Fundamental Verses in the Quran

3. Sura al-Imran, Medina 89

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

هُوَ الَّذِيَ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ...

3:7. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning);

...هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ...

they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical.

C347. This passage gives us an important clue to the interpretation of the Holy Quran. Broadly speaking it may be divided into two portions, not given separately, but intermingled: viz.

1. the nucleus or foundation of the Book, literally "the mother of the Book".

2. the part which is not entirely clear.

It is very fascinating to take up the latter, and exercise our ingenuity about its meaning, but it refers to such profound matters that are beyond human language and though people of wisdom may get some light from it, no one should be dogmatic, as the final meaning is known to Allah alone.

The Commentators usually understand the verses "of established meaning" (muhkam) to refer to the categorical orders of the Shariah (or the Law), which are plain to everyone's understanding. But perhaps the meaning is wider:

- the "mother of the Book" must include the very foundation on which all Law rests, the essence of Allah's Message, as distinguished from the various illustrative parables, allegories, and ordinances. (R).

...فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ في قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ ...

But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part there of that is allegorical,

...مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاء الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاء تَأْوِيلِهِ ...

seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings,

...وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلاَّ اللّهُ ...

but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah

...وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ ...

and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say:

C348. One reading, rejected by the majority of Commentators, but accepted by Mujahid and others, would not make a break at the point here marked Waq Lazim, but would run the two sentences together.

In that case the construction would run:

"No one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firm in knowledge. They say", etc.

... آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا...

"We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord;"

...وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُوْلُواْ الألْبَابِ ﴿٧﴾

and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

Pickthall’s Version:

3: 7

Pickthall He it is Who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations--They are the substance of the Book--and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed.

Transliteration Huwal lazi anzala 'alaikal kita_ba minhu a_ya_tum muhkama_tun hunna ummul kita_bi wa ukharu mutasya_biha_t(un), fa ammal lazina fi qulu_bihim zaigun fa yattabi'u_na ma_ tasya_baha minhubtiga_'a ta'wilih(i), wa ma_ ya'lamu ta'wilahu_ illalla_h(u), war ra_sikhu_na fil 'ilmi yaqu_lu_na a_manna_ bih(i), kullum min'indi rabbina_, wa ma_ yazzakaru illa_ ulul alba_b(i).

[ Ali’s notes - 347 This passage gives us an important clue to the interpretation of the Holy Qur-an. Broadly speaking it may be divided into two portions, not given separately, but intermingled: viz. (1) the nucleus or foundation of the Book, literally "the mother of the Book"; (2) the part which is not entirely clear. It is very fascinating to take up the latter, and exercise our ingenuity about its meaning, but it refers to such profound matters that are beyond human language and though people of wisdom may get some light from it, no one should be dogmatic, as the final meaning is known to Allah alone. The Commentators usually understand the verses "of established meaning" (muhkam) to refer to the categorical orders of the Shariat (or the Law), which are plain to everyone's understanding. But perhaps the meaning is wider: the "mother of the Book" must include the very foundation on which all Law rests, the essence of Allah's Message, as distinguished from the various illustrative parables, allegories, and ordinances. (3.7)

One reading, rejected by the majority of Commentators, but accepted by Mujahid and others, would not make a break at the point here marked Waq Lazim, but would run the two sentences together. In that case the construction would run: "No one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firm in knowledge. They say", etc. (3.7) ]

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2: 44 Do you enjoin right conduct on the people and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the Scripture ?

3:17 Those who show patience, firmness and self control; who are true (in word and deed) who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of God); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.

3: 17 Those who are patient in adversity, and true to their word, and truly devout, and who spend (in God’s way) and pray for forgiveness from their innermost hearts.

3: 133 - 135 And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer's forgiveness and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for the God-conscious who spend (in His way) in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and pardon their fellow-men because God loves the doers of good; and who when they have committed a shameful deed or have (otherwise) sinned against themselves, remember God and pray that their sins be forgiven - for who but God could forgive sins? And do not knowingly persist in doing whatever (wrong) they may have done. Asad

3: 159 ….Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven (failures of Uhud). And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; then, when you have decided upon a course of action, place your trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him.

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7: 1 – 2 Alif. Lam. Mim. Sad. A Divine writ has been bestowed from on high upon thee – and let there be no doubt about this in thy heart – in order that you may warn thereby, and admonish the believers;

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13: 1

Yusuf Ali Alif Lam Mim Ra. These are the Signs (or Verses) of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.

Pickthall Alif. Lam. Mim. Ra. These are verses of the Scripture. That which is revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth, but most of mankind believe not.

Transliteration Alif La_m Ra_, tilka a_ya_tul kita_b(i), wallazi unzila ilaika mir rabbikal haqqu wa la_kinna aksaran na_si la_ yu'minu_n(a).

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3: 7 [ al-i-Imran, Medina 89 ]

Ali He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding

348 One reading, rejected by the majority of Commentators, but accepted by Mujahid and others, would not make a break at the point here marked Waq Lazim, but would run the two sentences together. In that case the construction would run: "No one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firm in knowledge. They say", etc. (3.7) ]

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[4.82] Do they not then meditate on the Quran? And if it were from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a discrepancy.

4: 80 Whoever pays heed unto the Apostle pays heed unto God thereby' and as for those who turn away - We have not sent thee to be their keeper.

4: 135 O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of God, even though it be against your own selves or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, God’s claim takes precedence over [the claims of] either of them.

Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice: for if you distort [the truth], behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do! Asad

4: 135 ............ and whether it be (against ) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both.......and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do. Ali

4: 152 But as for those who believe in God and His apostles and make no distinction between any of them – unto them, in time, will He grant their rewards [in full]. And God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.

4: 125 And who could be of better faith than he who surrenders his whole being unto God and is a does of good withal, and follows the creed of Abraham, who turned away from all that is false- seeking that God exalted Abraham with His love?

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5: 48 And unto the [O Prophet] have We vouchsafed this divine writ, setting forth the truth, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains of earlier revelations and determining what is true therein (note 64). Judge, then, between the followers of earlier revelation in accordance with what God has bestowed from on high (note 65), and do not follow their errant views, forsaking the truth that has come unto thee.

Unto every one of you have We appoint a [different] law and way of life (note 66). And if God has so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise} in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto you. Vie, then, with one another in doing good works! Unto God you all must return; and then He will make you truly understand all that on which you were wont to differ.

5:48 And unto you [O Prophet] have We vouchsafed this divine writ, setting forth the truth, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains of earlier revelations and determining what is true therein. Judge, then, between the followers of earlier revelation in accordance with what God has bestowed from on high, and do not follow their errant views, forsaking the truth that has come unto you.

Unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life. And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto you.

5: 69 for verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who hollow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians, and the Christians – all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds – no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.

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30: 30 And so, set your face steadfastly towards the [one ever-true] faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into human: not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created – this is the [purpose of the one] ever true faith; but most people know it not. Asad

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5: 13 Then, for having broken their solemn pledge, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden – [so that now] they distort the meaning of the [revealed] words, taking them out of their context; they have forgotten much of what they had been told to bear in mind; and from all but a few of them you will always experience treachery. But pardon them, and forbear; verily, God loves the doers of good.

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5: 45 … for God loveth those who judge in equity.

( even for the non believers and enemies – see the first part of the verse)

5:96 … for God loveth those who do good.

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6: 159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part in them in the least: Their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.

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11: 1 [Hud, Mecca 52]

Asad Alif. Lam. Ra.

A Divine writ [is this], with messages that have been made clear in and by themselves, and have been distinctly spelled out as well [note 2] – [bestowed upon you] out of the grace of One who is wise, all-aware,

Yusuf Ali Alif Lam Ra. (This is) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) further explained in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things):

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

Asad So that you may worship none but God. [ Say, O Prophet:] “Behold, I come upon you from Him [as] a warner and a bearer of glad tidings: [note 3]

Yusuf Ali (It teacheth) that ye should worship none but Allah. (Say:) "Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:

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

Yuksel The Quran as Warner and Bearer of Good News

11:2 "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),-

11: 3

Ask your sustainer to forgive you your sins, and then turn towards Him in repentance – [whereupon] He will grant you a goodly enjoyment of life [ in this world] until a term set [by Him is fulfilled] [note 4]; and [in the life to come]. He will bestow upon everyone possessed of merit [a full reward for] his merit [note 5]. But if you turn away, then verily, I dread for you the suffering [which is bound to befall you] on that awesome Day [note 6]

Yusuf Ali ("And to preach thus) `Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment good (and true) for a term appointed and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit! But if ye turn away then I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day:

Pickthall And (bidding you) : Ask pardon of your Lord and turn to Him repentant. He will cause you to enjoy a fair estate until a time appointed. He giveth His bounty unto every bountiful one. But if ye turn away, Lo! (then) I fear for you the retribution of an awful Day.

Yuksel "Seek forgiveness from your Lord, then repent to Him; He will make you enjoy an enjoyment until a predetermined period. He gives His grace to those who are of grace. If you turn away, then I do fear for you the retribution of a great day!"

Transliteration Wa an-istagfiru_ rabbakum summa tu_bu_ ilaihi yumatti'kum mata_'an hasanan ila_ ajalim musammaw wa yu'ti kulla zi fadlin fadlah(u_), wa in tawallau fa inni akha_fu 'alaikum 'aza_ba yamin kabir(in).

11: 4

Asad Unto God you all must return, and He has the power to will anything”

Yusuf Ali "`To Allah is your return and He hath power over all things.'"

Pickthall Unto Allah is your return, and He is able to do all things.

Yuksel "To God is your return, and He is capable of all things."

Transliteration Ilalla_hi marji'ukum, wa huwa 'ala_ kulli syai'in qadir(un).

11: 111

Yusuf Ali And of a surety to all will your Lord pay back (in full the recompense) of their deeds: for He knoweth well all that they do.

Pickthall And lo! unto each thy Lord will verily repay his works in full. Lo! He is Informed of what they do.

Transliteration Wa inna kullal lamma_ layuwaffiyannahum rabbuka a'ma_lahum, innahu_ bima_ ya'malu_na khabir(un).

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57: 28 Be mindful of your duty to God and believe in His messenger. He will give you two fold of His Mercy and will appoint for you a light wherein you shall walk, and will forgive you. Allah is Forgiving , Merciful:

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22:37 And proclaim the Good News to all who do right.

Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.

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Fundamental Verses in the Quran

3: 7 [ al-i-Imran, Medina 89 ]

One reading, rejected by the majority of Commentators, but accepted by Mujahid and others, would not make a break at the point here marked Waq Lazim, but would run the two sentences together. In that case the construction would run: "No one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firm in knowledge. They say", etc. (3.7) ]

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2: 44 Do you enjoin right conduct on the people and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the Scripture ?

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3: 17 Those who are patient in adversity, and true to their word, and truly devout, and who spend (in God’s way) and pray for forgiveness from their innermost hearts.

Fundamental Verses in the Quran

[3.7] He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

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[4.82] Do they not then meditate on the Quran? And if it were from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a discrepancy.

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6: 159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part in them in the least: Their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.

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5: 45 … for God loveth those who judge in equity.

( even for the non believers and enemies – see the first part of the verse)

5:96 … for God loveth those who do good.

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4: 80 Whoever pays heed unto the Apostle pays heed unto God thereby' and as for those who turn away - We have not sent thee to be their keeper.

[4.82] Do they not then meditate on the Quran? And if it were from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a discrepancy.

4: 80 Whoever pays heed unto the Apostle pays heed unto God thereby' and as for those who turn away - We have not sent thee to be their keeper.

Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice: for if you distort [the truth], behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do! Asad

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5: 45 … for God loveth those who judge in equity.

( even for the non believers and enemies – see the first part of the verse)

5:96 … for God loveth those who do good.

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6: 159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part in them in the least: Their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.

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11: 111

Yusuf Ali And of a surety to all will your Lord pay back (in full the recompense) of their deeds: for He knoweth well all that they do.

Pickthall And lo! unto each thy Lord will verily repay his works in full. Lo! He is Informed of what they do.

Transliteration Wa inna kullal lamma_ layuwaffiyannahum rabbuka a'ma_lahum, innahu_ bima_ ya'malu_na khabir(un).

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22:37 And proclaim the Good News to all who do right.

Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.