As-Saff (The Ranks)

2. O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not act upon?

Rebuking those who do not stand on their own words, the blessed Verse is asking them:

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not act upon?”

Although the blessed Verses were revealed concerning the jihad and desertion from the Battle of Uhud, but the Occasions of Revelation never restrict the broad contextual meanings of the blessed Verses. Consequently, any vain word deserves censure and rebuke, be it in terms of steadfastness in battlefield or any other positive and constructive act.

According to Imam Sadiq (as), the blessed Verse, among other issues, alludes to failure to keep one’s word, saying that a believer’s promise is like a vow, though expiation is not required for it.¹