OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 120)

      IBN-ABBASS has narrated that: ``The Jews of Medina, and the Christians of NAJRAN; were expecting the prophet to continue with the old QIBLA, towards JERUSALEM. But as per order of God, the prophet made a new QIBLA, of the cubic house of God constructed by ABRAHAM in Mecca. The change of QIBLA increased the rage and dislike of the people of the BOOK. Perhaps there were also some conservative Muslims who believed that they should not displease the people of the BOOK, through such matters as the change of QIBLA.''

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SATISFY SUCH GROUPS!

      In the previous verses the prophet was divested of responsibility in relation to the obstinate disbelievers, and here the argument is continued saying: ``Don't insist so much on satisfying the people of the BOOK, because they will never be satisfied with you, unless you follow them, and submit thoroughly to their caprices. Just tell them: the true guidance is the guidance of Allah. Not a sort of guidance which is mingled with superstitions, and deviated and astray thoughts, and caprices.'' Then God threatens HIS APOSTLE (AS) in this verse by saying: ``And if you follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached you from us; then you will have neither a protector, nor a helper against Allah.