The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 2) — Page 337
PT. 6 AL-MA'IDAH Most Forgiving and Merciful. 670 R. 6. CH. 5 يَايُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَابْتَغُوا إِلَيْهِ O ye who believe fear Allah. 36 الْوَسِيْلَةَ وَجَاهِدُوا فِي سَبِيْلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ and "seek the way of approach b unto Him and strive in His way that you may prosper. 671 a17:58. 9:41; 22:79. ,means وسل اليه بكذا became near to God 670. Commentary: This and the preceding verse refer, not to ordinary dacoits and robbers, as is wrongly assumed by some, but to rebels and those miscreants who make aggressive war upon the Muslim State, as is clear from the words, who wage war against Allah and His Messenger. This inference finds further support from the fact that the present verse promises amnesty to offenders if they repent. But obviously those who commit heinous offences against individuals or against society, such as dacoits, robbers and thieves, cannot, in he sought to bring himself near to him, or to approach or gain access to him, or to advance himself in his favour. a therefore, signifies, a means of access to a thing; a means of becoming near to, or intimate with, a thing or person; honourable rank with a king; degree; affinity; a tie or connection (Lane). Commentary: a as meaning "an intermediary It is wrong to interpret the word between man and God"; such an interpretation is not only unsupported by the usage of the Arabic language, but is also opposed to the teachings of the Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet. The Quran says that those whom people invoke beside God and whom they desire to make intermediaries between themselves and God, in order to attain His nearness, are themselves in need of attaining His nearness (17:58). The Holy Prophet is also reported to have said: "Ask for a (nearness of God) for me", i. e. pray to God that He may a(way of approach) is the noun- grant me His special nearness. The infinitive from ws. They say a prayer after the usual call to Prayer Jai. e. he did a deed by which he includes the words, "O God! give ordinary circumstances, be pardoned by the State even if they repent. They must suffer the penalty of their wicked deeds as prescribed by the Law. Surely, repentance may secure for them pardon from God, but the powers of the State are limited in this respect. Political offenders, however, may be forgiven if they repent and desist from further acts of rebellion and other offences against the State. 671. Important Words: 777