(97–99) “Indeed, those whose souls the angels take while they have wronged themselves will be asked, ‘What condition were you in?’ They will reply, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ The angels will say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not spacious enough for you to migrate elsewhere?’ Their refuge will be Hell—what an evil destination! Except for the oppressed among men, women, and children who have no means and cannot find a way. It is they whom Allah may pardon, for Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving.”
This is a severe warning to anyone who neglects migration despite being able to undertake it and remains so until death. The angels who take such people’s souls rebuke them sternly, asking, “What condition were you in?” That is: What state were you in, and what distinguished you from the polytheists? Rather, you swelled their ranks and perhaps even supported them against the believers. You thereby missed out on much good: striving alongside His Messenger, living among the Muslims, and assisting them against their enemies.
“They will reply, ‘We were oppressed in the land’”—that is, we were weak, subjugated, and wronged, and had no ability to migrate. Yet they are not truthful in this claim, for Allah rebuked ⦗196⦘ and threatened them. Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity, and He made an exception for those who truly were oppressed.
The angels therefore said to them, “Was Allah’s earth not spacious enough for you to migrate elsewhere?” This is a rhetorical question affirming a recognized fact: everyone knows that Allah’s earth is spacious. Wherever a servant finds himself in a place where he cannot openly practice his religion, there is ample space elsewhere on earth where he can worship Allah. As the Exalted says, “O My servants who believe, My earth is truly spacious, so worship Me alone.”
Allah says of those who have no excuse, “Their refuge will be Hell—what an evil destination!” As explained previously, this identifies the cause that necessitates the stated outcome. That outcome may follow when all its conditions are met and no impediments are present, or an impediment may prevent it.
The verse proves that migration is among the greatest obligations and that neglecting it is prohibited—indeed, it is a major sin. It also proves that everyone who dies has received in full all that was decreed for him of provision, lifespan, and deeds. This is inferred from the word tawaffī (taking in full at death), which indicates that meaning. Were any of these things still outstanding for him, he would not have been taken in full.
The verse also affirms belief in the angels and praises them, for Allah recounts their words by way of affirmation and approval, showing that they were appropriate to the occasion.
He then excepted those who truly were oppressed and had no ability whatsoever to migrate, “and cannot find a way.”
Of them Allah says, “It is they whom Allah may pardon, for Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving.” Expressions such as “may” necessarily come to pass when stated by Allah Most High, as required by His generosity and beneficence. There is a benefit in making the reward of one who performs certain deeds a matter of hope: such a person may not fulfill the deed as completely as it deserves or perform it in the proper manner. Rather, he may be deficient and thus not deserve that reward. And Allah knows best.
The noble verse also proves that anyone unable to perform something commanded, whether obligatory or otherwise, is excused. The Exalted says concerning those unable to strive, “There is no blame upon the blind, nor upon the lame, nor upon the sick.” Regarding commands in general, He says, “So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability.”
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When I command you to do something, do as much of it as you are able.” A person is excused, however, only after exerting every effort and finding all available means closed to him, as indicated by His words, “who have no means.” The verse also indicates that having a guide for Hajj, Umrah, and similar acts requiring travel is among the conditions of ability.