Episode: 116 Reading Material for Qur’an 3:72 - 102

Sur'ah  3:72-102

3:72

“And a faction of the People of the Scripture say to one another, ‘Believe in what has been revealed to the believers in the morning, and reject it at its end that perhaps they may return [to disbelief].” Quranic Arabic Corpus+2IslamAwakened+2

3:73

“And they say among themselves, ‘Do not follow anyone except him who follows your faith.’ Say, ‘Surely true guidance is God’s. It is His favour that anyone may be given the like of what you have been given, and that others may be given firm evidence against you before your Lord.’ Say: ‘Surely bounty is in the Hand of God; He gives it to whom He wills. God is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.’” Islamic Studies+1

3:74

“He singles out for His mercy whom He wills; God is possessed of abundant bounty.” Islamic Studies+1

[Verses 75-101 – Summary]
These verses address various themes: some among the People of the Book (Jews/Christians) who hide or distort parts of scripture (3:75-80); the establishment of covenant, oaths, trading away God’s pledge for a small price (3:77); pointing out those who twist scripture and claim parts are from God when they are not (3:78); the role of Prophet, the sending of revelation (3:79-85); the battle of faith and hypocrisy, guidance versus misguidance (3:86-91); believers, fear of God, and mention of times when God will test or rescue (3:92-101). (See sources: Al-Islam.org+1)

3:102

“O you who believe! Be mindful of God with the mindful fear (that is due to Him), and do not die except in a state of submission.” Quran Verse Compare

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2. Historical & Spiritual Context

• This chapter (Sūrah Āl-ʿImrān) is classified as Medinan, meaning many of its verses were revealed after the Prophet Muḥammad’s migration to Medina. My Islam+1

• Verses 72-74 refer to a device attributed to some among the “People of the Book” (i.e., Jews and Christians) in the early Muslim community. According to the classical commentary of Ibn Kathīr, some would outwardly appear to affirm what was revealed to the Muslims in the morning, but then deny it in the evening, with the aim of sowing doubt among the Muslims. Surah Quran+1

• The broader section (verses 75-101) engages with inter-faith dialogues, attitudes towards revelation, covenant, hypocrisy, and the test of faith. The historical backdrop includes the early Muslim community in Medina, interactions with Jewish tribes and other religious groups, and issues of loyalty, testimony, truth and falsehood.

• Verse 102 acts as a moral exhortation: maintaining God-consciousness (taqwā) and remaining in a state of submission until death. It serves as a summary call to the believing community in this chapter.

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3. Tanakh & New Testament Parallels

While the Qur’an is its own scripture and this chapter addresses particular issues in the early Muslim community, we can note themes that resonate with the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. These are parallels in theme, rather than verse-by-verse exact correspondence.

Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) Parallels

• The idea of faithfulness to the covenant: For example, in Jeremiah 31:31-34 the prophecy of a new covenant with God’s people emphasises inner faithfulness and obedience. (See: Jeremiah 31) Wikipedia

• The admonition against mixing truth and falsehood, or hiding the truth: e.g., in the prophets (like Ezekiel, Jeremiah) one finds critiques of the people who “cover” or “twist” the word of God.

New Testament Parallels

• The call to remain faithful unto death: for example in Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (See: Conditional preservation of the saints) Wikipedia

• The theme of submission to God: The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to submission to God and to hold fast to truth, to not turn away.

• The concept of not merely outward profession but inward authenticity is also present (e.g., Jesus’ warnings about hypocrisy).

Though there is no direct verse in the Christian or Jewish scriptures that says exactly “believe in the morning and reject in the evening,” the Qur’anic text addresses a particular stratagem of false affirmation which has thematic resonance in the broader scriptural tradition of calling out hypocrisy.

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4. Spiritual Takeaways (Educational & Reflective)

• Authenticity of faith: Verses 72-74 warn about superficial faith — claiming belief outwardly, then rejecting it. The takeaway is that genuine belief cannot just be a show, but must endure.

• Grace, guidance & humility: Verse 73 affirms that true guidance is God’s, and it is a favour when someone is given it. This encourages humility: one cannot boast of having exclusive possession of truth.

• Accountability and covenant: The section emphasises that revelation, covenant, oaths, and truth matter. One cannot treat them lightly for a “small price.” This invites reflection on one’s commitments, integrity, and the seriousness of one’s spiritual walk.

• Perseverance and submission until death: Verse 102 encapsulates the broader message: remain conscious of God (taqwā) and do not die except in submission. This frames the spiritual journey as ongoing, until one’s last moment.

• Community and truth-sharing: The broader context shows that faith involves community (Muslims, People of the Book, etc.), inter-religious engagement, and reflection on truth, falsehood, and unity. One takeaway is the importance of supportive community and clarity in belief.

• Reflection on motives: The verses challenge not only belief, but motives: are we believing for truth, or for show? Are we ready to maintain submission under pressure or change when convenient?

• Practical application: For learners and seekers, one can ask: “In what ways might I be tempted to ‘believe in the morning and reject in the evening’ (metaphorically)?” “How can I hold fast to truth, maintain integrity, and live in submission to God in all states — ease and hardship?”