Surah 23: The Believers

Surah 23: The Believers - Overview

Verses	Description
23:1-50	The virtues which go with Faith lead to success and bliss; man has in himself proofs of God's Providence
23:51-92	The Brotherhood of Truth is one; sects are created by narrow men
23:93-118	Eschew evil; pay not evil back in its own coin; after death there is no going backwards nor forwards till Judgment

Introduction

This Surah deals with the virtues which are the seed-bed of Faith, especially in an environment in which Truth is denied and its votaries insulted and persecuted. But Truth is One and must prevail. Those who do wrong will be filled with vain regrets when it is too late for repentance.

It belongs to the late Makkan period.

Summary

1- Faith, coupled with humility in prayer, charity, abstinence from vanity and from indulgence in appetites, and strict probity, must lead to final success, even though people mock and accuse the righteous of false motives, as did the contemporaries of Noah, of Moses, and of Jesus. (23:1-50)

Avoiding Vanity [23:1-50] Faith leads to humility, avoidance of vanity in word and deed, charity, continence, faithful observance of trusts and covenants, and devout approach to God -- surest steps to Bliss. Man carries in himself proofs of God's Providence; the same story is told if he looks at nature around him; and the long line of Teachers sent by God shows God's special care of humanity. What though they were rejected and scorned; maligned and persecuted? God's Truth won through, as it always will.

2- The prophets of God and the righteous form one Brotherhood, but those who make schisms and refuse to believe have ample evidence pointing to Truth and the goodness and greatness of God. (23:51-92)

Brotherhood of Truth [23:51-92] The Brotherhood of Truth is one in all ages: it is narrow men who create sects. Let them not think that the goods of this world can shield them from evil or its consequences. God's Truth and His Messenger can be known to all: for He in His Mercy has given us faculties and judgment; if we would but use them. The Message is not new; all Creation proclaims it: High above all is the Lord of Glory Supreme!

3- Evil must be repelled by goodness and faith in God; for the future life is sure, and those who disbelieve will wish for another chance when it is too late. (23:93-118)

Only Faith & Goodness Prevail [23:93-118] Let us eschew evil, but not pay back evil in its own coin, however great the temptation: no chance will there be to retrieve our conduct, once death cuts us off. Then we shall only have to wait for Judgment; none can pass that Barrier: our deeds will be weighed, and happy those whose good weighs more in the scale than ill. Only Faith and Goodness will prevail in the end: so glory to the Lord of the Throne exalted, of Mercy and Honor!