Tafsir Al-Jalalayn: An-Nisaa, Ayah 143
Common Words
Other Scholars on This Ayah
Tafsir
(Swaying between this (and that)) wavering between faith and disbelief: disbelief in secret and faith in front of people, ((belonging) neither to these) they are not with the believers as far as what is in their heart is concerned, such that that which is obligated upon the believers is obligated upon them (nor to those) nor do they belong to the Jews when they declare their faith in public, such that what is prescribed for the Jews is prescribed for them. (He whom Allah causeth to go astray) from His religion and proof in the depth of his heart, (thou (O Muhammad) will not find a way for him) you will not find a religion or proof for him as far as the conviction of his heart is concerned:
Related Hadiths
The Messenger of Allah said: "The parable of the hypocrite is that of a sheep that hesitates between two flocks, sometimes following one, and sometimes following another, not knowing which to follow....
Between man and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salat.
The similitude of a hypocrite is that of a sheep which roams aimlessly between two flocks. She goes to one at one time and to the other at another time.
Al-Jalalayn Commentary
Wavering hesitant all the time between that unbelief and belief — not belonging to these disbelievers neither to those believers; and he whom God sends astray you will never find for him a way a path back to guidance.