Al-Hijr

Allah is saying to His Prophet: Since We have given you the Grand Qur'an, then do not look at this world and its attractions, or the transient delights that we have given to its people in order to test them. Do not envy what they have in this world, and do not upset yourself with regret for their rejection of you and their opposition to your religion.

(And lower your wings to the believers who follow you) (26:215) meaning - be gentle with them, like the Ayah,

(Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious for you, for the believers - he is full of pity, kind and merciful)(9:128). There were some differences among the scholars over the meaning of "seven of the Mathani''. Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Ad-Dahhak and others said that they are the seven long (Surahs), meaning Al-Baqarah, Al- `Imran, An-Nisa', Al-Ma'idah, Al-An`am, Al-A`raf and Yunus. There are texts to this effect reported from Ibn `Abbas and Sa`id bin Jubayr. Sa`id said: "In them, Allah explains the obligations, the Hudud (legal limits), stories and rulings.'' Ibn `Abbas said, "He explains the parables, stories and lessons.'' The second opinion is that they (the seven of the Mathani) are Al-Fatihah, which is composed of seven Ayat. This was reported from `Ali, `Umar, Ibn Mas`ud and Ibn `Abbas. Ibn `Abbas said: "The Bismillah, is completing seven Ayah, which Allah has given exclusively to you (Muslims).'' This is also the opinion of Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, `Abdullah bin `Umayr, Ibn Abi Mulaykah, Shahr bin Hawshab, Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Mujahid. Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, recorded two Hadiths on this topic. (The first) was recorded from Abu Sa`id bin Al-Mu`alla, who said: "The Prophet passed by me while I was praying. He called out for me but I did not come until I finished my prayer. Then I came to him, and He asked,

(What stopped you from coming to me) I said, `I was praying'. He said,

(Did not Allah say)

(O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you...) (8:24)

(Shall I not teach you the most magnificent Surah before I leave the Masjid) Then the Prophet went to leave the Masjid, and I reminded him, so he said,

("Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin (All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists))(1:2).

(This is the seven of the Mathani and the Qur'an which I have been given.)'' (The second Hadith) was reported from Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Umm Al-Qur'an (the Mother or the Essence of the Qur'an,) is the seven Mathani, and the Grand Qur'an.) This means that Al-Fatihah is the seven Mathani and the Grand Qur'an, but this does not contradict the statement that the seven Mathani are the seven long Surahs, because they also share these attributes, as does the whole Qur'an. As Allah says,

(Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur'an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-recited) (39:23). So it is oft-recited in one way, and its parts resemble one another in another way, and this is also the Grand Qur'an.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have given to certain classes of them) (20: 131) meaning, be content with the Grand Qur'an that Allah has given to you, and do not long for the luxuries and transient delights that they have.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously) Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said: "He ﴿in this Ayah﴾ forbade a man to wish for what his companion has.''

(at what We have given to certain classes of them,) Mujahid said: "This refers to the rich.''

(89. And say (O Muhammad): "I am indeed a plain warner.'') (90. As We have sent down on the Muqtasimin (conspiring confederates),) (91. Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) (92. So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account.) (93. For all that they used to do.)

Allah is saying to His Prophet: Since We have given you the Grand Qur'an, then do not look at this world and its attractions, or the transient delights that we have given to its people in order to test them. Do not envy what they have in this world, and do not upset yourself with regret for their rejection of you and their opposition to your religion.

(And lower your wings to the believers who follow you) (26:215) meaning - be gentle with them, like the Ayah,

(Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious for you, for the believers - he is full of pity, kind and merciful)(9:128). There were some differences among the scholars over the meaning of "seven of the Mathani''. Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Ad-Dahhak and others said that they are the seven long (Surahs), meaning Al-Baqarah, Al- `Imran, An-Nisa', Al-Ma'idah, Al-An`am, Al-A`raf and Yunus. There are texts to this effect reported from Ibn `Abbas and Sa`id bin Jubayr. Sa`id said: "In them, Allah explains the obligations, the Hudud (legal limits), stories and rulings.'' Ibn `Abbas said, "He explains the parables, stories and lessons.'' The second opinion is that they (the seven of the Mathani) are Al-Fatihah, which is composed of seven Ayat. This was reported from `Ali, `Umar, Ibn Mas`ud and Ibn `Abbas. Ibn `Abbas said: "The Bismillah, is completing seven Ayah, which Allah has given exclusively to you (Muslims).'' This is also the opinion of Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, `Abdullah bin `Umayr, Ibn Abi Mulaykah, Shahr bin Hawshab, Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Mujahid. Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, recorded two Hadiths on this topic. (The first) was recorded from Abu Sa`id bin Al-Mu`alla, who said: "The Prophet passed by me while I was praying. He called out for me but I did not come until I finished my prayer. Then I came to him, and He asked,

(What stopped you from coming to me) I said, `I was praying'. He said,

(Did not Allah say)

(O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you...) (8:24)

(Shall I not teach you the most magnificent Surah before I leave the Masjid) Then the Prophet went to leave the Masjid, and I reminded him, so he said,

("Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin (All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists))(1:2).

(This is the seven of the Mathani and the Qur'an which I have been given.)'' (The second Hadith) was reported from Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Umm Al-Qur'an (the Mother or the Essence of the Qur'an,) is the seven Mathani, and the Grand Qur'an.) This means that Al-Fatihah is the seven Mathani and the Grand Qur'an, but this does not contradict the statement that the seven Mathani are the seven long Surahs, because they also share these attributes, as does the whole Qur'an. As Allah says,

(Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur'an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-recited) (39:23). So it is oft-recited in one way, and its parts resemble one another in another way, and this is also the Grand Qur'an.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have given to certain classes of them) (20: 131) meaning, be content with the Grand Qur'an that Allah has given to you, and do not long for the luxuries and transient delights that they have.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously) Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said: "He ﴿in this Ayah﴾ forbade a man to wish for what his companion has.''

(at what We have given to certain classes of them,) Mujahid said: "This refers to the rich.''

(89. And say (O Muhammad): "I am indeed a plain warner.'') (90. As We have sent down on the Muqtasimin (conspiring confederates),) (91. Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) (92. So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account.) (93. For all that they used to do.)

Allah is saying to His Prophet: Since We have given you the Grand Qur'an, then do not look at this world and its attractions, or the transient delights that we have given to its people in order to test them. Do not envy what they have in this world, and do not upset yourself with regret for their rejection of you and their opposition to your religion.

(And lower your wings to the believers who follow you) (26:215) meaning - be gentle with them, like the Ayah,

(Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious for you, for the believers - he is full of pity, kind and merciful)(9:128). There were some differences among the scholars over the meaning of "seven of the Mathani''. Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Ad-Dahhak and others said that they are the seven long (Surahs), meaning Al-Baqarah, Al- `Imran, An-Nisa', Al-Ma'idah, Al-An`am, Al-A`raf and Yunus. There are texts to this effect reported from Ibn `Abbas and Sa`id bin Jubayr. Sa`id said: "In them, Allah explains the obligations, the Hudud (legal limits), stories and rulings.'' Ibn `Abbas said, "He explains the parables, stories and lessons.'' The second opinion is that they (the seven of the Mathani) are Al-Fatihah, which is composed of seven Ayat. This was reported from `Ali, `Umar, Ibn Mas`ud and Ibn `Abbas. Ibn `Abbas said: "The Bismillah, is completing seven Ayah, which Allah has given exclusively to you (Muslims).'' This is also the opinion of Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, `Abdullah bin `Umayr, Ibn Abi Mulaykah, Shahr bin Hawshab, Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Mujahid. Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, recorded two Hadiths on this topic. (The first) was recorded from Abu Sa`id bin Al-Mu`alla, who said: "The Prophet passed by me while I was praying. He called out for me but I did not come until I finished my prayer. Then I came to him, and He asked,

(What stopped you from coming to me) I said, `I was praying'. He said,

(Did not Allah say)

(O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you...) (8:24)

(Shall I not teach you the most magnificent Surah before I leave the Masjid) Then the Prophet went to leave the Masjid, and I reminded him, so he said,

("Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin (All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists))(1:2).

(This is the seven of the Mathani and the Qur'an which I have been given.)'' (The second Hadith) was reported from Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Umm Al-Qur'an (the Mother or the Essence of the Qur'an,) is the seven Mathani, and the Grand Qur'an.) This means that Al-Fatihah is the seven Mathani and the Grand Qur'an, but this does not contradict the statement that the seven Mathani are the seven long Surahs, because they also share these attributes, as does the whole Qur'an. As Allah says,

(Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur'an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-recited) (39:23). So it is oft-recited in one way, and its parts resemble one another in another way, and this is also the Grand Qur'an.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have given to certain classes of them) (20: 131) meaning, be content with the Grand Qur'an that Allah has given to you, and do not long for the luxuries and transient delights that they have.

(Look not with your eyes ambitiously) Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said: "He ﴿in this Ayah﴾ forbade a man to wish for what his companion has.''

(at what We have given to certain classes of them,) Mujahid said: "This refers to the rich.''

(89. And say (O Muhammad): "I am indeed a plain warner.'') (90. As We have sent down on the Muqtasimin (conspiring confederates),) (91. Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) (92. So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account.) (93. For all that they used to do.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)

(the Muqtasimin) refers to those who had made a pact to oppose, deny, and insult the Prophets. Similarly, Allah tells us about the people of Salih:

(They said, "Swear to one another (Taqasamu) by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household'') (27:49) i.e., they plotted to kill him at night. Mujahid said "Taqasamu means they swore an oath.''

(And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up one who dies)(16:38).

((It will be said): "Did you not before swear that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter)) (14:44)

(Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy)(7:49) It is as if they took an oath for every single thing that they denied in this world, so they are called the Muqtasimin.

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, they have split up the Books that were revealed to them, believing in parts of them and rejecting parts of them. Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) "They are the People of the Book, who divided the Book into parts, believing in some of it, and rejecting some of it.'' Some have said that Al-Mutaqasimin refers to the Quraysh, that the Qur'an means this Qur'an (as opposed to the Scriptures of the People of the Book), and that "made it into parts'' referred to what `Ata' said that some of them said that he (the Prophet ) was a sorcerer, some said he was crazy, or a soothsayer. These various allegations were the parts. This opinion was also reported from Ad-Dahhak and others. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported from Ibn `Abbas that Al-Walid bin Al-Mughirah - holding a noble position among the people - rallied a group of Quraysh behind him when Al-Mawsim (the time for pilgrims to meet in Makkah for Hajj) had come. He said to them, "O people of Quraysh! The time of Al-Mawsim has come, and delegations of Arabs will come to you during this time. They will have heard some things about this companion of yours (meaning the Prophet), so agree on one opinion, let there be no contradicting or denials of each other's sayings''. They said, "And you, O Abu `Abd Shams, give us an opinion and we will say that.'' He said, "No, you make the suggestions and I will listen.'' They said, "We say he is a soothsayer.'' He said, "He is not a soothsayer.'' They said, "We say he is crazy.'' He said, "He is not crazy.'' They said, "We say he is a poet.'' He said, "He is not a poet.'' They said, "We say he is a sorcerer.'' He said, "He is not a sorcerer.'' They said, "So what should we say'' He said, "By Allah, what he says is as palatable (to the average person) as something sweet, so you cannot say anything against it without it being obviously false. Therefore the most appropriate thing you can say is that he is a sorcerer.'' So they left having agreed upon that, and Allah revealed concerning them:

(Who have made the Qur'an into parts.) meaning, of different types, and

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do) Those were the group who said that about the Messenger of Allah.''

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) Abu Ja`far reported from Ar-Rabi` that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "All the people will be asked about two things on the Day of Resurrection: what they used to worship, and what their response was to the Messengers.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,

(So, by your Lord, We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do.) then he said:

(So on that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin) (55:39). He said, "They will not be asked, `Did you do such and such' Because Allah knows better than they do about that. But He will say, `Why did you do such and such'''

(94. Therefore openly proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters.) (95. Truly, We will suffice you against the mockers,) (96. Who make another god along with Allah; but they will come to know.) (97. Indeed, We know that your breast becomes tight because of what they say. ) (98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).) (99. And worship your Lord until the certainty (i.e. death) comes to you.)