Tafseer Ibn Kathir – Surah 3 : Ale Imraan :

Tafseer Ibn Kathir – Surah 3 : Ale Imraan :

(31. Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”) (32. Say: “Obey Allaah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.)

This honorable Ayah judges against those who claim to love Allaah, yet do not follow the way of Muhammad . Such people are not true in their claim until they follow the Shari`ah (Law) of Muhammad and his religion in all his statements, actions and conditions. It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allaah said,

(Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected of him.)

This is why Allaah said here,

(Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you…”) meaning, what you will earn is much more than what you sought in loving Him, for Allah will love you. Al-Hasan Al-Basri and several scholars among the Salaf commented, “Some people claimed that they love Allah. So Allaah tested them with this Ayah;

(Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you…”). ”

Allaah then said,

.

(“And forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”) meaning, by your following the Messenger , you will earn all this with the blessing of his mission. Allaah next commands everyone,

(Say: “Obey Allaah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away) by defying the Prophet ,

(then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.) thus, testifying that defiance of the Messenger’s way constitutes Kufr. Indeed, Allaah does not like whoever does this, even if he claims that he loves Allaah and seeks a means of approach to Him, unless, and until, he follows the unlettered Prophet, the Final Messenger from Allaah to the two creations: mankind and the Jinn. This is the Prophet who, if the previous Prophets and mighty Messengers were to have been alive during his time, they would have no choice but to follow, obey him, and to abide by his Law.”