Overview (Verses 109 - 111)

The Safe Path to Follow

Having spoken about the punishment of the hereafter, and its similarities with what can be meted out in this life, the sūrah draws some lessons for the Prophet and his few followers in Makkah, reassuring them that they follow the truth. It also warns those who deny God’s message against what will befall them in the hereafter. It firstly reassures the Prophet and tells him not to entertain any doubt with regard to the fallacy of the religion the pagan Arabs were following. Like earlier communities mentioned in the sūrah, those Arabs were only worshipping what their forefathers before them had worshipped. Hence, they will inevitably have their befitting requital. If such punishment is deferred, as was the case with Moses’ people, both will have their due reward at the right time.

So be not in doubt about anything which these people worship. They worship only as their fathers worshipped before them. We shall most certainly give them their full due, without any reduction. Indeed, We gave the Scriptures to Moses, and there was strife over them. Had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from your Lord, judgement would have been passed on them. Yet, they are in grave doubt concerning that. To each and all your Lord will surely give their full due for whatever they may have done. He is indeed aware of all that they do. (Verses 109-111)

You must not entertain any doubt about the falsehood those people followed. This address is made to the Prophet, but the warnings are given to his people. This approach is perhaps more effective because it implies that the whole matter is something explained objectively by God to His Prophet. There is no argument with anyone. Those who offer such false worship are not directly addressed because they do not deserve to be given attention. Thus, the objective truth, in the manner it is stated, may by itself arouse their interest more than if they were to be addressed directly. “So be not in doubt about anything which these people worship. They worship only as their fathers worshipped before them.” (Verse 109) Hence, the same suffering awaits them. It is, however, implied here: “We shall most certainly give them their full due.” (Verse 109) What is due to them is known from what befell other people before them. The sūrah has portrayed some examples of this.

It is possible that they may not be destroyed, just as Moses’ people were not totally destroyed, despite the divisions and strife that arose between them over their faith and worship. “Indeed, We gave the Scriptures to Moses, and there was strife over them.” (Verse 110) God has decreed that they will be held answerable for all their deeds on the Day of Judgement: “Had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from your Lord, judgement would have been passed on them.” (Verse 110)

There is a certain wisdom behind this decree. They were not totally destroyed because they had Scriptures. All those who received Scriptures, through any Prophet, will not be punished until the Day of Judgement. The Scriptures are clear pointers to the right path, and succeeding generations can study them and follow them, just as the generation which was first addressed by them. This cannot apply to physical miracles which are witnessed only by those who are present at the time they happen. Those who witness such miracles either believe as a result of what they see and thus save themselves, or continue to reject the faith and are punished in consequence. Both the Torah and the Gospel are full books, available to succeeding generations, until the final Scriptures are given, confirming both the Torah and the Gospel, and replacing them as guidance for all mankind. All people will be questioned on the basis of this final revelation, including the followers of the Torah and the Gospel. “Yet, they are”— meaning Moses’ people, “in grave doubt concerning that.” (Verse 110) That is, concerning Moses’ Scriptures which were not written until much later, when its reports suffered much confusion. Hence, its followers are not fully certain of it.

Since judgement has been deferred, everyone will receive the reward due for his actions, whether good or bad, from God, who is aware of all actions. “To each and all your Lord will surely give their full due for whatever they may have done. He is indeed aware of all that they do.” (Verse 111) The Arabic expression employed here contains multiple emphasis, so that the delay of accountability and reward should not induce anyone to doubt their inevitability. Such varied emphasis also serves to assert that the beliefs of those people are totally false and that they are akin to the false beliefs of past communities.

Such strong emphasis was also necessary considering the tough phase the Islamic movement was going through at the time. The unbelievers had adopted an attitude of stubborn hostility to the Prophet and his few followers. Islam was making little headway in Makkah. Severe punishment was inflicted on the few believers, while the enemies of Islam went about their city completely secure. God’s threatened punishment was delayed to its appointed time. It was, then, a critical period, when some people could not help being shaken. Indeed, even the strongest of believers can feel lonely and isolated. They need to be reassured. Nothing can reassure believers better than knowing that their enemies are God’s enemies, and that they undoubtedly hold false beliefs. Again, believers are reassured when they realize God’s wisdom in leaving the unbelievers alone for a while, and postponing their punishment to the day which will certainly overwhelm them.

Thus, we see how the Qur’ānic revelations set the necessary requirements for moving forward in advocating Islam. We also see how the Qur’ān sets landmarks for the Muslim community as they wage their fight against the enemies of Islam.