Transliteration:( Allazeena qaaloo li ikhwaanihim wa qa'adoo law ataa'oonaa maa qutiloo; qul fadra'oo'an anfusikumul mawta in kuntum saadiqeen )
“Those who said about their brothers [382] while they themselves remained behind, ‘If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed.’ Please declare: ‘Then avert your own death, if you are truthful.’” [383]
In this verse, the word “brothers” refers to family relations, not religious brotherhood. The martyrs of Uhud were staunch and sincere believers, whereas those making these statements were hypocrites.
Their statement, “If they had obeyed us…”, was not out of sorrow or concern, but was taunting and accusatory in tone. In reality, these hypocrites were pleased when the Muslims suffered losses. Their speech exposed their hidden malice and joy over the martyrdom of the believers.
It is stated in Tafseer Khazainul Irfaan that on the very same day Abdullah bin Ubayy, the chief of the hypocrites, made this mocking comment, seventy hypocrites were killed.
The Qur’an challenges their arrogance—if you believe your obedience can protect from death, then stop your own deaths if you are truthful. This is a clear refutation of their flawed logic and a reminder that life and death are only in Allah’s control.
The tafsir of Surah Imran verse 168 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Imran ayat 165 which provides the complete commentary from verse 165 through 168.
(3:168) These are the ones who stayed away, saying about their brothers: Had they followed us, they would not have been slain.’ Say: ‘If you speak the truth then avert death when it comes to you.’
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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