Surah al-Furqan (The Criterion ) 25 : 72

Explanatory Note

Having completed this interposition of the conditions of repentance, the sūrah resumes its outline of the qualities of the true servants of the Most Merciful: “Those who never bear witness to what is false, and whenever they pass by [people engaged in] frivolity, pass on with dignity.” This may be taken literally which means that they never give false testimony, since such an action leads to usurping people’s rights and helps injustice. It may also be taken to mean that they do not attend any place or stay with any group where falsehood is said or done. They steer away from such places or company so as not to be party to anything that happens there. This is a more powerful meaning. They also steer away from all frivolity and idle talk: “Whenever they pass by people engaged in frivolity, pass on with dignity.” They remove themselves from participation in any such practice. A believer has more serious preoccupations that leave no time for frivolous and idle pursuits. His mind is full with what his faith requires of him so as to ensure that God’s message is delivered to mankind. This is sufficient preoccupation for anyone.