This treatise constitutes a profound exploration of the teachings encapsulated in verse 139 of Surah An-Nisa, approached through an insightful examination of the behaviour of hypocrites in selecting disbelievers as allies and seeking honour with entities other than God. This reflection, grounded in the Holy Qur'an and the lectures of religious scholars, undertakes a comprehensive investigation of the doctrinal, ethical, and social dimensions of this verse. The objective is to present an all-encompassing analysis that guides the reader towards a more precise understanding of the divine meanings and the imperative of steadfast faith, as though a mirror has been placed before the human soul to behold the truth of ones belief and conduct.
The Noble Qur'an, in the preceding verse (138 of Surah An-Nisa), promises painful torment for the hypocrites, and in verse 139, it addresses their peculiar behaviour of choosing disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. This choice is indicative of both practical and doctrinal deviation, directing the hypocrites towards the disbelievers and bringing about divine punishment as a consequence of this selection. This concept is akin to a branch of the tree of hypocrisy and is connected with verse 143 of Surah An-Nisa, which describes the hypocrites as wavering between faith and disbelief: Mudhadhabna bayna dhlika l il huli wa l il huli (Those who are indecisive between this and that, neither with these nor those).
"Those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers do they seek honour from them? Indeed, all honour belongs entirely to Allah."
This verse, with eloquent and decisive language, reproaches the hypocrites for choosing disbelievers as allies and seeking honour from them. Honour, like a pure gem, is found solely in Gods treasury; whoever seeks it elsewhere is like one who mistakes a mirage for water in the desert. This concept aligns with verse 28 of Surah Al-Munafiqun: Yasabnal azba lam yadhhab (They think the confederates have not withdrawn), illustrating the hypocrites' dependence on disbelievers.
From the Qur'anic perspective, humanity is divided into three categories: steadfast believers who, like shining stars, are few yet luminous; disbelievers who are resolute and independent in their disbelief, though their path is erroneous; and the indecisive ones, akin to autumn leaves blown by the wind, fluctuating between faith and disbelief and constituting the majority of society. This classification, resembling a map of human nature, emphasises the importance of stability in belief and action. The indecisive harm both religion and society due to their instability, as the verse 143 of Surah An-Nisa states: Mudhadhabna bayna dhlika.
The indecisive, due to wavering between faith and disbelief, resemble rudderless ships in a storm of misguidance. The Qur'an in verse 2 of Surah Al-Asr states: Innal insna lafi khusr (Indeed, mankind is in loss), attributing this loss to the absence of steadfast faith. This group not only harms themselves but also damages the community and religion, like a fire in a harvest disrupting collective peace and prosperity.
Hypocrites forsake the believers and the path of truth, selecting disbelievers as allies. This choice, akin to opting for shadow instead of light, indicates doctrinal deviation and a preference for worldly gains. The Qur'an warns in verse 51 of Surah Al-Ma'idah: O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. This prohibition stresses the necessity of preserving faith identity and avoiding dependence on disbelievers.
Disbelief is not merely the denial of God; it also encompasses persistent and deliberate injustice that drags a person into disbelief and apostasy. The Qur'an in verse 44 of Surah Al-Ma'idah states: And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed then those are the disbelievers. Hypocrites, by joining oppressors and wrongdoers, place themselves among disbelievers and deviate from the right path.
Hypocrites seek honour from disbelievers as if searching for a gem amidst ashes. The verse under discussion emphasises: Indeed, all honour belongs entirely to Allah. This truth shines like a sun in the firmament of knowledge, clarifying that true honour is found only in faith in God and obedience to Him. Verse 26 of Surah Al-Imran corroborates this: Say: O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will.
Some, driven by greed for material benefits, depend on disbelieving rulers and worldly powers, despite knowing these powers lack true value. This behaviour resembles idol worship and contradicts belief in divine honour. The Qur'an states in verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma'idah: Your ally is none but Allah and His Messenger. This verse confines allegiance exclusively to God and His Messenger, invalidating any dependence on others.
Hypocrites and disbelievers deny and mock Gods verses, as stated in verse 140 of Surah An-Nisa: And it has been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked, do not sit with them. This behaviour indicates deep doctrinal deviation and invites believers to avoid association with such people.
Believers must distance themselves from those who mock Gods verses until the topic changes. This prohibition acts as a shield against the negative effects of corrupt environments, preserving faith. Verse 68 of Surah Al-An'am reinforces this: And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them.
Inciting others to abuse and disparage religion only results in obstinacy and further misguidance. Such behaviour, like pouring oil on fire, leads not to reform but deviation. The Qur'an commands in verse 104 of Surah Al-Imran: And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to good. This verse emphasises invitation to good and avoidance of negative incitement.
The story of a woman wounded due to quarrels and incitement, which subsequently jeopardised societal security, exemplifies the adverse effects of incitement. This event, like a mirror, reveals that meddling and provocation in others affairs lead not to reform but conflict and misguidance. Verse 6 of Surah Al-Hujurat warns: O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate.
Those who incite others to blasphemy and irreligion share the sin of disbelievers and hypocrites. The Qur'an in verse 140 of Surah An-Nisa states: Indeed, then you are [the] like them. This warning acts as a clarion call for believers to refrain from provocative behaviour.
The Qur'an in verse 140 of Surah An-Nisa states: Indeed, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell, all together. This outcome, like the end of a dark path, illustrates the unity of the consequences of disbelief and hypocrisy. Verse 10 of Surah At-Tahrim affirms this truth: Allah presents an example for those who disbelieve.
