[Pooya/Ali Commentary 59:4] Verse 4 was revealed to announce punishment of the fire in the hereafter for those who opposed the Holy Prophet in his lifetime or after his departure from this world. The application is not restricted to the Jews of Bani Nadir, but as a general principle it is applicable in all ages. Therefore those who became Muslims but continued to disobey and oppose the Holy Prophet in order to corrupt and distort the religion of Allah should be dealt with in the light of this verse. The early history of Islam records the behaviour of the companions which brings to light the following events; (i) When the companions, present beside his bed on the eve of his departure from this world, refused to give him pen and paper for writing that which would keep them on the right path and prevent them from backsliding into error, he commanded them to leave his presence at once. See commentary of Nisa: 65 for hadith al qirtas. Umar bin Khattab said: "The man wanders in delirium. The book of Allah is sufficient for us." A large body of Muslims take this announcement of Umar as a move of separation from the religion established by the Holy Prophet, who directed all to follow the Quran and his Ahl ul Bayt (see hadith al thaqalayn on page 6). Some said that the writing material should be given; others sided with Umar. Voices rose high. The Holy Prophet recited verse 2 of Hujurat and said: "Begone, let me alone. The women (who wanted to provide pen and paper but rebuked by Umar) are much better than you." Hadith al qirtas has been reported by Bukhari, Muslim, Tabarani, Ahmed bin Hanbal and Shahrastani. While the Holy Prophet lay dead in the apartment, the ansar assembled at Saqifa Bani Sa-ada to choose Sad bin Obada as their leader. Receiving the news, Abu Bakr, Abu Obayda and Umar with their supporters hurried to Saqifa. As they used to run away from the battlefield in the face of danger, they now deserted him in the lure of temporal power. All, unconcerned of the movement outside, performed the prescribed funeral rites with the Holy Prophet's uncle Abbas, his two sons Qutham and Fadal, Usama and Salih. Refer to Ibn Sad in Tabaqat; Tairkh al Khamis; Tarikh Abul Fida. (iii) The drama staged at Saqifa Bani Sa-ada was a clear violation, transgression and deviation in view of the covenant they made with the Holy Prophet at Ghadir Khum. See commentary of Ma-idah: 67.