VERSES NO. 53 - 55

      These verses are the complementary to the preceding ones, and still the argument runs on the hypocrites. They who were faithless and plotted against Islam and Muslims, sometimes made some contributions for show and pretence, and not for the sake of God. Of course, their offerings could not be accepted, because Allah accepts only from the virtuous, with pure and sincere heart. But on contrary the hypocrite's contributions were merely for show and pretence, that they did not believe in God and His Message and Messenger at all. They took part in the congregational prayer but not sincerely, and in contrast; with reluctance. They made some offering but not earnestly!

      And so Allah tells the Muslims through the verse No. 55 let not the gaudiness of their life and their apparent prosperity, which is reflected through their wealth and sons and followers amaze and dazzle you.

      Such powers when not used in the proper way and for the sake of Allah which is for the good of All, will turn to a means of misfortune for them, and thereby God will punish them a painful punishment. As a matter of fact, such a misguided son and wealth is no better than a snare. If a sharp sword is given to a drunken negro, it may serve to destruct others, as well as the negro himself. It might also be like a rope given him to hang himself, because of misusing it. And so is the case with the sons and wealth given to the unbeliever hypocrites. It serves to fill their hearts with vanity and pride, and to darken their minds and weaken their faculty of understanding; and eventually lead to their own destruction.

      The lesson here to be taken is that; we should not be dazzled with the prayers, fasting, and showy contributions of some people who are faithless to God and His Messenger. The hypocrites too will observe such services openly, but their hearts deny their deeds!