Al-Ahzaab (The Clans)

2. “And follow what is revealed to you from your Lord; verily Allah is aware of what you do.”

3. “And rely on Allah, and Allah is sufficient as a Protector.”

When you close a deviated way, you should let a clear way be open.

The verse says:

“And follow what is revealed to you from your Lord; verily Allah is aware of what you do.”

Therefore, at first the evil of man’s spirit must be sent out from inside of his soul so that the goodness substitutes it. In order that the seeds of flowers grow the thorns must be rooted out. At first the false gods must be dismissed and then the government of Allah, the Almighty, and the Divine system substitutes them.

And since there is a great deal of difficulties in the continuation of this way and there are many threats, plots, and hindrances in it, the fourth command is issued as follows:

“And rely on Allah, and Allah is sufficient as a Protector.”

If a thousand enemies intend to kill the Prophet (S) he should not afraid since Allah, the Knowing, is his protector and his friend.

Apparently the addressee in these verses is the Prophet (S) but it is clear that the command itself is for the whole believers of the world. It is a prescription for salvation as well as a life-giving remedy in any age.

Some commentators have said that the Qur’anic phrase /ya’ayyuha/ is special for the instances that the aim is to attract the attention of entire people though the addressee is only one person, and it is versus the Arabic word /ya/ which is usually used in the instances that the aim is only the person who is addressed.¹

And since in the verses under discussion the statement has begun with the phrase /ya’ayyaha/ it emphasizes the generality of the aim of these verses.

Another evidence for this meaning is the sentence which says:

“…verily Allah is aware of what you do.”

The addressee in this sentence is in plural form. (Be careful)

Without saying, it is evident that the purpose of these commandments to the Prophet (S) is not that he had ever shown shortcoming in the subject of his virtuousness, and abandoning the obedience from the pagans and hypocrites, but these statements, from one side, has an emphasis on the duties of the Prophet (S) and, on the other side, they are some lessons for the whole believers.