OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 199)

      When the heathens and polytheists of Mecca increased their tortures and pressures upon the new converts, so much so that their oppressions and torments were no more endurable; the prophet ordered some of the believers to emigrate to ABYSSINIA ruled by a democratic, just, and faithful Christian king.

      In the Arabic month RAJAB 5 A.H. a group of eleven Muslims, Leaded by JAAFAR-IBN-ABUTALIB a brother to Emam Ali (AS) left Mecca as pioneers to pave the way for the others.

      Soon after, another group of eigthy three people accompanied by their household and families, took refuge to ABYSSINIA. The Negus of bAbyssinia, was a truthful, devout Christian, who ruled his country with utmost justice and democracy.

      He welcomed the Muslim refugees, and gave them shelter, work, and food, and made their positions safe and secure. He listened not to the vilifications of their foes who had come there to chase them and to arrest them, and take them back. The Negus was so kind and fair to the Muslim refugees, that some commentators and historians, believe that he recognized Islam and was a real Muslim, concealing his faith for prevention of social and political agitations and revolt, that could be caused by the priests.

      When the said Negus of Abyssinia died, the prophet got the bad news through inspiration. He called the Muslims on a congregational prayer in respect and esteem of the Negus who had been so kind to the Muslim refugees. The prophet, in accompany with a group of his companions went to the grave yard BAGHIEA, and performed the prayer, and the remote burial ceremony. Some of the hypocrites of Medina objected saying: ``The Messenger of God performs the prayer and ceremonial rites for a non-Muslim and a heathen whom he has not seen him yet! So the verse came down to this effect.''

COMMENTS

      This verse is about the faithfuls among the people of the scriptures, and defines a minority group of the people of the Book who joined the prophet of Islam. For them five distinct virtues are proved which are as follows:

      1) They are a people who believe in God, and the only one God.

      2) They also believe in the Holy Qurän and whatever has been sent down to Muslims from Allah.

      3) Their faith in Mohammad the Messenger of God is due to their faith in their own scripture.

      4) They have surrendered to the will of Allah and are humbled to HIM.

      5) They never sell the signs of God for a small price as the others do.

      And allah is swift at the reckoning; so, neither the righteous confront with difficulty to get their reward, nor the evil-doers will have their punishment delayed for any reason.