Translation
O People of Faith: do not behave in a way that people without faith behave, whereby they claim that those of their brethren who travel on a journey or engage in conflicts would not have died if they had stayed with them. God makes such thoughts and claims as a source of regrets for them. It is God who gives life and brings about how one dies. God sees all that you do. If one is killed in service of God [to preserve life, liberty, and justice] or one dies a normal death, in any event it is God’s protection and mercy that are more important and of value than what one possesses [in this life]. Whether you die or are killed, in either way, you all are brought back to God.215
It is indeed God’s mercy that you [the Prophet] are gentle to your followers. Had you been harsh and heartless with them, they would have moved away from you. Therefore, pardon them, seek God’s protection and forgiveness [for the community], and consult them in all matters of importance. But once a matter is decided, one should put trust in God [and remain steadfast]. God loves those who put their trust in Him.216
Interpretation
215. It is a fundamental lesson to all of us, especially those of faith, that our manner of death is less important than the reasons for our actions and the motives for our fight for freedom and justice. Our moral compass leads us to God in this life and after death, but what we did before our death will determine our fate more so than what we gather in material provisions in this life.
216. This verse established a set of fundamental imperatives for our leaders to emulate and follow. Leaders have to have empathy for their followers, have to show grace and heartfelt concerns, have to seek and ensure their well-being, and have to listen and consult with people in all matters of public affairs, and lacking these qualities will lead to anarchy, failure, and widespread corruption and dissatisfaction, a situation that is not hard to find in our times in many citizens of Muslim countries and in minorities and immigrants in developed countries.
REFLECTION
Every generation will face its unique challenges. God, who is ever watchful and ready to aid, will see the manner in which we deal with these challenges, what sacrifice we make, how we conduct ourselves among one another and among leaders and followers, and what institutional and legal frameworks we establish to advance the cause of truth, liberty, and justice for all.
ACTION
Every one of us will taste death with the same level of certainly as seasons come and go each year. The manner of death is less important than the cause for which we die or how we conducted ourselves to better the human condition or what we have earned or amassed. Our call to action is to focus on what is important and what is permanent is this life and in the hereafter!