They collaborate with disbelievers and enemies of the Islamic faith...

They collaborate with disbelievers and enemies of the Islamic faith; (“We will obey you partially of the matter”). Thus the blessed Verse explains the reasons behind such beautification and embellishment.

They said unto those who disliked the Divine Revelation sent down to the Prophet of Islam (S); “We will obey you in part of the matter.” Hypocrites look for desperate opponents and if they do not share common denominators with them in all respects, they collaborate with them or obey them to the extent of the common denominators. Medinan hypocrites turned to Jews.

Jews from Banu Nadhir and Banu Quraydha were among the promulgators of the Islamic faith prior to the Prophet’s (S) prophethood but following his Divine appointment to prophethood and owing to jealousy, arrogance, and as their interests were in jeopardy, they became displeased with the advent of Islam and promised to render aid to hypocrites because of their common denominators as to disagreement with and hatching plots against him.

“Partially for the matter” indicates that the Jews agreed to collaborate with hypocrites but they believed in resurrection and disagreed with their idolatry. The Verse ends in a concise warning; “Allah knows their secrets.” He is aware of their disbelief, hypocrisy, and their conspiring with the Jews and will chastise them in the proper season. God also knows about the jealousy and enmity concealed in the hearts.

They had read their scriptures and had been apprised of the signs of the Prophet of Islam (S) such that they were able to recognize him like their own child. However, following the proclamation of his prophethood, they failed to make mention of such signs. God is aware of their secrecy.

Then how will it be when the angels will take their souls at death, smiting their faces and their backs? 28. That is because they followed that which angered Allah and disliked that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless.