Surah At-Tawba (9) — Ayah 52

The meaning of (Ayah 52){قُلْ هَلْ تَرَبَّصُوْنَ بِنَاۤ اِلَّاۤ اِحْدَى الْحُسْنَيَيْنِ …:’’ اِحْدَى‘‘} is the dual of {’’ الْحُسْنَيَيْنِ ‘‘ ’’ اَلْحُسْنٰي‘‘}, which is the feminine of {’’ اَلْاَحْسَنُ ‘‘} (superlative adjective), meaning one of the two best things. This is the second response to the hypocrites’ joy at the Muslims’ calamity: that in every situation, we are better than all people. In this world, either we will attain victory and spoils, which is the best thing, or we will be martyred in the way of Allah, which is even greater, and it is our very desire to enjoy the blessings of Paradise. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah has guaranteed for the person who strives in His path—nothing drove him out except striving in His path and believing in His words as true—that He will admit him to Paradise, or return him to his home from which he departed, with reward or spoils.” [ بخاری، فرض الخمس، باب قول النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم : أحلت لکم الغنائم : ۳۱۲۳، عن أبی ھریرۃ رضی اللہ عنہ] In contrast, the hypocrites will face humiliation and disgrace at the hands of the Muslims or from Allah in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will suffer eternal punishment in the lowest depths of Hell by Allah’s decree. Thus, we and you are each awaiting one of two outcomes regarding each other.