The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 2) — Page 652
CH. 8 AL-ANFĀL PT. 9 ذَلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَانَ لِلْكُفِرِينَ عَذَابَ That is your punishment. 15 النَّارِ there is the disbelievers taste it then; and know that for punishment of the Fire. 1104 you meet those who disbelieve, your backs to them. 1105 يَايُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا لَقِيْتُمُ الَّذِينَ O ye who believe! when. 16 كَفَرُوا زَحْفَا فَلَا تُوَتُوهُمُ الْأَدْبَارَة advancing in force, turn not 逃 لِهِمْ يَوْمَ دُبُرَةٌ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفا And whoso turns his back to. 17 وَمَنْ يَوْمَبِذٍ لِقِتَالٍ أَوْ مُتَحَيْرًا إِلَى فِئَةٍ فَقَدْ بَاءَ them on such a day, unless manoeuvring for battle or turning to join another company, بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَمَأْويهُ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ he indeed draws upon himself 1104. Commentary: 22:23; 34:43. 8:46; 47:5. In this verse God refers to two punishments for disbelievers, one in this life, and the other in the life to come. When the threat with regard to the punishment of this life had come to pass, it was quite reasonable to expect that the threat with regard to the punishment in the next life would also come to pass. Similarly, God had made two promises to believers: firstly, the promise of victory and success in this life; secondly, the promise of bliss in the life to come. When the former had been fulfilled in a most amazing manner, the latter would also be similarly fulfilled. 1105. Important Words: (advancing in force) is derived from i. e. he walked, marched or went on foot little by little; he crept or crawled along; or he went leisurely or heavily; or he walked or moved with an effort; or he dragged himself along upon the ground. They say ; ✓ meaning, the army moved heavily on account of its great numbers. ; means, an army or military force marching slowly or heavily by reason of their multitude; a numerous army (Lane & Aqrab). Commentary: The word (advancing in force) qualifies and refers to the believers and not the disbelievers, as supposed by 1092 some commentators. The following verse, as well as the wording of the present one, makes the reference positively clear. When a Muslim army (not a small detachment) meets the enemy, they are strictly forbidden to flee from the field of battle. They must fight and go on fighting till they win or die; there is no third course open to them. This command constitutes a great secret of