۞ وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ لَئِنْ أَمَرْتَهُمْ لَيَخْرُجُنَّ ۖ قُل لَّا تُقْسِمُوا۟ ۖ طَاعَةٌ مَّعْرُوفَةٌ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ 53
Translations
And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths that if you ordered them, they would go forth [in Allāh's cause]. Say, "Do not swear. [Such] obedience is known. Indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of that which you do."
Transliteration
Wa-aqsamoo billahi jahda aymanihim la-in amartahum layakhrujun. Qul la tuqsimoo taa'atun ma'roofah. Inna Allaha khabeerun bima ta'maloon.
Tafsir (Explanation)
The hypocrites swore solemn oaths to the Prophet that they would obey his commands if he ordered them to go forth, but their oaths were hollow and insincere. The Prophet is commanded to tell them not to swear such oaths, as obedience should come naturally and sincerely without need for grand oaths; rather, what is required is known and proper obedience stemming from true faith. Allah emphasizes His complete knowledge of their deeds and intentions, warning that no oath or pretense can deceive Him.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Medinan society where hypocrites (munafiqun) inhabited the community. It specifically addresses the insincere pledges of the hypocrites regarding military expeditions and obedience to the Prophet. The broader context of Surah An-Nur deals with purification, modesty, and the distinction between believers and hypocrites.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust' (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith illustrates the character of those addressed in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True obedience to Allah and His commandments should stem from sincere faith and conviction rather than mere verbal oaths or outward displays; believers are reminded that Allah's knowledge encompasses all hidden intentions and deeds, making pretense and insincerity ultimately futile.
Related Ayahs
وَيَدْرَؤُا۟ عَنْهَا ٱلْعَذَابَ أَن تَشْهَدَ أَرْبَعَ شَهَـٰدَٰتٍۭ بِٱللَّهِ ۙ إِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ
But it will prevent punishment from her if she gives four testimonies [swearing] by Allāh that indeed, he is of the liars.
لَّوْلَآ إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ ظَنَّ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتُ بِأَنفُسِهِمْ خَيْرًا وَقَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَآ إِفْكٌ مُّبِينٌ
Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of themselves [i.e., one another] and say, "This is an obvious falsehood"?
لَّقَدْ أَنزَلْنَآ ءَايَـٰتٍ مُّبَيِّنَـٰتٍ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
We have certainly sent down distinct verses. And Allāh guides whom He wills to a straight path.
يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن تَعُودُوا۟ لِمِثْلِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
Allāh warns you against returning to the likes of this [conduct], ever, if you should be believers.