from al-Hasan and al-Suddī. This interpretation has a valid basis, which we shall explain. The first, however, is more evident, because the verse was revealed in connection with attempts to make the believers fear the disbelievers, as Allah says immediately before it:

“Those to whom people said, ‘The people have gathered against you, so fear them,’ but this only increased them in faith,”

and in the subsequent verses. He then says:

“So do not fear them, but fear Me, if you are believers.”

Thus, it was revealed concerning those who made the believers afraid of other people. He says, “He makes you fear his allies,” followed by, “So do not fear them.” The pronoun refers to Satan’s allies, concerning whom He had previously said, “So fear them.”

As for the other interpretation, its proponents explained the verse in terms of its meaning: Satan makes his allies afraid of the believers, since his power over his allies operates through fear. He continually instils fears in them, so that fears descend upon them and pervade their speech, even if they possess standing, numbers and equipment. So do not fear them. The believers, however, put their trust in Allah, and Satan does not make them fear the disbelievers.

Or perhaps they had the first object in mind, meaning: “He frightens the hypocrites, his allies.” Otherwise, he frightens the disbelievers just as he frightens the hypocrites. If “He frightens his allies” were intended to mean that he makes them afraid, the pronoun in His words, “So do not fear them,” would have no antecedent.

Furthermore, this interpretation is questionable, for Satan makes promises to his allies and fills them with false hopes, as He says: