Enemies are known by God but you do not know

Lesson # 1017 from Noble Quran

Enemies are known by God but you do not know

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 60 of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

60.  Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. And whatsoever ye spend in the Way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.

60.  Wa  ‘a-‘idduu  lahum-mastata’-tum-min-  quwwa-tinw-wa  mir-ribaatil-khayli  turhibuuna  bihii  ‘aduw-wAllaahi  wa  ‘aduwwa-kum  wa  ‘aakhariina  min-  duu-nihim.  Laa  ta’-lamuunahum.  ‘Allaahu  ya’-lamuhum.  Wa  maa  tunfiquu  min-  shay-‘in-  fii  Sabii-LIllaahi  yu-waffa  ‘ilaykum  wa  ‘antum  laa  tuzlamuun.

Lesson

‘A-‘idduu – (make ready), it is the word of command from ‘a’-daad. Origin of this word is ‘adad, from which some more words have been derived as ma’-duud, ‘ista’-daad etc. The word ‘adda has many meanings, however; famous are “to count, to calculate, to reckon, to compute, to number, to enumerate etc. ‘A’-daad means “to make something ready after counting and collecting, and keep it in safe custody, so that it may be used in adversity.

Ribaati – {keeping (horses) tied}, this word has been derived from rabat, which means “to harness”. The place of tying up horses is called ribaat also; as well as the horses; kept fastened. The horses are tied for the purpose that those are preserved and looked after, so that those may be used in war. (Here; it aims Armored vehicles and sophisticated war equipment).

Turhibuuna – {ye may dismay (your enemy)}, its origin is ‘arhaab, which has been derived from the word rahbatun. Rahbatun means “fear, dread, awe, terror”. ‘Arhaab is its transitive, that is to say; to dismay, to terrify, to discourage.  

Laa  tuzlamuun – {(ye) will not be wronged}, it has been derived from the word zulm, which means tyranny. This word has been used at several places. It aims “to violate one’s rights”.

The Muslims have been instructed clearly in this verse that they should never make themselves as much weak as whosoever desires to press you, may do so easily. Moreover, you should learn the use of weapons, bring up your horses and learn to drive them, so that you may establish your dignity and influence over those people, who are disobedient of God Almighty, infidels and your enemies and those who molest you, and so that; they may not have courage to fight you.

Your enemies are not only those; whom you see fighting against you openly, but there are many hidden enemies, whom Allah Almighty knows well but you do not have any doubt about them in your hearts, for example; either Hypocrites or those nations; which will oppose you in future. It is necessary to remember them; and its only way is that you should strengthen yourselves physically and learn the use of modern weapons. Whatever you spend on it, will be repaid to you in full, and your rights will never be violated.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)