A letter from Christian King unto Ka’b bin Malik

Lesson # 1151 from Holy Qur-’aan

A letter from Christian King unto Ka’b bin Malik

Surah ‘TAWBAH or BARAAA-‘AH (REPENTANCE) – Chapter – 9)

Stage – 2, Verse – 118 of 129, Section – 14 of 16 (Part – 11)

                                                                       

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

                                                                                       

118.  And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) about whom the decision had been deferred until the earth, vast as it is, became straitened for them, and their own souls were straitened for them till they bethought them that there is no refuge from Allah save toward Him. Then turned He unto them in mercy that they (too) might turn (repentant unto Him). Lo! Allah! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.

118.  Wa  ‘alas-salaa-satil-laziina  khullifuu.  Hattaaa  ‘izaa  zaaqat  ‘alay-himul-‘arzu  bimaa  rahubat  wa  zaaqat  ‘alay-him  ‘an-fusu-hum  wa  zannuuu  ‘allaa  malja-‘a  minAllaahi  ‘illaaa  ‘ilayH.  Summa  taaba  ‘alay-him  li-yatuubuu.  ‘InnAllaaha  Huwat-Tawwaa-bur-Rahiim.

                                                                             

Lesson

It has been described in this verse that those three persons are also included in the Mercy of Allah Almighty whose decision was deferred. And during the period of deferment, the Muslims were commanded that they should break off their all connections entirely from them. These three individuals are Ka’b bin Malik, Hilal bin Umayyah and Maraarah bin Ar’Rabii’. These people were true Muslims and rich also. But thinking that “we shall move today or tomorrow” they could not join the Army and remained behind at home.

After returning of the Army from the Battle of Tabuuk, these three people spoke the truth before the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and accepted their failure. The decision about them was deferred.

In this verse, about them, it has been explained that besides the confusion of waiting, they suffered from the calamity of “breaking off all connections” for many days, until this verse was revealed. At last, they were forgiven also; because intention of any of them was not false. They were true Believers, pure from infidelity and hypocrisy.

It is commanded that their error has been forgiven whose decision was postponed. The people had abandoned with them talking and meeting, even every relationship, according to the commandment of God’s Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). When they used to come unto the Messenger, He (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) used to turn from them. Nobody used to talk to them, and everyone used to desert them. Even that; their living had become very difficult. They were greatly worried and used to bewail that “Our Lord! There is no abode for us save You”.

Even that, the Christian King of Ghassaan wrote a letter to Ka’b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) and wished to seduce him in these words, “Why are you suffering there? Come on to us and live comfortably”. But he was a true Muslim, did not listen to anyone, and used to pray before Allah Almighty imploring earnestly and humbly for forgiveness of his mistake. At last, Allah Almighty had pity and He sent down for them too glad tidings of forgiveness.     

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak 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)