وَإِن يَكُن لَّهُمُ الْحَقُّ يَأْتُوا إِلَيْهِ مُذْعِنِينَ

But if justice be on their side, they come compliantly to him.

EXEGESIS

Ḥaqq means that which is true and not falsehood.[1] Here it means that they think the right over the claim and the matter will be resolved in their favour.[2]

Mudhʿinīn (compliantly) is from idhʿān, meaning to submit and obey without being forced to do so.[3] Alternatively it means to rush hurriedly to obey.[4]

EXPOSITION

This is again another clear example of how such selective faith is not actually faith, but rather simply self-serving pragmatism. True faith is submission to God’s commands, whilst for these people it is only pertinent when convenient. If they have done wrong and therefore fear the judgement of the Prophet is against them, they run from it. But if they assume it will be in their favour, they will be first in line.

But if justice be on their side: faith means to always stand by the truth, whether it brings one material benefit or not. God repeatedly reminds the believers of this in the Quran: O you who have faith! Be maintainers of justice and witnesses for the sake of Allah, even if it should be against yourselves or [your] parents and near relatives, and whether it be [someone] rich or poor, for Allah has a greater right over them. So do not follow [your] desires, lest you should be unfair (4:135).

Many of the world’s secular courts do not require one to testify against themselves or family members. The Islamic principle is however one that demands Muslims always stand with truth, even if it count against them or their family.

They come compliantly to him: they come to the Prophet[5] and they know that the Prophet would never do them injustice and they would certainly get what is their true due.[6]

[1] Razi, 21/442.
[2] Tabrisi, 7/236; Mizan, 15/146.
[3] Tibyan, 7/450; Tabari, 18/120.
[4] Tabrisi, 7/235.
[5] Tibyan, 7/450.
[6] Tantawi, 10/143.