Some of the Commentators believe that this verse was revealed about those who came from ABYSSINIA (ETHIOPIA) in accompany to JAAFAR, the prophet's cousin. They were forty men among whom 32 were ABYSSINIANS, and the other eight were Christians monks and priests of SYRIA. One of the monks, it is said, was BOHAIRA, the famous monk, who had visited the prophet in his childhood. Some other commentators say that the verse was revealed about some famous Jewish Rabbis, like ABDULLAH-IBN-SALAM, TAMAM-IBN-YAHUDA and SAEED-IBN-OMAR who recognized the prophet and accepted Islam and became truthful Muslims.

COMMENTS

      As for the Jews who converted and became true Muslims, hereby Qurän proceeds to exclude them from the other Jews, who were previously blamed for their rejection and opposition:

``Those to whom we have given the scripture read it as it should be read - the ones who believe therein.''

TO PLEASE THE ENEMY, HAS A LIMIT

      It is true that man should call the enemies and the oppositions to accept the truth by kind attractive morals; but this method of invitation may be useful and effective in the case of flexible people. As for those stubborn and obstinate men who never submit to reason and truth, one should not think of pleasing them. If they don't believe, don't worry - Let them go to Hell and join the fire. Don't waste your time on them.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT READING OF THE BOOK?

      It is narrated that in a commentary about this verse; HAZRAT IMAM SADIQ (AS) said: ``Read the verses carefully. Seek to know and understand the meaning. Fulfill the commandments and carry them into effect. Have hope in the promises. Beware of the warnings. Take lessons of the stories. Follow the instruction. Upon my Lord God! a good reading is not only a correct rehearsal, or committing the pharases and sentences to memory.''