Day 236 · Surah Al-Ahzab Verses 16-30

Al-Ahzab 16–30

Fleeing from war does not delay death even a little; the attitude of the hypocrites is exposed, while the Messenger has a good example.

• Avoiding war does not save from death, and nothing can prevent harm or mercy that Allah has determined.
• The hypocrites prevent people from fighting because of cowardice and greed for war booty, then they curse the believers after fear disappears.
• In the Messenger is an example for those who hope to meet Allah and remember much.
• When seeing the confederate forces, it only increases the faith of the believers because they recognize what Allah and His Messenger promised.
• The wives of the Prophet are asked to choose between this world and its adornment or Allah and His Messenger and the Paradise prepared.

Verses 16-20 explain that Allah commands the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to tell the hypocrites that fleeing from war will not be beneficial in avoiding death or being killed. They are only given a short life. Nothing can prevent harm or mercy if Allah brings it to them. There will be no protector and helper other than Allah.

Allah knows those who prevent others from fighting and call their friends and brothers to stay at home and attend to worldly affairs. Actually they are greedy for ghanimah (war booty) and very cowardly. Once fear is gone, they curse the believers with sharp words. They have not truly believed, so Allah nullifies all their deeds and it is easy for Allah. They think the Confederates' forces are still there. If the Confederates' forces were to return to Medina they would want to stay with the Bedouins while seeking news of the believers. Even if they participated in fighting, it would only be for a short time.

Verses 21 and 22 explain that in the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) there is a good example for those who hope to meet Allah and the Hereafter and remember Allah much. The believers when they saw the Confederates' forces said: This is what Allah and His Messenger promised. Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth. This situation only increased their faith and submission to Allah.

Verses 23-30 explain:

1. The believers who fulfill their covenant with Allah are those with true faith. They face only one of two alternatives; martyrdom on Allah's path or death naturally. Allah will reward them with perfect reward and punish them with severe punishment.
2. Allah repelled the disbelievers so they did not gain the benefit they hoped for. Allah was sufficient as a helper to the believers in that war, for He is Mighty and Powerful. Allah cast fear into the hearts of Bani Qurayza so they came down from their fortresses, some were killed and others were taken captive by the believers. Thus is Allah's way of inheriting their land, country, and wealth to the believers and other lands they have not yet set foot on. This happened because Allah has power over all things.
3. Allah reminds the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to ensure his wives are not materialistic. If they choose this world and its adornment, he must divorce them kindly. If they choose Allah and His Messenger, then Allah has prepared Paradise for them. Whoever among them commits adultery, Allah will inflict double punishment on her in this world and the Hereafter. For Allah, this is easy.

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