Al-Ṣaff
This chapter encourages and motivates the believers to struggle in God’s path and to fight the enemies of His religion. It informs them that this religion (of Islam) is God’s shining light which the disbelievers from the People of the Book wish to blow out by their mouths, however God shall complete and perfect it however much the disbelievers may dislike it. He shall cause it to prevail over all religions, however much the polytheists may loathe it.
It also informs the believers that this prophet (that is, Prophet Muḥammad) in whom they believed is a Messenger from God whom God has sent forth with guidance and the religion of truth. It also informs them that Jesus son of Mary had given glad tidings about him to the Children of Israel.
Consequently, it is incumbent on the believers to determinedly resolve to obey him and to comply with what he commands them such as struggling in God’s path and helping God in favor of His religion. This is so that God may bless them in their hereafter, aid them and open up avenues of success for them in their worldly lives, and support them against their enemies.
It is also essential for them not to say what they do not do just as it is essential for them not to go back on their promises. This is because such behavior attracts God’s displeasure while the same offends and hurts the Messenger (of God, Muḥammad) too. In addition, such behavior contains the risk of God causing their hearts to go astray just as He did with the community of Moses when they hurt, annoyed, and offended the latter while they knew he was God’s messenger to them. And God does not guide the unjust.
This chapter is of Medinan provenance as the content of its verses testifies.
This is the ʿAllāmah's introduction to the sūrah, from the opening of the commentary.