Transliteration:( Qul in kuntum tuhibboonal laaha fattabi' oonee yuhbibkumul laahu wa yaghfir lakum zunoobakum; wallaahu Ghafoorur Raheem )
68. From this we learn that the Holy Prophet's obedience should be one of inner love not of mere show, fear or covetousness. This type of obedience is shown by hypocrites as well. It is for this reason that this discussion is commenced with love and terminated on love. Furthermore, we also learn that our worships and faith are both based on sincerity and show and the Holy Prophet's -beloved things, personality is the cornerstone of this faith. Hence, whatever degree of obedience one shows to the same will Holy Prophet be the type of love achieved. The giver is one but the receivers are different. The power of electricity is the same but the strength will depend on the wattage of the globe in use.
69. Reason for its Revelation: Once when the Holy Prophet enquired from the idolaters the reason for their idol worshipping they replied that they worship them to show their love for Allah Almighty. This verse was revealed in response to this reply (KHAZAINUL IRFAAN). Or, The Yahud of Madina would say that they need not follow Holy Prophet as they are the sons of Allah Almighty and His Beloved. This verse was revealed on this occasion, this view is correct because Surah Ale-Imran was revealed in Madina. From this verse one learns that it is compulsory upon everyone to obey the Holy Prophet.
In theHadith it is mentioned that if Hazrat Musa (On whom be peace) were to come to life he would follow the Holy Prophet. In addition, we learn that neither should you come to him by assuming the equality of a brother, nor try to surpass him in the garb of a father. But learn to serve him like a slave. Furthermore we learn that the Holy Prophet is the greatest Beloved of Allah Almighty and his obedient slave, too, enjoys being the beloved of Allah Almighty.
31. Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 32. Say: “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers.
This honorable Ayah judges against those who claim to love Allah, yet do not follow the way of Muhammad . Such people are not true in their claim until they follow the Shari`ah (Law) of Muhammad and his religion in all his statements, actions and conditions. It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected of him.)
This is why Allah said here,
(Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you…”) meaning, what you will earn is much more than what you sought in loving Him, for Allah will love you. Al-Hasan Al-Basri and several scholars among the Salaf commented, “Some people claimed that they love Allah. So Allah tested them with this Ayah;
(Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you…”). ”
Allah then said,
(“And forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”) meaning, by your following the Messenger , you will earn all this with the blessing of his mission. Allah next commands everyone,
(Say: “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away) by defying the Prophet)
(then Allah does not like the disbelievers.) thus, testifying that defiance of the Messenger’s way constitutes Kufr. Indeed, Allah does not like whoever does this, even if he claims that he loves Allah and seeks a means of approach to Him, unless, and until, he follows the unlettered Prophet, the Final Messenger from Allah to the two creations: mankind and the Jinn. This is the Prophet who, if the previous Prophets and mighty Messengers were to have been alive during his time, they would have no choice but to follow, obey him, and to abide by his Law. We will mention this fact when we explain the Ayah,
(And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets) ﴿3:81﴾, Allah willing.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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