The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 2) — Page 6
156), and they are admonished that on such occasions of crisis they should completely avoid mutual recrimination as it is calculated to undermine national spirit; and he who does so is not a friend of his community (157- 159). Another rule of conduct to be observed is that in time of warfare leaders should behave more leniently than usual towards their followers and should have proper regard for their susceptibilities, so that the enemy may get no opportunity to create discord among them and all things should be done after mutual consultation (160). Then the former subject is repeated, viz. that no success is possible without God's help, therefore the demands of religion and morality should not be disregarded from considerations of petty worldly gains (161-164). God then reminds Muslims of the great good He has done to them inasmuch as He has raised for them a perfect Messenger. They should follow him and eschew the path of disturbers of peace that they may achieve success (165-169). Then the Quran lays down a great principle, viz. that those who lose their lives while fighting for the cause of truth are entitled to special respect. It is these people who get eternal life and it is they who exhibit such morals as give life to their community (170-173). After that we are told that in every community there are some weak people, so we should not be afraid of the existence of some weak members in our ranks (174-180). Again, a reference is made to the People of the Book and we are told that their religious condition has become so corrupt that, while on the one hand they claim to be God's own chosen people, on the other, they hesitate to spend their money in His way. Muslims are enjoined to take a lesson from this (181- 183). The moral depravity of these people is further contrasted with their claim that they are commanded to give their allegiance only to that Messenger who should demand the greatest sacrifice of them. God says that such Messengers did appear among them, but they refused to accept them (184- 185). The theme of sacrifice is further developed where God says that it is foolish to be afraid of making sacrifices for national causes. The greatest of sacrifices is to suffer death, but death is sure to come upon every one, with the difference that the good continue to make progress even after death. Why then should one be afraid of it? (186). Muslims are then warned that they will have to be tried; and they should not think that they would achieve success without passing through the ordeal of trials and tribulations (187). God further says that He had commanded the People of the Book to preach and propagate these teachings but, when they themselves consigned them to oblivion, how could they preach them to others? These people seek to be praised for deeds which they have not done. But instead of praise they will meet with disgrace and destruction because he who does not live up to his professions is never 446