مُشْفِقُون

2:256; 20:111.

Important Words:

مشفقون (they act cautiously) is the plural of مشفق which is active participle from شفق. They say شفق علیه i.e. he was solicitously affectionate towards him. أشفق منه means, he feared or was cautious of him. اشفاق which is inf. noun means, kindness or affection mixed with fear. Generally it signifies affection; kindness; and fear of the betiding of some evil event, together with sincere or honest advice (Lane & Mufradat).

Commentary:

The words, "what is before them and what is behind them," may mean; what they did and what they did not or could not do; or the influences to which they were subjected or the changes which they brought about.

The verse makes it plain that no one can intercede with God except with His permission. The Bible agrees with the Quran in this respect. It says:

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? (1 Sam 2: 25).

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee (Jer. 7:16).

See also 2:49 & 2:256.

67:13.

Commentary:

The expression بالغیب (in secret) may signify that the righteous servants of God fear Him while He is hidden from their eyes or when they are themselves hidden from the eyes of the people.

13:7; 27:47.

Commentary:

Disbelievers do not believe in the Day of Judgement, so they demand its speedy coming; but with true believers, the case is quite different. They know that on the Day of Judgement they will have to render an account of their actions and, therefore, while they make every preparation for it, they are also afraid to face it.