MOTR wrote on Jul 6
th, 2012 at 7:34am:
abu_rashid wrote on Jul 6
th, 2012 at 7:22am:
MOTR wrote on Jul 6
th, 2012 at 7:18am:
Do some Muslims interpret this incorrectly?
MOTR,
I'm sure some people of all persuasions interpret things incorrectly, and act accordingly. That's certainly not particular to this passage, nor to Islam, nor to religions, that's just a fact of human nature.
But I think most of the people interpreting it incorrectly, are those replacing the word "strong" with "ruthless", and I can assure you, no Muslim makes such an inaccurate replacement.
I'm still struggling with the juxtaposition between unbelievers and followers of Mohammed. What are the preceding lines?
This is the verse with it's preceding few verses. To provide some context, the Pagan Arabs in Makkah had deprived Muslims of visiting Makkah and making Hajj to the Ka'abah (the Sacred Mosque). The Muslims were weak and defeated at this time, and were expelled from Makkah. So the verses are encouraging them to stand strong against their oppressors.
48:27 Truly did Allah fulfil the vision for His Messenger: ye shall enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, with minds secure, heads shaved, hair cut short, and without fear. For He knew what ye knew not, and He granted, besides this, a speedy victory.
48:28 It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness.
48:29 Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.