Transliteration:( Yawma yad'ookum fatastajeeboona bihamdihee wa tazunnoona il labistum illaa qaleela (section 5) )
"And say to My servants that they should speak that which is best [116]. Indeed, Satan sows discord among them [117]. Verily, Satan is a manifest enemy to man."
This brief verse encompasses thousands of rulings related to beliefs, worship, daily conduct, and interactions.
Reason for Revelation:
When the polytheists of Arabia would abuse the Muslims, they complained to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. In response, this verse was revealed, commanding Muslims not to retaliate with similar foul language.
Some Ulama are of the opinion that this verse was abrogated by the following verse:
"Oh Prophet! strive hard against the infidels and the hypocrites and be strict against them" (S66:V9)
However, it is also understood that the word "be strict" could mean present a strong and firm proof rather than using harsh language.
This verse encourages:
Saying the Kalima Tayyiba
Reciting the Holy QUR'AN
Speaking kindly and wisely in religious dialogue
These have a positive effect on hearts and reflect the noble character of Islam.
The devil provokes strife by making people angry and reactive, leading them to retaliate in kind and escalate conflict.
In such circumstances, exercise control, and become a living example of the noble character of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
53. And say to My servants that they should say those words that are best. (Because) Shaytan verily, sows a state of conflict and disagreement among them. Surely, Shaytan is to man a plain enemy.
Allah commands His servant Muhammad () to tell the believing servants of Allah that they should address one another in their conversations and discussions with the best and politest of words, for if they do not do that, Shaytan will sow discord among them, and words will lead to actions, so that evil and conflicts and fights will arise among them. For Shaytan is the enemy of Adam and his descendants, and has been since he refused to prostrate to Adam. His enmity is obvious and manifest. For this reason it is forbidden for a man to point at his Muslim brother with an iron instrument, for Shaytan may cause him to strike him with it. (Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allah said:
(No one of you should point at his brother with a weapon, for he does not know whether Shaytan will cause him to strike him with it and thus be thrown into a pit of Fire.) Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded this Hadith with the chain of narration from `Abdur-Razzaq.
(17:53) Tell My servants,[57] (O Muhammad), to say always that which is best.[58] Verily it is Satan who sows discord among people. Satan indeed is an open enemy to mankind.[59]
57. The believers.
58. The believers have been enjoined to say only the best things even in their discussion with the disbelievers and other opponents of their faith. They should neither use harsh words nor make exaggerated statements. They should be cool in their conversation and say only what is true and dignified in spite of the provoking behavior of the opponents.
59. The believers have been forewarned to guard against the provocations of Satan, as if to say: While answering your opponents, if you feel that you are being aroused to anger, you should at once understand that it is Satan who is exciting you in order to do harm to your dispute, in which he wants to engage human beings for sowing discord between them.
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