ONE AYAT A DAY
بَلٰى مَنْ اَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهٗ لِلّٰهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهٗٓ اَجْرُهٗ عِنْدَ رَبِّهٖۖ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُوْنَ ࣖ
Balā man aslama wajhahū lillāhi wa huwa muḥsinun falahū ajruhū ‘inda rabbih(i), wa lā khaufun ‘alaihim wa lā hum yaḥzanūn(a).
Yes, [on the contrary], whoever submits his face [i.e., self] in Islām to Allāh while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
The Hopes of the People of the BookAllah made the confusion of the Jews and the Christians clear, since they claim that no one will enter Paradise, unless he is a Jew or a Christian. Similarly, Allah mentioned their claims in Surat Al-Ma'idah:نَحْنُ أَبْنَاءُ اللَّهِ وَأَحِبَّاؤُهُ(We are the children of Allah and His loved ones) (5:18).Allah refuted this false claim and informed them that they will be punished because of their sins. Previously we mentioned their claim that the Fire would not touch them for more than a few days, after which they would be put in Paradise. Allah rebuked this claim, and He said about this baseless claim, mتِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ(These are their own desires). Abu Al-`Aliyah commented, "These are wishes that they wished Allah would answer, without basis." Similar was stated by Qatadah and Ar-Rabi` bin Anas. Allah then said,قُلْ(Say) meaning, "Say O Muhammad:"هَاتُواْ بُرْهَـنَكُمْ("Produce your Burhan...") meaning, "Your proof", as Abu Al-`Aliyah, Mujahid, As-Suddi and Ar-Rabi` bin Anas stated. Qatadah said that the Ayah means, "Bring the evidence that supports your statement,إِن كُنتُمْ صَـدِقِينَ(if you are truthful) in your claim. "Allah then said,بَلَى مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ(Yes! But whoever submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follows Allah's religion of Islamic Monotheism) and he is a Muhsin) meaning, "Whoever perfo…