The Parable of the Hypocrites and the Jews (Surah Al-Hashr 59:16)

The Parable of the Hypocrites and the Jews

Allah said,

16. Like Shaytan, when he says to man: "Disbelieve.'' But when (man) disbelieves, Shaytan says: "I am free of you...'' meaning, the example of the Jews being deceived by the promises of the hypocrites, who said that they will help them if Muslims fight them, is that of the devil. When matters got serious and the Jews were besieged, the hypocrites betrayed them and abandoned them to taste utter defeat. Likewise, the devil lures mankind into disbelief and when they obey him, he disowns them and declares himself free of their actions, saying,

I fear Allah, the Lord of all that exists!


Reference: Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged) English version.