مَكَانَتِ

11:94,122; 39:40-41.

Important Words:

مکانتکم (as best you can). The word مکان is considered by some to have been derived from کان which means, he or it was, or he or it came into existence. مکان means, place of being or existence. مکانة means, place of being or existence; state or condition. The Arabs say مکانك و زیدا i.e. keep where thou art and approach not Zaid (Lane & Aqrab). The expression اعملوا علی مکانتکم means, do what you can; or act as best you can; or remain where you are and do your worst (Kashshaf). Some authorities, however, consider the word to have been derived from مکن in which case it signifies greatness; or high rank or standing; or honourable a place or position, especially with a king or potentate (Aqrab & Lane). In this sense the expression would mean, "You look upon yourselves to be great or high in rank. Now come and exert your full power against Islam and then see what the result will be."

Commentary:

As explained under Important Words, the expression اعملوا علی مکانتکم means, you may do your worst and exert yourselves to the utmost of your power and resources to extirpate Islam and destroy the small Muslim community but you will never succeed.

The words, Soon will you know whose will be the ultimate reward, signify, "you will soon see which of the two parties will succeed in the end." The word الدار (abode) may refer either to this world or to the next. In both cases the ultimate reward is reserved for the truthful.

6:136; 11:94; 39:40.

Commentary:

The Holy Prophet is here commanded to say to disbelievers that bootless quarrelling and fighting serves no useful purpose. Time will show who is in the right and who in the wrong by the results that the actions of Muslims and their opponents produce.

6:136; 39:40.

Important Words:

علی مکانتکم (as best you can). See 6:136.

Commentary:

The words, act as best you can, I too am acting, mean that they should go on working according to their own lights and plans, and he could work as guided by his faith. The results would show who was working in accordance with God’s will and who was seeking to defy and frustrate His purpose.

In fact, Prophets of God always ask their people to leave the matter to God and wait for His decision, but their opponents always seek to take the matter into their own hands. The result invariably is that their efforts to destroy the Prophet and his followers prove futile and they themselves are destroyed.

Important Words:

مسخناھم (We could have transformed them). They say مسخه i.e. he transformed him into an uglier shape or form; disfigured him. مسخ الناقة means, he jaded or emaciated the she-camel by constant use. مسخ الکتاب means, the writer made many mistakes in writing (Aqrab).

Commentary:

According to Ibn ‘Abbas the expression مسخناھم علی مکانتھم means, "We would have destroyed them in their houses" and according to Hasan, it signifies that all their physical and mental faculties would have become paralysed (Jarir).

6:136; 11:122.

Important Words:

مکانتکم (as you can). مکانة is considered by some to have been derived from کان which means, he or it was, or it came into existence. Thus it means, place of existence; state or condition. It may also be taken to have been derived from مکن. They say مکن عند الامیر i.e. he had a great position with the prince. In this sense of the root word مکانة would mean, greatness; high rank or standing; honourable place or position; power. The expression اعملوا علی مکانتکم would thus mean, do what you can; do your worst (Lane & Aqrab).

The verse throws out an open challenge to disbelievers to do their worst and use all their power, resources and influence to destroy Islam but they will never succeed in their evil designs. Islam is humanity’s last hope and final destiny and, therefore, its cause is bound to triumph and prevail.