Translation
The forerunners of the early immigrants (from Makkah) and the helpers (from Madinah who helped the immigrants) and those who followed them in goodness—God is pleased with them and they are pleased with God. God has prepared for them Garden of peace and plenty [with rivers flowing in it] where they will reside forever. This is the ultimate triumph and achievement.
(In contrast) there are hypocrites among the Bedouins who lives around you and of the people of this town (Madinah) who persist in hypocrisy. You do not know them but We [God] know them. They will face the consequence of their condition twice and will be driven to the final sequel of severe consequence. And there are others who have acknowledged their failings—they confounded their good works with evil deeds. Perhaps God will incline to them since God is Forgiving and Merciful. You should accept their charity (and good works) so that they can cleanse themselves and offer prayer for them so that they can continue to grow. Your prayer is a source of comfort for them. God certainly hears, and He knows. Don’t they know that God is always approving of repentance from His creation and accepting their good works [charity]? God is Forgiving and Merciful.
Say: “Do good work. God is watching and so are the Messenger and your fellow people of faith. You will eventually come face to face with the One [God] Who knows what is exposed and what is hidden, and He will inform you about your pursuits and your conducts.” There are others about whom God has not given His final determination—who He will make to face the consequence or who to show His mercy. God is fully Aware and He is Wise. 445
Interpretation
445 In making reference to those who behaved hypocritically with the Prophet and his followers, God is keeping the door open for those who acknowledge their failures to keep their covenant of faith to the God and to their fellow human beings. God knows the condition of the human mind and its true state, and those who are committed to evil and hypocrisy are being warned of the consequences—in this life and the life to come. But to those who are open to correct themselves and repent, God is always aware of their state of mind and is forever inclined to forgiveness and mercy.
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REFLECTION
Hypocrisy is considered the worst from of disbelief in the sense that it not only confirms lack of faith but also creates double jeopardy by trying to give false impressions to others (especially to those who are faithful and consider the hypocrites as faithful) about their faith. Aside from the hypocrites, there are those who border on hypocrisy by mixing good works with evil works, not fully comprehending the consequences and underlying conditions that tempt them to do such evils.
ACTION
Being mindful of one’s condition and being ever vigilant to protect the purity of one’s intentions regarding faith, goodness, and commitment to truth and justice are necessary to ensure success in this life and the life to come. Such diligence is applicable in all spheres of human activities—be they about our faith or about our day-to-day activities and interactions, the sum total of which is our life on this planet.