This singularly somber verse is one that not only threatens terror in this life, but also in the hereafter. The Christians of the 7th century were blamed for something they did not understand in terms that were not helpful to understanding. The actual reference was to the idea of the Trinity, which non-Christians could not comprehend. The Trinity was a concept that had nothing to do with the everyday lives and dealings of Christians toward their fellow man. It is a concept harmless to the rest of the world. The Christians themselves were not asked to understand the Trinity because it was considered a mystery of their faith, a leap of faith, if you will. They only were asked to accept it. Nonetheless, the verse suggests that Allah was quite angry with the Christians for this innocent concept.
Cast Terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers
Cast Terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers
Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent
no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the
wrong-doers! [From Yusufali Qur’an 3:151]
This verse was part of a larger treatise that followed the Battle of Uhud. In the first battle, Badr, the Muslims won the field, even though they were outnumbered at first. In the second battle, Uhud, the Muslims had to retreat and Muhammad almost lost his life because of a failure to follow orders. It was necessary then that the followers be reacquainted with the fundamentals of their religion (verses 1 – 32). Following these verses, the Christians were invited to accept Islam (verses 33 – 65). If the Christians could be brought into the fold, then the Jews alone in the Medina area would be isolated as the unbelievers.
Surprisingly, the Jews were given another chance to abandon their "sinister ways" and to accept Islam. Despite the invitation to the Jews, the believers still were warned to guard against whatever the Jews were saying or doing (verses 66 – 101). The believers again were cautioned to be wary of the Jews and their absurd objections to the teachings of Islam (verses 102 – 120). The Battle of Uhud was then addressed and the believers reassured that the Jews and Christians were harmless as long as the followers practiced restraint and fortitude and held on to their fear of Allah. They were reminded that the loss at Uhud was primarily due to the greed displayed by the archers guarding the pass; therefore it was decided that to eradicate this evil, the taking of interest was thereafter prohibited (verses 121- 175). The original verse, to which the fragment in red belongs, is part of this last portion: verses 150 – 151. Note that the believers at the time did not truly understand the meaning of “The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” and whatever was not understood, of course, could never be accepted. Since only the idea of one God—Allah—was acceptable, no other explanation which suggested a second divine person could be tolerated. Christians, it was said, denied the truth, hence the soubriquet “those who deny the truth.” The Christians could be excused for believing that the row about the Trinity was much ado about nothing. Unfortunately, the following original theme treated the non-issue as a matter of some importance that will result in punishment in this life and the next. (Adapted in part from Mawdudi's Introduction to Sura 3).
Original Theme
O You who have attained to faith[1] If you pay heed to those who are bent on denying the truth, they will cause you to turn back on your heels[2], and you will be the losers.’ Nay, but God alone is your Lord Supreme, and His is the best succour. [150] Into the hearts of those who are bent on denying the truth, We shall cast dread in return for their ascribing divinity, side by side, with God, to other beings[3] --something for which He has never bestowed any warrant from on high; and their goal is the fire [4] -- and how evil that abode for evildoers.
[1] A frequent reference to followers of Islam (believers). Hjs
[2] To question or lose your faith. Hjs
[3] Referring to Christ as God the Son, Hjs; Something which He never permits. Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur’an, note 106, page 106
[4] A well-known reference to a descent into hell on the Day of Judgment. Hjs
Original Theme
O You who have attained to faith[1] If you pay heed to those who are bent on denying the truth, they will cause you to turn back on your heels[2], and you will be the losers.’ Nay, but God alone is your Lord Supreme, and His is the best succour. [150] Into the hearts of those who are bent on denying the truth, We shall cast dread in return for their ascribing divinity, side by side, with God, to other beings[3] --something for which He has never bestowed any warrant from on high; and their goal is the fire [4] -- and how evil that abode for evildoers.
[1] A frequent reference to followers of Islam (believers). Hjs
[2] To question or lose your faith. Hjs
[3] Referring to Christ as God the Son, Hjs; Something which He never permits. Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur’an, note 106, page 106
[4] A well-known reference to a descent into hell on the Day of Judgment. Hjs
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