Those Who Cannot Tolerate Path of Religiosity
This is what Hani Chitchian, a member of the Quran and Etrat School of the University of Tehran, discussed in the 12th session in a series on Surah At-Tawbah. Following are excerpts from his remarks in the session:
The three groups include those who put personal interests above social ones, those who pay attention to apparent features of Islam while failing to understand its deep teachings, and hypocrites. Different approaches are needed to address each one of these groups.
The first group has been mentioned in verse 42 of Surah At-Tawbah: “Had the gain been immediate or the journey easy, they would have followed you; but the distance seemed far to them. Yet they will swear by Allah: 'Had we been able, we would have gone out with you. ' They bring destruction upon their souls. Allah knows that they are lying.” If the journey was easy, all would have joined it.
Verse 38 of the Surah reads: “Believers, why is it that when it is said to you: 'March in the Way of Allah, ' you linger with heaviness in the land? Are you content with this life rather than the Everlasting Life? Yet the enjoyment of this life in (comparison to) the Everlasting Life is little.” The verse points to harms that can create problems for the Muslim community.
“Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day will not ask your permission so that they may struggle with their wealth and their selves,” reads verse 44 of the Surah. Those who ask permission for Jihad are not truly faithful. On the other hand, the faithful who cannot take part in Jihad will beg for joining the struggle with eyes full of tears.
The difference between a true believer and others will become clear here. The believers attach importance to the order of God and they will do anything to abide by that.
Verse 49 of the Surah introduces another group of unbelievers: “Some of them ask you, "Make us exempt from taking part in the battle and do not try to tempt us by telling us what we may gain from the battle; many people have died in the battle." Hell certainly encompasses the unbelievers.”
“God mocks those (hypocrites) who blame and mock the rich or poor believers who donate to the welfare funds, and He has prepared a painful torment for them.” (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 79)
