Their statement,

“We are only setting things right,”

has been interpreted as a denial of what they had acknowledged—that is: “We only do what the Messenger has commanded us to do.” It has also been interpreted as meaning: “What we do is right, and our intention is to set things right.” Both interpretations are reported from Ibn ʿAbbās, and both are true, for they say both things. They say the first to those who have not discovered their hidden intentions, and the second to themselves and to those who have discovered them. The second interpretation, however, encompasses the first, for their actions include concealing the opposite of what they outwardly profess, and they regard this as setting things right.

Mujāhid said: “They meant that befriending the disbelievers was setting things right, not causing corruption.” Al-Suddī is reported to have said: “This conduct of ours is what sets things right, whereas believing Muhammad causes corruption.” It has also been said that they meant this would serve their worldly interests: if the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gained the upper hand, they would have secured their safety by following him; and if the disbelievers gained the upper hand, they would have secured their safety from them by befriending them.

In light of these two interpretations, His words,

“Indeed, it is they who cause corruption, but they do not perceive it,”

have been explained as meaning that they do not perceive that what they have done is corruption, not reform. It has also been said that they do not perceive that Allah discloses their corruption to His Prophet. The first interpretation encompasses the second and is therefore the intended meaning, as the wording of the verse indicates.

Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, my Protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book, and He protects the righteous.”

He also says:

“Moses said, ‘What you have brought is sorcery. Allah will surely bring it to nothing. Indeed, Allah does not make the work of those who cause corruption prosper.’”

And Joseph said:

“Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”

Either of these terms may also be coupled with something more specific than itself, as in His words:

“When he turns away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption in it and to destroy crops and livestock. And Allah does not love corruption.”

This has been explained as causing corruption through disbelief, or through wrongdoing; both interpretations are correct. Allah Most High also says:

“That home of the Hereafter We grant to those who do not desire