3:13
“There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own as Twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see.”
Muhammad Asad notes that the verse is commonly interpreted as referring to the Battle of Badr, which occurred in the second year after the Hijrah during the month of Ramadan. In that encounter, a relatively small and poorly equipped Muslim force led by the Prophet Muhammad defeated a much larger and better-armed Meccan army. The battle marked the first major military confrontation between the Quraysh of Mecca and the emerging Muslim community in Medina. However, some commentators argue that the verse should not be limited solely to this historical event. Instead, they suggest that it conveys a broader principle frequently observed in history: groups that are numerically weaker and materially disadvantaged may still achieve victory when they possess strong conviction in the justice of their cause. Asad also notes that the verse describes the opposing force as being “twice” the number of the believers, whereas historically the Meccan forces at Badr were more than three times larger. This discrepancy supports the interpretation that the verse conveys a general lesson about the relationship between faith, determination, and victory rather than referring exclusively to a single historical event (Asad, 1980).
References:
Asad, Muhammad (1980). The Message of the Quran.
3:14
Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoard of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).
The Prophet said, “Love of the worldly life is the root of all error.” (Ma’ariful Qur’an) Some may prefer a secular view based on a belief in the superiority and ultimate perfectibility of man (an ideology called secular humanism); yet, this is a flawed ideology in that human beings cannot be perfected in this life, for they do not live long enough to accomplish this goal. Once wisdom begins to sprout in the heart, there are only a few years left before death, and the next generation makes the same mistakes as the previous one. Thus, the activities of each human generation are no more than fragile sandcastles by the shore, destined to be swept away by an endless line of waves. The next generation follows the pattern anew, starting virtually from scratch, and the record of aterialism, war, oppression, injustice and ignorance start all over again. Religion, at the very least, offers the only door for individuals to escape their limitations and have the hope of perfection in an existence that does not end. Is it merely the false promise of fantasy? Consider that religion promises eternal reward in exchange for being righteous to one’s fellow creatures, while secularism only came up with survival of the fittest and might makes right with no promise for good conduct other than the chance to possibly live in wealth for a brief time – although at the expense of one’s fellows.
References:
Emerick, Yahiya. The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an in Today’s English (p. 827). Unknown. Kindle Edition
3:15
Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; t herein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants, –
According to Anwar ul Bayan,
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) related that Allah shall summon the people of Heaven (Jannah), to which they will reply, “O our Lord, we are present and ever ready to enact Your instructions for all good is with You.” Allah shall ask them whether they are happy, to which they shall say “Our Lord, how can we not be happy when you have given us what you have not given to any of your creation?” Allah will ask them, “Should I not confer on you something better?” Allah will tell them, “I shall confer my pleasure upon you and I shall henceforth never be displeased with you.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Sahl bin Sa‘d Al-Saidi:
Allah’s Messenger (S) said, “A place in Paradise equal to the size of a lash is better than the whole world and whatever is in it.”
References:
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 3250
In-book reference : Book 59, Hadith 61
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 473
(deprecated numbering scheme)
Madani, Muhammad. Anwar ul Bayan. (vol. 1 p. 360).
3:16-17
3:16
(Namely), those who say: “Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;”-
3:17
Those who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.