TRANSLATION
When a matter pertaining to security or threat comes to light, they [those who were hypocrites] spread it. Instead, they should have referred it to the Prophet and those in charge of governance, who could search out the truth and would know what to make of it. Had it not been that God had His grace and mercy on you, all of you except a few would have followed the devil. Strive, then, in God’s cause [for truth and justice]; you are only responsible for yourself and inspire the believers [for such struggle]. God might curb the power of those who disbelieve and who deny truth and justice [through your struggle]. God is stronger in might and stronger in restraining! Whoever intercedes or partners in a good cause will have a share of it and its blessing; whoever rallies to an evil cause will suffer its consequences. God is ever Watchful over everything.261
When someone extends a greeting [a gesture of peace and goodwill], reciprocate with a greeting [a gesture] better than or the same. God is ever taking account of all things [said and done]. God, besides Whom there is no other god, will gather you all together on the Resurrection Day—there is no doubt in it. Who is better in speaking the truth than God Himself! 262
INTERPRETATION
261. The issue of proper governance and the role of citizenship at times of conflicts are further elaborated here, showing the sophistication of the way the Prophet had led the emerging community of believers despite the presence of hypocrites and adversaries in their mix. Containing false rumors or threats and conveying matters of importance to the proper authority and to those who have better context and understanding to avoid unnecessary panic in the community and to take advantage of useful intelligence with due care are responsibilities of the citizens; responsible analysis and proper use of such intelligence for the benefit of the society are responsibilities of those in charge. Unfortunately, throughout the world today, particularly in many Muslim countries, we have a citizenship that is not empowered or driven to discharge their God-given rights and responsibilities. On the other hand, we have unworthy leadership who uses wealth, power, and deceit to rule and oppress its own citizens to deny basic human rights, rule of law, and an environment where each citizen can reach his or her human potential.
262. In the middle of conflict, confusion, and uncertainty, one has to stay focused on the side of truth and justice and avoid the temptation to fall into the ways of evil. God is ever watchful and keeps accounts of each of our sayings and our doings—there is no way to avoid accountability in this life or on the Day of Resurrection. God is the singular Sovereign over us, and His grace and mercy encompass us all in ways that help us avoid falsehood and injustice, if we truly believe in and genuinely aspire for truth and justice.
Striving for truth and justice and a firm commitment in the face of all opposition is the way for us to demonstrate our true human qualities and to establish evidence in the sight of God that we have been true to our nature, the nature in which we have been created. Attention is also drawn to the fact that whenever another person or group inclines toward peace and extends a hand of peaceful reconciliation, we should do the same, if not better. Too many of our imams and sheikhs would rather take the literal meaning of greeting (salam, 4:86) and imply that we are supposed to extend our greetings in return, a form of interpretation and education that diminishes and trivializes the true teachings and expansive nature of the Qur’an.
REFLECTION
Each one of us, as a member of our community, has a responsibility to ourselves and to our fellow citizens. Such a role takes on heightened dimensions in times of conflicts. Such times also test our ability to stay true to ourselves and to our fellow citizens by advancing goodwill to all and exercising good judgment, patience, and respect for worthy authority.
ACTION
Activism in support of truth and justice and belief in God is a fundamental responsibility of every human being, especially those who profess faith and wish to advance truth and justice in our world!