Since game encompasses both land and sea game, Allah Most High exempted sea game, saying: “Lawful to you are the game of the sea and its food.” That is, while you are in a state of ihrām, you are permitted to catch sea game—its living creatures—and to eat its food—its dead creatures. This indicates that dead sea creatures are lawful. “As provision for you and for travelers.” That is, the benefit of permitting it ⦗245⦘ to you is that both you and your traveling companions may make use of it. “But forbidden to you is the game of the land as long as you are in a state of ihrām.” The word “game” indicates that the animal must be wild, since a domesticated animal is not game, and that it must be edible, since an inedible animal is not hunted and is not called game. “And be mindful of Allah, to whom you will be gathered.” That is, be mindful of Him by doing what He has commanded and refraining from what He has forbidden. Draw strength to do so from your knowledge that you will be gathered before Him. He will then recompense you: did you remain mindful of Him, so that He grants you an immense reward, or did you fail to do so, such that He punishes you?
(97–99) “Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of support for people, as well as the sacred month, the sacrificial animals, and the garlanded offerings. This is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and that Allah has full knowledge of all things. Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message. Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal.”
Allah Most High informs us that He has made “the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of support for people.” Their religious and worldly affairs are sustained by upholding its sanctity. Through it, their Islam is brought to completion, their sins are removed, and by journeying to it they receive abundant gifts and tremendous bounty. Because of it, wealth is spent and dangers are braved (1).
Muslims of every people gather there from every distant mountain pass. They become acquainted, help one another, consult together concerning their common interests, and forge bonds among themselves in matters relating to both their religion and their worldly lives.
Allah Most High says: “So that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention Allah’s name on known days over the grazing livestock He has provided for them.” Because the House is a means of support for people, some scholars held that pilgrimage to the House of Allah is a communal obligation every year. If people were to abandon its pilgrimage, every capable person would incur sin. Indeed, if all people abandoned its pilgrimage, that which sustains them would disappear and the Resurrection would begin.
His words, “the sacrificial animals and the garlanded offerings,” mean that He likewise made the sacrificial animals and the garlanded offerings—the finest kind of sacrificial animals—a means of support for people, through which they derive benefit and earn reward. “This is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and that Allah has full knowledge of all things.” One evidence of His knowledge is that He established this Sacred House for you, knowing the benefits it holds for your religious and worldly affairs.
“Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” That is, let these two truths be firmly and certainly rooted in your hearts: He is severe in both immediate and deferred punishment toward those who disobey Him, and He is All-Forgiving and Most Merciful toward those who repent to Him and obey Him. This knowledge will engender in you fear of His punishment and hope for His forgiveness and reward, and you will act as fear and hope require.
Allah Most High then says: “The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message.” He conveyed it as commanded and fulfilled his duty; beyond that, he has no control over the matter. “Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal,” and He will recompense you according to what He knows of you.