Glad tiding [busyra], guidance [hudaw], warning [naziraw], mercy [rahmatal]

6. Sura al-Anam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قُلْ أَيُّ شَيْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَادةً...

6:19. Say: "What thing is most weighty in evidence?"

...قُلِ اللّهِ شَهِيدٌ بِيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ ...

Say: "Allah is Witness between me and you:

...وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لأُنذِرَكُم بِهِ وَمَن بَلَغَ...

this Qur'án hath been revealed to me by inspiration that I may warn you and all whom it reaches.

...أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ اللّهِ آلِهَةً أُخْرَى...

Can ye possibly bear witness that besides Allah there is another god?"

...قُل لاَّ أَشْهَدُ...

Say: "Nay! I cannot bear witness!"

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِي بَرِيءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ ﴿١٩﴾

Say: "But in truth He is the One Allah, and I truly am innocent of (your blasphemy of) joining others with Him.

Other versions:

6: 19

Asad Say:”What could most weightily bear witness to the truth?” Say: “God is witness between me and you; and this Quran has been revealed unto me so that on the strength thereof I might warn you and all whom it may reach.”……………

Pickthall Say (O Muhammad) : What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is witness between you and me. And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me, that I may warn therewith you and whomsoever it may reach. Do ye in truth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah? Say: I bear no such witness. Say: He is only One God. Lo! I am innocent of that which ye associate (with Him).

Transliteration Qul ayyu syai'in akbaru syaha_dah(tan), qulilla_h(u), syahidum baini wa bainakum, wa u_hiya ilayya ha_zal qur'a_nu li unzirakum bihi wa mam balag(a), a'innakum latasyhadu_na anna ma'alla_hi a_lihatan ukhra_, qul la_ asyhad(u), qul innama_ huwa ila_huw wa_hiduw wa innani bari'um mimma_ tusyriku_n(a).

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7. Sura al-Araf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

كِتَابٌ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ فَلاَ يَكُن فِي صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِّنْهُ لِتُنذِرَ بِهِ...

7:2. A Book revealed unto thee, so let thy heart be oppressed no more by any difficulty on that account, that with it thou mightest warn (the erring)

C990. Heart: in the original, breast. I have used the word most appropriate to the English idiom.

The meaning is that Al-Mustafa is consoled for all the difficulties which he encountered in his mission, with the fact that he had clear guidance in the Book for his preaching.

...وَذِكْرَى لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٢﴾

and teach the believers.

الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُواْ دِينَهُمْ لَهْوًا وَلَعِبًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا...

7:51. "Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world."

...فَالْيَوْمَ نَنسَاهُمْ كَمَا نَسُواْ لِقَاء يَوْمِهِمْ هَـذَا...

That day shall We forget them as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs,

C1029. "Forgetfulness" may be involuntary, from a defect of memory, or figuratively, a deliberate turning away from, or ignoring of, something we do not want, as when we say in an argument, "you conveniently forget that so- and-so is so-and-so." Here the latter kind is meant.

If men deliberately ignored the Hereafter in spite of warnings, can they expect to be received by Allah, Whom they themselves rejected?

...وَمَا كَانُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ ﴿٥١﴾

and as they were wont to reject Our signs.

وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَاهُم بِكِتَابٍ فَصَّلْنَاهُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ...

7:52. For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail,

...هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿٥٢﴾

a guide and a mercy to all who believe.

Other versions:

7: 2

Asad A divine writ has been bestowed from on high upon you – and let there be no doubt about this in your heart – in order that you may warn [the erring] thereby, and [thus] admonish the believers [note 2]:

Pickthall (It is) a Scripture that is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) so let there be no heaviness in thy heart there from that thou may warn thereby, and (it is) a Reminder unto believers.

Transliteration Kita_bun unzila ilaika fala_ yakun fi sadrika harajum minhu litunzira bihi wa zikra_ lil mu'minin(a).

[[ Asad’s note 2 – The expression “haraj” (lit., “straitness” or “tightness”) is often idiomatically to denote “doubt”: and this is……..the meaning of the term here………….Both the warning and the admonition are summarized in the sequence.]]

7: 51

Pickthall Who took their religion for a sport and pastime, and whom the life of the world beguiled. So this day We have forgotten them even as they forgot the meeting of this Day and as they used to deny Our tokens.

Transliteration Allazinattakhazu_ dinahum lahwaw wa la'ibaw wa garrathumul haya_tud dunya_, fal yauma nansa_hum kama_ nasu_ liqa_'a yaumihim ha_za_, wa ma_ ka_nu_ bi a_ya_tina_ yajhadu_n(a).

7: 52

Pickthall Verily We have brought them a Scripture which We expound with knowledge, a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe.

Transliteration Wa laqad ji'na_kum bi kita_bin fassalna_hu 'ala_ 'ilmin hudaw wa rahmatal liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).

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God's Grace and Mercy

10. Surah Yunus

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلا إِنَّ لِلّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ...   

10:55.  Is it not (the case) that to Allah belongeth whatever is in the heavens and on earth?

...أَلاَ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللّهِ حَقٌّ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٥٥﴾

Is it not (the case) that Allah's promise is assuredly true?

Yet most of them understand not.

هُوَ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ﴿٥٦﴾

10:56.  Is it He Who giveth life and who taketh it, and to Him shall ye all be brought back.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاء لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ...   

10:57.  O mankind!

there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts --

C1446. Those who do wrong have a disease in their hearts, which will cause their spiritual death.

Allah in His Mercy declares His Will to them, which should direct their lives and provide a healing for their spiritual disease. If they accept Faith, the remedy acts; they find themselves in right guidance and receive Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Surely those are far better gifts than material advantages, wealth, or possessions.

...وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٥٧﴾

and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy.

قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُواْ...   

10:58.  Say:

"In the Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy -- in that let them rejoice":

...هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ ﴿٥٨﴾

that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.

قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ لَكُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ...   

10:59.  Say:

"See ye what things Allah hath sent down to you for sustenance?

C1447. "Sustenance" is to be taken in both the literal and the metaphorical sense.

-        In the literal sense, what fine and varied things Allah has provided for us on land and in sea and air, in the vegetable, animal, and mineral kingdoms? Yet narrow minds put artificial barriers against their use.

-        In the metaphorical sense, what enchanting fields of knowledge and spiritual endeavour are provided in our individual and social lives?

And who is to say that some are lawful and others forbidden?

Supposing they were so in special circumstances, it is not right to attribute artificial restrictions of that kind to Allah and falsely erect religious sanctions against them.

...فَجَعَلْتُم مِّنْهُ حَرَامًا وَحَلاَلاً...

Yet ye hold forbidden some things thereof and (some things) lawful."

...قُلْ آللّهُ أَذِنَ لَكُمْ أَمْ عَلَى اللّهِ تَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾

Say:

"Hath Allah indeed permitted you, or do ye invent (things) to attribute to Allah?"

Asad’s Version:

10:55 To God is what is in the heavens and the earth. God's promise is true, but most of them do not know.

10:56 He causes life, and He causes death, and to Him you will return.

10:57 10:58

10:59 Say, "Have you seen what God has sent down to you from provisions, then you made some of it forbidden and some lawful?" Say,

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10. Surah Yunus

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلا إِنَّ لِلّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ...   

هُوَ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ﴿٥٦﴾

10:56.  Is it He Who giveth life and who taketh it, and to Him shall ye all be brought back.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاء لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ...   

10:57.  O mankind!

there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts --

C1446. Those who do wrong have a disease in their hearts, which will cause their spiritual death.

Allah in His Mercy declares His Will to them, which should direct their lives and provide a healing for their spiritual disease. If they accept Faith, the remedy acts; they find themselves in right guidance and receive Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Surely those are far better gifts than material advantages, wealth, or possessions.

...وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٥٧﴾

and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy.

قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُواْ...   

10:58.  Say:

"In the Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy -- in that let them rejoice":

...هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ ﴿٥٨﴾

that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.

قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ لَكُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ...   

10:59.  Say:

"See ye what things Allah hath sent down to you for sustenance?

C1447. "Sustenance" is to be taken in both the literal and the metaphorical sense.

-        In the literal sense, what fine and varied things Allah has provided for us on land and in sea and air, in the vegetable, animal, and mineral kingdoms? Yet narrow minds put artificial barriers against their use.

-        In the metaphorical sense, what enchanting fields of knowledge and spiritual endeavour are provided in our individual and social lives?

And who is to say that some are lawful and others forbidden?

Supposing they were so in special circumstances, it is not right to attribute artificial restrictions of that kind to Allah and falsely erect religious sanctions against them.

...فَجَعَلْتُم مِّنْهُ حَرَامًا وَحَلاَلاً...

Yet ye hold forbidden some things thereof and (some things) lawful."

...قُلْ آللّهُ أَذِنَ لَكُمْ أَمْ عَلَى اللّهِ تَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾

Say:

"Hath Allah indeed permitted you, or do ye invent (things) to attribute to Allah?"

وَمَا ظَنُّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ...   

10:60.  And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day of Judgment?

C1448. People who lie in Religion or invent false gods, or false worship,-have they any idea of the Day of Judgment, when they will be called to account, and will have to answer for their deeds?

...إِنَّ اللّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لاَ يَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٦٠﴾

Verily Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

C1449. Allah is most kind, and gracious, and generous with His gifts of all kinds, material and spiritual. But men do not understand, and are ungrateful in forgetting the Giver of all and setting up false objects of worship and false standards of pride.

Other versions:

10: 56

Pickthall He quickeneth and giveth death, and unto Him ye will be returned.

Transliteration Huwa yuhyi wa yumitu wa ilaihi turja'u_n(a).

10: 57

Pickthall O mankind! There hath come unto you an exhortation from your Lord, a balm for that which is in the breasts, a guidance and a mercy for believers.

Yuksel O people, advice has come to you from your Lord and a remedy for what is in the chests, and a guidance and mercy for those who acknowledge.*

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhan na_su qad ja_'atkum mau'izatum mir rabbikum wa syifa_'ul lima_ fis sudu_r(i), wa hudaw wa rahmatul lil mu'minin(a).

10: 58

Pickthall Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy: therein let them rejoice. It is better than what they hoard.

Yuksel Say, "By God's grace and His mercy." For that let them rejoice, that is better than all that they gather.

Transliteration Qul bi fadlilla_hi wa bi rahmatihi fa biza_lika falyafrahu_, huwa khairum mimma_ yajma'u_n(a).

10: 59

Pickthall Say: Have ye considered what provision Allah hath sent down for you, how ye have made of it lawful and unlawful? Say: Hath Allah permitted you, or do ye invent a lie concerning Allah?

Transliteration Qul ara'aitum ma_ anzalalla_hu lakum mir rizqin fa ja'altum minhu hara_maw wa hala_la_(n), qul a_lla_hu azina lakum am 'alalla_hi taftaru_n(a).

10: 60

Pickthall And what think those who invent a lie concerning Allah (will be their plight) upon the Day of Resurrection? Lo! Allah truly is Bountiful toward mankind, but most of them give not thanks.

Transliteration Wa ma_ zannul lazina yaftaru_na 'alalla_hil kaziba yaumal qiya_mah(ti), innalla_ha lazu_ fadlin 'alan na_si wa la_kinna aksarahum la_ yasykuru_n(a).

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11. Surah Hud

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

الَر...   

11:1.     Alif Lam Ra.

C1492. For these mystic letters, see Introduction to Surah 10.

...كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ...

(This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) --

C1493. See n. 347 to 3:7.

Every basic principle is included in Allah's Revelation, and it is further illustrated and explained in detail.

...ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ ﴿١﴾

further explained in detail -- from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things):

أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ اللّهَ...   

11:2.     (It teacheth) that ye should worship none but Allah.

...إِنَّنِي لَكُم مِّنْهُ نَذِيرٌ وَبَشِيرٌ ﴿٢﴾

(Say:) "Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:

C1494. Al-Mustafa's Message-as was the Message of all apostles-was to warn against evil, and to bring the glad tidings of Allah's Mercy and Grace to all who would receive it in Faith and trust in Allah.

This double Message is preached illustratively in this Surah.

Other versions:

11: 1

Pickthall Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are perfected and then expounded. (It cometh ) from One Wise, Informed,

Yuksel A1L30R200. A book whose signs have been ascertained, then detailed, from One who is Wise, Ever-aware.*

Transliteration Alif La_m Ra_, kita_bun uhkimat a_ya_tuhu_ summa fussilat mil ladun hakimin khabir(in).

11: 2

Pickthall (Saying): Serve none but Allah. Lo! I am Unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings.

Yuksel "That you shall serve none other than God. I am to you from Him a warner and a bearer of good news."

Transliteration Alla_ ta'budu_ illalla_h(a), innani lakum minhu naziruw wa basyir(uw),-

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12. Yusuf (Joseph)

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُوْلِي الأَلْبَابِ...   

12:111. There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding.

C1796. Their stories, i.e., the stories of Prophets or of the wicked; for the two threads inter-twine, as in Joseph's story.

...مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَى وَلَـكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ...

It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it --

C1797. A story like that of Joseph is not a purely imaginary fable. The People of the Book have it in their sacred literature. It is confirmed here in its main outline, but here there is a detailed spiritual exposition that will be found nowhere in earlier literature.

The exposition covers all sides of human life. If properly understood it gives valuable lessons to guide our conduct,-an instance of Allah's grace and mercy to people who will go to Him in faith and put their affairs in His hands.

...وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١١١﴾  

a detailed exposition of all things, and a Guide and a Mercy to any such as believe.

Other versions:

12: 111

Asad Indeed, in the stories of these men there is a lesson for those who are endowed with insight. [As for this revelation ] it could not possibly be a discourse invented: nay indeed, it is confirming the truth whatever there still remains, clearly spelling out everything, and guidance and grace unto people who will believe.

Pickthall In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.

Yuksel [The Quran is not a Fabricated Hadith]

In their stories is a lesson for the people of intelligence. It is not a hadith that was invented, but an authentication of what is already present, a detailing of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who acknowledge.*

Transliteration Laqad ka_na fi qasasihim 'ibratul li'ulil alba_b(i), ma_ ka_na hadisay yuftara_ wa la_kin tasdiqal lazi baina yadaihi wa tafsila kulli syai'iw wa hudaw wa rahmatal liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).

Yuksel’s note:-

012:111 In this verse, God the Most Wise, rejects both the "hadith" and the basic excuse for accepting it as a source of Islam. No excuse is accepted from the followers of hadith in this world, nor on the Day of Judgment. The followers of fabricated hadiths claim that the Quran is not sufficiently detailed! They thus reject God's repeated assertion that the Quran is "complete, perfect, and sufficiently detailed" (6:19,38,114), and thereby justify the creation of 60 volumes of hadith, and a library full of contradictory teachings that are supposed to complete the Quran. By reflecting on 12:111 above, one can see God's answer to those fabricators and their followers. God informs us that we do not need fabricated hadith; that the Quran as a sufficiently detailed guide, is all we need. The Quran is the only "ahsan al-hadith" (best statement) to ]]

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14. Surah Ibrahim

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

سَرَابِيلُهُم ...

14:50.  Their garments

C1927. Sirbal,- plural, Sarabil,- a garment or coat of mail, breast plate;

something covering the most vital parts of the body; like the shirt or the Indian kurta.

... مِّن قَطِرَانٍ وَتَغْشَى وُجُوهَهُمْ النَّارُ ﴿٥٠﴾

of liquid pitch, and their faces covered with Fire;

C1928. Qatiran: black pitch, a resinous substance exuding from certain kinds of trees like the terebinth or the pines, or distilled from wood or coal.

It catches fire readily. Issuing from the upper garments (Sartabil) the flames soon cover the face, the most expressive part of man's essence or being.

The metaphor of fetters (n. 1926) is now changed to that of pitch, which darkens and sets on fire the soul of man.

لِيَجْزِي اللّهُ كُلَّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ...   

14:51.  That Allah may requite each soul according to its deserts;

C1929. Its deserts: i.e., according to what it earned by its own acts, good or evil, in its life of probation.

...إِنَّ اللّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ ﴿٥١﴾

and verily Allah is Swift in calling account.

C1930. Swift in calling to account: We can understand this in two significations.

1.      Let not the wicked think that because Allah, out of His infinite grace and mercy, grants respite, therefore the retribution will be slow in coming.

When the time comes in accordance with Allah's Plan and Wisdom, the retribution will come so swiftly that the ungodly will be surprised and they will wish they could get more respite (14:44).

2.     On the great Day of Reckoning, let it not be supposed that, because there will be millions of souls to be judged, there will be any delay in judgment as in a human tribunal.

It will be a new world and beyond the flight of Time. Or

if a metaphor from time as we conceive it in this world can be taken, it will all be as it were in the twinkling of an eye (16:77).

هَـذَا بَلاَغٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنذَرُواْ بِهِ...   

14:52.  Here is a Message for mankind: let them take warning therefrom,

...وَلِيَعْلَمُواْ أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ...

and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allah:

C1931. Here is another aspect of the Truth of Unity. Allah being One, all justice is of one standard, for Truth is one, and we see it as one as soon as the scales of phenomenal diversity fall from our eyes. The one true Reality then emerges.

Blessed are those who treasured this Truth in their souls already in their life of probation.

...وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُوْلُواْ الأَلْبَابِ ﴿٥٢﴾

let men of understanding take heed.

Pickthall’s Version:

14: 50

Pickthall Their raiment of pitch, and the Fire covering their faces.

Transliteration Sara_biluhum min qatira_niw wa tagsya_ wuju_hahumun na_r(u),

14: 51

Pickthall That Allah may repay each soul what it hath earned. Lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.

Transliteration Liyajziyalla_hu kulla nafsim ma_ kasabat, innalla_ha sari'ul hisa_b(i).

14: 52

Pickthall This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that men of understanding may take heed.

Transliteration Ha_za_ bala_gul lin na_si wa liyunzaru_ bihi wa liya'lamu_ annama_ huwa ila_huw wa_hiduw wa liyazzakkara ulul alba_b(i).

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15. Surah Al Hijr

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَقُلْ إِنِّي أَنَا النَّذِيرُ الْمُبِينُ ﴿٨٩﴾

15:89.  And say: "I am indeed he that warneth openly and without ambiguity" --

C2012. In the ministry of Al-Mustafa there was no mincing of matters, no compromises with evil. Evil was denounced in unambiguous terms.

Mubin implies both openness and clearness, i.e. freedom from ambiguity.

Other versions:

15: 89

Pickthall And say: Lo! I, even I, am a plain warner,

Yuksel Say, "I am a manifest warner."

Transliteration Wa qul inni anan nazirul mubin(u)

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16. Sura al-Nahl

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ إِلاَّ لِتُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ الَّذِي اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ...   

16:64.  And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ,

C2091. But the path of duty before Allah's Messenger is clear. He is sent with the Revelation (the Quran) for three express purposes;

1.     that he should bring about unity among the jarring sects, for the Gospel of Unity, while preaching the One True God, leads also to the unity of mankind;

2.     that the revelation should be a guide to right conduct; and

3.     that it should show the path of repentance and Salvation, and thus be the highest mercy to erring sinners.

... وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿٦٤﴾

and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.

وَاللّهُ أَنزَلَ مِنَ الْسَّمَاء مَاء فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا...   

16:65.  And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death:

... إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ ﴿٦٥﴾

verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.

C2092. When the earth with all its vegetation is well-nigh dead, parched and shriveled up, a vivifying shower of rain from above gives it new life.

This natural phenomenon is a sign of Allah's infinite power, especially of His power to resurrect the dead, and thereafter muster them for judgment. [Eds.]

وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْهِم مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ...   

16:89.  One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves:

C2126. To the thought expressed in 16:84 above, is added another detail here.

Not only will there be witnesses from Peoples, but the witnesses will be men from amongst the Peoples themselves, men of their own kith and kin, who understood them and explained Allah's Message in their own language.

The Prophet Muhammad will be witness against all those who rejected the Message he brought.

For those who believe in him of (all races and peoples), the Book which he brought will be an explanation, a guide, a mercy and a Gospel. (R).

... وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَى هَـؤُلاء... 

and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people):

... وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ... 

and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things,

... وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ ﴿٨٩﴾

a guide a Mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.

وَإِذَا بَدَّلْنَا آيَةً مَّكَانَ آيَةٍ وَاللّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يُنَزِّلُ...   

16:101. When We substitute one revelation for another, and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages),

C2140. See 2:106, and n. 107.

The doctrine of progressive revelation from age to age and time to time does not mean that Allah's fundamental Law changes.

It is not fair to charge a Prophet of Allah with forgery because the Message as revealed to him is in a different form from that revealed before, when the core of the Truth is the same, for it comes from Allah.

... قَالُواْ إِنَّمَا أَنتَ مُفْتَرٍ... 

they say, "Thou art but a forger":

... بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٠١﴾

but most of them understand not.

قُلْ نَزَّلَهُ رُوحُ الْقُدُسِ مِن رَّبِّكَ بِالْحَقِّ...   

16:102. Say,

the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in truth,

C2141. The title of the Angel Gabriel, through whom the revelations came down.

... لِيُثَبِّتَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ...

in order to strengthen those who believe,

C2142. The People of the Book, if they had true faith, were themselves strengthened in their faith and cleared of their doubts and difficulties by the revelations brought by Al-Mustafa; and all whether People of the Book or not -who came within the fold of Islam, found the Quran a Guide and a Gospel, i.e., a substitute for the Mosaic Law and for the Christian Gospel, which had both been corrupted.

... وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ ﴿١٠٢﴾ 

and as a guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.

Pickthall’s Version:

16: 64

Pickthall And we have revealed the Scripture unto thee only that thou mayst explain unto them that wherein they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe.

Transliteration Wa ma_ anzalna_ 'alaikal kita_ba illu_ litubayyina lahumul lazi-khtalafu_ fih(i), wa hudaw wa rahmatal liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).

16: 65

Pickthall Allah sendeth down water from the sky and therewith revives the earth after her death! Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a folk who hear.

Transliteration Walla_hu anzala minas sama_'i ma_'an fa ahya_ bihil arda ba'da mautiha_, inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liqaumiy yasma'u_n(a).

16: 89

Pickthall And (bethink you of) the day when We raise in every nation a witness against them of their own folk, and We bring thee (Muhammad) as a witness against these. And We reveal the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of all things, and a guidance and a mercy and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).

Yuksel The day We send to every nation a witness against them from themselves, and We have brought you as a witness against these. We have sent down to you the book as a clarification for all things, a guide, mercy and good tidings for those who have peacefully surrendered.*

Transliteration Wa yauma nab'asu fi kulli ummatin syahidan 'alaihim min anfusihim wa ji'na_ bika syahidan 'ala_ ha_'ula_'(i), wa nazzalna_ 'alaikal kita_ba tibya_nal likulli syai'iw wa hudaw wa rahmataw wa busyra_ lil muslimin(a).

16: 101

Pickthall And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation,--and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth--they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.

Yuksel If We exchange a sign in place of another sign; and God is more aware of what He is revealing; they say, "You are making this up!" Alas, most of them do not know.

Transliteration Wa iza_ baddalna_ a_yatam maka_na a_yah(tin), walla_hu a'lamu bima_ yunazzilu qa_lu_ innama_ anta muftar(in), bal aksaruhum la_ ya'lamu_n(a).

16: 102

Pickthall Say: The holy Spirit hath revealed it from thy Lord with truth, that it may confirm (the faith of) those who believe, and as guidance and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).

Yuksel 16:102 Say, "The Holy Spirit has sent it down from your Lord with truth, so that those who acknowledge will be strengthened, and as a guidance and good news for those who have peacefully surrendered."

Transliteration Qul nazzalahu_ ru_hul qudusi mir rabbika bil haqqi liyusabbital lazina a_manu_ wa hudaw wa busyra_ lil muslimin(a).

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17.Surah Al Isra

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنَ يِهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ...   

17:9.     Verily this Qur'án doth guide to that which is most right (or stable),

C2183. The instability and crookedness of the Jewish soul having been mentioned, the healing balm which should have cured it is now pointed out.

The Message of the Quran is for all.

-        Those who have Faith and show that Faith in their conduct must reap their spiritual reward.

-        But those who reject Faith cannot escape punishment.

Apart from what is past, apart from questions of national or racial history, there is a Hope, -and a Danger- for every soul.

...وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا ﴿٩﴾

and giveth the glad tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward;

وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ...   

17:105. We sent down the (Qur'án) in Truth, and in Truth has it descended:

C2315. The Quran was sent down by Allah in Truth: it was not forged by any mortal.

It has descended in Truth: it was not and has not been falsified or corrupted in the process of being communicated to mankind.

...وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلاَّ مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿١٠٥﴾

and We sent thee but to give Glad Tidings and to warn (sinners).

C2316. The part of the Prophet was that of a Messenger: he was not responsible if the ungodly rejected it. He fulfilled his mission in promulgating and explaining it and leaving it as a legacy to the world.

Other versions:

17: 9

Pickthall Lo! this Quran guideth unto that which is straightest, and giveth tidings unto the believers who do good works that theirs will be a great reward.

Yuksel 17:9 This Quran guides to what is more upright, and it gives glad tidings to those who acknowledge, those who do good work that they will have a great reward.

Transliteration Inna ha_zal qur'a_na yahdi lil lati hiya aqwamu wa yubasysyirul mu'mininal lazina ya'malu_nas sa_liha_ti anna lahum ajran kabira_(w),

17: 105

Pickthall With truth have We sent it down, and with truth hath it descended. And We have sent thee as naught else save a bearer of good tidings and a warner.

Transliteration Wa bil haqqi anzalna_hu wa bil haqqi nazal(a), wa ma_ arsalna_ka illa_ mubasysyiraw wa nazira_(n).

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18. Surah Al Kahf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ...

18:1.     Praise be to Allah,

C2325. See n. 2324 to 17:111.

The theme of the last Surah, that Allah is good and worthy of all praise from His creatures, to whom He has granted a clear revelation, is continued in this Surah. The spirit of man makes gradual progress upwards, through the grace and mercy of Allah.

... الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَى عَبْدِهِ الْكِتَابَ وَلَمْ يَجْعَل لَّهُ عِوَجَا ﴿١﴾

Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:

C2326. Some people's idea of a Sacred Book is that it should be full of mysteries-dark corners, ambiguous expressions, words so far removed from human speech that they cover anything or nothing.

Pagan oracles were couched in language which suggested one meaning to the hearer and claimed to have the very opposite meaning in the light of events which actually happened subsequently. They were distinctly crooked, not straight.

In the next verse the word "Straight" (qaiyim) is used to characterize the Quran, in contrast to this word "crooked" ('iwaj).

See also 19:36, n. 2488.

قَيِّمًا لِّيُنذِرَ بَأْسًا شَدِيدًا مِن لَّدُنْهُ...   

18:2.     (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him,

C2327. Qayyim:

-         straight, that which has no bends and no corners to mystify people,

-         that which speaks clearly and unambiguously,

-         that which guides to the right path.

Cf. 9:36, where the adjective is used for a straight usage, in contrast to usages, which tend to mystify and deceive people.

The Quran is above all things straight, clear, and perspicuous. Its directions are plain for everyone to understand.

Any book that deals with the highest mysteries of spiritual life must necessarily have portions whose full meaning is clearer to some minds than to others not so well prepared. But here there is nowhere any mystification, any desire to wrap up things in dark sayings repugnant to human reason. Allah's purpose is to give clear warning of spiritual dangers and lead up to the highest bliss.

... وَيُبَشِّرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا حَسَنًا ﴿٢﴾

and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward.

مَاكِثِينَ فِيهِ أَبَدًا ﴿٣﴾

18:3.     Wherein they shall remain forever:

C2328. Cf. 4:122, 43:71, 65:11, 98:8.

وَمَا نُرْسِلُ الْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ...   

18:56.  We only send the Messengers to give glad tidings and to give warnings:

C2400. The Prophets of Allah are not sent to humour us with dialectics or satisfy the vulgar curiosity for miracles or dark unusual things.

There is no "crookedness" (18:1) in their preaching. They come to preach the Truth, -not in an abstract way, but with special reference to our conduct.

They give us the good news of salvation lest we despair in the presence of Sin, and to warn us clearly of the dangers of Evil. Vain controversies about words only weaken their mission, or turn it into ridicule.

The ungodly have a trick also of treating the earnest preaching to them itself as a jest and ridiculing it. (R).

... وَيُجَادِلُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِالْبَاطِلِ لِيُدْحِضُوا بِهِ الْحَقَّ... 

but the Unbelievers dispute with vain argument, in order therewith to weaken the truth,

... وَاتَّخَذُوا آيَاتِي وَمَا أُنذِرُوا هُزُوًا ﴿٥٦﴾

and they treat My Signs as a jest, as also the fact that they are warned!

Other versions:

18: 1

Pickthall Praise be to Allah Who hath revealed the Scripture unto His slave, and hath not placed therein any crookedness,

Yuksel Praise be to God who sent down the book to His servant, and He did not allow any flaw in it.

Transliteration Al hamdu lilla_hil lazi anzala 'ala_ 'abdihil kita_ba wa lam yaj'al lahu_ 'iwaja_(n).

18: 2

Asad [a divine writ] unerringly straight, meant to warn [the godless] of a severe punishment from Him, and to give unto the believers who do good works the glad tiding that their s shall be a goodly reward

Pickthall (But hath made it) straight, to give warning of stern punishment from Him, and to bring unto the believers who do good works the news that theirs will be a fair reward,

Yuksel Straightforward; giving warning of the severe punishment from Him; and it gives glad tidings to those who acknowledge and do good works, that they will have a fair reward.

Transliteration Qayyimal liyunzira ba'san syadidam mil ladunhu wa yubasysyiral mu'mininal lazina ya'malu_nas sa_liha_ti anna lahum ajran hasana_(m),

18: 3

Pickthall Wherein they will abide for ever;

Yuksel In which they will abide eternally.

Transliteration Ma_kisina fihi abada_(w),

Transliteration Ma_kisina fihi abada_(w),

Other versions:

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19. Maryam Mecca 44

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:  

فَإِنَّمَا يَسَّرْنَاهُ بِلِسَانِكَ...   

19:97.  So have We made the (Qur'án) easy in thine own tongue,

...لِتُبَشِّرَ بِهِ الْمُتَّقِينَ وَتُنذِرَ بِهِ قَوْمًا لُّدًّا ﴿٩٧﴾

that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention.

Asad’s Version:

(19:97) and only to this end have We made this [divine writ] easy to understand, in

thine own tongue, [O Prophet,] 81 so that thou might convey thereby a glad tiding to the God-

conscious, and warn thereby those who are given to [futile] contention:

Other versions:

19: 97

Asad and only to this end have We made this [divine writ] easy to understand, in thine own tongue, [O Prophet,] so that thou might convey thereby a glad tiding to the God-conscious, and warn thereby those who are given to [futile] contention:

Pickthall And We make (this Scripture) easy in thy tongue, (O Muhammad) only that thou mayst bear good tidings therewith unto those who ward off (evil), and warn therewith the froward folk.

Transliteration Fa in nama_ yas sarna_hu bilisa_nika litubasy syira bihil mut taqina wa tundzira bihi qaumal lud da_

19:97

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20. Sura Taha

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا وَصَرَّفْنَا فِيهِ مِنَ الْوَعِيدِ...   

20:113. Thus have we sent this down -- an Arabic Qur'án -- and explained therein in detail some of the warnings,

...لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ أَوْ يُحْدِثُ لَهُمْ ذِكْرًا ﴿١١٣﴾

in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him).

C2638. The Quran is in clear Arabic, so that even an unlearned people like the Arabs might understand and profit by its warnings, and the rest of the world may learn through them, as they did in the first few centuries of Islam and may do again when we Muslims show ourselves worthy to explain and exemplify its meaning.

The evil are warned that they may repent; the good are confirmed in their Faith and strengthened by their remembrance of Him.

Other versions:

20:113

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25.Al-Furqan, Mecca 42

Asad’s Version:

25:1

HALLOWED is He who from on high, step by step, has bestowed upon His servant the standard by which to discern the true from the false, 1 so that to all the world it might be a warning:

تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي ...

25:1. Blessed is He

C3052. Tabaraka: the root meaning is "increase" or "abundance".

Here that aspect of Allah's dealing with His creatures is emphasised, which shows His abundant goodness to all His creatures, in that He sent the Revelation of His Will, not only in the unlimited Book of Nature, but in a definite Book in human language, which gives clear directions and admonitions to all.

The English word "blessed" hardly conveys that meaning, but I can find no other without departing far from established usage. To emphasise the meaning I have explained, I have translated "Blessed is ...... but "Blessed be..." is also admissible, as it brings out another shade of meaning, that we praise and bless His holy name.

... نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَى عَبْدِهِ ...

Who sent down the Criterion to His servant,

C3053. That by which we can judge clearly between right and wrong.

Here the reference is to the Quran, which has already been symbolised by light. This symbol is continued here, and many contrasts are shown, in the midst of which we can distinguish between the true and the false by Allah's Light, especially the contrast between righteousness and sin.

... لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا ﴿١﴾

that it may be an admonition to all creatures --

C3054. The pronoun in yakuna may refer either to Furqan (the Criterion) or to 'Abd (the holy Prophet).

In either case the ultimate meaning is the same. The Quran is the standing Criterion for judgment between right and wrong.

Other versions:

27 An-Naml (The Ants)

Mecca Period 48

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

طس...

27: 1. Ta Sin.

C3240. See 3137 to 26:1.

... تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْقُرْآنِ وَكِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ ﴿١﴾

These are verses of the Qur'án -- a Book that makes (things) clear;

هُدًى وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٢﴾

27:2. A Guide; and Glad Tidings for the Believers --

C3241. Revelation is here presented in three aspects:

1. it explains things, the attributes of Allah, our own position, and the world around;

2. it directs us to right conduct and keeps us from evil; and

3. to those who have Faith and accept its guidance, it gives the good news of forgiveness, purification, and the achievement of salvation. (R).

الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ...

27: 3. Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity,

... وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ ﴿٣﴾

and also have (full) assurance of the Hereafter.

Asad’s Version:

27:1 Ta. Sin. 1 THESE ARE MESSAGES of the Qur'an - a divine writ clear in itself and clearly showing the truth: 2 (27:2) a guidance and a glad tiding to the believers (27:3) who are constant in prayer and spend in charity: 5 for it is they, they who in their innermost are certain of the life to come!

[[ Asad’s notes - 1 See Appendix II.

2 For an explanation of this composite rendering of the adjective mubin, see note 2 on 12:1. In the present instance, the term kitab ("divine writ") is preceded by the conjunction wa, which primarily signifies "and", but in this case has a function more or less similar to the expression "namely"; hence, it may be replaced in translation by a dash without affecting the meaning of the sentence.

3 This is obviously the meaning of the term zakah in the above context, since at the time of the revelation of this surah it had not yet received its later, specific connotation of a tax incumbent upon Muslims (cf surah 2, note 34). ]]

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27. An-Naml (The Ants)

Mecca Period 48

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَقُصُّ عَلَى بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَكْثَرَ الَّذِي هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ﴿٧٦﴾

27:76. Verily this Qur'án doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.

C3309. The Jews had numerous sects. Some were altogether out of the pale, e.g., the Samaritans, who had a separate Tawrah of their own: they hated the other Jews and were hated by them. But even in the orthodox body, there were several sects, of which the following may be mentioned:

1. the Pharisees, who were literalists, formalists, and fatalists, and had a large body of traditional literature, with which they overlaid the Law of Moses;

2. the Sadducees, who were rationalists, and seemed to have doubted the doctrine of the Resurrection or of a Hereafter;

3. the Essenes, who practised a sort of Communism and Asceticism and prohibited marriage.

About many of their doctrines they had bitter disputes, which were settled by the Quran, which supplemented and perfected the Law of Moses. It also explained clearly the attributes of Allah and the nature of Revelation, and the doctrine of the Hereafter.

وَإِنَّهُ لَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٧٧﴾

26:77. And it certainly is a Guide and Mercy to those who believe.

Asad’s Version:

27:76 BEHOLD, this Qur'an explains 6 ' to the children of Israel most [of that] whereon they hold divergent views; 70

(27:77) and, verily, it is a guidance and a grace unto all who believe [in it].

38. Surah Sad [88 verses]

Mecca Period 38

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا مُنذِرٌ...

38:65. Say:

"Truly am I a Warner:

... وَمَا مِنْ إِلَهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ ﴿٦٥﴾

no god is there but the One Allah,

Supreme and Irresistible --

C4219. Cf. 12:39, where Joseph preaches to the men in prison.

The one supreme Message of importance to mankind was (and is) the Unity of Allah:

- that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all:

- that His Will is supreme;

- that He can carry out His Will without question, and no powers of Evil can defeat it;

- and that He forgives by His grace again and again.

This Message the holy Prophet came to deliver, and he delivered it.

رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا...

38:66. "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between --

... الْعَزِيزُ ...

Exalted in Might, Able to enforce His will,

C4220. In n. 2818 to 22:40, 1 have explained the full import of 'Aziz as a title applied to Allah, and I have expressed two of the leading ideas involved, in the two lines here.

he argument in this Surah turns upon the contrast between earthly Power and the Divine Power: the one is impotent and the other is supreme.

... الْغَفَّارُ ﴿٦٦﴾

forgiving again and again."

C4221. Gaffar is the emphatic intensive form, and I have accordingly translated it as "forgiving again and again".

Cf. 20:82.

قُلْ هُوَ نَبَأٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٦٧﴾

38:67. Say:

"That is a Message supreme (above all) --

أَنتُمْ عَنْهُ مُعْرِضُونَ ﴿٦٨﴾

38:68. "From which ye do turn away!

C4222. The Message which is of supreme import to mankind,-from that they turn away. Instead of profiting by it, they turn away to side issues, or unprofitable speculation: such as: what is the origin of Evil; when will Judgment come? etc.

مَا كَانَ لِي مِنْ عِلْمٍ بِالْمَلَإِ الْأَعْلَى إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ ﴿٦٩﴾

38:69. "No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.

C4223. The hierarchy of angels in Heaven, discuss questions of high import in the Universe. Those are not necessarily revealed to men, except in so far as it is good for men to know, as in verses 71-85 below.

But the chief thing for man is to know that Allah is Most Merciful, that He forgives again and again, and that Evil has no power over those who trust in Allah.

إِن يُوحَى إِلَيَّ إِلَّا أَنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٧٠﴾

38:70. "Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."

C4224. Two things are implied in Mubin:

1. that the warning should be clear and perspicuous;

there should be no mincing of matters, no ambiguity, no compromise with evil, 7:184;

2. that the warning should be delivered publicly, before all people, in spite of opposition and persecution, 26:115.

Both these ideas I have tried to express in this passage.

Asad’s Version:

38:65 SAY [O Muhammad]: "I am only a wamer; and there is no deity whatever save God, the One, who holds absolute sway over all that exists,

38:66 the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Almighty, the All-Forgiving!"

38:67 Say: "This is a message tremendous:

38:68 [how can] you turn away from it?"

38:69 [Say, O Muhammad:] "No knowledge would I have had of [what passed among] the host on high when they argued [against the creation of man]; 52

38:70 had it not been revealed unto me [by God] - to no other end than that I might convey [unto you] a plain warning." 53

=====================================

41 Fussilat (Clearly Spelled Out/Expounded)

Mecca Period 61 [54 ayats]

تَنزِيلٌ مِّنَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴿٢﴾

41:2. A revelation from (Allah), Most Gracious, Most Merciful --

C4463. In the last Surah (40:2-3) the revelation was described with reference to some of the qualities of Allah from Whom it came.

Here it is described mainly with reference to its subject-matter.

1. It brings the Message of Grace and Mercy;

2. it is not merely a book of Dark Sayings, but everything is explained clearly and from various points of view;

3. it is in Arabic, the language of the people among whom it was first promulgated, and therefore easily intelligible to them if they take the trouble to understand; and

4. it opens the way to Forgiveness through Repentance and gives warning of all spiritual Dangers.

كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٣﴾

41:3. A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail -- a Qur'án in Arabic, for people who understand --

بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا فَأَعْرَضَ أَكْثَرُهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ ﴿٤﴾

41:4. Giving Good News and Admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they hear not.

C4464. With all the qualities mentioned in the last note, if men do not profit by its blessings, the fault lies in their will: they turn away, and thus fail to hear the voice that cans to them.

Asad’s Version:

41:2 HE BESTOWAL from on high [of this revelation) issues from the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace:

(41:3) a divine writ, the messages whereof have been clearly spelled out as a discourse in the Arabic tongue 2 for people of [innate] knowledge,

(41:4) to be a herald of glad tidings as well as a warning.

And yet, [whenever this divine writ is offered to men,] most of them turn away, so that they cannot hear its message); 3

=====================================

44. Ad-Dukhan (the Smoke)

59 verses, Mecca 64

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

حم ﴿١﴾

44:1. Ha Mim.

وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ ﴿٢﴾

44:2. By the Book that makes things clear --

C4689. The Quran is its own evidence. In the last Surah (43:3) stress was laid on the fact that everyone could understand it.

Here the stress is on the fact that it is a Message of Mercy from Allah in that it warns mankind against evil.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ...

44:3. We sent it down during a blessed night:

C4690. Usually taken to be a night in the month of Ramadhan, say the 23rd, 25th, or 27th night of that month. It is referred to as the Night of Power in 97:1-2.

See also 2:185.

But perhaps we need not fix it literally by the calendar. The night that a Message descends from Allah is indeed a blessed night like a day of rain for a parched land.

... إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ ﴿٣﴾

for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil).

فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ ﴿٤﴾

44:4. In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom,

C4691. Such an occasion is one on which divine Wisdom places before us, through Revelation, the solution of spiritual problems of the highest import to mankind.

أَمْرًا مِّنْ عِندِنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا مُرْسِلِينَ ﴿٥﴾

44:5. By command, from Our presence.

For We (ever) send (revelations),

رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ﴿٦﴾

44:6. As a Mercy from thy Lord:

for He hears and knows (all things);

C4692. It is because Allah is the friend of the friendless and the help of the helpless that He hears all sincere prayers, and as His knowledge embraces all things, He grants to us whatever is best for us, not as we see it, but as He knows it in His perfect knowledge.

Asad’s Version:

44:1 Ha. Mim. 1 CONSIDER this divine writ, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth! 2

44:3 Behold, from on high have We bestowed it on a blessed night: 3 for, verily, We have always been warning [man]. 4

(44:4) On that [night] was made clear, in wisdom, the distinction between all things [good and evil] 5

(44:5) at a behest from Ourselves: for, verily, We have always been sending [Our messages of guidance]

[[Asad’s notes - 1 See Appendix II.

2 See note 2 on 12:1.

3 I.e., the night on which the revelation of the Qur'an began: see surah 97.

4 The revelation of the Qur'an is but a continuation and, indeed, the climax of all divine revelation which has been going on since the very dawn of human consciousness. Its innermost purpose has always been the warning extended by God to man not to abandon himself to mere material ambitions and pursuits and, thus, to lose sight of spiritual values.

5 Lit., "was made distinct everything wise", i.e., "wisely" or "in wisdom": a metonymical attribution of the adjective "wise" - which in reality relates to God, the maker of that distinction - to what has thus been made distinct (Zamakhshari and Razi). The meaning is that the revelation of the Qur'an, symbolized by that "blessed night" of its beginning, provides man with a standard whereby to discern between good and evil, or between all that leads to spiritual growth through an ever-deepening realization

(ma'rifah) of God's existence, on the one hand, and all that results in spiritual blindness and self-destruction, on the other.]]

53. An-Najm (The Unfolding)

Mecca Period [23]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

هَذَا نَذِيرٌ مِّنَ النُّذُرِ الْأُولَى ﴿٥٦﴾

53:56.  This is a Warner, of the (series of) Warners of old!

C5123. The Prophet before the Quraish (and before us) continues the line of messengers of Allah who have come to teach mankind and lead men into unity and righteousness.

Shall we not listen to his voice?

Every day that passes, the Judgment approaches nearer and nearer. But Allah alone can say at what precise hour it will come to any of us. It is certain, and yet it is a mystery, which Allah alone can lay bare.

أَزِفَتْ الْآزِفَةُ ﴿٥٧﴾

53:57.  The (Judgment) ever approaching draws nigh:

لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ كَاشِفَةٌ ﴿٥٨﴾

53:58.  No (soul) but Allah can lay it bare.

أَفَمِنْ هَذَا الْحَدِيثِ تَعْجَبُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾

53:59.  Do ye then wonder at this recital?

C5124. Mere wondering will not do, even if it is the wonder of admiration. Each soul must strive and act, and Allah's Mercy will take it under its wings.

وَتَضْحَكُونَ وَلَا تَبْكُونَ ﴿٦٠﴾

53:60.  And will ye laugh and not weep --

C5125. The higher issues of Life and the Hereafter are serious, and therefore all that we do in this life is serious and important. We must shun inanities and frivolities. It is no laughing time. If we only realized our own shortcomings, we should weep. But weeping by itself will not help. We must try and understand Allah and adore Him. Thus shall we be able to understand ourselves and our fellow-men.

وَأَنتُمْ سَامِدُونَ ﴿٦١﴾

53:61.  Wasting your time in vanities?

فَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ وَاعْبُدُوا ﴿٦٢﴾

53:62.  But fall ye down in prostration to Allah, and adore (Him)!

C5126. And so we are invited to prostrate ourselves and adore Him. For this is the true end of Revelation and the true attitude when we understand the world, Nature, History and the working of Allah's Plan.

Asad’s Version:

(53:56) THIS IS a warning like those warnings of old: 40

(53:57) that [Last Hour] which is so near draws ever nearer,

(53:58) [although) none but God can unveil it...

(53:59) Do you, perchance, find this tiding strange?

(53:60) And do you laugh instead of weeping,

(53:61) and divert yourselves all the while?

(53:62) [Nay,) but prostrate yourselves before God, and worship [Him alone] !

[[Asad’s note - 40 Lit., "a warning of [or "from among"] the warnings of old" - implying that the revelation granted to Muhammad does not aim at establishing a "new" religion but, on the contrary, continues and confirms the basic message entrusted to the earlier prophets - in this particular instance alluding to the certainty of the coming of the Last Hour and of God's ultimate judgment. ]]