Surah Al Ma'arij Tafseer

On the right and on the left, `Izin.

The singular of `Izin is `Izah, which means separating.

meaning in their separating and their differing.

Al-`Awfi reported from Ibn `Abbas about the Ayah;

(So what is the matter with those disbelievers, before you Muhti`in).

"They are looking in your direction."

Then the Ayah;

(On the right and on the left, `Izin). he (Ibn `Abbas) said,

"Al-`Izin is a group among the people.

On the right and on the left means they are turning away (right and left) from him (the Prophet) and mocking him."

Jabir bin Samurah narrated that the Messenger of Allah came out to them while they were sitting in circles. So the Messenger of Allah said,

مَا لِي أَرَاكُمْ عِزِينَ

Why do I see you all `Izin (in groups).

Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Jarir all recorded this Hadith.

Then, concerning Allah's statement,

أَيَطْمَعُ كُلُّ امْرِيٍ مِّنْهُمْ أَن يُدْخَلَ جَنَّةَ نَعِيمٍ