Overview (Verses 63 - 64)

A Stern Warning to the Disobedient

The sūrah then alerts the Muslims to the need to address the Prophet with respect when they seek his permission, and indeed in all situations. They should not call him by his name or nickname, as they call each other. He is to be addressed as the man God has honoured by making him His Messenger: “Do not address God’s Messenger in the manner you address one another.” (Verse 63) Indeed people must be full of respect for him as God’s Messenger, so that they pay due heed to every word he says and every directive he gives. Teachers and leaders should be held in high esteem and addressed with respect. The fact that the Prophet was very modest in his approach, and easy to deal with, did not mean that it was appropriate for his Companions to forget that he was their leader who educated them and refined their manners, addressing him as they would address one another. Deep in their hearts, those who are being educated should hold their educator in high regard so that they are ashamed if they happen to overstep the requirements of respect when dealing with him.

The hypocrites who sneaked away, covering for one another, are given a stern warning. If the Prophet could not see them, God was certainly watching them: “God certainly knows those of you who would slip away surreptitiously.” (Verse 6.3) The Arabic wording, yatasallalūn.. liwādhā, practically shows their stealthy movements, as they left stealthily, like despicable cowards.

“So, let those who would go against His bidding beware, lest some affliction or grievous suffering befall them.” (Verse 63) The warning here is very stern. Those who disobey the Prophet’s orders, seeking a way different from his, sneaking away in pursuit of personal gain or to avoid potential risk, should beware. They may find themselves in the midst of a situation where values and standards are blurred, where the true and false are not easily distinguished and the community finds itself in disarray. In such a situation no one is sure of his own safety, as people do not abide by the law and good may not be easily distinguished from evil. Such a situation is miserable for everyone: “Lest some affliction or grievous suffering befall them.” Such grievous suffering could befall people in this life or in the life to come, in retribution for disobeying God’s orders and rejecting the way of life He has laid down.

The sūrah concludes with a verse that balances the warning with a statement making it clear to both believers and unbelievers that God sees them all, and knows their actions and the intentions behind each action:

To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Well does He know what you are intent upon. One day, all will be brought back to Him, and then He will tell them all that they have done. God has full knowledge of everything. (Verse 64)

Thus, the conclusion aims to remind people to remain God-fearing. Being so provides the ultimate guarantee for the fulfilment of His orders, abiding by the rules He has set, observing the manners He has outlined. We have seen many of these clearly stated in this sūrah, relating to different aspects of life, but all treated on an equal footing.