Section 4

Allah's Choice of the Descendants of Abraham (a.s.)

Sins of those who love Allah and His Apostle are forgiven.
Mary's dedication for service to the Lord.
The glad tidings to Zachariah of being granted a son.

31. " Say: ' If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful '."

Commentary:

The verses under discussion, including the above verse, have been revealed about a group of the People of the Book, (the Christians from Najran), who used to say: " We are the lovers of the Lord." Then Allah defines ' the followers of the Apostle of Allah ' as the clear example of this love, and tells His Apostle Muhammad thus:

" Say, ' If you love Allah, then follow me, ..."

If you are true in what you claim - that you love Allah - then follow the Apostle of Allah. This act of following is the same as obeying Allah. It is in this case that, Allah loves you and forgives your sins.

"... Allah will ' love you and forgive you your sins; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful '."