Do you, Muslims, hope that some of these people will truly believe when they already know a group used to hear Allah’s ﷻ words, twist them after listening, and do so while knowing the truth? When they meet you, they claim, “We believe,” but when with each other alone, they secretly admit mistakes, worried you’ll learn just how much truth they hide from Allah ﷻ. Among them are uneducated people who know only wishful thinking, not scripture—they guess instead of truly understanding.
Woe to those who write out fake scripture with their own hands, then claim, “This is from Allah ﷻ,” just for a small price. They bring harm to themselves and others, offering false hope and teaching lies.
The Qur’an shows clearly: some people—after being given a strong covenant—still go back and forth, following faith one day but breaking promises the next. It is as if their hearts are covered, making it difficult for Allah’s ﷻ words to reach them.
Don’t fall into this trap. Allah ﷻ tells all: worship Him alone, care for family and orphans, help the poor, speak kindly, pray steadily, and give real charity. Yet, history shows many broke these promises again and again, turning away right after being reminded—even when the truth was handed over clearly.
These verses were revealed in early Madinah, between 622–624 CE (1–2 AH), when Muslims lived side by side with Jews whose ancestors had received countless Prophets and signs. But instead of staying faithful, many in each group warped Scripture, changed guidance to fit their comfort or status, and treated messages as negotiable instructions—not life-saving truth.
The Prophet ﷺ and his followers saw how some of their neighbors, even with deep tradition and learning, missed the real meaning of Allah’s ﷻ words. Arguments, secrecy, and creative interpretations took the place of humility, honesty, and trust. For the community, this was both a sad reality and a warning: don’t get stuck in the same trap.
The ongoing pattern was: when with believers, people would put on a show of faith; when back with their crowd, they’d admit they were only pretending. Some even produced fake holy texts or twisted laws for profit and power—even if it meant risking their souls.
For Muslims in Madinah, these verses urged them not to copy the mistakes of past communities—don’t let learning become pride, don’t let power replace prayer, and don’t treat Allah’s ﷻ covenants lightly.
The same lesson is true for us now: if we let rituals, wishful thinking, or group comfort replace real obedience and honest search for truth, we risk living with covered hearts—missing out on the guidance and mercy we hope for.
True faith is not just inherited, claimed, or performed for others. It’s about living promises, trusting Allah ﷻ’s guidance, and refusing to twist truth for gain.
Ready to move to the next segment (Ayat 84–103: Social and Ethical Warnings, Divine Responses)?