ভূমিকা

“And verily We are able to show you that which We promise them.” These verses are addressed to the Prophet (S), but they have the same objective as the previous verses; that is, they threaten the unbelievers and polytheists with Divine punishment. In the beginning, Allah commands His Prophet (S): “Say: ‘My Lord! If You show me what (chastisement) they are promised, ’” (Meaning their punishment in the War of Badr), then put me not among the wrongdoing folk.

This means that when Allah decides to send down the punishment upon the unbelievers, He would separate the Prophet away from them so that by Allah’s grace and mercy he would not be involved with the affliction of the oppressors at that time. There is no doubt that the conduct and program of the Prophet (S) could not make him subject to Divine punishment. It is also a fact that the Divine law is not indiscriminate and would not suffer the good to be punished with the guilty.

Even if there were one dutiful worshipper of Allah in a whole society of evildoers, Allah would save that individual. The verse says: “My Lord!

Then set me not among the unjust people.” By this prayer of the Prophet (S) Allah intends to warn the unbelievers that the issue is so serious that by Divine command the great Prophet of Islam himself sought the protection of Allah from the consequences of their beliefs and actions, and secondly it is a lesson for the followers of this Prophet that they are not safe from Allah’s punishment and must always seek His protection regardless of whatever state they might be in.