7. Surah al-Araf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَقَالَ الْمَلأُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَوْمِهِ لَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتُمْ شُعَيْباً إِنَّكُمْ إِذاً لَّخَاسِرُونَ ﴿٩٠﴾

7. 90. The leaders, the unbelievers among his people, said,

"If ye follow Shu'ayb, be sure then ye are ruined!"

C1062. The answer of the Unbelievers is characteristic. As all their bribes and subtleties have failed, they resort to threats, which are worse than the argument of the stick. "All right," they say, "there is nothing but ruin before you!"

That means that the Believers will be persecuted, held up to obloquy, ostracized, and prevented from access to all means of honourable livelihood; their families and dependants will be insulted, reviled, and tortured, if they could but be got into the enemy's power: their homes destroyed, and their names held up to ridicule and contempt even when they are gone.

But, as verse 92 says, their wicked designs recoiled on themselves; it was the wicked who were ruined and blotted out.

فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُواْ فِي دَارِهِمْ جَاثِمِينَ ﴿٩١﴾

7. 91. But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning!

C1063. The fate of the Madyan people is described in the same terms as that of the Thamud in verse 78 above. An earthquake seized them by night, and they were buried in their own homes, no longer to vex Allah's earth.

But a supplementary detail is mentioned in 26:189, "the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom," which may be understood to mean a shower of ashes and cinders accompanying a volcanic eruption. Thus a day of terror drove them into their homes, and the earthquake finished them.

The lament of Shu'ayb in verse 93 is almost the same as that of Salih in verse 79, with two differences:

- Shu'ayb's messages attacked the many sins of his people (see n. 1055) and are, therefore, expressed in the plural, while Salih's fight was chiefly against selfish arrogance, and his message is expressed in the singular;

- the Thamud were the more cultured people of the two, and perished in their own pride; as Salih said, "ye love not good counselors";

the Midianites were a rougher people, and their minds were less receptive of argument or faith; as Shu'ayb said, they were a people who "refused to believe."

Pickthall’s Version:

7: 190

Pickthall But when He gave unto them aright, they ascribed unto Him partners in respect of that which He had given them. High is He exalted above all that they associate (with Him).

Transliteration Falamma_ a_ta_huma_ sa_lihan ja'ala_ lahu_ syuraka_'a fima_ a_ta_huma_, fata'a_lalla_hu 'amma_ yusyriku_n(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 1165 When the child is born, the parents forget that it is a precious gift of Allah,-a miracle of Creation, which should lift their minds up to the higher things of Allah. Instead, their gradual familiarity with the new life makes them connect it with many superstitious ideas or rites and ceremonies, or they take it as a matter of course, is a little plaything of the material world. This leads to idolatry or false worship, or the selling up of false standards, in derogation of the dignity of Allah. (7.190)]]

[[ Asad’s note 156 - ….many of them look upon the contributing factors of sound childbirth [like personal care during pregnancy, medial assistance, eugenics, etc.] as something “independent of God”, forgetting that all these contributing factors are – like the birth of the child itself – but an outcome of God’s will and grace: a manifestation of what the Quran calls “the way of God” (sunnat Allah).

7: 191

Pickthall Attribute they as partners to Allah those who created naught, but are themselves created,

Transliteration Ayusyriku_na ma_ la_ yakhluqu syai'aw wa hum yukhlaqu_n(a).

2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَإِذْ وَاعَدْنَا مُوسَى أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً ...

2: 51. And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses,

C66. This was after the Ten Commandments and the Laws and Ordinances had been given on Mount Sinai:

Moses was asked up into the Mount, and he was there forty days and forty nights: Exod. 24:18.

But the people got impatient of the delay, made a calf of melted gold, and offered worship and sacrifice to it: Exod. 32:1-8.

... ثُمَّ اتَّخَذْتُمُ الْعِجْلَ مِن بَعْدِهِ...

and in his absence you took the calf (for worship),

... وَأَنتُمْ ظَالِمُونَ ﴿٥١﴾

and ye did grievous wrong.

ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنكُمِ مِّن بَعْدِ ...

2: 52. Even then We did forgive you;

C67. Moses prayed for his people, and Allah forgave them. This is the language of the Quran.

The Old Testament version is rougher:

"The Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people": Exod. 32:14.

The Muslim position has always been that the Jewish (and Christian) scriptures as they stand cannot be traced direct to Moses or Jesus, but are later compilations. Modern scholarship and Higher Criticism has left no doubt on the subject. But the stories in these traditional books may be used in an appeal to those who use them: only they should be spiritualized, as they are here, and especially in 2:54 below.

... ذَلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٥٢﴾

there was a chance for you to be grateful.

Others version:

Incident when God forgave SHIRK

2: 51

Asad and when We appointed for Moses forty nights [on Mount Sinai], and in his absence you took to worshipping the [golden] calf, and thus became evildoers:

Pickthall And when We did appoint for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrongdoers.

Transliteration Wa iz wa_'adna_ mu_sa_ arba'ina lailatan summat takhaztumul 'ijla mim ba'dihi wa antum za_limu_n(a).

2: 52

Asad yet, even after that, We blotted out this your sin, so that you might have cause to be grateful.

Pickthall Then, even after that, We pardoned you in order that ye might give thanks.

Transliteration Summa 'afauna_ 'ankum mim ba'di za_lika la'allakum tasykuru_n(a).

[ Ali’s notes : 66 This was after the Ten Commandments and the Laws and Ordinances had been given on Mount Sinai: Moses was asked up into the Mount, and he was there forty days and forty nights: Exod. xxiv. 18. But the people got impatient of the delay, made a calf of melted gold, and offered worship and sacrifice to it: Exod. xxxii 1-8. (2.51)

67 Moses prayed for his people, and God forgave them. This is the language of the Qur-an. The Old Testament version is rougher: "The Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people": Exod. xxxii. 14. The Muslim position has always been that the Jewish (and Christian) scriptures as they stand cannot be traced direct to Moses or Jesus, but are later compilations. Modern scholarship and Higher Criticism has left no doubt on the subject. But the stories in these traditional books may be used in an appeal to those who use them: only they should be spiritualized, as they are here, and especially in ii. 5 below. (2.52)]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ أَندَاداً يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللّهِ...

2: 165. Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah as equal (with Allah); they love them as they should love Allah.

... وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلّهِ...

But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.

... وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعاً...

If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty, that to Allah belongs all power,

... وَأَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ ﴿١٦٥﴾

and Allah will strongly enforce the Punishment.

C167. Everything around and within us points to unity of purpose and design, - points to Allah. Yet there are foolish persons (unrighteous - those who deliberately use the choice given them to go wrong). They think something else is equal to Allah. Perhaps they even do lip service to Allah.

If only the unrighteous could see the consequences, they would see the terrible Penalty, and that all Power is in Allah's hands, not in that of any one else.

Who are these others who are used as fetishes by the misguided?

It may be:

- creatures of their own imagination, or of their faculties misused; the idea lying behind Idols is akin to this, for no intelligent idol-worshipper owns to worshipping stocks and stones; or

- good leaders whose names have been misused out of perversity to erect them to a position of equality with Allah; or

- Powers of evil that deliberately mislead.

When it comes to the inevitable consequences of blasphemy and the rejection of Allah, the eyes of all are opened and these false and artificial, relations dissolve. The idea which was created into a fetish disowns its follower, i.e. is seen to have no reasonable basis in the life of the follower, and the follower is forced to renounce it as false. The good ones would take an unholy delight in exposing the facts. The Reality is now irresistible but alas! at what cost?

إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُواْ مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُواْ وَرَأَوُاْ الْعَذَابَ...

2: 166. Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them); they would see the penalty,

... وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الأَسْبَابُ ﴿١٦٦﴾

and all relations between them would be cut off.

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُواْ لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّؤُواْ مِنَّا...

2: 167. And those who followed would say:

"If only we had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us."

... كَذَلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ اللّهُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ حَسَرَاتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ...

Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets,

C168. Cf. 3:156, 7:36, 19:39, 25:23, 69:50, [Eds]

... وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنَ النَّارِ﴿١٦٧﴾

nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire.

Others version:

2: 165

Asad And yet there are people who choose to believe in beings that allegedly rival God, loving them as [only] God should be loved: whereas those who have attained to faith love God more than all else. If they who are bent on evildoing could but see-as see they will when they are made to suffer (note 132) [on Resurrection Day)-that all might belongs to God alone, and that God is severe in [meting out] punishment!

Pickthall Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only)--Those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah--Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!

Wa minan na_si may yattakhizu min du_nilla_hi anda_day yuhibbu_nahum ka hubbilla_h(i), wallazinaa_manu_ asyaddu hubbal lilla_h(i), wa lau yaral lazina zalamu_ iz yaraunal 'aza_b(a), annal quwwata lilla_hi jami'a_(n), wa annalla_ha syadidul'aza_b(i).

[ Asad’s note 132 Lit., “when they see the suffering” (or “chastisement”) ]

2: 166

Asad [On that Day] it will come to pass that those who had been [falsely] adored [Asad’s note 133] shall disown their followers, and the latter shall see the suffering [that awaits them], with all their hopes [note 134] cut to pieces!

Pickthall (On the day) when those who were followed disown those who followed (them), and they behold the doom, and all their aims collapse with them.

Transliteration

[ Asad’s note 133 – Lit., “followed” – i.e., as saints or alleged “divine personalities”.

note 134 – Asbab (sing sabab) denotes, in its primary meaning, “ties” or “attachments”, and in a tropical sense, “means [towards any end]" …….In the above context, asbab obviously refers to means of salvation, and may thus be rendered as “hopes”. ]

2: 167

Asad And then those followers shall say: “Would that we had a second chance [in life], so that we could disown them as they have disowned us!”

Pickthall And those who were but followers will say: If a return were possible for us, we would disown them even as they have disowned us. Thus will Allah show them their own deeds as anguish for them, and they will not emerge from the Fire.

Transliteration Wa qa_lal lazinat taba'u_ lau anna lana_ karratan fa natabarra'a minhum, kama_ tabarra'u_ minna_, kaza_lika yurihimulla_hu a'ma_lahum hasara_tin 'alaihim, wa ma_ hum bi kha_rijina minan na_r(i).

4. Surah an-Nisa

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاء...   

4: 48.  Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth;

... وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَى إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا ﴿٤٨﴾

to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.

C569. Just as in an earthly kingdom the worst crime is that of treason, as it cuts at the very existence of the State, so in the Divine Kingdom, the unforgivable sin is that of contumacious treason against Allah by putting up Allah's creatures in rivalry against Him. This is rebellion against the Creator.

It is what Plato would call the "lie in the soul."

But even here, if the rebellion is through ignorance, and is followed by sincere repentance and amendment, Allah's Mercy is always open (4:17).

Others version:

4: 48

Asad Verily, God does not forgive the ascribing of divinity to aught beside Him, although He forgives any lesser sin [note 64] unto whoever Hi wills: for he who ascribes divinity to auth besides has indeed contrived an awesome sin [note 65].

Pickthall Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.

Transliteration Innalla_ha la_ yagfiru ay yusyraka bihi wa yagfiru ma_ du_na za_lika limay yasya_'(u), wa may yusyrik billa_hi fa qadiftara_ isman 'azima_(n).

[[ Ruby’s notes – The reason why “shirk” is the highest sin is because it is a falsification of the highest truth. A distortion of a “root” corrupts the entire existence. A misconception or distortion of the Creator’s Oneness and omnipotence which is the foundation from which all ideas and actions emanate from is the failure and corruption of the highest degree. ]]

[[ Asad’s note 65 – The continuous stress, in the Quran, on God’s transcendental oneness and uniqueness aims at freeing man from sense of dependence on other influences and powers, and thus at elevating him spiritually and bringing about the “purification” alluded to in the next verse. Since this objectives is vitiated by the sin of “shirk” ( “the ascribing of divine qualities to aught beside God”), the Quran describes it as “unforgivable” so long as it is persisted in, i.e., unless and until the sinner repents (cf. verses 17 and 18 of this surah.).

[[ Ali’s note - 569 Just as in an earthly kingdom the worst crime is that of treason, as it cuts at the very existence of the State, so in the Divine Kingdom, the unforgivable sin is that of contumacious treason against Allah by putting up Allah's creatures in rivalry against Him. This is rebellion against the Creator. It is what Plato would call the "lie in the soul." But even here, if the rebellion is through ignorance, and is followed by sincere repentance and amendment, Allah's Mercy is always open (iv. 17). (4.48) ]]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاء...    

4: 116. Allah forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him: but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this:

C626. Cf. 4:48 and n. 569.

Blasphemy in the spiritual kingdom is like treason in the political kingdom.

... وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلاَلاً بَعِيدًا ﴿١١٦﴾  

one who joins other gods with Allah, hath strayed far, far away (from the right).

إِن يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلاَّ إِنَاثًا ...

4: 117. (The pagans), leaving Him, call but upon female deities:

C627. The unity, power, and goodness of Allah are so manifest in nature and in the human mind when it is in accord with the universal spirit, that only the most abject perversion can account for the sin of religious treason.

That sin arises from perverted ideas of sex or perverted ideas of self. The perversion of sex is to suppose that sex rules in religious matters. From it arise such horrible creations of the imagination as Kali, the blood-thirsty goddess of India, or Hecate, the goddess of revenge and hate in Greek mythology.

Even in beautiful forms like Saraswati (the goddess of learning) or Minerva (the virgin goddess of sport and arts), to say nothing of Venus (the goddess of carnal pleasures), the emphasis laid on sex destroys a right view of religious nature.

Perverted ideas of self are typified in the story of Satan, who was so puffed up with arrogance that he disobeyed Allah, and Allah cursed him.

Both these perversions, if allowed lodgment, completely ruin our religious nature and deface Allah's handiwork. Hence it is not merely an outer sin but one that corrupts us through and through.

... وَإِن يَدْعُونَ إِلاَّ شَيْطَانًا مَّرِيدًا ﴿١١٧﴾

they call but upon Satan the persistent rebel!

لَّعَنَهُ اللّهُ...   

4: 118.  Allah did curse him,

... وَقَالَ لَأَتَّخِذَنَّ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا ﴿١١٨﴾  

but he said: "I will take of Thy servants a portion marked off.

C628. Satan obtained Allah's permission to tempt man, and this was implied in such free-will as was granted to man by Allah.

Satan's boast is that the portion of mankind seduced by him will be so corrupted in their nature that they will bear a sort of brand that will mark them off as his own; or that they will be like a portion assigned to himself.

وَلأُضِلَّنَّهُمْ وَلأُمَنِّيَنَّهُمْ ...  

4: 119. "I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires;

C629. Satan's deceptions are with false desires, false superstitions, and false fears.

... وَلآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ آذَانَ الأَنْعَامِ ...

I will order them to slit the ears of cattle,

C630. Slitting the ears of cattle is just one instance of the superstitions to which men become slaves when they run after false gods.

Astrology, magic, and vain beliefs in things that do not exist lead men away from Allah, the one true God. (R).

... وَلآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلْقَ اللّهِ...  

and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah."

C631. To deface the (fair) nature created by Allah; there is both a physical and a spiritual meaning.

We see many kinds of defacements practised on men and animals, against their true nature as created by Allah, partly on account of superstition, partly on account of selfishness.

Spiritually the case is even worse. How many natures are dwarfed or starved and turned from their original instincts by cruel superstitions or customs?

Allah created man pure: Satan defaces the image.

... وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ الشَّيْطَانَ وَلِيًّا مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ فَقَدْ خَسِرَ خُسْرَانًا مُّبِينًا ﴿١١٩﴾  

Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes Satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.

يَعِدُهُمْ وَيُمَنِّيهِمْ ...  

4: 120. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires;

... وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلاَّ غُرُورًا ﴿١٢٠﴾  

but Satan's promises are nothing but deception.

أُوْلَـئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَلاَ يَجِدُونَ عَنْهَا مَحِيصًا ﴿١٢١﴾

4: 121. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in hell, and from it they will find no way of escape.

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ...   

4: 122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit them to gardens,

... تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا...  

with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein for ever.

... وَعْدَ اللّهِ حَقًّا ...

Allah's promise is the truth,

... وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللّهِ قِيلاً ﴿١٢٢﴾

and whose word can be truer than Allah's?

لَّيْسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمْ وَلا أَمَانِيِّ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ...   

4: 123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail):

C632. Personal responsibility is again and again insisted on as the key-note of Islam. In this are implied faith and right conduct.

Faith is not an external thing: it begins with an act of will, but if true and sincere, it affects the whole being, and leads to right conduct.

In this it is distinguished from the kind of faith which promises salvation because some one else in whom you are asked to believe has borne away the sins of men, or the kind of faith which says that because you are born of a certain race ("Children of Abraham") or a certain caste, you are privileged, and your conduct will be judged by a different standard from that of other men.

Whatever you are, if you do evil, you must suffer the consequences, unless Allah's Mercy comes to your help.

... مَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا يُجْزَ بِهِ...  

whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly.

... وَلاَ يَجِدْ لَهُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلاَ نَصِيرًا  ﴿١٢٣﴾

Nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper.

Others version:

4: 116

Asad Verily, God does not forgive the ascribing of divinity to aught beside Him, although He forgives any lesser sin unto whomever He wills: for those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God indeed gone far astray.

Pickthall Lo! Allah pardon not that partners should be ascribed unto him. He pardon all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.

Transliteration Innalla_ha la_ yagfiru ay yusyraka bihi wa yagfiru ma_ du_na za_lika lamay yasya_'(u), wa may yusyrik billa_hi faqad dalla dala_lam ba'ida_(n).

4: 117

Asad In His stead, they invoke only lifeless symbols [note 140] – thus invoking none but a rebellious Satan

Pickthall They invoke in His stead only females; they pray to none else than Satan, a rebel--

Transliteration Iy yad'u_na min du_nihi illa_ ina_sa_(n), wa iy yad'u_na illa_ syaita_nam marida_(l),

[[ Ruby’s note – If perversion and corruption exist in the primary idea of cause of reality, then it misleads in all spheres of life and living. God is the Cause of all causes, the ultimate Reality on which all other transitory realties are based and sustained, He is the Truth, and if this idea is corrupted through ascribing other causes or beings to be a primary cause, then that can mislead and corrupt all other motives and actions in life that is why it is extremely important that this idea be kept at a purer state.]]

Ali’s notes - 626 Cf. iv. 48 and n. 569. Blasphemy in the spiritual kingdom is like treason in the political kingdom. (4.116)

627 The unity, power, and goodness of Allah are so manifest in nature and in the human mind when it is in accord with the universal spirit, that only the most abject perversion can account for the sin of religious treason. That sin arises from perverted ideas of sex or perverted ideas of self. The perversion of sex is to suppose that sex rules in religious matters. From it arise such horrible creations of the imagination as Kali, the blood-thirsty goddess of India, or Hecate, the goddess of revenge and hate in Greek mythology. Even in beautiful forms like Saraswati (the goddess of learning) or Minerva (the virgin goddess of sport and arts), to say nothing of Venus (the goddess of carnal pleasures), the emphasis laid on sex destroys a right view of religious nature. Perverted ideas of self are typified in the story of Satan, who was so puffed up with arrogance that he disobeyed Allah, and Allah cursed him. Both these perversions, if allowed lodgment, completely ruin our religious nature and deface Allah's handiwork. Hence it is not merely an outer sin but one that corrupts us through and through. (4.117)

4: 118

Asad whom God has rejected for having said, “Verily, of Thy servants I shall most certainly take my due share,

Pickthall Whom Allah cursed, and he said: Surely I will take of Thy bondmen an appointed portion,

Transliteration La'anahulla_h(u), wa qa_la la'attakhizanna min 'iba_dika nasibam mafru_da_(w),

4: 119

Asad and shall lead them astray, and fill them with vain desires; and I shall command them – and they will cut off the ears of cattle [in idolatrous sacrifice]; and I shall command them – and they will corrupt God’s creation!” [note 141] But all who take Satan rather than God for their master do indeed, most clearly, lose all:

Pickthall And surely I will lead them astray, and surely I will arouse desires in them, and surely I will command them and they will cut the cattle's ears, and surely I will command them and they will change Allah's creation. Whoso chooseth Satan for a patron instead of Allah is verily a loser and his loss is manifest.

Transliteration Wa la'udillannahm wa la'umanniyannahum wa la'a_murannahum falayubattikunna a_za_nal an'a_mi wa la'a_murannahum falayugayyirunna khalqalla_h(i), wa may yattakhizisy syaita_na waliyyam min du_nilla_hi faqad khasira khusra_nam mubina_(n).

[[ Ali’s notes:-

628 Satan obtained Allah's permission to tempt man, and this was implied in such free-will as was granted to man by Allah. Satan's boast is that the portion of mankind seduced by him will be so corrupted in their nature that they will bear a sort of brand that will mark them off as his own; or that they will be like a portion assigned to himself. (4.118)

629 Satan's deceptions are with false desires, false superstitions, and false fears. (4.119)

630 Slitting the ears of cattle is just one instance of the superstitions to which men become slaves when they run after false gods. Astrology, magic, and vain beliefs in things that do not exist lead men away from Allah, the one true God. (4.119)

631 To deface the (fair) nature created by Allah; there is both a physical and a spiritual meaning. We see many kinds of defacements practised on men and animals, against their true nature as created by Allah, partly on account of superstition, partly on account of selfishness. Spiritually the case is even worse. How many natures are dwarfed or starved and turned from their original instincts by cruel superstitions or customs? Allah created man pure: Satan defaces the image. (4.119)]]

4: 120

Asad ……..yet whatever Satan promises them is but meant to delude the mind [note 142].

Pickthall He promiseth them and stirreth up desires in them, and Satan promiseth them only to beguile.

Transliteration Ya'iduhum wa yumannihim, wa ma_ ya'iduhumusy syaita_nu illa_ guru_ra_(n).

[[ Asad’s note 142 – The term ‘ghurur’ signifies anything by which the mind is beguiled or deceived – for instance, utter self-abandonment to earthly joys, or the absurd belief that there is no limit to man’s aims and achievements.]]

4: 121

Pickthall For such, their habitation will be hell, and they will find no refuge therefrom.

Transliteration Ula_'ika ma'wa_hum jahannam(u), wa la_ yajidu_na 'anha_ mahisu_(n).

4: 123

Asad It may not accord with your wishful thinking – nor with the wishful thinking of the followers of earlier revelation [note 143] – [that] he who does evil shall be required for it, and shall find none to protect him from God, and none to bring him succor,

Pickthall It will not be in accordance with your desires, nor the desires of the People of the Scripture. He who doeth wrong will have the recompense thereof, and will not find against Allah any protecting friend or helper.

Transliteration Laiasaa bi ama_niyyikum wa la_ ama_niyyi ahlil kita_b(i), may ya'mal su_'ay yujza bih(i), wa la_ yajid lahu_ min du_nilla_hi waliyyaw wa la_ nasira_(n).

[[ Asad’s note 143 – An allusion to both the Jewish idea that they are “God’s chosen people” and, therefore, assure of His grace in the thereafter, and to the Christian dogma of “vicarious atonement”, which promises salvation to all who believe in Jesus as “God’s son”.]]

Ali’s note - 632 Personal responsibility is again and again insisted on as the key-note of Islam. In this are implied faith and right conduct. Faith is not an external thing: it begins with an act of will, but if true and sincere, it affects the whole being, and leads to right conduct. In this it is distinguished from the kind of faith which promises salvation because some one else in whom you are asked to believe has borne away the sins of men, or the kind of faith which says that because you are born of a certain race ("Children of Abraham") or a certain caste, you are privileged, and your conduct will be judged by a different standard from that of other men. Whatever you are, if you do evil, you must suffer the consequences, unless Allah's Mercy comes to your help. (4.123) ]]

5. Surah Maida

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ...

5: 72. They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary."

... وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ...

But said Christ: "O children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord."

C782. Cf. Matt. 4:10, where Christ rebukes Satan for desiring the worship of other than Allah:

John 20:17, where Christ says to Mary Magdalene, "Go unto my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father; and to my God and your God.

"Cf. also Luke 18:19, where Christ rebukes a certain ruler for calling him Good Master: "Why callest thou me good? None is good, save One, that is, Allah."

In Mark 12:29 Jesus says: "The first of all the commandments is, Hear 0 Israel; the Lord our God is One Lord."

... إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ...

Whoever joins other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode.

... وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ ﴿٧٢﴾

There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلاَثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـهٍ إِلاَّ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ...

5: 73. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity:

for there is no god except One Allah.

... وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُواْ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٧٣﴾

If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

Pickthall’s Version:

5: 72

Pickthall They surely disbelieve who say : Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said : O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden Paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evildoers there will be no helpers.

Transliteration Laqad kafaral lazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha huwal masihubnu maryam(a), wa qa_lal masihu ya_ bani isra_'ila'budulla_ha rabbi wa rabbakum, innahu_ may yusyrik billa_hi faqad harramalla_hu 'alaihil jannata wa ma'wa_hun na_r(u), wa ma_ liz za_limina min ansa_r(in).

5: 73

Pickthall They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.

Transliteration Laqad kafaral lazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha sa_lisu sala_sah(tin), wa ma_ min ila_hin illa_ ila_huw wa_hid(un), wa illam yantahu_'amma_ yaqu_lu_na layamassannal lazina kafaru_ minhum 'aza_bun alim(un).

6.Surah al-Anam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قُلْ أَغَيْرَ اللّهِ أَتَّخِذُ وَلِيًّا...

6: 14. Say:

"Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah,

فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلاَ يُطْعَمُ ...

the Maker of the heavens and the earth?

And He is that feedeth but is not fed."

C847. Feedeth but is not fed: true both literally and figuratively.

To God we owe the satisfaction of all needs, but He is independent of all needs.

...قُلْ إِنِّيَ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَلاَ تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكَينَ ﴿١٤﴾

Say:

"Nay! but I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah (in Islam), and be not thou of the company of those who join gods with Allah."

Pickthall’s Version:

6: 14

Pickthall Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, who feedeth and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender (unto Him) . And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters.

Transliteration Qul agairalla_hi attakhizu waliyyan fa_tiras sama_wa_ti wal ardi wa huwa yut'imu wa la_ yut'am(u), qul inni umirtu an aku_na awwala man aslama wa la_ taku_nanna minal musyrikin(a).

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُواْ ...

6: 22. One day shall We gather them all together: We shall say to those who ascribed partners (to Us):

... أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ الَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ ﴿٢٢﴾

"Where are the partners whom ye (invented and) talked about?"

ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلاَّ أَن قَالُواْ ...

6: 23. There will then be (left) no subterfuge for them but to say:

C851. Fitnah has various meanings, from the root idea of "to try , to test, to tempt;" e.g.

- a trial or temptation, as in 2:102;

- trouble, tumult, oppression, persecution, as in 2:191, 193, 217;

- discord, as in 3:7;

- subterfuge, an answer that amounts to a sedition, and excuse founded on a falsehood, as here.

Other shades of meaning will be noticed as they occur.

Those who blasphemed Allah in imagining false gods will now se the vanity of their imaginations for themselves.

What answer can they give now?

In their perversity they will deny that they ever entertained the notion of false gods.

... وَاللّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ ﴿٢٣﴾

"By Allah, Our Lord, we were not those who joined gods with Allah."

انظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُواْ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٢٤﴾

6: 24. Behold! how they lie against their own souls!

But the (lie) which they invented will leave them in the lurch.

C852. The lies which they used to tell have now "wandered" from the channels which they use to occupy, and left the liars in the lurch. In denying the indubitable fact that they took false gods, they admit the falsity of their notions and thus are practically convicted out of their own mouths.

Pickthall’s Version:

6: 22

Pickthall And on the Day We gather them together We shall say unto those who ascribed partners (unto Allah): Where are (now) those partners of your make believe?

Transliteration Wa yauma nahsyuruhum jami'an summa naqu_lu lillazina asyraku_ aina syuraka_'ukumul lazina kuntum taz'umu_n(a).

6: 23

Yusuf Ali There will then be (left) no subterfuge for them but to say: "By Allah Our Lord we were not those who joined gods with Allah."

Pickthall Then will they have no contention save that they will say: By Allah, our Lord, we never were idolaters.

Transliteration Summa lam takun fitnatuhum illa_ an qa_lu_ walla_hi rabbina_ ma_ kunna_ musyrikin(a).

6: 24

Pickthall See how they lie against themselves, and (how) the thing which they devised hath failed them!

Transliteration Unzur kaifa kazabu_ 'ala_ anfusihim wa dalla 'anhum ma_ ka_nu_ yaftaru_n(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 851 Fitnat has various meanings, from the root idea of "to try , to test, to tempt;" e.g. (1) a trial or temptation, as in ii. 102; (2) trouble, tumult, oppression, persecution, as in ii. 191, 193, 217; (3) discord, as in iii. 7; (4) subterfuge, an answer that amounts to a sedition, and excuse founded on a falsehod, as here. Other shades of meaning wll be noticed as they occur. Those who blasphemed God in imagining false gods will now see the vanity of their imaginations for themselves. What answer can they give now? In their perverisity they will deny that they ever entertained the notion of false gods. (6.23) ]]

[[ Ruby’s note – I think what is emphasized here is sincerity of people’s heart and clarity of thinking. Often a lot of people would pass through this life without seriously thinking whom is the real Creator and Cause. If one passes through this life thinking there are more than one in any sense or on any level, one distorts the truth. If one is praying to the Unseen power, then are they thinking that they are praying to more than one power or if so who else is sharing that power. The entire creation and reality is pointing towards one Unseen creator because of the consistency and pattern. How then one devise this deviation from reason and wisdom? Who else possibly could be sharing this divine system? In essence each one of humans is responsible to figure out this truth through the capacity [‘fitra’] o reason and wisdom God has given him/her. ]]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قُلْ إِنِّي نُهِيتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ...

6: 56. Say: "I am forbidden to worship those, other than Allah, whom ye call upon."

C876. There are a number of arguments now put forward against the Makkans who refused to believe in Allah's Message. Each argument is introduced with the word "Say".

Here are the first four:

1. I have received Light and will follow it;

2. I prefer my Light to your vain desires

3. your challenge -"if there is a God, why does He not finish the blasphemers at once?" - it is not for me to take up; punishment rests with God;

4. if it rested with me, it would be for me to take up your challenge; all I know is that God is not unacquainted with the existence of folly and wickedness, and many other things besides, that no mortal can know; you can see little glimpses of His Plan, and you can be sure that He will not be tardy in calling you to account.

...قُل لاَّ أَتَّبِعُ أَهْوَاءكُمْ قَدْ ضَلَلْتُ إِذًا وَمَا أَنَاْ مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ ﴿٥٦﴾

Say:

"I will not follow your vain desires:

if I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive guidance."

قُلْ إِنِّي عَلَى بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي وَكَذَّبْتُم بِهِ...

6: 57. Say:

"For me, I (work) on a clear Sign from my Lord, but ye reject Him.

...مَا عِندِي مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِ...

What ye would see hastened is not in my power.

C877. What ye would see hastened: what ye, deniers of God, are so impatient about: the punishment which ye mockingly say does not come to you.

Cf. 13:6.

...إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلاَّ لِلّهِ يَقُصُّ الْحَقَّ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْفَاصِلِينَ ﴿٥٧﴾

The Command rests with none but Allah:

He declares the truth, and He is the best of Judges."

Others version:

6: 56 Asad …………….Say: ”I do not follow your errant views – or else I should have gone astray, and should not be among those who have found the right path.”

Pickthall Say: I am forbidden to worship those on whom ye call instead of Allah. Say: I will not follow your desires, for then should I go astray and I should not be of the rightly guided.

Transliteration Qul inni nuhitu an a'budal lazina tad'u_na min du_nilla_h(i),qul la_ attabi'u ahwa_'akum, qad dalaltu izaw wa ma_ ana minal muhtadin(a).

6: 57

Asad “…….He shall declare the truth, since it is He who is the best judge between truth and falsehood.”

Pickthall Say: I am (relying) on clear proof from my Lord, while ye deny Him. I have not that for which ye are impatient. The decision is for Allah only. He telleth the truth and He is the Best of Deciders.

Transliteration Qulinni 'ala_ bayyinatim mir rabbi wa kazzabtum bih(i), ma_ 'indi ma_ tasja'jilu_na bih(i), inil hukmu illa_ lilla_h(i), yaqussul haqqa wa huwa khairul fa_silin(a).

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَادَى كَمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ...

6: 94. "And behold! ye come to Us bare and alone as We created you for the first time:

C916. Some of the various ideas connected with "creation" are noted in n. 120 to 2:117.

In the matter of creation of man there are various processes. If his body was created out of clay, i.e. earthy matter, there was an earlier process of the creation of such earthy matter.

Here the body is left behind, and the soul is being addressed. The soul underwent various processes of fashioning and adapting to its various functions in its various surroundings (32:7-9). But each individual soul, after release from the body, comes back as it was created, with nothing more than it history, "the deeds which it has earned," which are really a part of it. Any exterior things given to help in its development, "the favours which we bestowed on you," it must necessarily leave behind, however it may have been proud of them.

These exterior things may be material things, e.g. wealth, property, signs of power, influence and pride such as sons, relatives, and friends, etc., or they may be intangible things, like talents, intellect, social gifts, etc.

...وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَاكُمْ وَرَاء ظُهُورِكُمْ...

Ye have left behind you all (the favors) which We bestowed on you:

...وَمَا نَرَى مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَاءكُمُ الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَاء...

We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs:

...لَقَد تَّقَطَّعَ بَيْنَكُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنكُم مَّا كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ ﴿٩٤﴾

so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!"

C917. The false ideas of intercessors, demi-gods, gods, saviours, etc., now vanish like unsubstantial visions, "leaving not a wrack behind."

Now the soul is face to face with reality. Its personal responsibility is brought home to it.

Pickthall’s Version:

6: 94

Pickthall Now have ye come unto Us solitary as We did create you at the first, and ye have left behind you all that We bestowed upon you, and We behold not with you those your intercessors, of whom ye claimed that they possessed a share in you. Now is the bond between you severed, and that which ye presumed hath failed you.

Transliteration Wa laqad ji'tumu_na_ fura_da_ kama_ khalaqna_kum awwala marratiw wa taraktum ma_ khawwalna_kum wara_'a zuhu_rikum, wa ma_ nara_ ma'akum syufa'a_'akumul lazina za'amtum annahum fikum syuraka_'(u), laqat taqatta'a bainakum wa dalla'ankum ma_ kuntum taz'umu_n(a).

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَجَعَلُواْ لِلّهِ شُرَكَاء الْجِنَّ وَخَلَقَهُمْ...

6: 100. Yet they make the Jinns equals with Allah, though Allah did create the Jinns;

C929. Jinns: who are they?

In 18:50 we are told that Iblis was one of the Jinns, and it is suggested that that was why he disobeyed the Command of Allah.

But in that passage and other similar passages, we are told that Allah commanded the angels to bow down to Adam, and they obeyed except Iblis. That implies that Iblis had been of the company of angels.

In many passages Jinns and men are spoken of together. In 55:14-15, man is stated to have been created from clay, while Jinns from a flame of fire.

The root meaning of junna, yujannu, is "to be covered or hidden," and janna yajunnu, in the active voice, "to cover or hide," as in 6:76.

- Some people say that jinn therefore means the hidden qualities or capacities in man;

- others that it means wild or jungle folk hidden in the hills or forests.

I do not wish to be dogmatic, but I think, from a collation and study of the Quranic passages, that the meaning is;

- simply "a spirit," or

- an invisible or hidden force.

In folk-lore stories and romances like the Arabian Nights they become personified into fantastic forms, but with them we are not concerned here.

Both the Quran and the Hadith describe the Jinn as a definite species of living beings. They are created out of fire and are like man, may believe or disbelieve, accept or reject guidance. The authoritative Islamic texts show that they are not merely a hidden force, or a spirit. They are personalized beings who enjoy a certain amount of free will and thus will be called to account. (Eds.).

...وَخَرَقُواْ لَهُ بَنِينَ وَبَنَاتٍ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ...

and they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him sons and daughters.

...سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ ﴿١٠٠﴾

Praise and glory be to Him! (for He is) above what they attribute to Him!

بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ...

6: 101. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth:

C930. Cf. n. 120 to 2:117.

...أَنَّى يَكُونُ لَهُ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُ صَاحِبَةٌ...

how can He have a son when He hath no consort?

...وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١٠١﴾

He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.

Others version:

6: 100

Asad And yet, some [people] have come to attribute to all manner of invisible beings [note 86] a place side by side with God – although it is He who has created them [all]; and in their ignorance they have invented of Him sons and daughters [note 87]! Limitless is He in His glory, and sublimely exalted above anything that men may devise by way of definition [note 88]:

Pickthall Yet they ascribe as partners unto Him the jinn, although He did create them, and impute falsely, without knowledge, sons and daughters unto Him. Glorified be He and high exalted above (all) that they ascribe (unto Him).

Transliteration Wa ja'alu_ lilla_hi syuraka_'al jinna wa khalaqahum wa kharaqu_ lahu_ banina wa bana_tim bi gairi'ilm(in), subha_nahu_ wa ta'a_la_ 'amma_ yasifu_n(a).

6: 101

Asad the originator of the heavens and the earth! How could it be that He should have a child without there ever having been a mate for Him – since it is He who has created everything, and He alone know everything?

Pickthall The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things?

Transliteration Badi'us sama_wa_ti wal ard(i), anna_ yaku_nu lahu_ waladuw wa lam takul lahu_ sa_hibah(tun), wa khalaqa kulla syai'(in), wa huwa bikulli syai'in 'alim(un).

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

اتَّبِعْ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ...

6: 106. Follow what thou art taught by inspiration from thy Lord:

...لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿١٠٦﴾

there is no god but He:

and turn aside from those who join gods with Allah.

وَلَوْ شَاء اللّهُ مَا أَشْرَكُواْ...

6: 107. If it had been Allah's Plan, they would not have taken false gods:

C935. Allah's Plan is to use the human will to co-operate in understanding Him and His relations to us. This is the answer to an objector who might say: "If He is All-powered, why does sin or evil exist in the world? Can He not destroy it?"

He can, but His Plan is different, and in any case it is not for a Teacher to force any one to accept the truths which he is inspired to preach and proclaim.

...وَمَا جَعَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا وَمَا أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ ﴿١٠٧﴾

but We made thee not one to watch over their doings,

nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs.

وَلاَ تَسُبُّواْ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ فَيَسُبُّواْ اللّهَ عَدْوًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ...

6: 108. Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance.

...كَذَلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمْ ...

Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings.

C936. A man's actual personal religion depends upon many things,

- his personal psychology,

- the background of his life,

- his hidden or repressed feelings,

- tendencies, or history (which psychoanalysis tries to unravel),

- his hereditary dispositions or antipathies, and

- all the subtle influences of his education and his environment.

The task before the man of Allah is:

1. to use any of these which can subserve the higher ends,

2. to purify such as have been misused,

3. to introduce new ideas and modes of looking at things, and

4. to combat what is wrong and cannot be mended:

all for the purpose of leading to the truth and gradually letting in spiritual light where there was darkness before.

If that is not done with discretion and the skill of a spiritual Teacher, there may be not only a reaction of obstinacy, but an unseemly show of dishonour to the true God and His Truth, and doubts would spread among the weaker brethren whose faith is shallow and infirm.

What happens to individuals is true collectively of nations or groups of people. They think in their self-obsession that their own ideas are right. Allah in His infinite compassion bears with them, and asks those who have purer ideas of faith not to vilify the weaknesses of their neighbors, lest the neighbors in their turn vilify the real truth and make matters even worse than before.

In so far as there is active evil, He will deal with it in His own way. Of course the righteous man must not hide his light under a bushel, or compromise with evil, or refuse to establish right living where he has the power to do so.

...ثُمَّ إِلَى رَبِّهِم مَّرْجِعُهُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٠٨﴾

In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.

وَأَقْسَمُواْ بِاللّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَانِهِمْ لَئِن جَاءتْهُمْ آيَةٌ لَّيُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهَا...

6: 109. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah that if a (special) sign came to them, by it they would believe.

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا الآيَاتُ عِندَ اللّهِ وَمَا يُشْعِرُكُمْ أَنَّهَا إِذَا جَاءتْ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٠٩﴾

Say:

"Certainly (all) signs are in the power of Allah:

but what will make you (Muslims) realize that even if a (special) sign comes, they will not believe."

C937. If the Unbelievers are merely obstinate, nothing will convince them. There is no story more full of miracles than the story of Jesus. Yet in that same story we are told that Jesus said:

"A wicked adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the Prophet Jonas":

Matt, 16:4.

There are Signs given by Allah every day -understood by those who believe. A mere insistence upon some particular or special Sign meant mere contumacy and misunderstanding of the spiritual world.

وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُواْ بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ...

6: 110. We (too) shall turn to (confusion) their hearts and their eyes, even as they refused to believe in the first instance:

C938. Where there is sheer obstinacy and ridicule of faith, the result will be that such a sinner's heart will be hardened and his eyes will be sealed, so that he cannot even see the things visible to ordinary mortals.

The sinner gathers impetus in his descent towards wrong.

...وَنَذَرُهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ ﴿١١٠﴾

We shall leave them in their trespasses, to wander in distraction.

C939. Cf. 2:15.

Allah's grace is always ready to help human weakness or ignorance and to accept repentance and give forgiveness.

But where the sinner is in actual rebellion, he will be given none, and it will be his own fault if he wanders about distractedly, without any certain hope or refuge.

Pickthall’s Version:

6: 106

Asad Follow you what has been revealed unto you by your Sustainer – save whom there is no deity and turn your back upon all who ascribe divinity to aught beside Him.

Pickthall Follow that which is inspired in thee from thy Lord; there is no God save Him; and turn away from the idolaters.

Transliteration Ittabi' ma_ u_hiya ilaika mir rabbik(a), la_ ila_ha illa_ huw(a), wa a'rid 'anil musyrikin(a).

6: 107

Pickthall Had Allah is willed, they had not been idolatrous. We have not set thee as a keeper over them, nor art thou responsible for them.

Transliteration Wa lau sya_'alla_hu ma_ asyraku_, wa ma_ ja'alna_ka'alaihim hafiza_(n), wa ma_ anta 'alaihim bi wakil(in).

6: 108

Pickthall Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do.

Transliteration Wa la_ tasubbul lazina yad'u_na min du_nilla_hi fa yasubbulla_ha 'adwam bi gairi 'ilm(in), kaza_lika zayyanna_ likulli ummatin'amalahum, summa ila_ rabbihim marji'uhum fa yunabbi'uhum bima_ ka_nu_ ya'malu_n(a).

6: 109

Pickthall And they swear a solemn oath by Allah that if there come unto them a portent they will believe therein. Say: Portents are with Allah and (so is) that which telleth you that if such came unto them they would not believe.

Transliteration Wa aqsamu_ billa_hi jahda aima_nihim la'in ja_'athum a_yatul layu'minunna biha_, qul innamal a_ya_tu 'indalla_hi wa ma_ yusy'irukum annaha_ iza_ ja_'at la_ yu'minu_n(a).

6: 110

Pickthall We confound their hearts and their eyes. As they believed not therein at the first, We let them wander blindly on in their contumacy.

Transliteration Wa nuqallibu af'idatahum wa absa_rahum kama_ lam yu'minu_ bihi awwala marratiw wa nazaruhum fi tugya_nihim ya'mahu_n(a).

[[ Ali’s notes:-

935 God's Plan is to use the human will to co-operate in understanding Him and His relations to us. This is the answer to an objector who might say: "If He is All-powered, why does sin or evil exist in the world? Can He not destroy it?" He can, but His Plan is different, and in any case it is not for a Teacher to force any one to accept the truths which he is inspired to preach and proclaim. (6.107)

936 A man's actual personal religion depends upon many things, -his personal psychology, the background of his life, his hidden or repressed feelings, tendencies, or history (which psychoanalysis tries to unravel), his hereditary dispositions or antipathies, and all the subtle influences of his education and his environment. The task before the man of God is: (1) to use any of these which can subserve the higher ends, (2) to purify such as have been misused, (3) to introduce new ideas and modes of looking at things, and (4) to combat what is wrong and cannot be mended: all for the purpose of leading to the truth and gradually letting in spiritual light where there was darkness before. If that is not done with discretion and the skill of a spiritual Teacher, there may be not only a reaction of obstinacy, but an unseemly show of dishonour to the true God and His Truth, and doubts would spread among the weaker brethren whose faith is shallow and infirm. What happens to individuals is true collectively of nations or groups of people. They think in their self-obsession that their own ideas are right. God in His infinite compassion bears with them, and asks those who have purer ideas of faith not to vilify the weaknesses of their neighbours, lest the neighbours in their turn vilify the real truth and make matters even worse than before. In so far as there is active evil, He will deal with it in His own way. Of course the righteous man must not hide his light under a bushel, or compromise with evil, or refuse to establish right living where he has the power to do so. (6.108)

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

if it had been his will, he could indeed have guided you all."

قُلْ هَلُمَّ شُهَدَاءكُمُ الَّذِينَ يَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ اللّهَ حَرَّمَ هَـذَا...

6: 150. Say:

"Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so."

...فَإِن شَهِدُواْ فَلاَ تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ...

If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them:

C974. The Pagan superstitions were of course baseless, and in many cases harmful and debasing. If Allah's name was taken as supporting them, no true man of God could be taken in, or join in support simply because Allah's name was taken in vain.

...وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاء الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا...

nor follow thou the vain desires of such as treat Our Signs as falsehoods,

...وَالَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالآخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ ﴿١٥٠﴾

and such as believe not in the Hereafter:

for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.

C975. Cf. 6:1.

Allah, who created and who cherishes and cares for all, should have the first claim on our attention. Those who set up false gods fail to understand Allah's true governance of their own true destiny.

قُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ...

6: 151. Say:

"Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath (really) prohibited you from":

C976. Instead of following Pagan superstitions, and being in constant terror of imaginary taboos and prohibitions, we should study the true moral law, whose sanction is Allah's Law.

The first step is that we should recognise that He is the One and Only Lord and Cherisher. The mention of goodness to parents immediately afterwards suggests:

- that Allah's love of us and care for us may -on an infinitely higher plane- be understood by our ideal of parental love, which is purely unselfish;

- that our first duty among our fellow creatures is to our father and mother, whose love leads us to the conception of divine love.

Arising from that is the conception of our converse duties to our children. Allah provides sustenance (material and spiritual) not only for us, but for them; hence any custom like the Pagan custom of sacrificing children of Moloch stands condemned.

Then come the moral prohibitions against lewdness and all unseemly acts, relating to sex or otherwise, open or secret. This is followed by the prohibition of killing or fighting.

All these things are conformable to our own interests, and therefore true wisdom from our own point of view.

...أَلاَّ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا ...

- join not anything as equal with Him;

...وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا...

- be good to your parents:

...وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلاَدَكُم مِّنْ إمْلاَقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ...

- kill not your children on a plea of want; -- We provide sustenance for you and for them; --

...وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ...

- come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret;

...وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ...

- take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law:

C977. For the comprehensive word haqq I have used the two words "justice and law"; other significations implied are:

right, truth, what is becoming, etc.

It is not only that human life is sacred, but all life is sacred. Even in killing animals for food, a dedicatory formula "in the name of Allah" has to be employed, to make it lawful:

see 698 to 5:4, and n. 962 to 6:138.

...ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿١٥١﴾

thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.

وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلاَّ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّى يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ...

6: 152. - And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength;

...وَأَوْفُواْ الْكَيْلَ وَالْمِيزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ ...

- give measure and weight with (full) justice;

...لاَ نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا...

no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;

...وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُواْ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَى...

- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned;

...وَبِعَهْدِ اللّهِ أَوْفُواْ...

- and fulfil the Covenant of Allah:

C978. Cf. 5:1, and n. 682.

...ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ ﴿١٥٢﴾

thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.

وَأَنَّ هَـذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ...

6: 153. Verily, this is My Way, leading straight: follow it:

...وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ...

follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) path:

...ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٥٣﴾

thus doth He command you that ye may be righteous.

C979. Note again the triple refrain with variations, in 6:151, 152, and 153.

- In verse 151, we have the moral law, which it is for our own good to follow: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom."

- In verse 152, we have to deal justly and rightly with others; we are apt to thing too much of ourselves and forget others: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may remember."

- In verse 153 our attention is called to the Straight Way, the Way of Allah, the only Way that leads to righteousness: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may be righteous."

Others version:

6: 150

Asad …………..and if they bear witness [falsely], do not bear witness with them; and do not follow the errant views of those who have given the lie to Our messages, and who regard other powers as their Sustainer’s equals!

Pickthall Say: Come, bring your witnesses who can bear witness that Allah forbade (all) this. And if they bear witness, do not thou bear witness with them. Follow thou not the whims of those who deny Our revelations, those who believe not in the Hereafter and deem (others) equal with their Lord.

Transliteration Qul halumma syuhada_'akumul lazina yasyhadu_na annalla_ha harrama ha_za_, fa in syahidu_ fala_ tasyhad ma'ahum, wa la_ tattabi' ahwa_'al lazina kazzabu_ bi a_ya_tina_ wallazina la_ yu'minu_na bil a_khirati wa hum bi rabbihim ya'dilu_n(a).

6: 151

Pickthall Say: Come, I will recite unto you that which your Lord hath made a sacred duty for you: that ye ascribe no thing as partner unto Him and that ye do good to parents, and that ye slay not your children because of penury--We provide for you and for them--and that ye draw not nigh to lewd things whether open or concealed. And that ye slay not the life which Allah hath made sacred, save in the course of justice. This He hath commanded you, in order that ye may discern.

Transliteration Qul ta'a_lau atlu ma_ harrama rabbukum 'alaikum alla_ tusyriku_ bihi syai'aw wa bil wa_lidaini ihsa_na_(n), wa la_ taqtulu_ aul_dakum min imla_q(in), nahnu narzuqukum wa iyya_hum, wa la_ taqrabul fawa_hisya ma_ zahara minha_ wa ma_ batan(a), wa la_ taqtulun nafsal lati harramalla_hu illa_ bil haqq(i), za_likum wassa_kum bihi la'allakum ta'qilu_n(a).

6: 152

Pickthall And approach not the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better; till he reach maturity. Give full measure and full weight, in justice. We task not any soul beyond its scope. And if ye give your word, do justice thereunto, even though it be (against) a kinsman; and fulfil the covenant of Allah. This He commandeth you that haply ye may remember.

Transliteration Wa la_ taqrabu_ ma_lal yatimi illa_ billati hiya ahsanu hatta_ yabluga asyuddah(_),wa auful kaila wal miza_na bil qist(i), la_ nukallifu nafsan illa_ wus'aha_, wa iza_ qultum fa'dilu_ wa lau ka_na za_ qurba_, wa bi'ahdilla_hi aufu_, za_likum wassa_kum bihi la'allakum tazakkaru_n(a).

6: 153

Pickthall And (He commandeth you, saying) : This is My straight path, so follow it Follow not other ways, lest ye be parted from His way: This hath He ordained for you, that ye may ward off (evil).

Transliteration Wa anna ha_za_ sira_ti mutaqiman fattabi'u_h(u), wa la_ tattabi'us subula fa tafarraqa bikum 'an sabilih(i), za_likum wassa_kum bihi la'allakum tattaqu_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note -

[[ Ali’s notes - 976 Instead of following Pagan superstitions, and being in constant terror of imaginary taboos and prohibitions, we should study the true moral law, whose sanction is God's Law. The first step is that we should recognise that He is the One and Only Lord and Cherisher. The mention of goodness to parents immediately afterwards suggests: (1) that God's love of us and care for us may -on an infinitely higher plane- be understood by our ideal of parental love, which is purely unselfish; (2) that our first duty among our fellow creatures is to our father and mother, whose love leads us to the conception of divine love. Arising from that is the conception of our converse duties to our children. God provides sustenance (material and spiritual) not only for us, but for them; hence any custom like the Pagan custom of sacrificing children of Moloch stands condemned. Then come the moral prohibitions against lewdness and all unseemly acts, relating to sex or otherwise, open or secret. This is followed by the prohibition of killing or fighting. All these things are conformable to our own interests, and therefore true wisdom from our own point of view. (6.151)

977 For the comprhensive word haqq I have used the two words "justice and law"; other significations implied are: right, truth, what is becoming, etc. It is not only that human life is sacred, but all life is sacred. Even in killing animals for food, a dedicatory formula "in the name of God" has to be employed, to make it lawful: see n. 698 to v. 5, and n. 962 to vi. 138. (6.151)

978 Cf. v. 1, and n. 682. (6.152)

979 Note again the triple refrain with variations, in vi. 151, 152, and 153. In verse 151, we have the moral law, which it is for our own good to follow: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom." In verse 152, we have to deal justly and rightly with others; we are apt to think too much of ourselves and forget others: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may remember." In verse 153 our attention is called to the Straight Way, the Way of God, the only Way that leads to righteousness: "Thus doth He command you, that ye may be righteous." (6.153) ]]

7.Surah al-Araf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ...

7: 37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects his signs?

...أُوْلَـئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ...

For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book (of decrees);

C1018. It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth.

During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late.

...حَتَّى إِذَا جَاءتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ قَالُواْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ...

until, when Our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they say:

"Where are the things that ye used to invoke besides Allah?"

...قَالُواْ ضَلُّواْ عَنَّا وَشَهِدُواْ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُواْ كَافِرِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾

They will reply, "They have left us in the lurch,"

and they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.

Others version:

7: 37

Asad And who could be more wicked than they who attribute their own lying inventions to God or give the lie to His messages? Whatever has been decreed to be their lot [in life] will be theirs – till there shall come unto them Our messengers to cause them to die,…………….

Pickthall Who doeth greater wrong than he who invent a lie concerning Allah or deny Our tokens. (For such) their appointed portion of the Book (of destiny) reaches them till, when Our messengers come to gather them, they say: Where (now) is that to which ye cried beside Allah? They say: They have departed from us. And they testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

Transliteration Faman azlamu mimmaniftara_'alalla_hi kaziban au kazzaba bi a_ya_tih(i), ula_'ika yana_luhum nasibuhum minal kita_b(i), hatta_ iza_ ja_'athum rusuluna_ yatawaffaunahum, qa_lu_ aina ma_ kuntum tad'u_na min du_nilla_h(i), qa_lu_ dallu_'anna_ wa syahidu_ 'ala_ anfusihim annahum ka_nu_ ka_firin(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 1018 It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth. During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late. (7.37)]]

10. Surah Yunus

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

هُنَالِكَ تَبْلُو كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا أَسْلَفَتْ...   

10: 30.  There will every soul prove (the fruits of) the deeds it sent before:

C1420. Cf. 2:95, where the verb used is qaddama. The verb aslafa, used here, is nearly synonymous.

...وَرُدُّواْ إِلَى اللّهِ مَوْلاَهُمُ الْحَقِّ...

they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord,

...وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾

and their invented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.

C1421. Instead of their false ideas helping them, they will desert them and leave them in the lurch.

Cf. 6:24.

Pickthall’s Version:

10: 30

Pickthall There doth every soul experience that which it did aforetime, and they are returned unto Allah, their rightful Lord, and that which they used to invent hath failed them.

Transliteration Huna_lika tablu_ kullu nafsin ma_ aslafat wa ruddu_ ilalla_hi maula_humul haqqi wa dalla 'anhum ma_ ka_nu_ yaftaru_n(a).

13. Surah ArRa'd

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَفَمَنْ هُوَ قَآئِمٌ عَلَى كُلِّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ...

13: 33.  Is then He Whostandeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it doth, (like any others)?

...وَجَعَلُواْ لِلّهِ شُرَكَاء قُلْ سَمُّوهُمْ...

And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them!

C1851. Cf. 12:40.

'You have but to name your false gods, and you will see that they are nothing but names. There is no reality behind them, whereas Allah is the One great Reality. He penetrates everything through and through and knows all things.

Do you dare to tell aim of something on earth that He does not know?

Or is it just a trick or a show of words?

...أَمْ تُنَبِّئُونَهُ بِمَا لاَ يَعْلَمُ فِي الأَرْضِ أَم بِظَاهِرٍ مِّنَ الْقَوْلِ...

Is it that ye will inform Him of something He knoweth not on earth,

or is it (just) a show of words?"

...بَلْ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مَكْرُهُمْ وَصُدُّواْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ...

Nay! to those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they are kept back (thereby) from the Path:

C1852. All pretences and fancies seem attractive to their inventors, but alas! they are a great obstruction to the Path of Religion and Truth.

However, if by their contumacy, they have cut themselves off from Allah's grace, who can guide them or reclaim them from their errors?

...وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ ﴿٣٣﴾

and those whom Allah leaves to stray, no one can guide.

لَّهُمْ عَذَابٌ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلَعَذَابُ الآخِرَةِ أَشَقُّ...

13: 34.  For them is a Penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the Penalty of the Hereafter;

C1853. The consequences of sin may be felt in this life itself, but they are nothing compared to the final penalties in the life to come.

...وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللّهِ مِن وَاقٍ ﴿٣٤﴾

and defender have they none against Allah.

Pickthall’s Version:

13: 33

Pickthall Is He Who is aware of the deserts of every soul (as he who is aware of nothing)? Yet they ascribe unto Allah partners. Say: Name them. Is it that ye would inform Him of something which He knoweth not in the earth? Or is it but a way of speaking? Nay, but their contrivance is made seeming fair for those who disbelieve and they are kept from the right road. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide.

Transliteration Afaman huwa qa_'imun 'ala_ kulli nafsim bima_ kasabat, wa ja'ala_ lilla_hi syuraka_'(a), qul sammu_hum, am tunabbi'u_nahu_ bima_ la_ ya'lamu fil ardi am bi za_hirim minal qaul(i), bal zuyyina lillazina kafaru_ makruhum wa suddu_ 'anis sabil(i), wa may yudlilillu_hu famu_ laha_ min ha_d(in).

13: 34

Pickthall For them is torment in the life of the world, and verily the doom of the Hereafter is more painful, and they have no defender from Allah.

Transliteration Lahum 'aza_bun fil haya_tid dunya_ wa la'aza_bul a_khirati asyaqq(u), wa ma_ lahum minall_hi miw wa_q(in).

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَالَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ...

13: 36.  Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what hath been revealed unto thee:

C1857. The Book: in a general sense, Revelation.

"Those to whom the Book hath been given" are both;

-        the People of the Book of previous revelations, who study the new Revelation in Arabic without prejudice and find in it confirmation of what their ancestors had received and believed in it, and

-        the Muslims who receive the Quran with such joy.

...وَمِنَ الأَحْزَابِ مَن يُنكِرُ بَعْضَهُ...

but there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof.

C1858. Ahzab (plural of hizb: parties, sects, troops, clans. The reference may be to the clans mentioned in 33:20 and 22 (that whole Surah is called Ahzab).

But we can understand it in a perfectly general sense. Among all sections of the people there are persons who would receive a portion of Allah's truth but reject whatever does not suit them or fall in with their selfish aims or vain desires. The proper answer to them is:

Surely, Allah's command is universal, -to worship and serve Him and refuse to bend the knee to any other; the man of God finds his staff and support in it; but he must invite all to share in its blessings; it came from Allah, and to Allah shall we all return.

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ اللّهَ وَلا أُشْرِكَ بِهِ...

Say:

"I am commanded to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him.

...إِلَيْهِ أَدْعُو وَإِلَيْهِ مَآبِ ﴿٣٦﴾

Unto Him do I call,

and unto Him is my return."

Others version:

13: 36

Pickthall Those unto whom We gave the Scripture rejoice in that which is revealed unto thee. And of the clans there are who deny some of it. Say: I am commanded only that I serve Allah and ascribe unto Him no partner. Unto Him I cry, and unto Him is my return.

Yuksel Those to whom We have previously given the book rejoice at what has been sent down to you, but there are some of the groups that reject parts of it. Say, "I am only ordered to serve God and not to associate any partner with Him. To Him I pray and to Him is the return."

Transliteration Wallazina a_taina_humul kita_ba yafrahu_na bima_ unzila ilaika wa minal ahza_bi may yunkiru ba'dah(u_), qul innama_ umirtu an a'budalla_ha wa la_ usyrika bih(i), ilaihi ad'u_ wa ilaihi ma'a_b(i).

15.Surah Al Hijr

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

فَاصْدَعْ بِمَا تُؤْمَرُ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿٩٤﴾

15: 94.  Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded, and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.

إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ ﴿٩٥﴾

15: 95.  For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff --

C2016. If the whole world is ranged against the Prophet of Allah, as was -at one time the case with the Prophet, and scoffs at all that is sacred, the sense of Allah's presence and protection outweighs all.

And after all, the scoffers are creatures of a day. Soon will they find their level, and be undeceived as to all their falsehoods. But the Truth of Allah endures forever. (R).

الَّذِينَ يَجْعَلُونَ مَعَ اللّهِ إِلـهًا آخَرَ فَسَوْفَ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٩٦﴾

15: 96.  Those who adopt, with Allah, another god: but soon will they come to know.

Pickthall’s Version:

15: 94

Pickthall So proclaim that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters.

Transliteration Fa-sda' bima_ tu'maru wa a'rid nanil musyrikin(a).

15: 95

Pickthall Lo! We defend thee from the scoffers,

Transliteration Inna_ kafaina_kal mustahzi'in(a),

15: 96

Asad who assert that there are, side by side with God, other divine powers as well: for in time they will come to know [the truth].

Pickthall Who set some other god along with Allah. But they will come to know.

Transliteration Allazina yaj'alu_na ma'alla_hi ila_han a_khar(a), fa saufa ya'lamu_n(a).

[ Asad note 69: Lit., “Who postulate (yaj alun), side by side with God, another deity (ilah)” – a term which is obviously used here in its generic sense, embracing anything that could be visualized as a “divine power”: hence my use of the plural

19. Surah Maryam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَاتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ آلِهَةً لِّيَكُونُوا لَهُمْ عِزًّا ﴿٨١﴾

19: 81.  And they have taken (for worship) gods other than Allah, to give them power and glory!

C2525. 'Izz: exalted rank, glory, power, might, the ability to impose one's will or to carry out one's will.

كَلَّا سَيَكْفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضِدًّا ﴿٨٢﴾

19: 82.  Instead, they shall reject their worship, and become adversaries against them.

C2526. Cf. 10:28-30, where the idols deny that they knew anything of their worship, and leave their worshippers in the lurch;

and 5:119, where Jesus denies that he asked for worship, and leaves his false worshippers to the punishment of Allah.

Others version:

19: 81

Asad For [such as] these have taken to worshipping deities other than God, hoping that they would be a [source of] strength for them.

Pickthall And they have chosen (other) gods beside Allah that they may be a power for them.

Transliteration Wat takhadzu_ min du_nil la_hi a_lihatal liyaku_nu_ lahum iz za_

19: 82

Pickthall Nay, but they will deny their worship of them, and become opponents unto them

Seest thou not that We have set the devils on the disbelievers to confound them with confusion?

Transliteration Kal la_ sayakfuru_na bi'iba_datihim wa yaku_nu_na 'alaihim dhid da_

14. Surah Ibrahim

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ بَدَّلُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ كُفْرًا وَأَحَلُّواْ قَوْمَهُمْ دَارَ الْبَوَارِ ﴿٢٨﴾

14: 28.  Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have changed the favor of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition? --

C1904. There is a particular and a general meaning.

-        The particular meaning is understood to be a reference to the Makkan Pagans who turned the House of Allah into a place for the worship of horrible idols and the practice of unseemly rites and cults.

There is no real difficulty in accepting this as part of a late Makkan Surah even without supposing it to be a prophecy.

The Makkan Pagans had turned Religion into a blasphemous superstition, and were misguiding their people, persecuting the true Messenger of Allah and all who followed his teaching. Their cup of iniquity seemed about full, and they seemed to be heading to perdition, as later events indeed showed to be the case.

-        The general meaning is also clear. Selfish men, when they seize power, want worship for themselves or their Phantasies, in derogation of the true God. Power, which should have been an instrument of good, becomes in their hands an instrument of evil. They and their people rush headlong to perdition. "These be thy gods, 0 Israel!" has been a cry repeated again and again in history, in the face, or at the back, of men of God!

جَهَنَّمَ يَصْلَوْنَهَا وَبِئْسَ الْقَرَارُ ﴿٢٩﴾

14: 29.  Into Hell?

They will burn therein -- an evil place to stay in!

وَجَعَلُواْ لِلّهِ أَندَادًا لِّيُضِلُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ...   

14: 30.  And they set up (idols) as equal to Allah, to mislead (men) from the Path!

...قُلْ تَمَتَّعُواْ فَإِنَّ مَصِيرَكُمْ إِلَى النَّارِ ﴿٣٠﴾

Say:

"Enjoy (your brief power)! But verily ye are making straightway for Hell!"

Others version:

14: 28

Pickthall Hast thou not seen those who gave the grace of Allah in exchange for thanklessness and led their people down to the Abode of Loss,

Yuksel Did you not see those who replaced God's blessings with rejection, and they caused their people to dwell in the abode of destruction?