(41–44) “O Messenger, do not let those who hasten into disbelief grieve you: those who say, ‘We believe,’ with their mouths while their hearts do not believe, and those among the Jews who eagerly listen to lies and eagerly heed other people who have not come to you. They distort words after they have been set in their proper places, saying, ‘If you are given this ruling, accept it; but if you are not given it, then beware.’ Whoever Allah wills to put to trial, you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not will to purify. For them is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter they will suffer a tremendous punishment.”
Because of the Messenger’s intense concern for people, his grief would become severe over anyone who professed faith and then returned to disbelief. Allah Most High therefore instructed him not to sorrow or grieve over people such as these. Such people are of no consequence whatsoever: their presence brings no benefit, and their absence is not felt. Therefore, explaining why he should not grieve over them, He said: “Those who say, ‘We believe,’ with their mouths while their hearts do not believe.” Those (1) for whom sorrow and grief are warranted are the people counted among the believers—those who believe both outwardly and inwardly. Allah forbid that such people should turn back from their religion and apostatize, for once the delight of faith has mingled with their hearts, its possessor will neither equate anything else with it nor seek any substitute for it.
“And those among the Jews”—that is, the Jews—“who eagerly listen to lies and eagerly heed other people who have not come to you.” That is, they obey and imitate their leaders, whose entire affair is founded upon lies, error, and transgression. These leaders whom they follow “have not come to you”; rather, they have turned away from you and rejoice in the falsehood they possess, namely, distorting words from their proper places. This means ascribing to words meanings that Allah neither willed nor intended for them, in order to mislead people and repel the truth. These followers, who submit to those who call to misguidance, pursue absurdities, and bring forth every kind of lie, possess neither reason nor ⦗232⦘ resolve. So do not be concerned if they fail to follow you, for they are utterly deficient, and no heed or concern is given to one who is deficient.
“They say, ‘If you are given this ruling, accept it; but if you are not given it, then beware.’” That is what they say when they seek your judgment, for their sole aim is to follow their desires.
They say to one another: “If Muhammad rules in your favor with a judgment that accords with your desires, accept his ruling. But if he does not rule in your favor, beware of following him in that.” This is temptation and the pursuit of what souls desire.
“Whoever Allah wills to put to trial, you can do nothing for him against Allah.” This is like His saying: “Indeed, you do not guide whomever you love, but Allah guides whomever He wills.”
“Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not will to purify.” That is why they did what they did. This demonstrates that when a person seeks adjudication under the Sacred Law merely to follow his own desires—being pleased if judgment is given in his favor and angry if it is not—this stems from a lack of purity in his heart. Conversely, making the Sacred Law one’s judge, referring disputes to it, and accepting its judgment whether it accords with one’s desires or opposes them are signs of a pure heart. It also demonstrates that purity of heart is the cause of every good and the greatest impetus toward every sound statement and righteous deed.
“For them is disgrace in this world”—that is, exposure and shame—“and in the Hereafter they will suffer a tremendous punishment”: the Fire and the wrath of the Almighty.