Transliteration:( Law kharajoo feekum maa zaadookum illaa Khabaalanw wa la awda'oo khilaalakum yabghoona kumul fitnata wa feekum sammaa'oona lahum; wallaahu 'aleemum biz zaalimeen )
If they would have come out along with you, they would have aided [135] you nothing except corruption and would have run to and from in your midst, seeking to cause sedition among you by their spies [136]. And Allah knows well the unjust.
If the hypocrites had joined the Muslims in battle, they would have brought no benefit—only disruption.
They would have:
Frightened the Muslims by praising the strength of the infidels
Attempted to turn Muslims against one another
Praised the enemies in public while insulting the believers
This shows that even a good deed, when done with a corrupt intention, results in harm. For example, a hypocrite going to the mosque only to steal shoes highlights the same contradiction—outward righteousness with inward malice.
These hypocrites would secretly listen to Muslim discussions and relay them to the enemies, acting as spies and informers.
This verse teaches that:
A believer who becomes a tool for hypocrites by leaking internal matters is also showing signs of hypocrisy
The phrase “by their spies” may refer to two types:
Those hypocrites who report to disbelievers
Simple-hearted new Muslims who are manipulated by hypocrites and unknowingly spread discord
This verse warns us about double standards, weak faith, and the danger of blindly trusting those with hidden agendas.
The tafsir of Surah Taubah verse 47 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Taubah ayat 46 which provides the complete commentary from verse 46 through 47.
(9:47) Had they gone forth with you, they would have only added to your trouble, and would have run about in your midst seeking to stir up sedition among you, whereas there are among you some who are prone to lend ears to them. Allah knows well the wrong-doers.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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