They want to Extinguish the Light of Allaah
Written by Imaam ibn Kathir
(Tafsir of Soorah Tawbah, aayah 32)
Taken from: Tafsir ibn Kathir, Vol. 4, Pgs. 411-413 (Eng. Trans)
Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says:


“They want to extinguish Allaah's Light with their mouths, but Allaah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers hate (it).” (9:32)


Allaah says the disbelieving idolaters and people of the scriptures want to:


“Extinguish the Light of Allaah…” They try through argument and lies to extinguish the guidance and religion of truth that the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sent with. Their example is the example of he who wants to extinguish the light of the sun or the moon by blowing at them! Indeed, such a person will never accomplish what he sought. Likewise, the light of what the Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sent with will certainly shine and spread. Allaah replied to the idolaters' desire and hope:


“...but Allaah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers (Kafirun) hate (it).” (9:32)

[Linguistically] a Kaafir is the person who covers something. For instance, night is called Kafiran [covering] because it covers things [with darkness]. The farmer is called Kafiran, because he covers seeds in the ground. Allaah said in an aayah:

“...thereof the growth is pleasing to the Kuffar ?tillers?).” (57:20)

Allaah said next:


“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth.”


“Guidance” refers to the true narrations, beneficial faith and true religion that the Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came with.


“Religion of truth” refers to the righteous, legal deeds that bring about benefit in this life and the Hereafter.


“...to make it (Islaam) superior over all religions.” It is recorded in the Saheeh that the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Allaah made the eastern and western parts of the earth draw near for me [to see], and the rule of my Ummah will extend as far as I saw.” Imaam Ahmed recorded from Tamim Ad-Dari that he said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: ‘This matter (Islaam) will keep spreading as far as the night and day reach, until Allaah will not leave a house made of mud or hair, but will make this religion enter it, while bringing might to a mighty person (a Muslim) and humiliation to a disgraced person (who rejects Islaam). Might with which Allaah elevates Islaam (and its people) and disgrace with which Allaah humiliates disbelief (and its people)’.”


Tamim Ad-Dari [who was a Christian before Islaam] used to say: “I have come to know the meaning of this hadeeth in my own people. Those who became Muslims among them acquired goodness, honour and might. Disgrace, humiliation and Jizyah befell those who remained disbelievers.”