Surah Al-Baqarah 2:205

سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 205 of 286

وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ ٱلْحَرْثَ وَٱلنَّسْلَ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْفَسَادَ

Translation

When he leaves, he sets out to spread corruption in the land, destroying crops and live-stock- God does not like corruption.

English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.

Meaning and reflection

Wording

This verse continues to unveil the true nature of individuals who might appear appealing in their speech, as described in the preceding verse, but harbor deep-seated corruption. Allah is addressing the Prophet, and by extension all believers, warning about the inherent destructiveness of such characters.

When True Intentions Emerge

The verse begins, "وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ" (And when he turns away, he strives in the land). The word "تَوَلَّىٰ" can mean to turn away or depart, often implying leaving the presence of the Prophet after a sweet conversation, as al-Razi notes. Ibn Ashur also offers a compelling alternative: it can mean "when he becomes a ruler or leader." This contrast is stark: whether this person merely walks away or gains authority, their true colors emerge. The subsequent word "سَعَىٰ" (sa'a) means to strive or hurry with effort. Here, it isn't just ordinary movement; it signifies intense, purposeful exertion. Ibn Ashur points out its use for the diligent work people do, but in this context, it's a striving towards ill.

The Scope of Corruption

Their fervent striving is "لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ ٱلْحَرْثَ وَٱلنَّسْلَ" (to cause corruption in it, and to destroy crops and offspring). The "lam" (لِـ) before "يُفْسِدَ" indicates purpose. This person's very goal in their intense efforts is to spread *fasad* (corruption). This isn't accidental harm; it's deliberate. The specific examples given, "الحرث" (al-hartha, crops) and "النسل" (an-nasl, offspring or livestock), beautifully illustrate the comprehensive nature of this destruction. As Ibn Ashur explains, these terms metaphorically represent the foundation of human livelihood and welfare. To destroy crops means to ruin sustenance and economic life. To destroy offspring or livestock means to wipe out the future, the continuity of life, and another vital source of provision. Al-Razi suggests this destruction can be both literal (physical destruction, as in the example of al-Akhnas bin Shariq burning crops and killing animals) and metaphorical, referring to the spiritual harm of spreading doubt and discord.

Allah's Absolute Dislike

The verse concludes with an emphatic declaration: "وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْفَسَادَ" (And Allah does not love corruption). This isn't merely a statement of dislike, but an absolute divine principle. When Allah declares He "does not love" something, it signifies His unequivocal disapproval, His forbidding of it, and His absolute rejection of it. It highlights a fundamental truth: while corrupt individuals may strive to spread *fasad*, Allah, the Creator and Sustainer, stands entirely against it. This contrast between the corrupt individual's fervent striving for destruction and Allah's absolute rejection of it underscores the immense error and ultimate futility of such a path. It reminds us that any act of corruption, whether against physical life, environment, or social harmony, goes against the very will and order of the Divine.

Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)

Topics that discuss this verse

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