OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 88)

      IBN- ABBASS has narrated that; a group of the Meccan had apparently been converted, but practically they were nominal Muslims, mingled with the heathens and hypocrites.

      They were not willing to take any practical step in Islam, and even proceeded on emigration for certain evil purposes, such as to play the spy! There was a controversy among Muslims which was going to turn to a hot dispute, as to what were they, and what was to be done with them. On account of them Muslims were divided in two groups. A party of them wanted to put them to the swords. Some of the simple minded converts said: ``Why should we kill our religious brothers who have already testified to the oneness of God, and to the prophethood of Mohammad, and are indeed Muslims, while some of them too, have left hearths and homes, and have emigrated to be with us?!''

      But the actual policy pursued, avoided both extremes; and was determined by the above verses: For the time being no extreme measure was to be taken against them. On the contrary they were given more chances to amend themselves if they wanted to. But if they deserted the Muslim community once again with hostility, they had to be treated as enemies.