CAUSE OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 52)

      In the commentary, named DORRULMANSUR, it is narrated that a group of worldly rich, and influentials, of QURAISH passed by when the prophet was teaching some of his lowly disciples like; SHOAIB, AMMطR, BALطL and KHOBAB, who were all poor workers and humble labourers. Seeing the congregation, they were puffed up with pride for thinking too much of themselves! They thought it beneath their dignity to listen to the prophet's teaching side by side with those lowly poor men! They thought them lowly because their wisdom was in their eyes, and could only think of the dignity of a man with the measure of his rank and wealth. So they said: `O, Mohammad! Are you satisfied with these beggars and labourers of your disciples and followers?! Are these indeed the ones whom Allah has obliged from among us?'' They said so by scorn and irony!

      They then proposed the excommunication of those disciples who seemed to be meek in their eyes, so that they could join the prophet to replace them.

      According to this verse in our discussion, the prophet rejected their proposal, and remained stable in the company of his humble, but faithful disciples.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CLASS DISTINCTION

      The cheiftain, and influentials of QURAISH, who were all rich and wealthy asked the prophet for some privilages over the poor and lower class of Muslims; while the prophet fought fiercely against such privileges in order to create a fairer society:

      ``Do not drive away those who call on their Lord at morning and evening seeking His presence.''

      According to an old custom, the wealthy held themselves higher and superior over the poor ones. They were of opinion that the class distinction which was graded according to their amount of wealth, is an established right that should always and everywhere be protected! It was the absolute right of the wealthy and the influential to have some privileges over the other individuals of the community! But the prophet gave not the least of precedences and privileges to the influentials or to the rich ones over the poor and humble, but truthful and sincere disciples; and to this effect they continued with their hostilities against the Messenger of God.

      The prophet could not turn his faithful disciples away, merely because they were poor. The prophet himself was poor too, and many a time said: ``My poverty is my pride. (honour)'' In this relation the verse says: ``If you drive them away, then you will be counted among the people who are oppressors.''

      And why should he banish them away when nothing of their account would fall upon the prophet and vice versa? As far as they are Muslims, and have submitted to Allah they should not be excommunicated in any price or for any material reason, because God knows best those who deserve His Mercy and guidance.

A GREAT ADVANTAGE OF ISLAM

      We know that the circle of power in the churches have ridiculously been enlarged and extended; so much so, that a priest holds the authority and right for himself, to forgive the sins of sinners on behalf of God. So can they easily excommunicate a true believer, accusing him of heresy!

      But the Glorious Qurجn through this verse (No. 52) and many other verses, explicitly announces that not only the scholars and jurishprudents of Islam, even the prophet himself, have no right to frogive a sin or excommunicate someone who claims to believe in God and in God's Message and Messengers. So in the forgiveness of sins and pardons of wrongs, the sinners on account of their sins are to be handled only by God, and no one else. He is the Merciful and Compassionate Forgiver who accepts repentance and contrition of His Servants.