Addressing the Believers

[madeenahsh]

Addressing the Believers
By Imaam ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah



And Allaah (ta’aala) said:



“Believers! Obey Allaah, and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you; if you differ in anything, refer it to Allaah and the Messenger (for judgment) if you truly believe in Allaah and the Last Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination.” (4:59)



Allaah (ta’aala) is requiring obedience to Him and to His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He starts the ayah with an address to the “believers”, hinting that what is required thereafter is a consequence of that name with which they are addressed.



This is similar to saying: “You, whom Allaah has favoured and enriched with His bounties, be good to others as Allaah has been good to you.” And like: “Learned men, teach people what would benefit them.” And: “Ruler, rule with justice.” And so o*n.



For this reason, legislative matters in the Qur’aan are frequently addressed to the believers, starting the address with “Believers”, for example Allaah says:



“Believers, fasting is prescribed for you.” (2:183)



And He says:



“Believers, when the call is proclaimed for prayer o*n Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allaah.” (62:9)



And He says:



“Believers, fulfil the contracts.” (5:1)



Addressing the believers like this carries the implication that: “If you are true believers, you should perform the following action, because it is a requirement for the integrity and sincerity of Eemaan.”