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Surah 11. Hud

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11:1
الٓر ۚ كِتَـٰبٌ أُحْكِمَتْ ءَايَـٰتُهُۥ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ Alifl a mr a kit a bun o h kimat a y a tuhu thumma fu ss ilat min ladun h akeemin khabeer in
Alif. Lam. Ra.1 A DIVINE WRIT [is this], with messages that have been made clear in and by themselves, and have been distinctly spelled out as well2 - [bestowed upon you] out of the grace of One who is wise, all-aware,
  - Mohammad Asad

See Appendix II. In the somewhat strange opinion of Sibawayh (cf. Manar XII, 3) and of Razi in his commentary on this verse, the letters Alif-Lam-Ra represent the title of this surah and ought therefore to be read in conjunction with the following sentence, thus: "Alif-Lam-Ra is a divine writ...", etc. However, this opinion conflicts sharply with that of several earlier authorities of great standing, e.g., Az-Zajjaj (quoted by Razi), and is, moreover, unacceptable in view of the fact that a number of other surahs are preceded by such letter-symbols without any syntactic possibility of their being regarded as "titles".

According to Zamakhshari and Razi, the conjunction thumma at the beginning of the clause thumma fussilat (lit., "and then have been distinctly spelled out") does not denote a sequence in time but, rather, a coordination of qualities or conditions; therefore my rendering. As regards my translation of the phrase uhkimat ayatuhu as "messages that have been made clear in and by themselves", see the first sentence of 3:7 as well as the corresponding note [5], which explains the expression ayat muhkamat. Rashid Rida' interprets this phrase in the same sense (see Manar XII, 3f.).

Alif Lam Ra. This Book, whose verses are perfected and issued in detail by the One Who is All-Wise, All-Aware.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Alif-Lãm-Ra. 'This is' a Book whose verses are well perfected and then fully explained. 'It is' from the One 'Who is' All-Wise, All-Aware.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are perfected and then expounded. (It cometh ) from One Wise, Informed,
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Alif Lam Ra. (This is) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) further explained in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things): 1492 1493
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

For the meaning of these Letters, see App. I.

See n. 347 to iii. 7. Every basic principle is included in Allah's Revelation, and it is further illustrated and explained in detail.

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11:2
أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّنِى لَكُم مِّنْهُ نَذِيرٌ وَبَشِيرٌ All a taAAbudoo ill a All a ha innanee lakum minhu na th eerun wabasheer un
so that you may worship none but God. [Say, O Prophet:] "Behold, I come unto you from Him [as] a warner and a bearer of glad tidings:3
  - Mohammad Asad

The conjunction an ("that") preceding the next sentence ("that you shall...", etc.) is in this rendering expressed by means of a colon. The interpolation, between brackets, of the words "Say, O Prophet" is necessitated by the first-person construction of this sentence. The subsequent passage - up to the end of verse {4} - outlines both the "warning" and the "glad tidings" referred to above, and thus circumscribes elliptically the whole of the message entrusted to the Prophet.

Teaches that you should worship none but Allah - indeed I am a Warner and bearer of good news from Him to you.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
'Tell them, O Prophet,' 'Worship none but Allah. Surely I am a warner and deliverer of good news to you from Him.
  - Mustafa Khattab
(Saying): Serve none but Allah. Lo! I am Unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
(It teacheth) that ye should worship none but Allah. (Say:) "Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings: 1494
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Al-Mustafa's Message-as was the Message of all apostles-was to warn against evil, and to bring the glad tidings of Allah's Mercy and Grace to all who would receive it in Faith and trust in Allah. This double Message is preached illustratively in this Sura.

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11:3
وَأَنِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُۥ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ Waani istaghfiroo rabbakum thumma tooboo ilayhi yumattiAAkum mat a AAan h asanan il a ajalin musamman wayuti kulla th ee fa d lin fa d lahu wain tawallaw fainee akh a fu AAalaykum AAa tha ba yawmin kabeer in
Ask your Sustainer to forgive you your sins, and then turn towards Him in repentance - [whereupon] He will grant you a goodly enjoyment of life [in this world] until a term set [by Him is fulfilled];4 and [in the life to come] He will bestow upon everyone possessed of merit [a full reward for] his merit.5 But if you turn away, then, verily, I dread for you the suffering [which is bound to befall you] on that awesome Day!6
  - Mohammad Asad

I.e., "till the end of your lives" (for an explanation of the term ajal musamma, see note [2] on 6:2 ). Since God, in His unfathomable wisdom, does not always grant worldly happiness and material benefits to everyone who believes in Him and lives righteously, it is only reasonable to assume - as Rashid Rida' does in Manar XII, 7 ff. - that the "goodly enjoyment of life" (i.e., in this world) promised in the above sentence relates to the community of the believers as a whole, and not necessarily to individuals. (Cf. 3:139 - "you are bound to rise high if you are [truly] believers".)

The noun fadl, when used with reference to God, invariably denotes "bounty" or "favour"; in its reference to man, is usually signifies "merit" or, occasionally, "eminence". The above verse makes it clear that, in contrast to the partial and often only moral rewards and punishments in the life of this world, God will, in the life to come, bestow the full measure of His favours upon everyone who has acquired merit by virtue of his faith and his actions. (Cf. 3:185 - "only on the Day of Resurrection will you be requited in full for whatever you have done".)

Lit., "the suffering of a great Day". See in this connection 9:128 .

You should seek forgiveness of your Rabb and turn to Him in repentance; He will grant you good provisions till an appointed term, and bestow His grace on everyone who has merit! But if you turn away (pay no heed), I fear for you the punishment of a Great Day.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
And seek your Lord's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an appointed term and graciously reward the doers of good. But if you turn away, then I truly fear for you the torment of a formidable Day.
  - Mustafa Khattab
And (bidding you) : Ask pardon of your Lord and turn to Him repentant. He will cause you to enjoy a fair estate until a time appointed. He giveth His bounty unto every bountiful one. But if ye turn away, Lo! (then) I fear for you the retribution of an awful Day.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
("And to preach thus) `Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment good (and true) for a term appointed and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit! But if ye turn away then I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day: 1495
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The enjoyment of all good and true things in life refers, I think, to the present life with its limited term, and the abounding Grace refers to the higher reward, which begins here but is completed in the life to come.

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11:4
إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ ۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ Il a All a hi marjiAAukum wahuwa AAal a kulli shayin qadeer un
Unto God you all must return; and He has the power to will anything."
  - Mohammad Asad
To Allah you shall all return and He has power over everything.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
To Allah is your return. And He is Most Capable of everything.'
  - Mustafa Khattab
Unto Allah is your return, and He is able to do all things.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
"`To Allah is your return and He hath power over all things.'"
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

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11:5
أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ يَثْنُونَ صُدُورَهُمْ لِيَسْتَخْفُوا۟ مِنْهُ ۚ أَلَا حِينَ يَسْتَغْشُونَ ثِيَابَهُمْ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ Al a innahum yathnoona s udoorahum liyastakhfoo minhu al a h eena yastaghshoona thiy a bahum yaAAlamu m a yusirroona wam a yuAAlinoona innahu AAaleemun bi tha ti a l ss udoor i
Oh, verily, they [who are bent on denying the truth of this divine writ] are enshrouding their hearts in order to hide from Him.7 Oh, verily, [even] when they cover themselves with their garments [in order not to see or hear],8 He knows all that they keep secret as well as all that they bring into the open - for, behold, He has full knowledge of what is in the hearts [of men].
  - Mohammad Asad

Since the people referred to in this verse obviously do not believe in the divine origin of Muhammad's message, their "hiding from God" can have, in this context, only one meaning - namely, that of a metaphor for their unwillingness to listen to the truth which emanates from Him: and this also explains the statement that they are "enshrouding their hearts" (lit., "bosoms", as at the end of this verse), i.e., are allowing their hearts and minds to remain wrapped-up in prejudices, thus making them impervious to spiritual perception. See in this connection 8:55 and the corresponding note [58].

The above interpolation corresponds to the meaning given to the preceding phrase by most of the lexicographers (cf. Lane VI, 2262).

Behold! They cover up their chests to conceal their thoughts from Him! Beware! Even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal; for He knows even the inmost secrets of the chests.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Indeed, they1 enfold 'what is in' their hearts, 'trying' to hide it from Him! But even when they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Surely He knows best what is 'hidden' in the heart.
  - Mustafa Khattab

 The hypocrites or the disbelievers.

Lo! now they fold up their breasts that they may hide (their thoughts) from Him. At the very moment when they cover themselves with their clothing, Allah knoweth that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim. Lo! He is Aware of what is in the breasts (of men).
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Behold! they fold up their hearts that they may lie hid from Him! Ah! even when they cover themselves with their garments He knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal: for He knoweth well the (inmost secrets) of the hearts. 1496 1497
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The heart (literally breast in Arabic) is already well guarded in the body; and secrets are supposed to be hidden in the heart or breast. Foolish persons might further cover up their hearts with cloaks, but even so, nothing can be hidden from Allah.

Cf. iii. 119.

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11:6
وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّ فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ Wam a min d a bbatin fee alar d i ill a AAal a All a hi rizquh a wayaAAlamu mustaqarrah a wamustawdaAAah a kullun fee kit a bin mubeen in
And there is no living creature on earth but depends for its sustenance on God; and He knows its time-limit [on earth] and its resting-place [after death]:9 all [this] is laid down in [His] clear decree.
  - Mohammad Asad

For this rendering of mustaqarr and mustawda', see note [83] on 6:98 . The above reference to God's all-embracing knowledge connects with the end of the preceding verse ("He has full knowledge of all that is in the hearts of men").

There is no moving creature on Earth whose sustenance is not provided by Allah. He knows its living and its resting place, and all that is recorded in a glorious Book.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
There is no moving creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah. And He knows where it lives and where it is laid to rest. All is 'written' in a perfect Record.1
  - Mustafa Khattab

 See footnote for 10:61.

And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof dependeth on Allah. He knoweth its habitation and its repository. All is in a clear record.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth the time and place of its temporary deposit: all is in a clear Record. 1498 1499 1500
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Cf. vi. 59. Nothing happens in Creation except by the Word of Allah and with the knowledge of Allah. Not a leaf stirs but by His Will. Its maintenance in every sense is dependent on His Will.

Mustaqarr = definite abode; where a thing stops or stays for some time, where it is established. Mustauda = where a thing is laid up or deposited for a little while. Referring to animals, the former denotes its life on this earth; the latter its temporary pre-natal existence in the egg or the womb and its after-death existence in the tomb or whatever state it is in until its resurrection.

Cf. vi. 59 and n. 880, and x. 61 and n. 1450.

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11:7
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَكَانَ عَرْشُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلْمَآءِ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۗ وَلَئِن قُلْتَ إِنَّكُم مَّبْعُوثُونَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلْمَوْتِ لَيَقُولَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ Wahuwa alla th ee khalaqa a l ssam a w a ti wa a lar d a fee sittati ayy a min wak a na AAarshuhu AAal a alm a i liyabluwakum ayyukum a h sanu AAamalan walain qulta innakum mabAAoothoona min baAAdi almawti layaqoolanna alla th eena kafaroo in h atha ill a si h run mubeen un
And He it is who has created the heavens and the earth in six aeons; and [ever since He has willed to create life,] the throne of His almightiness has rested upon water.10 [God reminds you of your dependence on Him] in order to test you [and thus to make manifest] which of you is best in conduct. For thus it is: if11 thou sayest [unto men], "Behold, you shall be raised again after death!" - they who are bent on denying the truth are sure to answer, "This is clearly nothing but an enchanting delusion!"12
  - Mohammad Asad

As regards my rendering of ayyam (lit., "days") as "aeons" and 'arsh as the "throne of [God's] almightiness", see surah {7}, note [43]. The symbolic reference to "the throne of His almightiness resting upon water" would seem to point to the God-willed evolution of all life out of water - a fact clearly brought out by the Qur'an (see 21:30 and the corresponding note [39]) and in modern times confirmed by biological research. This tentative interpretation is strengthened by the mention, in the preceding verse, of "living creatures". My interpolation, between brackets, of the phrase "ever since He has willed to create life" is in accordance with the views advanced by Rashid Rida' in his lengthy commentary on this verse (Manar XII, 16ff.).

The expression la'in (lit., "indeed, if...") appearing here as well as in each of the next three verses is meant to stress the typical - i.e., recurrent - character of the situation to which it refers. In my opinion, it is best rendered as "thus it is: if...", etc.

The term sihr, which is often used in the sense of "sorcery" or "magic", denotes, primarily, "the turning of something from its proper [i.e., natural] condition of being into another condition" (Taj al-'Arus); hence, it signifies any act which causes something that is false or unreal to assume the appearance of reality. Since, however, the Qur'anic statement that "you shall be raised again after death" is not - as has been pointed out by Razi - an "act" in the proper connotation of this word, it would be illogical to assume that this statement could be characterized as "sorcery" even by those who do not believe in it. On the other hand, it is obvious that they dismiss it contemptuously as a mere "enchanting delusion" intended to prevent those who are able to do so from enjoying their worldly life to the full (Razi) or, alternatively, to induce the poor and unfortunate to remain passively satisfied with their miserable lot on earth: and this is the meaning of sihr in the above context. (Cf. 10:2 , where the epithet sahir - in the sense of "spellbinder" - is applied by unbelievers to the Prophet Muhammad.)

He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods - at the time when His Throne was rested on the water - so that He may test to find out which of you is the best in deeds. Now if you tell them:" You shall indeed be raised up after death," the unbelievers would certainly say: "This is nothing but sheer magic!"
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days1- and His Throne was upon the waters- in order to test which of you is best in deeds. And if you 'O Prophet' say, 'Surely you will 'all' be raised up after death,' the disbelievers will certainly say, 'That is nothing but pure magic!'
  - Mustafa Khattab

 See footnote for 7:54.

And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His Throne was upon the water that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayest: Lo! ye will be raised again after death! those who disbelieve will surely say: This is naught but mere magic.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His Throne was over the Waters that He might try you which of you is best in conduct. But if thou wert to say to them "Ye shall indeed be raised up after death" the Unbelievers would be sure to say "This is nothing but obvious sorcery!" 1501 1502 1503 1504
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

See n. 1031 to vii. 54.

It is scientifically correct to say that all life was evolved out of the waters, and this statement also occurs in the Qur-an, xxi. 30. Some such meaning, I think, also attaches to the Gen. i. 2. The past tense "was" refers to the time before life developed in solid forms, on land and in air.

The Creation we see around us is not idle sport or play (in Hindi, Lila) or whim on the part of Allah. It is the medium through which our spiritual life is to develop, with such free-will as we have. This life is our testing time.

The Unbelievers, who do not believe in a Future life, think all talk of it is like a sorcerer's talk, empty of reality. But in this they show their ignorance, and they are begging the question.

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11:8
وَلَئِنْ أَخَّرْنَا عَنْهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابَ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَّةٍ مَّعْدُودَةٍ لَّيَقُولُنَّ مَا يَحْبِسُهُۥٓ ۗ أَلَا يَوْمَ يَأْتِيهِمْ لَيْسَ مَصْرُوفًا عَنْهُمْ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ Walain akhkharn a AAanhumu alAAa tha ba il a ommatin maAAdoodatin layaqoolunna m a ya h bisuhu al a yawma yateehim laysa ma s roofan AAanhum wa ha qa bihim m a k a noo bihi yastahzioon a
And thus it is: if We defer their suffering until a time-limit set [by Us],13 they are sure to say, "What is preventing it [from coming now]?"14 Oh, verily, on the Day when it befalls them there will be nothing to avert it from them; and they shall be overwhelmed by the very thing which they were wont to deride.15
  - Mohammad Asad

Lit., "a time computed [by Us]", i.e., the Day of Judgment: a reference to the last sentence of verse {3} above, where the Prophet is made to say, "I dread for you the suffering [which is bound to befall you] on that awesome Day!" Among the several meanings which the noun ummah comprises, that of "time" or "a period of time" is the most appropriate here (Zamakhshari, Ibn Kathir and other classical commentators).

For an explanation of this allusion to the attitude of the unbelievers, see 8:32 and 10:50 , as well as the corresponding notes; cf. also {6:57-58}. The repeated Quranic references to the above derisive query are evidently meant to show that the attitude of mind responsible for it is not restricted to an isolated historic incident (see surah {8}, note [32]) but is symptomatic of most, if not all, people "who are bent on denying the truth".

Lit., "that which they were wont to deride enfolded them (haqa bihim)". According to almost all the commentators, the use of the past tense in the verb haqa, despite the fact that it refers to the future, has the syntactic value of a stress, implying the inevitability of the happening to which it relates. (See also note [9] on 6:10 .)

And if We put off their punishment till an appointed time, they are sure to ask: "What is holding it back?" Beware! When the Day of that punishment comes, nothing will hold it back from them and they will be completely encircled by that which they are ridiculing.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
And if We delay their punishment until an appointed time, they will definitely say, 'What is holding it back?' Indeed, on the Day it overtakes them, it will not be averted from them, and they will be overwhelmed by what they used to ridicule.
  - Mustafa Khattab
And if We delay for them the doom until a reckoned time, they will surely say: What withholdeth it? Verily on the day when it cometh unto them, it cannot be averted from them, and that which they derided will surround them.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
If We delay the Penalty for them for a definite term they are sure to say "What keeps it back?" Ah! on the day it (actually) reaches them nothing will turn it away from them and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! 1505
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

As much as to say: "Oh! all this talk of punishment is nonsense. There is no such thing!"

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11:9
وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً ثُمَّ نَزَعْنَـٰهَا مِنْهُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيَـُٔوسٌ كَفُورٌ Walain a th aqn a alins a na minn a ra h matan thumma nazaAAn a h a minhu innahu layaoosun kafoor un
And thus it is: if We let man taste some of Our grace,16 and then take it away from him - behold, he abandons all hope,17 forgetting all gratitude [for Our past favours].
  - Mohammad Asad

The sequence makes it clear that the generic term "man" referred to in this and the next verse applies, primarily, to the agnostics who are either unconvinced of the existence of God or are "bent upon denying the truth"; in its wider implication, however, it applies also to those who, while believing in God, are weak in faith and therefore easily swayed by external circumstances, and particularly by whatever happens to themselves.

Lit., "he is [or "becomes"] utterly hopeless" or "despairing" (ya'us), inasmuch as he attributes his past happy state to a merely accidental chain of causes and effects - in short, to what is commonly regarded as "luck" - and not to God's grace. Hence, the term ya'us, in its Qur'anic usage, is indicative of spiritual nihilism.

If We let man taste any mercy from Us, then withdraw it from him, he becomes despairing, ungrateful.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
If We give people a taste of Our mercy then take it away from them, they become utterly desperate, ungrateful.
  - Mustafa Khattab
And if We cause man to taste some mercy from Us and afterward withdraw it from him, lo! he is despairing, thankless.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
If We give man a taste of mercy from Ourselves and then withdraw it from him behold! he is in despair and (falls into) blasphemy. 1506
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

He does not realise that some kinds of chastening are good for discipline and the training of our spiritual faculties.

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11:10
وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَـٰهُ نَعْمَآءَ بَعْدَ ضَرَّآءَ مَسَّتْهُ لَيَقُولَنَّ ذَهَبَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتُ عَنِّىٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَفَرِحٌ فَخُورٌ Walain a th aqn a hu naAAm a a baAAda d arr a a massathu layaqoolanna th ahaba a l ssayyi a tu AAannee innahu lafari h un fakhoor un
And thus it is: if We let him taste ease and plenty18 after hardship has visited him, he is sure to say, "Gone is all affliction from me!" - for, behold, he is given to vain exultation, and glories only in himself.19
  - Mohammad Asad

This combination of two words is necessary to bring out the full meaning of the noun na'ma' which occurs in this form in the Qur'an only once. For my rendering of la'in as "thus it is: if...", etc., see note [11] above.

Lit., "he is exultant beyond all measure, excessively self-glorifying" - i.e., he usually attributes the turn of fortune to his own good qualities and his supposed "good luck".

But if We let him taste any favor after adversity has afflicted him, then he says: "All my sorrows are gone from me," and he becomes jubilantly arrogant.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
But if We give them a taste of prosperity after being touched with adversity, they say, 'My ills are gone,' and become totally prideful and boastful,
  - Mustafa Khattab
And if We cause him to taste grace after some misfortune that had befallen him, he saith: The ills have gone from me. Lo! he is exultant, boastful;
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
But if We give him a taste of (Our) favors after adversity hath touched him He is sure to say "All evil has departed from me;" Behold! he falls into exultation and pride. 1507
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

He takes it as a matter of course, or as due to his own merit or cleverness! He does not realise that both in good and ill fortune there is a beneficent purpose in the Plan of Allah.

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11:11
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ Ill a alla th eena s abaroo waAAamiloo a l ssa li ha ti ol a ika lahum maghfiratun waajrun kabeer un
[And thus it is with most men -] save those who are patient in adversity and do righteous deeds: it is they whom forgiveness of sins awaits, and a great reward.
  - Mohammad Asad
The exception is for those people who are steadfast and do good deeds; they are the ones who will have forgiveness and a great reward.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
except those who patiently endure and do good. It is they who will have forgiveness and a mighty reward.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Save those who persevere and do good works. Theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Not so do those who show patience and constancy and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward. 1508
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Their attitude is the right one: to take ill-fortune with fortitude and good fortune with humility, and in either case go on persevering in good deeds to their fellow-creatures.

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11:12
فَلَعَلَّكَ تَارِكٌۢ بَعْضَ مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَضَآئِقٌۢ بِهِۦ صَدْرُكَ أَن يَقُولُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ كَنزٌ أَوْ جَآءَ مَعَهُۥ مَلَكٌ ۚ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ نَذِيرٌ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَكِيلٌ FalaAAallaka t a rikun baAA d a m a yoo ha ilayka wa da iqun bihi s adruka an yaqooloo lawl a onzila AAalayhi kanzun aw j a a maAAahu malakun innam a anta na th eerun wa A ll a hu AAal a kulli shayin wakeel un
IS IT, then, conceivable [O Prophet] that thou couldst omit any part of what is being revealed unto thee [because the deniers of the truth dislike it, and] because thy heart is distressed at their saying,20 "Why has not a treasure been bestowed upon him from on high?" - or, "[Why has not] an angel come [visibly] with him?"21 [They fail to understand that] thou art only a warner, whereas God has everything in His care;22
  - Mohammad Asad

Lit., "because thy bosom is constricted [for fear] lest they say". According to all available authorities, the expression la'alla (lit., "it may well be that") at the beginning of the above sentence denotes a wrong expectation on the part of the opponents of Muhammad's message; it is, therefore, best rendered in the form of a query which implies its own denial - thus: "Is it conceivable that...", etc. As regards the expectation that the Prophet might omit a part of what was being revealed to him, it has been reported by 'Abd Allah ibn 'Abbas and other Companions (see Razi's commentary on this verse) that the pagan Quraysh demanded of the Prophet, "Bring us a revelation (kitab) which does not contain a defamation of our deities, so that we could follow thee and believe in thee."

Explaining this verse, Ibn'Abbas mentions that some of the pagan chieftains of Mecca said "O Muhammad, cause the mountains of Mecca to be turned into gold, if thou art truly an apostle of God", while others exclaimed derisively, "Bring before us angels who would bear witness to thy being a prophet!" - whereupon the above verse was revealed (Razi). Cf. 6:8 and {17:90-93}.

Sc., "and so it is He who will cause the truth to prevail". Regarding the Prophet's denial of any ability on his part to perform miracles, see 6:50 and the corresponding note [38].

O Prophet, be on your guard lest you omit to recite some things which are being revealed to you feeling distressed in your heart that they might say: "Why has no treasure been sent down to him, or why has no angel come with him?" You should know that you are nothing but a Warner! It is Allah Who is the Custodian of everything.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Perhaps you 'O Prophet' may wish to give up some of what is revealed to you and may be distressed by it because they say, 'If only a treasure had been sent down to him, or an angel had come with him!' You are only a warner, and Allah is the Trustee of All Affairs.
  - Mustafa Khattab
A likely thing, that thou wouldst forsake aught of that which hath been revealed unto thee, and that thy breast should be straitened for it, because they say: Why hath not a treasure been sent down for him, or an angel come with him? Thou art but a warner, and Allah is in charge of all things.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Perchance thou mayest (feel the inclination) to give up a part of what is revealed unto thee and thy heart feeleth straitened lest they say "Why is not a treasure sent down unto him or why does not an angel come down with him? But thou art there only to warn! It is Allah that arrangeth all affairs! 1509
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Every Prophet of Allah, when he not only encounters opposition, but is actually accused of falsehood and those very evils which he is protesting against, may feel inclined, in his human weakness, to ask himself the question. "Supposing I omit this little point, will Allah's Truth then be accepted more readily? Or he may think to himself, "If I had only more money to organise my campaign, or something which will draw people's attention, like the company of an angel, how much better can I push my Message?" He is told that truth must be delivered as it is revealed, even though portions of it may be unpalatable, and that resources and other means to draw people to him are beside the point. He must use just such resources and opportunities as he has, and leave the rest to Allah.

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11:13
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ ٱفْتَرَىٰهُ ۖ قُلْ فَأْتُوا۟ بِعَشْرِ سُوَرٍ مِّثْلِهِۦ مُفْتَرَيَـٰتٍ وَٱدْعُوا۟ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ Am yaqooloona iftar a hu qul fatoo biAAashri suwarin mithlihi muftaray a tin wa o dAAoo mani ista t aAAtum min dooni All a hi in kuntum sa diqeen a
and so they assert, "[Muhammad himself] has invented this [Qur'an]!"23 Say [unto them]: "Produce, then, ten surahs of similar merit, invented [by yourselves], and [to this end] call to your aid whomever you can, other than God, if what you say is true!24
  - Mohammad Asad

For my rendering of the particle am at the beginning of this sentence as "and", see surah {10}, note [61].

I.e., that a divine writ like the Qur'an could have been "invented" by a human being. Cf. 2:23 , {10:37-38} and 17:88 , as well as the corresponding notes.

Do they say: "He has made up the Qur'an himself." Say to them: "Make up ten Surahs like this and call to your aid whomsoever you can, including your gods whom you worship, besides Allah if what you say is true.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Or do they say, 'He1 has fabricated this 'Quran'!'? Say, 'O Prophet,' 'Produce ten fabricated sûrahs like it and seek help from whoever you can- other than Allah- if what you say is true!'
  - Mustafa Khattab

 The Prophet (ﷺ).

Or they say: He hath invented it. Say: Then bring ten surahs, the like thereof, invented, and call on everyone ye can beside Allah, if ye are truthful!
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Or they may say "He forged it." Say "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged like unto it and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can other than Allah! if ye speak the truth! 1510
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Cf. ii. 23 and x. 38.

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11:14
فَإِلَّمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ بِعِلْمِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَن لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ Fai llam yastajeeboo lakum fa i AAlamoo annam a onzila biAAilmi All a hi waan l a il a ha ill a huwa fahal antum muslimoon a
And if they [whom you have called to your aid] are not able to help you,25 then know that [this Qur'an] has been bestowed from on high out of God's wisdom alone,26 and that there is no deity save Him. Will you, then, surrender yourselves unto Him?"
  - Mohammad Asad

Lit., "if they [i.e., your poets and wise men] do not respond to your call". Cf. 2:24 , where a similar challenge is followed by the words, "And if you cannot do it - and most certainly you cannot do it - then...", etc.

Lit., "only by God's knowledge".

But if those gods fail to answer you, then you should know that (they are false gods and that) this (Book) is revealed with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god but Him! Will you then become Muslims?"
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
But if your helpers fail you, then know that it has been revealed with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god 'worthy of worship' except Him! Will you 'not' then submit 'to Allah'?
  - Mustafa Khattab
And if they answer not your prayer, then know that it is revealed only in the knowledge of Allah; and that there is no God save Him. Will ye then be (of) those who surrender?
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
"If then they (your false gods) answer not your (call) know ye that this Revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of Allah and that there is no god but He! Will ye even then submit (to Islam)?"
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

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11:15
مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ Man k a na yureedu al h ay a ta a l dduny a wazeenatah a nuwaffi ilayhim aAAm a lahum feeh a wahum feeh a l a yubkhasoon a
AS FOR THOSE who care for [no more than] the life of this world and its bounties - We shall repay them in full for all that they did in this [life], and they shall not be deprived of their just due therein:
  - Mohammad Asad
Those who desire the life of this world and its splendors, they are given full reward of their deeds therein and shall not be diminished.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Whoever desires 'only' this worldly life and its luxuries, We will pay them in full for their deeds in this life- nothing will be left out.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Whoso desireth the life of the world and its pomp, We shall repay them their deeds herein, and therein they will not be wronged.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Those who desire the life of the Present and its glitter to them We shall pay (the price of) their deeds therein without diminution. 1511
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

If worldly men desire the glitter of this world, they shall have it in full measure, but it is false glitter, and it involves the negation of that spiritual life which comes from the guidance of the inner light and from the revelation of Allah, as described in verse 17 below.

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11:16
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ إِلَّا ٱلنَّارُ ۖ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا۟ فِيهَا وَبَـٰطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ Ol a ika alla th eena laysa lahum fee al a khirati ill a a l nn a ru wa h abi t a m a s anaAAoo feeh a wab at ilun m a k a noo yaAAmaloon a
[yet] it is they who, in the life to come, shall have nothing but the fire - for in vain shall be all that they wrought in this [world], and worthless all that they ever did!27
  - Mohammad Asad

I.e., although their good deeds will be taken fully into account on Judgment Day, they will be outweighed by their refusal to believe in resurrection and the life to come.

They are the ones who will have nothing in the hereafter except Hellfire. There they shall come to know that their deeds were fruitless and their actions were worthless.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
It is they who will have nothing in the Hereafter except the Fire. Their efforts in this life will be fruitless and their deeds will be useless.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Those are they for whom is naught in the Hereafter save the Fire. (All) that they contrive here is vain and (all) that they are wont to do is fruitless.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire: vain are the designs they frame therein and of no effect are the deeds that they do!
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

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11:17
أَفَمَن كَانَ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ وَيَتْلُوهُ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْهُ وَمِن قَبْلِهِۦ كِتَـٰبُ مُوسَىٰٓ إِمَامًا وَرَحْمَةً ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ ۚ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْأَحْزَابِ فَٱلنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُۥ ۚ فَلَا تَكُ فِى مِرْيَةٍ مِّنْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ Afaman k a na AAal a bayyinatin min rabbihi wayatloohu sh a hidun minhu wamin qablihi kit a bu moos a im a man wara h matan ol a ika yuminoona bihi waman yakfur bihi mina ala h z a bi fa al nn a ru mawAAiduhu fal a taku fee miryatin minhu innahu al h aqqu min rabbika wal a kinna akthara a l nn a si l a yuminoon a
Can, then, [he who cares for no more than the life of this world be compared with28] one who takes his stand on a clear evidence from his Sustainer, conveyed through [this] testimony from Him,29 as was the revelation vouchsafed to Moses aforetime - [a divine writ ordained by Him] to be a guidance and grace [unto man]? They [who understand this message - it is they alone who truly] believe in it;30 whereas for any of those who, leagued together [in common hostility],31 deny its truth - the fire shall be their appointed state [in the life to come]. And so,32 be not in doubt about this [revelation]: behold, it is the truth from thy Sustainer, even though33 most people will not believe in it.
  - Mohammad Asad

This interpolation is based on the interpretation given by Baghawi, Zamakhshari and Razi.

Lit., "which a witness from Him recites", or "announces". According to Zamakhshari, Razi and other classical commentators, this phrase refers to the Qur'an; hence my rendering of shahid as "testimony". If, as some commentators believe, this term refers to the Prophet or, alternatively, to the Angel Gabriel who transmitted the revelation to him, shahid should be translated as "witness". Whichever interpretation one adopts, the meaning remains the same, for - as Ibn Kathir points out in his commentary on this verse - "the Qur'an was revealed through Gabriel to Muhammad, and was conveyed by the latter to the world".

Sc., "and shall, therefore, attain to happiness in the hereafter". The ijaz (elliptic mode of expression) employed in this passage is comparable in its subtlety to that in 10:103 .

I.e., in hostile, a-priori opposition to the message of the Qur'an, without really understanding its purport. The "historical" identification, by some of the commentators, of the ahzab with the pagan Arabs who leagued together in their hostility to the Prophet is definitely too narrow in this context.

Razi suggests that the conjunction fa ("And so") preceding this sentence (which is obviously addressed to man in general) connects with verses {12-14} above: a suggestion which is most convincing in view of the sequence.

Lit., "but" or "nevertheless".

Can they be like those who have clear revelations from their Rabb and to whom a witness from Himself recites it, and they have the Book of Musa before them - a guidance and a blessing? Can such people deny the revelation of Al- Qur'an? No of course not, rather such people will believe in this, but those factions who do not believe shall have their promised place in the Hellfire. So, O Prophet, do not be in any doubt about it; it is the Truth from your Rabb, even though most people do not believe so.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
'Can these people be compared to' those 'believers' who stand on clear proof from their Lord, backed by 'the Quran as' a witness from Him, and preceded by the Book of Moses 'which was revealed' as a guide and mercy? It is those 'believers' who have faith in it. But whoever from the 'disbelieving' groups rejects it, the Fire will be their destiny. So do not be in doubt of it. It is certainly the truth from your Lord, but most people do not believe.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Is he (to be counted equal with them) who relieth on a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him reciteth it, and before it was the Book of Moses, an example and a mercy? Such believe therein, and Whoso disbelieveth therein of the clans, the Fire is his appointed place. So be not thou in doubt concerning it. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord; but most of mankind believe not.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Can they be (like) those who accept a Clear (Sign) from their Lord and whom a witness from Himself doth teach as did the Book of Moses before it a guide and a mercy? They believe therein; but those of the Sects that reject it the Fire will be their promised meeting place. Be not then in doubt thereon: for it is the Truth from thy Lord: yet many among men do not believe! 1512 1513
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

"A witness from Himself': i.e., the Book which was given to Al-Mustafa, the Holy Qur-an, which is compared to the original Revelation given to Moses. We make no difference between one true and genuine Message and another, nor between one apostle and another,-for they all come from the One True God.

"Guide": the Arabic word here is Imam, a leader, a guide, one that directs to the true Path. Such a direction is an instance of the Mercy and Goodness of Allah to man. The Qur-an and the Prophet Muhammad are also called, each, a Guide and a Mercy, and so are these epithets applicable to previous Books and Prophets.

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11:18
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ وَيَقُولُ ٱلْأَشْهَـٰدُ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ أَلَا لَعْنَةُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ Waman a th lamu mimmani iftar a AAal a All a hi ka th iban ol a ika yuAAra d oona AAal a rabbihim wayaqoolu alashh a du h a ol a i alla th eena ka th aboo AAal a rabbihim al a laAAnatu All a hi AAal a a l thth a limeen a
And who could be more wicked than they who attribute their own lying inventions to God?34 [On the Day of Judgment, such as] these shall be arraigned before their Sustainer, and those who are called upon to bear witness [against them]35 shall say, "It is they who uttered lies about their Sustainer!"36 Oh, verily, God's rejection is the due of all evildoers37
  - Mohammad Asad

This is a refutation of the contention of the unbelievers that the Qur'an was composed by Muhammad himself (cf. verse {13} above as well as 10:17 ) and thereupon blasphemously attributed to God.

Lit., "the witnesses". Most of the earliest authorities take this to mean the recording angels, while others (e.g., Ibn'Abbas, as quoted by Baghawi) relate it to the prophets, who, on the Day of Judgment, will be called upon to testify for or against the people to whom they were sent. The latter interpretation is supported by Ad-Dahhak (quoted by Tabari and Baghawi) on the basis of 16:84 , where witnesses "out of every community" are mentioned - an expression which can obviously refer only to human beings.

Or: "against their Sustainer".

The term la'nah - which is usually, but inexactly, translated as "curse" - is in its primary meaning synonymous with ib'ad ("alienation", "estrangement" or "banishment") in the moral sense, hence it denotes "rejection from all that is good" (Lisan al-'Arab) and, with reference to God, the sinner's "exclusion from His grace" (Manar II, 50).

Who can be more wrong than the one who forges a lie against Allah? Such people will be brought before their Rabb, and the witnesses will say: "These are the ones who lied against their Rabb." Beware! The Curse of Allah is on those wrongdoers
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Who does more wrong than those who fabricate lies against Allah? They will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses1 will say, 'These are the ones who lied against their Lord.' Surely Allah's condemnation is upon the wrongdoers,
  - Mustafa Khattab

 i.e., the angels and the prophets.

Who doeth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah? Such will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say: These are they who lied concerning their Lord. Now the curse of Allah is upon wrong-doers,
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
Who doth more wrong than those who invent a lie against Allah? They will be turned back to the presence of their Lord and the witnesses will say "These are the ones who lied against their Lord! Behold! the Curse of Allah is on those who do wrong!
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

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11:19
ٱلَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمْ كَـٰفِرُونَ Alla th eena ya s uddoona AAan sabeeli All a hi wayabghoonah a AAiwajan wahum bi a l a khirati hum k a firoon a
who turn others away from the path of God and try to make it appear crooked - since it is they, they who refuse to acknowledge the truth of the life to come!38
  - Mohammad Asad

Cf. {7:44-45}, with which the above passage is almost identical, with only one difference: whereas in 7:45 the pronoun "they" occurs only once (and the phrase is, consequently, rendered as "and who refuse...", etc.), in the present verse this pronoun is repeated, to express both stress and causality ("since it is they, they who refuse...", etc.) - thus implying that their refusal to believe in a life after death is the ultimate cause of their wrongdoing. In other words, belief in resurrection, God's judgment and life in the hereafter is here postulated as the only valid and lasting source of human morality.

who hinder others from the path of Allah and seek to make it crooked, and who deny the hereafter.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
who hinder 'others' from Allah's Path, striving to make it 'appear' crooked, and disbelieve in the Hereafter.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Who debar (men) from the way of Allah and would have it crooked, and who are disbelievers in the Hereafter.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
"Those who would hinder (men) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: these were they who denied the Hereafter! 1514
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Cf. vii. 45.

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11:20
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَمْ يَكُونُوا۟ مُعْجِزِينَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا كَانَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِنْ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۘ يُضَـٰعَفُ لَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۚ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يُبْصِرُونَ Ol a ika lam yakoonoo muAAjizeena fee alar d i wam a k a na lahum min dooni All a hi min awliy a a yu da AAafu lahumu alAAa tha bu m a k a noo yasta t eeAAoona a l ssamAAa wam a k a noo yub s iroon a
Never can they elude [their final reckoning, even if they remain unscathed] on earth:39 never will they find anyone who could protect them from God. [In the life to come] double suffering will be imposed on them40 for having lost the ability to hear [the truth] and having failed to see [it].41
  - Mohammad Asad

The above interpolation is, I believe, necessary in view of the highly elliptic character of this phrase. According to Tabari, Zamakhshari and Ibn Kathir. the meaning is that whereas God's punishment may befall the sinners referred to during their life on earth, it will certainly befall them in the hereafter. Cf. also 3:185 - "only on the Day of Resurrection will you be requited in full for whatever you have done."

For an explanation of the "double suffering, see surah {7}, note [29].

Lit., "they were unable to hear and they did not see": cf. 2:7 and the corresponding note [7], as well as 7:179 .

These people cannot frustrate His plan in the land and there is none to protect them besides Allah. Their punishment shall be doubled, for they could neither hear others who speak the Truth nor see the Truth for themselves.
  - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
They will never frustrate Allah on earth, and they will have no protector besides Allah. Their punishment will be multiplied, for they failed to hear or see 'the truth'.
  - Mustafa Khattab
Such will not escape in the earth, nor have they any protecting friends beside Allah. For them the torment will be double. They could not bear to hear, and they used not to see.
  - Marmaduke Pickthall
They will in nowise frustrate (His design) on earth nor have they protectors besides Allah! Their Penalty will be doubled! They lost the power to hear and they did not see! 1515
  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Cf. vii. 38. In this context, it is implied that they committed a two-fold wrong: (1) in inventing falsehoods against Allah, which deadened their own soul, and (2) in leading others astray or hindering them from Allah's path. Thus they lost the faculty of hearing, which they might have used to hear the Word of Allah, and they blinded the faculty of sight by shutting out Allah's light.

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