{So what is the matter with you such that with regards to the Hypocrites there are two groups? [And this] while Allah has repaid them for what they earned. Or do you seek to guide those whom Allah has misguided? And you will never find a way for someone Allah misguides.}
‘Abū Ja`far [aṭ-Ṭabarī] said: in other words, ‘What is the matter with you, oh Believers, that regarding the people of Hypocrisy there are two differing groups [among you]? Allah reverted them back to the judgment of the people of polytheism in that their blood is permissible and their children can be enslaved.’
Al-Imām al-Mufassirīn Abū Ja’far aṭ-Ṭabarī preferred the view that this verse refers to people who accepted Islam but stayed in Makkah and they would help the Mushrikīn against the Muslims, so the Companions RA split into two groups regarding them.
Here are all of the different opinions regarding this verse compiled by aṭ-Ṭabarī:
1) Some of them said it was revealed about the difference of opinion among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah SAWS regarding those who stayed behind and did not accompany the Messenger of Allah SAWS on the day of ‘Uḥud. They stayed in Madīnah and said to the Messenger of Allah SAWS and his Companions: {If we had known of the fighting, we surely would have followed you}[‘Āli `Imrān:167].
2) Others said- rather it was revealed about the difference of opinion between the Companions of the Messenger of Allah SAWS regarding people who came to Madīnah from Makkah. They declared that they were Muslims to the Muslims [in Madīnah] then when they returned to Makkah, they displayed polytheism.
3) Others said- rather [the Companions RA] differed regarding certain people among the people of polytheism- they would declare they were Muslim while in Makkah and still they helped the polytheists against Muslims.
4) Others said- rather their differing was regarding people in Madīnah who wished to leave out of Hypocrisy.
5) Others said- rather this verse was revealed about the differing of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah SAWS regarding the case of the people who accused `Ā’ishah RA.
‘Abū Ja`far said: the most correct of these opinions is the one which says that this verse was revealed regarding the differing of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah SAWS about certain people among the people of Makkah who apostatized from Islam after they became Muslim.
Here is the report supporting that view:
“…On authority of ‘Ibn Abbās- Certain people in Makkah used to express Islam and at the same time they would help the polytheists. So they left Makkah due to some necessity they had and they said, ‘If we come across Companions of Muhammad [SAWS] then let them not harm us!’ And when the Believers were informed that these people had left Makkah, a group of Believers said, ‘They reverted back to filthy creatures so fight them, for they are really helping your enemy against you!’ Another group of Believers said, ‘Glory be to Allah [or something similar], will you fight people who have professed the same that you do [i.e., Islam]?
Or just because they did not emigrate and leave their homes you will permit their blood and wealth!?’ So just like that there were two groups and the Messenger SAWS among them did not prohibit a single one from the two groups from anything. Then it was revealed: {So what is the matter with you such that with regards to the Hypocrites there are two groups? [And this] while Allah has repaid them for what they earned. Or do you seek to guide those whom Allah has misguided?}…the verse.”
See Tafsīr aṭ-Ṭabarī volume 8 pages 7-13.
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