2. Surah al-Baqara, Medina 87
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
اللَّهَ لاَ
يَسْتَحْيِي
أَن يَضْرِبَ
مَثَلاً مَّا
بَعُوضَةً فَمَا
فَوْقَهَا...
2: 26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest.
C45. The word for "the lowest" in the original Arabic means a gnat, a byword in the Arabic language for the weakest of creatures.
In 29:41, which was revealed before this Surah, the similitude of the Spider was used, and similarly in 22:73, there is the similitude of the Fly. For similitudes taken from magnificent forces of nature, expressed in exalted language, see 2:19 above.
To Allah all His creation has some special meaning appropriate to itself, and some of what we consider the lowest creatures have wonderful aptitudes, e.g., the spider or the fly.
Parables like these may be an occasion of stumbling to those "who forsake the path"; in other words those who deliberately shut their eyes to Allah's Signs, and their Penalty is attributed to Allah, the Cause of all causes.
But lest there should be misunderstanding, it is immediately added that the stumbling and offence only occur as the result of the sinner's own choice of the wrong course. Verses 26 and 27 form one sentence and should be read together.
"Forsaking the path" is defined in 2:27, viz.,
breaking solemn covenants which the sinner's own soul had ratified, causing division among mankind, who were meant to be one brotherhood, and doing as much mischief as possible in the life on this earth, for the life beyond will be on another plane, where no rope will be given to evil.
The mention of Covenant (2:27) has a particular and a general signification.
The particular one has reference to the Jewish tradition that a Covenant was entered into with "Father Abraham" that in return for Allah's favours the seed of Abraham would serve Allah faithfully. But as a matter of fact a great part of Abraham's progeny were in constant spiritual rebellion against Allah, as is testified by their own Prophets and Preachers and by Muhammad Mustafa.
The general signification is that a similar Covenant is entered into by every creature of Allah: for Allah's loving care, we at least owe Him the fullest gratitude and willing obedience.
The sinner, before the darkness his own conscience, knows this, and yet he not only "forsakes the path" but resists the Grace of Allah which comes to save him. That is why his case becomes hopeless. But the loss is his own. He cannot spoil Allah's design.
The good man is glad to retrace his steps from any lapses of which may have been guilty, and in his case Allah's Message reclaims him with complete understanding. (R).
... فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ...
Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord;
... وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَـذَا مَثَلاً...
but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?"
... يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيراً وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيراً...
By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path,
... وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلاَّ الْفَاسِقِين ﴿٢٦﴾
but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path).
أَلَمْ
تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ
اللّهَ لَهُ
مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضِ...
2: 107. Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth!
... وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ ﴿١٠٧﴾
And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
وَلَن
تَرْضَى عَنكَ
الْيَهُودُ
وَلاَ النَّصَارَى
حَتَّى تَتَّبِعَ
مِلَّتَهُمْ...
2: 120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion.
قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَى...
Say: "The guidance of Allah, that is the (only) guidance."
... وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ...
Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee,
... مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ ﴿١٢٠﴾
then wouldst thou find neither protector nor helper against Allah.
سَيَقُولُ
السُّفَهَاء
مِنَ النَّاسِ
...
2: 142. The fools among the people will say:
C140. Nas: People, the unthinking multitude that sway to and fro, instead of being firm in Allah's Way.
The reference here is to the idolaters, the Hypocrites, and the party of Jews who were constantly seeking to "entangle in their talk" Mustafa and his disciples in Madinah even as the Pharisees and the Sadducees of Jesus' day tried to entangle Jesus (Matt. 22:15, 23)
... مَا وَلاَّهُمْ عَن قِبْلَتِهِمُ الَّتِي كَانُواْ عَلَيْهَا...
"What hath turned them from the Qiblah to which they were used?"
C141. Qiblah: The direction to which Muslims turn in prayer.
Islam lays great stress on social prayer in order to emphasize our universal Brotherhood and mutual cooperation. For such prayer, order, punctuality, precision, symbolical postures, and a common direction are essential, so that the Imam (leader) and all his congregation may face one way and offer their supplications to Allah.
In the early days, before they were organized as a people, they followed as a symbol for their Qiblah the sacred city of Jerusalem, scared both to the Jews and the Christians, the people of the Book. This symbolized their allegiance to the continuity of Allah's revelation.
When, despised and persecuted, they were turned out of Makkah and arrived in Madinah. Al Mustafa under divine direction began to organize its people as an Ummah, an independent people, with laws and rituals of their own. At that stage the Ka'bah was established as Qiblah, thus going back to the earliest centre, with which the name of Abraham was connected, and traditionally also the name of Adam.
Jerusalem still remained (and remains) sacred in the eyes of Islam on account of its past, but Islam is progressive religion, and its new symbolism enabled it to shake off the tradition of a dead past and usher in the era of untrammeled freedom dear to the spirit of Arabia. The change took place about 16 1/2 months after Hijrah.
... قُل لِّلّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ...
Say:
to Allah belong both East and West;
... يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاء إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿١٤٢﴾
He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
كَانَ
النَّاسُ أُمَّةً
وَاحِدَةً
فَبَعَثَ اللّهُ
النَّبِيِّينَ
مُبَشِّرِينَ
وَمُنذِرِينَ...
2: 213. Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings;
... وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ فِيمَا اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ...
and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed;
... وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ ...
but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy.
... فَهَدَى اللّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لِمَا اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِ...
Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the truth, concerning that wherein they differed.
... وَاللّهُ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاء إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿٢١٣﴾
For Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight.
اللّهُ
وَلِيُّ الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ يُخْرِجُهُم
مِّنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ
إِلَى النُّوُرِ...
2: 257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light.
... وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُمُ الطَّاغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ النُّورِ إِلَى الظُّلُمَاتِ...
Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness.
... أُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ ﴿٢٥٧﴾
they will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever).
الشَّيْطَانُ
يَعِدُكُمُ
الْفَقْرَ
وَيَأْمُرُكُم
بِالْفَحْشَاء...
2: 268. The Evil One threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly.
... وَاللّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلاً...
Allah promiseth you His forgiveness and bounties
C318. Good and evil draw us opposite ways and by opposite motives, and the contrast is well marked out in charity.
When we think of doing some real act of kindness or charity, we are assailed with doubts and fear of impoverishment; but Evil supports any tendency to selfishness, greed, or even to extravagant expenditure for show, or self-indulgence, or unseemly appetites.
On the other hand, Allah draws us on to all that is kind and good, for that way lies the forgiveness of our sins, and greater real prosperity and satisfaction.
No kind or generous act ever ruined anyone. It is false generosity that is sometimes shown as leading to ruin. As Allah knows all our motives and cares for all, and has everything in His power, it is obvious which course a wise man will choose.
But wisdom is rare, and it is only wisdom that can appreciate true well-being and distinguish it from the false appearance of well-being.
... وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٦٨﴾
and Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.
Asad’s Version:
2: 26 …But He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path)
2:107 …. And besides Him you have neither patron nor helper.
2:120 The Guidance of God …that is the (only) Guidance.
2: 142 …He guides whom He wills onto a straight way
OR , HE GUIDES ONTO A STRAIGHT WAY HIM THAT WILLS ( to be guided). See Asad p.30, note 117.
2:213: ...for God guides onto a straight way him that wills (to be guided)
2: 257 God is the protector of those who have faith. From the depth of darkness He will lead them forth into light.
2: 268 He grants wisdom to whom He please.
===================================
3. Sura al-Imran
Medina 89 [200 verses]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
أَوْلَى النَّاسِ
بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ
لَلَّذِينَ
اتَّبَعُوهُ
وَهَـذَا النَّبِيُّ
وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ...
3: 68. Without doubt, among men the nearest of kin to Abraham are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet and those who believe;
...وَاللّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٦٨﴾
and Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.
وَلاَ
تُؤْمِنُواْ
إِلاَّ لِمَن
تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ
...
3: 73. "And believe no one unless he follows your religion."
...قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَى هُدَى اللّهِ أَن يُؤْتَى أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ ...
Say:
"True guidance is the guidance of Allah; (fear ye) lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you.
C407. The two clauses following have been variously construed, and some translations leave the sense ambiguous.
I have construed the conjunction "an" to mean "lest", as it undoubtedly does in 7:172. 'an taqulu", etc.
... أَوْ يُحَآجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ...
Or that those (receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord."
C408. Cf. 2:76.
The People of the Book were doubly annoyed at the Muslims:
- that they should (being outside their ranks) receive Allah's revelations, and
- that having received such revelations, they should be able to convict them out of their own scriptures before their Lord!
... قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاء...
Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth;
...وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٧٣﴾
and Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
كَيْفَ
يَهْدِي اللّهُ
قَوْمًا كَفَرُواْ
بَعْدَ إِيمَانِهِمْ
وَشَهِدُواْ
أَنَّ الرَّسُولَ
حَقٌّ وَجَاءهُمُ
الْبَيِّنَاتُ...
3: 86. How shall Allah guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that clear signs had come unto them?
...وَاللّهُ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٨٩﴾
But Allah guides not a people unjust.
وَاعْتَصِمُواْ
بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ
جَمِيعًا وَلاَ
تَفَرَّقُواْ...
3: 103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;
C429. The simile is that of people struggling in deep water, to whom a benevolent Providence stretches out a strong and unbreakable rope of rescue.
If all hold fast to it together, their mutual support adds to the chance of their safety.
...وَاذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنتُمْ أَعْدَاء...
and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you;
...فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا...
for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His grace, ye became brethren;
C430. Yathrib was torn with civil and tribal feuds and dissensions before the Messenger of Allah set his feet on its soil. After that, it became the City of the Prophet, Madinah, and unmatched Brotherhood, and the pivot of Islam.
This poor quarrelsome world is a larger Yathrib: can we establish the sacred feet on its soil, and make it a new and larger Madinah?
...وَكُنتُمْ عَلَىَ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنْهَا...
and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it.
...كَذَلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللّهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ ﴿١٠٣﴾
Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided.
Asad’s Version:
3:68 … and God is the Protector of those who have faith
3:73 True guidance is the guidance of God……all bounties are in the hands of God :…..
3: 86 (God cannot guide those who are resolved to deny the truth)
3: 103 …He brought your hearts together, so that through His blessings you became brethren; and you were on the brink of a fiery abyss, He saved you from it..In this way God makes clear His messages unto you, so that you might find guidance,
===================================
4. Sura an-Nisa
Medina 92 [Hijra 4]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِذَا
جَاءهُمْ أَمْرٌ
مِّنَ الأَمْنِ
أَوِ الْخَوْفِ
أَذَاعُواْ
بِهِ...
4: 83. When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they divulge it.
... وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَى أُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ...
If they had only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (direct).
... وَلَوْلاَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لاَتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً ﴿٨٣﴾
Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan.
C602. In times of war or public panic, thoughtless repetition of gossip is rightly restrained by all effective States. If false, such news may cause needless alarm: if true, it may frighten the, timid and cause some misgiving even to the bravest, because the counterpart of it -the preparations made to meet the danger- is not known.
Thoughtless news, true or false, may also encourage the enemy. The proper course is quietly to hand all news direct to those who are in a position to investigate it. They can then sift it and take suitable measures to checkmate the enemy.
Not to do so, but to deal with news either thoughtlessly or maliciously is to fall directly into the snares of evil.
إِنَّ
الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ ثُمَّ
كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ
آمَنُواْ ثُمَّ
كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ
ازْدَادُواْ
كُفْرًا...
4: 137. Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief,
... لَّمْ يَكُنِ اللّهُ لِيَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ وَلاَ لِيَهْدِيَهُمْ سَبِيلاً ﴿١٣٧﴾
Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on the way.
C647. Those who go on changing sides again and again can have no real Faith at any time. Their motives are mere worldly double-dealing. How can they expect Allah's grace or forgiveness?
Here is a clear warning against those who make their religion a mere matter of worldly convenience, True religion goes far deeper. It transforms the very nature of man. After that transformation it is as impossible for him to change as it is for light to become darkness.
إِنَّ
الَّذِينَ
كَفَرُواْ
وَصَدُّواْ
عَن سَبِيلِ
اللّهِ قَدْ
ضَلُّواْ ضَلاَلاً
بَعِيدًا ﴿١٦٧﴾
4: 167. Those who reject faith and keep off (men) from the way of Allah, have verily strayed far, far away from the path.
إِنَّ
الَّذِينَ
كَفَرُواْ
وَظَلَمُواْ
لَمْ يَكُنِ
اللّهُ لِيَغْفِرَ
لَهُمْ وَلاَ
لِيَهْدِيَهُمْ
طَرِيقاً ﴿١٦٨﴾
4: 168. Those who reject faith and do wrong, Allah will not forgive them nor guide them to any way.
Asad’s Version:
4: 83 …………….and but for God's bounty towards you, an His grace, all but a few of you would certainly have followed Satan.
4: 137 Behold, as for those who come to believe, and then deny the truth, and again come to believe and again deny the truth – God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them in any way. Announce thou to such hypocrites that grievous suffering awaits them.
4: 167 Behold, those who are bent on denying the truth and on turning others away from the path of God have indeed gone far astray. – God will indeed not forgive them, not will He guide them
4: 168 Behold, those who are bent on denying the truth and on evildoing – God will indeed not forgive them, not will He guide them onto any road but the road that leads to hell, therein to abide beyond the count of time: and this is indeed easy for God.
===================================
5. Surah al-Maida, Medina 112
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ اذْكُرُواْ
نِعْمَتَ اللّهِ
عَلَيْكُمْ
...
5: 11. O ye who believe!
call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you
... إِذْ هَمَّ قَوْمٌ أَن يَبْسُطُواْ إِلَيْكُمْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَكَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنكُمْ ...
when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you:
C708. In the life-time of the Prophet it happened again and again that the enemies of Islam stretched out their hands against him, his people, and his teaching. The odds were, from a worldly point of view, in their favour, but their hands were rendered inert and powerless because they were fighting against the truth of Allah.
So does it happen always, now as it did then. True faith must take heart, and at the same time humbly recognise Allah's favour and mercy, and be grateful.
... وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١١﴾
so fear Allah. And on Allah let believers put (all) their trust.
إِنَّمَا
وَلِيُّكُمُ
اللّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ ...
5: 55. Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers,
... الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ ﴿٥٥﴾
those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).
وَمَن
يَتَوَلَّ
اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ فَإِنَّ
حِزْبَ اللّهِ
هُمُ الْغَالِبُونَ
﴿٥٦﴾
5: 56. As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers, it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.
Asad’s Version:
5: 11 O you who believe ! Remember the blessings which God bestowed upon you when [hostile] people were about to lay hands on you and He stayed their hands from you. Remain, then conscious of God: and in God let the believers place their trust.
5: 55, 56 Behold, your only helper shall be God, and His Apostle, and those who have attained to faith – those that are constant in prayer, and render the purifying dues, and bow down [before God] : for, all who ally themselves with God and his Apostle and those who have attained to faith – behold, it is they, the partisans of God, who shall be victorious!
===================================
7. Sura al-Araf, Mecca 39
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
وَلِيِّـيَ
اللّهُ الَّذِي
نَزَّلَ الْكِتَابَ
وَهُوَ يَتَوَلَّى
الصَّالِحِينَ
﴿١٩٦﴾
7: 196. "For my protector is Allah, Who revealed the Book (from time to time), and He will choose and befriend the righteous.
Asad’s Version:
7: 196 Verily, my protector is God, who has bestowed this divine writ form on high: for it is He who protects the righteous, …………
===================================
9. [at-Tawbah, Medina 113, 9H after Tabuk]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ اللّهَ
لَهُ مُلْكُ
السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضِ
يُحْيِـي
وَيُمِيتُ...
9: 116. Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth.
He giveth life and He taketh it.
... وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ ﴿١١٦﴾
Except for Him ye have no protector nor helper.
Asad’s Version:
9: 116 Verily, God’s alone is the dominion over the heavens and the earth; He grants life and deals death; and there is none besides God who could protect you or bring you succor.
[Innal-laaha lahuu mulkus-samaa-wati walarz ]
===================================
57. Sura al-Hadid [Iron]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ
آمَنُوا ...
57: 28. O ye that believe!
C5325. From the context before (see n. 5323 above) and after (see next note), this is held to refer to the Christians and People of the Book who kept their Faith true and undefiled.
... اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَآمِنُوا بِرَسُولِهِ...
fear Allah, and believe in His messenger,
...يُؤْتِكُمْ كِفْلَيْنِ مِن رَّحْمَتِهِ ...
and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy:
C5326. The double portion refers to the past and the future.
As noted in the last note, this passage is addressed to the Christians and the People of the Book, who, when honestly facing the question of the new Revelation in Islam, find in it the fulfilment of previous revelations, and therefore believe in Allah's Messenger Muhammad, and walk by the new light. Their previous merits will be duly recognised, and they will be treated on fully equal terms in the new Ummah. This is their double share, not necessarily more in quantity than that of their brethren in Islam who passed through no other gate, but having a twofold aspect.
... وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ نُورًا تَمْشُونَ بِهِ ...
He will provide for you a light by which ye shall walk (straight in your path),
C5327. As this refers to the Christians and the People of the Book, the following saying of Christ in his last days may interest them:
"'Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you... While ye have the fight, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them". (John, 12:35-36).
The light of Christ's Gospel soon departed; his Church was enveloped in darkness; then came the fight again, in the fuller light of Islam. And they are asked to believe in the light, and to walk in it. Cf. also 57:12. and n. 5288 above.
... وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ...
and He will forgive you (your past):
C5328. Any wrong they may have committed through ignorance or misconceptions in their previous religion will be forgiven them, as they have seen the new light and walk by it.
...وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٢٨﴾
For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful:
Asad’s Version:
57: 28 Be mindful of your duty to God and put faith in His messenger. He will give you two fold of His Mercy and will appoint for you a light wherein you shall walk, and will forgive you. Allah is Forgiving , Merciful: