۞ 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
وَلَوْلَآ إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ قُلْتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَكَلَّمَ بِهَـٰذَا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ هَـٰذَا بُهْتَـٰنٌ عَظِيمٌ
And why, when you heard it, did you not say, "It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allāh]; this is a great slander"?
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَ كُلَّ دَآبَّةٍ مِّن مَّآءٍ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّن يَمْشِى عَلَىٰ بَطْنِهِۦ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَمْشِى عَلَىٰ رِجْلَيْنِ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَمْشِى عَلَىٰٓ أَرْبَعٍ ۚ يَخْلُقُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Allāh has created every [living] creature from water. And of them are those that move on their bellies, and of them are those that walk on two legs, and of them are those that walk on four. Allāh creates what He wills. Indeed, Allāh is over all things competent.
وَٱلْخَـٰمِسَةَ أَنَّ غَضَبَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهَآ إِن كَانَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ
And the fifth [oath will be] that the wrath of Allāh be upon her if he was of the truthful.
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
And establish prayer and give zakāh and obey the Messenger - that you may receive mercy.