9. Is one who is obedient to Allah, Ana’a Al-Layl prostrating and standing fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not” It is only men of understanding who will remember.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:9)
Interpretation of the meaning:
The Obedient and the Sinner are not equal: Allah says, `is the one who is like this equal to one who associates others in worship with Allah and sets up rivals to Him’ They are not equal before Allah, as He says: “Not all of them are alike; a party of the People of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Ayat of Allah Ana’a Al-Layl, prostrating themselves (in prayer)” (3:113). And Allah says here: “Is one who is obedient to Allah, Ana’a Al-Layl prostrating and standing” meaning, one who is humble and fears Allah when he prostrates and stands (in prayer). The obedient one is one who obeys Allah and His Messenger.
Fear And Hope in Worship: “fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord” means, in his worship he feels both fear and hope. Both are essential in worship, and fear should be stronger during one’s lifetime. Allah says: fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord. ) At the time of death, hope is uppermost.
“Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not”- means, is this one equal with the one who sets up rivals to Allah to mislead (men) from His path. “It is only men of understanding who will remember”- means, the only one who will understand the difference between them is the one who has understanding. And Allah knows best.
