1 The Believers must (eventually) win through 2865
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2 Those who humble themselves in their prayers; 2866
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3 Who avoid vain talk;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
4 Who are active in deeds of charity;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
5 Who abstain from sex 2867
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6 Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond or (the captives) whom their right hands possess for (in their case) they are free from blame 2868
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7 But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
8 Those who faithfully observe their trust and their covenants; 2869
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9 And who (strictly) guard their prayers 2870
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10 Those will be the heirs 2871
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11 Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (forever).
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
12 Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay); 2872
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13 Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest firmly fixed; 2873
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14 Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature: so blessed be Allah the Best to create! 2874
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15 After that at length ye will die. 2875
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16 Again on the Day of Judgment will ye be raised up.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
17 And We have made above you seven tracts; and We are never unmindful of (Our) Creation. 2876 2877
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18 And We send down water from the sky according to (due) measure and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). 2878
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
19 With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines: in them have ye abundant fruits: and of them ye eat (and have enjoyment) 2879
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20 Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and relish for those who use it for food. 2880
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21 And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example: from within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are in them (besides) numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye eat; 2881
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
22 And on them as well as in ships ye ride.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
23 (Further We sent a long line of prophets for your instruction.) We sent Noah to his people: he said "O my people! worship Allah! Ye have no other god but Him: will ye not fear (Him)?" 2882 2883 2884
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
24 The chiefs of the Unbelievers among his people said: "He is no more than a man like yourselves: his wish is to assert his superiority over you: if Allah had wished (to send messengers) He could have sent down angels: never did we hear such a thing (as he says) among our ancestors of old." 2885
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25 (And some said:) "He is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time." 2886
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
26 (Noah) said: "O my Lord! help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood!"
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
27 So We inspired him (with this message): "Construct the Ark within Our sight and under Our guidance: then when comes Our command and the fountains of the earth gush forth take thou on board pairs of every species male and female and thy family except those of them against whom the Word has already gone forth: and address Me not in favor of the wrongdoers; for they shall be drowned (in the Flood). 2887 2888 2889 2890
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28 And when thou hast embarked on the Ark thou and those with thee say: "Praise be to Allah Who has saved us from the people who do wrong." 2891
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29 And say: "O my Lord! enable me to disembark with Thy blessing: for Thou art the Best to enable (us) to disembark." 2892
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30 Verily in this there are Signs (for men to understand); (thus) do We try (men). 2893
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
31 Then We raised after them another generation;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
32 And We sent to them an apostle from among themselves (saying) "Worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. Will ye not fear (Him)?" 2894
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
33 And the chiefs of his people who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Hereafter and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life said: "He is no more than a man like yourselves; he eats of that of which ye eat and drinks of what ye drink.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
34 "If ye obey a man like yourselves behold it is certain ye will be lost. 2895
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
35 "Does he promise that when ye die and become dust and bones ye shall be brought forth (again)?
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
36 "Far very far is that which ye are promised!
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
37 "There is nothing but our life in this world! We shall die and we live! But we shall never be raised up again! 2896
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38 "He is only a man who invents a lie against Allah but we are not the ones to believe in him!" 2897
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
39 (The prophet) said: "O my Lord! help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood." 2898
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
40 (Allah) said: "In but a little while they are sure to be sorry!" 2899
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
41 Then the Blast overtook them with justice and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves (floating on the stream of Time)! So away with the people who do wrong! 2900 2901
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
42 Then We raised after them other generations.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
43 No people can hasten their term nor can they delay (it).
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
44 Then sent We Our apostles in succession: every time there came to a people their apostle they accused him of falsehood: so We made them follow each other (in punishment): We made them as a tale (that is told): so away with a people that will not believe! 2902
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
45 Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our Signs and authority manifest 2903
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
46 To Pharaoh and his Chiefs: but these behaved insolently: they were arrogant people.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
47 They said: "Shall we believe in two men like ourselves? And their people are subject to us!" 2904
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
48 So they accused them of falsehood and they became of those who were destroyed.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
49 And We gave Moses the Book in order that they might receive guidance. 2905
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
50 And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them both shelter on high ground affording rest and security and furnished with springs. 2906 2907
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51 O ye apostles! enjoy (all) things good and pure and work righteousness: for I am well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. 2908
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52 And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other). 2909
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
53 But people have cut off their affair (of unity) between them into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself. 2910
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
54 But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.
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55 Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
56 We would hasten them on in every good? Nay they do not understand. 2911
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
57 Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
58 Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
59 Those who join not (in worship) partners with their Lord;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
60 And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of fear because they will return to their Lord 2912
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
61 It is these who hasten in every good work and these who are foremost in them.
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62 On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged. 2913 2914
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63 But their hearts are in confused ignorance of this; and there are besides that deeds of theirs which they will (continue) to do 2915 2916
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
64 Until when We seize in Punishment those of them who received the good things of this world behold they will groan in supplication!
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
65 It will be said: "Groan not in supplication this day; for ye shall certainly not be helped by Us.
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66 "My Signs used to be rehearsed to you but ye used to turn back on your heels
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
67 "In arrogance: talking nonsense about the (Qur'an) like one telling fables by night." 2917
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68 Do they not ponder over the Word (of Allah) or has anything (new) come to them that did not come to their fathers of old? 2918
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69 Or do they not recognize their Apostle that they deny him?
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
70 Or do they say "He is possessed"? Nay he has brought them the Truth but most of them hate the Truth.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
71 If the Truth had been in accord with their desires truly the heavens and the earth and all beings therein would have been in confusion and corruption! Nay We have sent them their admonition but they turn away from their admonition. 2919
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72 Or is it that thou askest them for some recompense? But the recompense of thy Lord is best: He is the Best of those who give sustenance. 2920
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73 But verily thou callest them to the Straight Way;
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
74 And verily those who believe not in the Hereafter are deviating from that Way.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
75 If We had mercy on them and removed the distress which is on them they would obstinately persist in their transgression wandering in distraction to and fro. 2921
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76 We inflicted Punishment on them but they humbled not themselves to their Lord nor do they submissively entreat (Him)! 2922
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77 Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe Punishment: then Lo! they will be plunged in despair therein! 2923
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78 It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing sight
feeling and understanding little thanks it is ye give!
2924
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79 And He has multiplied you through the earth and to Him shall ye be gathered back.
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80 It is He Who gives life and death and to Him (is due) the alternation of Night and Day: will ye not then understand? 2925
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81 On the contrary they say things similar to what the ancients said. 2926
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82 They say: "What! when we die and become dust and bones could we really be raised up again?
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
83 "Such things have been promised to us and to our fathers before! They are nothing but tales of the ancients!"
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
84 Say: "To whom belong the earth and all beings therein? (Say) if ye know!"
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85 They will say "To Allah!" Say: "Yet will ye not receive admonition?" 2927
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86 Say: "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme?" 2928
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87 They will say "(They belong) to Allah." Say: "Will ye not then be filled with awe?" 2929
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88 Say: "Who is it in whose hands is the governance of all things who protects (all) but is not protected (of any)? (Say) if ye know."
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89 They will say "(It belongs) to Allah." Say: "Then how are ye deluded?" 2930
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90 We have sent them the Truth: but they indeed practice Falsehood!
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91 No son did Allah beget nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods) behold each god would have taken away what he had created and some would have lorded it over others! Glory to Allah (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him! 2931
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92 He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners they attribute to Him! 2932
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93 Say: "O my Lord! if Thou wilt show me (in my lifetime) that which they are warned against 2933
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94 "Then O my Lord! put me not amongst the people who do wrong!"
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95 And We are certainly able to show thee (in fulfillment) that against which they are warned.
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96 Repel evil with that which is best: We are well-acquainted with the things they say. 2934
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97 And say: "O my Lord! I seek refuge with Thee from the suggestions of the Evil Ones; 2935
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98 "And I seek refuge with Thee O my Lord! lest they should come near me."
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99 (In Falsehood will they be) until when death comes to one of them he says: "O my Lord! send me back (to life) 2936 2937
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100 "In order that I may work righteousness in the things I neglected." "By no means! it is but a word he says before them is a Partition till the Day they are raised up. 2938 2939 2940
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101 Then when the Trumpet is blown there will be no more relationships between them that day nor will one ask after another! 2941
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102 Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy they will attain salvation: 2942
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103 But those whose balance is light will be those who have lost their souls; in Hell will they abide. 2943
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104 The Fire will burn their faces and they will therein grin with their lips displaced. 2944
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105 "Were not My Signs rehearsed to you and ye did but treat them as falsehoods?"
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
106 They will say: "Our Lord! our misfortune overwhelmed us and we became a people astray! 2945
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107 "Our Lord! bring us out of this: if ever we return (to evil) then shall we be wrongdoers indeed!"
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108 He will say: "Be ye driven into it (with ignominy)! and speak ye not to Me! 2946
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109 "A part of My servants there was who used to pray `Our Lord! we believe; then do Thou forgive us and have mercy upon us: for Thou art the best of those Who show mercy!'
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
110 "But ye treated them with ridicule so much so that (ridicule of) them made you forget My Message while ye were laughing at them! 2947
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111 "I have rewarded them this day for their patience and constancy: they are indeed the ones that have achieved Bliss..."
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112 He will say: "What number of years did ye stay on earth?" 2948
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113 They will say: "We stayed a day or part of a day: but ask those who keep account." 2949
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114 He will say: "Ye stayed not but a little if ye had only known!
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115 "Did ye then think that We had created you in jest and that ye would not be brought back to Us (for account)?" 2950
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116 Therefore exalted be Allah the King the Reality; there is no god but He the Lord of the Throne of Honor!
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117 If anyone invokes besides Allah any other god he has no authority therefor; and his reckoning will be only with his Lord! And verily the Unbelievers will fail to win through! 2951 2952
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118 So say: "O my Lord! grant thou forgiveness and mercy! for Thou art the Best of those who show mercy!"
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
Note Number : 2865
Aflaha: win through, prosper, succeed, achieve their aims or obtain salvation from sorrow and all evil. This verse connects on with verses 10 and 11 below. The success or victory may come in this world, but is certain and lasting in the world to come.
Note Number : 2866
Humility in prayer as regards (1) their estimate of their own worth in Allah's presence, (2) as regards their estimate of their own powers or strength unless they are helped by Allah, and (3) as regards the petitions they offer to Allah.
Note Number : 2867
The Muslim must guard himself against every kind of sex abuse or sex perversion. The new psychology associated with the name of Freud traces many of our hidden motives to sex, and it is common knowledge that our refinement or degradation may be measured by the hidden workings of our sex instincts. But even the natural and lawful exercise of sex is restricted to the marriage bond, under which the rights of both parties are duly regulated and maintained.
Note Number : 2868
This is further explained and amplified in iv. 25.
Note Number : 2869
Trusts may be express or implied. Express trusts are those where property is entrusted or duties are assigned by some one to some other whom he trusts, to carry out either immediately or in specified contingencies, such as death. Implied trusts arise out of power, or position, or opportunity; e.g., a king holds his kingdom on trust from Allah for his subjects. The subject of covenants, express and implied, has been discussed in n. 682 to v.1. Covenants create obligations, and express and implied trusts and covenants taken together cover the whole field of obligations.
Note Number : 2870
In verse 2 we were directed to the spirit of humility and earnestness in our prayers. Here we are told how necessary the habit of regular prayer is to our spiritual well-being and development, as it brings us closer to Allah, and thus sums up the light of the seven jewels of our Faith, viz.,: (1) humility, (2) avoidance of vanity, (3) charity, (4) sex purity, (5) fidelity to trusts, and (6) to covenants, and (7) an earnest desire to get closer to Allah.
Note Number : 2871
Cf. xxi. 105, where it is said that the righteous will inherit the earth. In the first verse of this Sura, the final success or victory is referred to. Truth will prevail even on this earth, but it may not be for any individual men of righteousness to see it: it may be in the time of their heirs and successors. But in the life to come, there is no doubt that every man will see the fruit of his life here, and the righteous will inherit heaven, in the sense that they will attain it after their death here.
Note Number : 2872
In this beautiful passage, Allah's creative work, as far as man is concerned, is recapitulated, in order to show man's real position in this life, and the certainty of the future: to which he was referred for his reward in verses 10-11 above. For the various stages of creation, see n. 120 to ii. 117. Here we are not concerned with the earliest stage, the creation of primeval matter out of nothing. It is also a process of creation when inorganic matter becomes living matter. Thus inorganic constituents of the earth are absorbed into fiving matter by way of food and living matter reproduces itself by means of sperm. This is deposited in the ovum and fertilises it and rests for a time in security in the mother's womb. The first change in the fertilised ovum is the conversion into a sort of clot of thickly congealed blood; the zygote cells grow by segmentation; then the mass gradually assumes shape in its growth as a foetus. From the lump develop bones and flesh and organs and a nervous system. So far man's growth is like that of an animal, but a further process takes place which makes the infant animal into the infant man. This is the breathing from Allah's spirit into him (xv. 29). It may be a continuous process parallel to that of physical growth. The child is born; it grows; it decays and dies; but after death another chapter opens for the individual, and it is to remind us of this most momentous chapter that the previous stages are recapitulated.
Note Number : 2873
The growth in the foetal stage is silent and unseen. The foetus is protected in the mother's womb like a king in a castle; it is firmly fixed, and gets the protection of the mother's body, on which it depends for its own growth until birth.
Note Number : 2874
From a mere animal, we now consider man as man. Is it not a Sign of wonder in itself that from dry dust (turab, xxii. 5) or inorganic matter should be made protoplasm (moist clay or organic matter); from it should grow a new animal life; and out of it should grow human life, with all its capacities and responsibilities? Man carries within himself Signs of Allah's wisdom and power, and he can see them every day in the universe around him.
Note Number : 2875
Our physical death in this mortal life seems to make a break. But if it were the end of all, our life becomes meaningless. Our own instinct tells us that it cannot be so, and Allah assures us that there will be a resurrection for judgment.
Note Number : 2876
Taraiq: literally tracts, roads, orbits or paths. Here it means: seven heavens. The assurance given in the next clause, that Allah cares for us and all His Creation, calls out attention to Allah's goodness, which is further illustrated in the subsequent verses.
Note Number : 2877
Allah's care for His Creation is ceaseless. A few examples of His care for our physical well-being are given in verses 18-22, and for our spiritual well-being, in Sections 2 to 5.
Note Number : 2878
Normally the rain comes well distributed; it soaks into the soil; the moisture is retained for a long time in all high grounds; it soaks and penetrates through many layers of soil and forms the architecture of physical geography; the retentive powers of higher soil enable rivers to flow perennially even where, as in India, the rainfall is seasonal and confined to a few months in the year. Another form in which water comes down from the sky according to due measure is in snow and hail: these also have their place in the economy of air and soil. Were it not for snow and glaciers in the higher mountain regions, some of the rivers would fail in their abundant flow. As wonderful as the supply of water and moisture is its drainage. It retums to the sea and air in all sorts of ways, and the formation of mist and clouds repeats the cycle. Were it not for the drainage and the clearance of the waters, we should have floods and waterlogging, as happens when the normal processes of nature are temporarily obstructed. The same thing happens when the rain comes down in other than due measure. These abnormal conditions also have their value. But how grateful should man be for Allah's gifts in the ceaseless processes of nature on such an enormous scale!
Note Number : 2879
Cf. vii. 19 and n. 776 to v. 69.
Note Number : 2880
For Arabia the best olives grow round about Mount Sinai. The fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and the sacred city of Makkah are mentioned together in association in xcv. 1-3, where we shall consider its meaning. Olive oil is an ingredient in medicinal ointments. If used for food, the olive has a delicious flavour, Cf. also xxiv. 35, where the olive is called a Blessed Tree, and n. 3000.
Note Number : 2881
'Ibrat. the root meaning of the verb is "to interpret, or expound, or instruct", as in xii. 43; the noun means, an interpretation, or example or Sign that instructs, as here and in xvi. 66, or gives warning, as in iii. 13. From cattle we get milk and meat; also from their skins we make leather for shoes, boots, straps, saddlery, and numerous other uses; from camel's hair and sheep's wool we weave cloth, hangings, carpets, etc.; from the horns of cattle we make cups and articles of ornament or use; and camels, horses, donkeys, mules, etc., are used for riding, carrying loads, or drawing vehicles.
Note Number : 2882
The material gifts having been mentioned, which we receive from a wise and kindly Providence, our attention is now directed to Allah's Providence in spiritual matters. He sent Teachers to instruct and guide us, and though they were mocked, rejected, and accused of falsehood and selfishness, they were protected by Allah, and Allah's Truth at length prevailed.
Note Number : 2883
"People" here is almost equivalent to "contemporaries".
Note Number : 2884
Cf. vii. 59. To fear Allah is to lead righteous lives and eschew evil.
Note Number : 2885
They attribute altogether wrong motives to him (such as would have actuated them themselves), in saying that he was trying to establish his own personal superiority over them by his preaching. Then they accuse him of falsehood in claiming to bring a message of Allah. "If", they say, "Allah had wished to send us messengers, He would have sent angels, not a man like ourselves and from among ourselves. Our ancestors did not worship One God: why should we?"
Note Number : 2886
I construe this to be a speech of another group among them. They thought he was mad, and best left alone. His madness would run out, or he would come to an evil end.
Note Number : 2887
Cf. this whole passage with xi. 35-48, and notes thereon.
Note Number : 2888
See n. 1533 to xi. 40.
Note Number : 2889
See. 1534 to xi. 40.
Note Number : 2890
See n. 1535 to xi. 40.
Note Number : 2891
For istawa see 1386 to x. 3. Here the meaning is: mounted on board, ascended, embarked.
Note Number : 2892
This second prayer was inspired when the Flood subsided, and the time came for disembarkation.
Note Number : 2893
Noah's contemporaries had all sorts of chances and warnings. But they refused to believe and perished. But Allah's Truth survived, and it went to the next and succeeding generations. Will not mankind understand?
Note Number : 2894
If this refers to any particular prophet, it must be Hud whose mission was to the 'Ad people, or to Salih, whose mission was to the Thamud people. That is the sequence after Noah in S. xi. 50-60 and 61-68. But I think that as the name is not mentioned, we are to understand in general the type of the post-Flood prophets until we come later on to Moses and Jesus. The object here is not to recount the stories, but to show that the resistance of the wicked made no difference to the triumph of Allah's holy Truth.
Note Number : 2895
The type of the narrow Sybarite, who enjoys the good things of this life, denies a future life, and is jealous of any one who presumes to widen his horizon, is here described in a few masterly strokes. He is bored by any mention of the serious things beyond his ken. What good is it, he says, to talk about the future? Enjoy the present. The gain is all in the present: the loss is all in the future.
Note Number : 2896
They seem to say; "There is no future life: that we shall die is certain; that we have this life is certain: some die, some are born, some live: and so the cycle continues: but how can dead men be raised to life?"
Note Number : 2897
"He is only a fool, and invents things, and attributes them to Allah's inspiration! We are too wise to believe such things!"
Note Number : 2898
See above, xxiii. 26. Every prophet is maligned and persecuted: it is always the same story with them, told in different ways.
Note Number : 2899
When the Punishment comes, they will be sorry for themselves, but it will be too late then.
Note Number : 2900
See xi. 66, and notes 1563 and 1561.
Note Number : 2901
Gutha-un: rubbish of dead leaves, or scum floating on a torrent.
Note Number : 2902
Their habitations and their organisation have been wiped out. What remains is merely a vague story of their existence, a tale that is told. Where their name remains, which is not always the case, it is only a by-word, suggesting all that is unstable and ephemeral,-"to point a moral and adorn a tale".
Note Number : 2903
Moses and Aaron had a twofold mission: (1) to Pharaoh and his Court, which failed because of Egyptian arrogance; (2) to the Israelites, for whom the Law was received on Mount Sinai, but they repeatedly rebelled against Allah. In both cases there were miracles ("Clear Signs") and other proofs which showed that they came at Allah's command and were inspired by His authority.
Note Number : 2904
Racial arrogance made the Egyptians say, 'These men belong to a race which we hold in subjection as our slaves: how can we accept them as messengers of Allah?'
Note Number : 2905
Here the reference is to the second part of the mission of Moses, that to the Israelites, which the Israelites rendered ineffective by their want of faith. See n. 2903 above.
Note Number : 2906
The virgin birth of Jesus was a miracle both for him and his mother. She was falsely accused of unchastity, but the child Jesus triumphantly vindicated her by his own miracles (xix. 27-33), and showed by his life the meanness of the calumny against his mother.
Note Number : 2907
There is no need to look far for the place where mother and child were given secure shelter. It is described in xix. 22-26. It was the place to which she withdrew to be delivered when the time drew near. There was a fruitful palm-tree, evidently on high ground, for beneath it flowed a spring. She retired there in seclusion, and she and her child rested there until it was time for her to go to her people with her child.
Note Number : 2908
Literally, "eat". See n. 776 to v. 69. The prophets of Allah do not pose as ascetics, but receive gratefully all Allah's gifts, and show their gratitude by their righteous lives.
Note Number : 2909
Cf. xxi. 92-93. All prophets form one Brotherhood: their message is one, and their religion and teaching are one; they serve the One True God, Who loves and cherishes them; and they owe their duty to Him and Him alone.
Note Number : 2910
The people who began to trade on the names of the prophets cut off that unity and made sects; and each sect rejoices in its own narrow doctrine, instead of taking the universal teaching of Unity from Allah. But this sectarian confusion is of man's making. It will last for a time, but the rays of Truth and Unity will finally dissipate it.
Note Number : 2911
Worldly wealth, power, and influence may be but trials. Let not their possessors think that they are in themselves things that will necessarily bring them happiness.
Note Number : 2912
Their hearts are full of reverence for Allah and fear lest their charity or their hearts be not good enough for acceptance before their Lord; for they have the certainty of a future life, in which they will stand before the Judgment Seat. They fear for their own worthiness, but they hope in Faith.
Note Number : 2913
Cf. ii. 286 and n. 339.
Note Number : 2914
The record speaks clearly, and shows exactly what each soul has done and thought, and what is due to it in justice. The worst will receive full justice. The best will receive far more than their due: xxviii. 84.
Note Number : 2915
This is said of the Unbelievers who rejected Faith and rejoiced in the vanities of this world. In spite of the proclamation of Truth, they are doubtful of the future Life and Judgment.
Note Number : 2916
In addition to their rejection of Faith, they have against them positive deeds of wrong-doing, from which, on account of their contempt of the Light from Allah, they will not desist until they are sharply pulled up for punishment: and then repentance will be too late!
Note Number : 2917
Samir: one who remains awake by night, one who passes the night in talk or in the recital of stories of romances, a favourite amusement of the Days of Ignorance.
Note Number : 2918
If they ponder over the matter, they will find that Allah's Message to humanity is as old as Adam. It is good for all ages. It never grows old, and it is never new.
Note Number : 2919
Allah is All-Wise and All-Good, and His architecture of the universe is on a perfect Plan. If these poor, low, selfish, ignorant creatures were to plan it according to their hearts' desires, it would be a dreadful world, full of confusion and corruption.
Note Number : 2920
This is the last of the questions, beginning with xxiii. 68 above, showing the absurdity of the position taken up by the Unbelievers. (1) The Message of Allah is as old as humanity: why do they fight shy of it? (2) They have known their Prophet to be true and righteous: why do they deny him? (3) Is it madness to bring the bitter Truth before them? (4) Does the Prophet ask any worldly reward from them? If not, why do they reject his unselfish efforts for their own good?
Note Number : 2921
The reference is to a very severe famine felt in Makkah, which was attributed by the Unbelievers to the presence of the holy Prophet among them and his preaching against their gods. As this is a Makkan Sura, the famine referred to must be that described by Ibn Kathir as having occured in the 8th year of the Mission, say about four years before the Hijra. There was also a post-Hijra famine, which is referred to by Bukhari, but that was a later event.
Note Number : 2922
Some Commentators understand the battle of Badr to be meant here; if so, this particular verse would be of the Madinah period. But it is better to understand it as referring to the same "distress" as in the preceding verse, or to punishments in general, which obstinate sinners refuse to take as warnings given to them to mend their ways and turn in repentance to Allah.
Note Number : 2923
Cf. vi. 44. If the little trials in the present life will not open their eyes, will great trials do so? Unfortunately they only cause in the wicked a feeling of despair. In the final Punishment after the Judgment, it will be too late for them to repent, and despair will be their only lot.
Note Number : 2924
As elsewhere, "heart" is to be understood as the seat both of feeling and intelligence. 'All the means by which knowledge can be gathered, judgment formed, and goodness cultivated, are provided for you by Allah. If you were grateful, you would use those in My service, which is expressed in your service to your fellow men. But instead you ignore these gifts, question Allah's Providence, and blaspheme against Him!'
Note Number : 2925
The alternation of Night and Day stands here as a symbol for all the beneficent processes of Nature provided by Allah for the comfort and growth of man's outer and inner life.
Note Number : 2926
And they are the more culpable, as they have received a later and completer revelation. Why should they now stand on the primitive ideas of their ancestors?
Note Number : 2927
If their argument is that such things about a future life cannot be known or proved, they are referred to the things which are actually before them. The tangible things of the earth-can they postulate their order or government except by a Power or Force or Energy outside them? They will admit that there is such a Power or Force or Energy. We call it Allah. Go a step further. We see a sublime Universe in the heavens above, stretching far, far beyond our ken. They will admit its existence and its grandeur. We ask them to entertain a feeling of reverence for the Power behind it, and to understand their own littleness and their dependence upon that Power.
Note Number : 2928
Cf. ix. 129.
Note Number : 2929
See n. 2927 above. 'If this great and glorious Universe inspires you with awe, surely the Power behind is more worthy of your awe, especially if you compare your dependence and its dependence upon Him.'
Note Number : 2930
'The order and unity of purpose in the Universe argue unity of design and goodness in its Maker. Is it not then sheer madness for you to run after fancies and fail to understand and obey His Will? It is delusion in you to seek other than Allah.'
Note Number : 2931
Cf. xvii. 42. The multiplicity of gods is intellectually indefensible, considering the unity of Design and Purpose in His wonderful Universe.
Note Number : 2932
To suppose that Allah has a son or family or partners or companions is to have a low idea of Allah, Who is high above all such relationships. He is the One True God, and there can be none to compare with Him.
Note Number : 2933
In the first instance, this applied to the holy Prophet. His subsequent Hijrat from Makkah and the eventual overthrow of the Makkan oligarchy amply prove the fulfilment of the prophecy. But in general meaning it applies to all. We are taught that evil will be visited with a terrible punishment, not only in a future life, but in this very life when its cup is full and the time comes for punishment in Allah's Plan. If it has to come while we are still on the scene of this life, we are asked to pray that we may not be found in the company of those who draw such punishment on themselves. In other words we must eschew the society of evil ones.
Note Number : 2934
Whether people speak evil of you, in your presence or behind your back, or they do evil to you in either of those ways, all is known to Allah. It is not for you to punish. Your best course is not to do evil in your tum, but to do what will best repel the evil. Two evils do not make a good. Cf. xli. 34, n. 4504.
Note Number : 2935
But in any case, shun evil for yourself, and you cannot do this without seeking the help and protection of Allah. Not only must you shun all promptings of evil, but you must shun its proximity. It may be that in retaliating on evil, or even in your curiosity to discover what evil is, you may fall into evil yourself. You should avoid going near it or anything which brings it near to you. And in this matter you should seek Allah's help.
Note Number : 2936
This verse I think connects on with xxiii. 90 above. Though Allah proclaims His Truth everywhere, the wicked cling to Falsehood until they face the reality of Death.
Note Number : 2937
The verb for "send me back" is in the plural in Arabic, which is construed either (1) as an emphatic form, as if the singular were repeated, or (2) as a plural of respect, though such a plural is not ordinarily used in addressing Allah, or (3) as a plural addressed to the angels, after the address to Allah in "O my Lord!"
Note Number : 2938
The unrighteous will ask for another chance. But it will be too late then. The time for repentance will then have passed.
Note Number : 2939
Their request will mean nothing. It will be treated merely as an empty word of excuse. They had plenty of chances in this life. Not only did they reject them, but they did not even believe in Allah or ask for His assistance.
Note Number : 2940
Barzakh: a partition, a bar or barrier; the place or state in which people will be after death and before Judgment. Cf. xxv. 53 and Iv. 20. Behind them is the barrier of death, and in front of them is the Barzakh, partition, a quiescent state until the judgment comes.
Note Number : 2941
The old relationships of the world will then be dissolved. Each soul will stand on its merits.
Note Number : 2942
Good and evil deeds will be weighed against each other. If the good deeds prevail, the soul will attain falah, i.e., prosperity, well-being, bliss, or salvation; if the contrary, there will be the misery and anguish of Hell.
Note Number : 2943
The loss or perdition will not mean that they will die and feel no more: xiv. 17. The punishment will mean nothing, if there was no sensibility, but total annihilation.
Note Number : 2944
That is to say, their faces will be disfigured with anguish, and their lips will quiver and fall out of place, exposing their teeth.
Note Number : 2945
'The evil in us conquered us; it was our misfortune that we surrendered to evil, and went astray.' They forget that it was by their own deliberate choice that they surrendered to evil, and they are reminded in verses 109-110 of the ridicule with which they covered godly men in their life on earth.
Note Number : 2946
After their flouting of Allah's Signs and their mockery of godly men on earth, they have forfeited their right to plead for mercy before Allah's Throne.
Note Number : 2947
Literally, 'they made you forget My Message'. The ungodly were so occupied in the backbiting and ridicule of the godly that the godly themselves became the unconscious cause of the ungodly forgetting the warnings declared by Allah against those who do not treat His Signs seriously. Thus evil often brings about its own ruin through the instrumentality of those whom it would make its victims.
Note Number : 2948
The Hafs reading is "Qala", "He will say". This follows the Kufa Qiraat. The Basra Qiraat reads "Qul", "Say" (in the imperative). The point is only one of grammatical construction. See n. 2666 to xxi. 4.
Note Number : 2949
The question and answer about Time imply two things. (1) The attention of the ungodly is drawn to the extremely short time of the life in this world, compared to the eternity which they face: they are made to see this, and to realise how mistaken they were in their comparative valuation of things spiritual and things material. (2) Time, as we know it now, will have faded away and appear as almost nothing. It is just a matter relative to this life of temporary probation. Cf. the experience of the Companions of the Cave: xviii. 19.
Note Number : 2950
Allah's Creation is not without a high serious purpose. It is not vain, or for mere play or sport. As far as man is concerned, the highest issues for him hang on his behaviour in this life. "Life is real, life is earnest, And the grave is not its goal", as Longfellow truly says. We must therefore earnestly search out Allah's Truth, encouraged by the fact that Allah's Truth is also, out of His unbounded mercy, searching us out and trying to reach us.
Note Number : 2951
Not with any one else whatever, as Allah is the Eternal Reality. If men, out of the figments of their imagination, fancy other gods, they will be rudely undeceived. And Allah is Lord, i.e., our Cherisher as well as our Creator. In spite of all our shortcomings and our rebellions, He will forgive us if we go to Him not on our merits but on His grace.
Note Number : 2952
See the same word used in describing the contrast with the Believers, in the first verse of this Sura. Righteousness must win and all opposition to it must fail. Thus the circle of the argument is completed.
