the clear signs in Mecca, such as the cloud that shaded him on his journeys and the stones, mountains, trees, and sand grains that saluted him—if you doubt even though those who plotted to kill him were themselves killed, then:

“Produce a chapter like it” (Surah Baqarah 2:23).

Make just one chapter like the Quran, brought by Muhammad (S), who neither reads nor writes, who has not studied any book or learned from any teacher, and who lived among you for forty years. He brought a Book with knowledge of the east and west. If you doubt these signs, then produce a similar work.

O people of the scriptures, if you doubt Muhammad’s prophethood and his declaration of Ali as his successor, despite the miracles such as the speaking piece of poisoned mutton and the weeping staff, then:

“Produce a chapter like it” (Surah Baqarah 2:23).

You will never be able to do so. Therefore, fear the fire of Hell, where men and stones of sulfur will be the fuel, prepared for the unbelievers.

قُل لَّئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الْإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَىٰ أَن يَأْتُوا بِمِثْلِ هَـٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ لَا يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا

Almighty Allah said that even if all humans and jinns combined their efforts, they could not produce a text like the Quran (Surah Bani Israel 17:88).

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) asked his father, Imam Naqi (a.s.), to describe the miracles of the Holy Prophet (S) in Mecca and Medina. Imam Naqi (a.s.) narrated: When the Prophet (S) traveled to Syria for trade on behalf of Khadija, a cloud shaded him throughout the journey. When he stopped, the cloud stopped, and when he moved, it moved, shielding him from the sun and dust. This phenomenon astonished the people, who recognized Muhammad’s (S) noble status.

Another miracle involved the salutation of mountains, rocks, and pebbles. After returning from Syria, the Prophet (S) would climb Mount Hira to meditate. Upon reaching forty, Allah opened the skies, revealing His mercy and wisdom through the angels descending by His command.

These events and signs are irrefutable evidence of the divine origin of the Quran and the prophethood of Muhammad (S). The disbelievers, despite their attempts, cannot replicate even a single chapter of the Quran, proving its divine nature and the truth of Muhammad’s (S) message.

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ {1}

خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ {2}

اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ {3}

الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ {4}

عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ {5}

In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Honorable, who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not (Surah Alaq 96:1-5).

Simply put, O Muhammad, read. Read in the Name of your Lord Sustainer, who created everything and everyone, who made man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is the Most Great, who taught the pen to write and taught man what he did not know.

After this divine revelation, the angel departed, and the Holy Prophet (S) descended from the mountain. The signs of divine grandeur left the Holy Prophet (S) trembling. He was worried about how the Quraish would react when he conveyed the divine message. He feared they would not believe him and might accuse him of madness, despite his reputation for wisdom, honesty, and respectability.

The Prophet believed that the words and actions of evil spirits and mad people were the worst. Therefore, Allah desired to expand the Holy Prophet’s heart and make him strong and courageous. Allah made the rocks and pebbles speak, greeting the Prophet with peace and affirming his status as the beloved of Allah. Whenever the Prophet passed by, they would say: “Peace be upon you, O beloved of Allah! Allah has granted you grace and elevated you above all creation.”

Allah assured the Prophet not to worry about the Quraish calling him mad or accusing him of falling into religious delusion. Allah promised to raise the Prophet to the highest ranks of greatness and to soon bring joy to his heart through his legatee, Ali (a.s.). Ali, who was the key to the city of knowledge, would spread the Prophet’s knowledge to all of Allah’s servants. The Prophet’s daughter, Fatima (a.s.), would give birth to Hasan and Husain (a.s.), the chiefs of the youths of Paradise. Allah assured the Prophet that his religion would spread across all cities and that the rewards for the Prophet and his followers would multiply.

The Prophet was promised the Liwa-e-Hamd (Flag of Praise), which he would hand over to his brother, Ali (a.s.). All prophets and messengers would gather under this flag, and Ali would lead them into Paradise. Upon hearing this glad tidying, the Prophet pondered: “O Lord! Who is this Ali bin Abi Talib about whom I have received this promise?” At that time, Ali (a.s.) was still very young, the son of the Prophet’s uncle.

As Ali grew older and began walking, the Prophet prayed: “O Allah, is this the one about whom You gave me the good news?” Every time the Prophet thought about this, he was overwhelmed with awe and reverence. A divine voice reassured him: “O Muhammad! This Ali bin Abi Talib is My chosen servant. I will make him a helper of My religion. After you, he will be superior to your entire Ummah.”

The Prophet narrated this happened when his chest was expanded for the duties of messengers, making the management of the Ummah lighter and giving him the strength to face the oppressors among the Quraish.

Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) recounted: The story of those who plotted to kill the Prophet of Allah but were thwarted by a divine miracle is as follows. The Prophet was living in Mecca at the age of seven, displaying such noble character that no other child of Quraish could match his goodness.

During those days, some Jewish traders arrived in Mecca from Syria. Observing the high standards of the Prophet’s character, they secretly discussed among themselves: “By God! This is Muhammad, who is to appear in the last era, who will defeat and disgrace the Jews and other religions.” They had read in their religious books about the coming of an unlettered but intelligent and truthful prophet. Their jealousy compelled them to keep this matter secret and plot to kill him to prevent his kingdom from arising. They decided to invite him to a feast and test him by offering him unlawful food. If he ate, it would show he was not the promised one. If he refrained, they would understand he was the true Muhammad and try to kill him.

The Jews invited Abu Talib (r.a.) and the Prophet to a feast, serving them the kebabs of a hen killed unlawfully. While Abu Talib and the Quraish chieftains started eating, the Prophet’s hand turned away automatically every time he tried to take the meat. The hosts asked why he wasn’t eating, and the Prophet replied: “I am prevented by Allah from eating this food.” Despite their insistence that it was lawful, the Prophet did not eat.

Observing this event, the Quraish were amazed. The Jews were even more astonished and informed the Quraish that the boy would bring calamities upon them and very soon attain a high rank.

Later, seventy Jews plotted to kill the Prophet on Mount Hira. They dipped their swords in poison and sat in ambush. Every time they tried to attack, the mountainsides closed in, protecting the Prophet. This occurred forty-seven times until the Prophet reached the hilltop. The Jews encircled the Prophet but the path became too long for them to cross. Finally, the mountain crushed all seventy Jews. A divine voice informed the Prophet of his enemies’ fate, and the rocks and trees congratulated him on his protection.

The Prophet was assured that Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) would help him against the oppressive and revolting people of the community, making Islam successful and honorable through his efforts.

Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) continued: The story of the two trees joining together occurred when the Prophet was traveling between Mecca and Medina. Some hypocrites plotted to watch the Prophet relieve himself to mock him. Allah informed the Prophet of their plan, so he asked Zaid bin Haritha to command two distant trees to come together and form a barrier. The trees uprooted themselves, moved closer, and embraced each other. The Prophet relieved himself behind them, and the trees followed his movements to keep him hidden from the hypocrites. This continued until the Prophet finished and returned to his army.

The hypocrites tried to observe what the Prophet had left behind, but the trees had returned to their original positions, leaving no trace. The Prophet explained to his companions that the trees’ obedience and the divine protection they witnessed were signs of Allah’s support.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) added: Ali (a.s.) showed similar miracles. When Ali returned from the Battle of Siffeen, he quenched his companions’ thirst by bringing water from a stone. A hypocrite tried to observe Ali relieving himself but was blinded every time he attempted to look. This happened eighty times. Finally, the hypocrite’s legs stuck to the ground, and he couldn’t move. Ali revealed his true strength, shaking a pillar and uprooting an entire structure.

These miracles demonstrated Ali’s divine favor and authority, reinforcing his position as the Prophet’s rightful successor and a key figure in the establishment and preservation of Islam.

Summary:

Today’s discussion covers the divine revelations to Prophet Muhammad (S), including miraculous events affirming his prophethood and the elevated status of Ali (a.s.). Stories of speaking rocks, protective mountains, and obedient trees illustrate Allah’s support for the Prophet. The narrative also highlights the unique role of Ali (a.s.) in spreading Islam and his divine protection against adversaries. The Prophet’s interactions with hypocrites and Jews reveal his unassailable character and Allah’s miraculous interventions.