EXCEPTIONAL CLAIMS BY QURAN
2.Al-Baqarah, Medina 87
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِن
كُنتُمْ فِي
رَيْبٍ
مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا
عَلَى عَبْدِنَا
فَأْتُواْ
بِسُورَةٍ مِّن
مِّثْلِهِ...
2: 23. And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto;
... وَادْعُواْ شُهَدَاءكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿٢٣﴾
and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
C42. How do we know that there is revelation, and that is from Allah?
Here is a concrete test.
The Teacher of Allah's Truth has placed before you many Surahs. Can you produce one like it?
If there is any one besides Allah, who can inspire spiritual truth in such noble language, produce your evidence.
Or is it that your doubts are merely argumentative, refractory, against your own inner light, or conscience?
All true revelation is itself a miracle, and stands on its own merits.
فَإِن
لَّمْ
تَفْعَلُواْ
وَلَن
تَفْعَلُواْ
فَاتَّقُواْ
النَّارَ الَّتِي
وَقُودُهَا
النَّاسُ
وَالْحِجَارَةُ
...
2: 24. But if ye cannot,- and of a surety ye cannot,- then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and Stones-
C43. According to commentators the "Stones" mentioned in this verse refer to the idols which the polytheists worshipped.
Thus, far from coming to the aid of their worshippers, the false gods would be means of aggravating their torment. [Eds].
... أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ ﴿٢٤﴾
which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
Other versions:
2: 23
Asad And if you doubt any part of what We have bestowed form on high, step by step, upon our servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah of similar merit, and call upon any other than God to bear witness for you – if what you say is true!
Pickthall And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a sura or the like thereof, and call your witnesses beside Allah if ye are truthful.
Transliteration Wa in kuntum fi raibim mimma_ nazzalna_ 'ala_ 'abdina_ fa'tu_ bisu_ratim mim mislih(i), wad' syuhada_'akum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
2: 24
Asad And if you cannot do it – and most certainly you cannot do it – then be conscious of the fire whose fuel is human beings and stones which awaits all who deny the truth!
Pickthall And if ye do it not and ye can never do it--then guard yourselves against the fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.
Transliteration Fa illam taf'alu_ wa lan taf'alu_ fattaqun na_ral lati waqu_duhan na_su wal hija_rah(tu), u'iddat lil ka_firin(a).
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3. Sura al-Imran, Medina 89
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ
وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ
لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ
...
3: 96. The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka
C422. Bakka: same as Makkah, perhaps an older name.
The foundation of the Ka'bah goes back to Abraham, but there are place associations in the sacred territories with the names of Adam and Eve. (R).
... مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٩٦﴾
full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
C423. 'Alamin:
- all the worlds (1:2 and n.20),
- all kinds of beings;
- all nations (3:42):
- all creatures (3:97),
Asad’s Version:
3: 96 Behold, the first Temple ever set up for mankind was indeed the one at Bakkah: rich in blessings, and a (source) guidance unto all the worlds, full of clear messages.
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4. Sura an-Nisa, Medina 92
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَفَلاَ
يَتَدَبَّرُونَ
الْقُرْآنَ
...
4: 82. Do they not consider the Qur'án (with care)?
... وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ غَيْرِ اللّهِ لَوَجَدُواْ فِيهِ اخْتِلاَفًا كَثِيرًا ﴿٨٢﴾
Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.
C601. The unity of the Quran is admittedly greater than that of any other sacred book. And yet how can we account for it except through the unity of Allah's purpose and design?
From a mere human point of view, we should have expected much discrepancy, because
- the Messenger who promulgated it was not a learned man or philosopher,
- it was promulgated at various times and in various circumstances, and
- it is addressed to all grades of mankind.
Yet, when properly understood, its various pieces fit together well even when arranged without any regard to chronological order. There was just the One Inspirer and the One Inspired
Asad’s Version:
[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.
=====================================
10.Yunus, Mecca 51
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَا كَانَ
هَـذَا الْقُرْآنُ
أَن يُفْتَرَى
مِن دُونِ
اللّهِ...
10: 37. This Qur'án is not such as can be produced by other than Allah;
...وَلَـكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ...
on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it,
...وَتَفْصِيلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾
and a fuller explanation of the Book -- wherein there is no doubt -- from the Lord of the Worlds.
C1429. The Book: Cf. 3:23 and n. 366.
Allah's revelation throughout the ages is one. The Quran confirms, fulfils, completes, and further explains the one true revelation, which has been sent by the One True God in all ages.
10: 38. Or do they say, "He forged it"?
...قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِسُورَةٍ مِّثْلِهِ...
Say:
"Bring then a Surah like unto it,
...وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿٣٨﴾
and call (to your aid) anyone you can, besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth!"
بَلْ كَذَّبُواْ
بِمَا لَمْ
يُحِيطُواْ
بِعِلْمِهِ
وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ
تَأْوِيلُهُ...
10: 39. Nay,
they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them:
C1431. Taawil: elucidation, explanation, final fulfilment, Cf., 7:53,
The Message of Allah not only gives us rules for our every-day conduct, but speaks of high matters of religious significance, which require elucidation in two ways:
- by experience from the actual facts of life, and
- by the final fulfilment of the hopes and warnings which we now take on trust through our Faith.
The Unbelievers reject Allah's Message simply because they cannot understand it and without giving it even a chance of elucidation in any of these ways. (R).
...كَذَلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ... ...
thus did those before them make charges of falsehood:
...فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٣٩﴾
but see what was the end of those who did wrong!
C1432. Wrong-doers always came to grief ultimately.
The true course of history shows it from a broad standpoint. But they are so headstrong that they prejudge issues in their ignorance before they are decided.
Other versions:
10: 37
Pickthall And this Quran is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind-- Therein is no doubt--from the Lord of the Worlds.
Yuksel This Quran could not have been produced without God, but it is to authenticate what is already present, and to provide detail to the book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.
Transliteration Wa ma_ ka_na ha_zal qur'a_nu ay yuftara_ min du_nilla_hi wa la_kin tasdiqal lazi baina yadaihi wa tafsilal kita_bi la_ raiba fihi mir rabbil 'a_lamin(a).
10: 38
Pickthall Or say they: He hath invented it? Say: Then bring a surah like unto it, and call (for help) on all ye can besides Allah, if ye are truthful.
Transliteration Am yaqu_lu_na-ftaru_h(u), qul fa'tu_ bi su_ratim mislihi wad'u_ man-istata'tum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
10: 39
Pickthall Nay, but they denied that, the knowledge whereof they could not compass, and whereof the interpretation (in events) hath not yet come unto them. Even so did those before them deny. Then see what was the consequence for the wrongdoers!
Transliteration Bal kazzabu_ bima_ lam yuhitu_ bi 'ilmihi wa lamma_ ya'tihim ta'wiluh(u_), kaza_lika kazzabal lazina min qablihim fanzur kaifa ka_na 'a_qibatuz za_limin(a).
=====================================
11.Hud, Mecca 52
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
فَلَعَلَّكَ
تَارِكٌ بَعْضَ
مَا يُوحَى
إِلَيْكَ...
11: 12. Perchance thou mayest (feel the inclination) to give up a part of what is revealed unto thee,
C1509. Every Prophet of Allah, when he not only encounters opposition, but is actually accused of falsehood and those very evils which he is protesting against, may feel inclined, in his human weakness, to ask himself the question.
"Supposing I omit this little point, will Allah's Truth then be accepted more readily?
Or he may think to himself,
"If I had only more money to organize my campaign, or something which will draw people's attention, like the company of an angel, how much better can I push my Message?"
He is told that truth must be delivered as it is revealed, even though portions of it may be unpalatable, and that resources and other means to draw people to him are beside the point. He must use just such resources and opportunities as he has, and leave the rest to Allah.
...وَضَآئِقٌ بِهِ صَدْرُكَ أَن يَقُولُواْ لَوْلاَ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ كَنزٌ أَوْ جَاء مَعَهُ مَلَكٌ...
and thy heart feeleth straitened lest they say,
"Why is not a treasure sent down unto him, or why does not an angel come down with him?
...إِنَّمَا أَنتَ نَذِيرٌ...
But thou art there only to warn!
...وَاللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَكِيلٌ ﴿١٢﴾
It is Allah that arrangeth all affairs!
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ
افْتَرَاهُ...
11: 13. Or they may say, "He forged it."
...قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِعَشْرِ سُوَرٍ مِّثْلِهِ مُفْتَرَيَاتٍ...
Say, "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged, like unto it,
...وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ِ ﴿١٣﴾
and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can, other than Allah! -- if ye speak the truth!
Other versions:
11: 12
Asad Is it, then, conceivable [O Prophet] that you could omit any part of what is being revealed unto you [because the deniers of the truth dislike it, and] because your heart is distressed at their saying [note 20] “Why has not a treasure been bestowed upon his from on high?” – or, “[Why has not] and angel come [visibly] with him?” [note 21]. [They fail to understand] that you are only a warner, whereas God has everything in His care [note 22];
Pickthall A likely thing, that thou wouldst forsake aught of that which hath been revealed unto thee, and that thy breast should be straitened for it, because they say: Why hath not a treasure been sent down for him, or an angel come with him? Thou art but a warner, and Allah is in charge of all things.
Yuksel So perhaps you wish to ignore some of what has been inspired to you, and you are depressed by it, because they say, "If only a treasure was sent down with him, or an angel had come with him!" You are but a warner, and God is caretaker over all things.
Transliteration Fa la'allaka ta_rikum ba'da ma_ yu_hu_ ilaika da_'iqum bihi sadruka ay yaqu_lu_ lau la_ unzila 'alaihi kanzun au ja_'a ma'ahu_ malak(un), innama_ anta nazir(un), walla_hu 'ala_ kulli syai'iw wakil(un).
11: 13 [[The Quran is a Unique Book with Extraordinary Features]]
Asad and so they assert, “[Muhammad himself] has invented this[Quran]”! [note 23]. Say [unto them]: “Produce, then, ten surahs of similar merit, invented [by yourseves], and [to this end] call to your aid whoever you can, other than God, if what you say is true! [note 24]
Pickthall Or they say: He hath invented it. Say: Then bring ten surahs, the like thereof, invented, and call on everyone ye can beside Allah, if ye are truthful!
Yuksel Or do they say, "He invented it!" Say, "Bring ten invented chapters like it, and call on whom you can besides God if you are truthful."*
Transliteration Am yaqu_lu_na-ftara_h(u), qul fa'tu_ bi 'asyri suwarim mislihi muftaraya_ tiw wa-d'u_ man-istata'tum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
[[ Yuksel’s note - 011:013 The mathematical structure of the Quran is too intricate to be imitated. ]]
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10.Yunus, Mecca 51
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَا كَانَ
هَـذَا الْقُرْآنُ
أَن يُفْتَرَى
مِن دُونِ
اللّهِ...
10: 37. This Qur'án is not such as can be produced by other than Allah;
...وَلَـكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ...
on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it,
...وَتَفْصِيلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾
and a fuller explanation of the Book -- wherein there is no doubt -- from the Lord of the Worlds.
C1429. The Book: Cf. 3:23 and n. 366.
Allah's revelation throughout the ages is one. The Quran confirms, fulfils, completes, and further explains the one true revelation, which has been sent by the One True God in all ages.
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ
افْتَرَاهُ...
10: 38. Or do they say, "He forged it"?
...قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِسُورَةٍ مِّثْلِهِ...
Say:
"Bring then a Surah like unto it,
...وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿٣٨﴾
and call (to your aid) anyone you can, besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth!"
بَلْ كَذَّبُواْ
بِمَا لَمْ
يُحِيطُواْ
بِعِلْمِهِ
وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ
تَأْوِيلُهُ...
10: 39. Nay,
they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them:
C1431. Taawil: elucidation, explanation, final fulfilment, Cf., 7:53,
The Message of Allah not only gives us rules for our every-day conduct, but speaks of high matters of religious significance, which require elucidation in two ways:
- by experience from the actual facts of life, and
- by the final fulfilment of the hopes and warnings which we now take on trust through our Faith.
The Unbelievers reject Allah's Message simply because they cannot understand it and without giving it even a chance of elucidation in any of these ways. (R).
...كَذَلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ... ...
thus did those before them make charges of falsehood:
...فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٣٩﴾
but see what was the end of those who did wrong!
C1432. Wrong-doers always came to grief ultimately.
The true course of history shows it from a broad standpoint. But they are so headstrong that they prejudge issues in their ignorance before they are decided.
وَمِنهُم
مَّن يُؤْمِنُ
بِهِ وَمِنْهُم
مَّن لاَّ يُؤْمِنُ
بِهِ...
10: 40. Of them there are some who believe therein, and some who do not:
...وَرَبُّكَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ ﴿٤٠﴾
and thy Lord knoweth best those who are out for mischief.
C.101 (The running Commentary, in Rhythmic Prose)
(10:41-70)
Men but wrong their own souls in shutting out
The truth of Allah. To Him will be
Their return. They have been warned
At all times and among all peoples
By chosen Prophets of Allah, whom they
Have flouted. The Day will come
When they will see the majesty, the glory,
The goodness, and the justice of Allah.
But they invent fancies and falsehoods.
Let not their blasphemies and falsehoods
Grieve the men of Allah; for falsehoods
And false ones will never prosper.
Other versions:
10: 37
Pickthall And this Quran is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind-- Therein is no doubt--from the Lord of the Worlds.
Yuksel This Quran could not have been produced without God, but it is to authenticate what is already present, and to provide detail to the book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.
Transliteration Wa ma_ ka_na ha_zal qur'a_nu ay yuftara_ min du_nilla_hi wa la_kin tasdiqal lazi baina yadaihi wa tafsilal kita_bi la_ raiba fihi mir rabbil 'a_lamin(a).
10: 38
Pickthall Or say they: He hath invented it? Say: Then bring a surah like unto it, and call (for help) on all ye can besides Allah, if ye are truthful.
Transliteration Am yaqu_lu_na-ftaru_h(u), qul fa'tu_ bi su_ratim mislihi wad'u_ man-istata'tum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
10: 39
Pickthall Nay, but they denied that, the knowledge whereof they could not compass, and whereof the interpretation (in events) hath not yet come unto them. Even so did those before them deny. Then see what was the consequence for the wrongdoers!
Yuksel No, they have lied about the things they did not have comprehensive knowledge of, and before its explanation came to them. Similarly, those before them denied, so see what was the retribution of the wicked!
Transliteration Bal kazzabu_ bima_ lam yuhitu_ bi 'ilmihi wa lamma_ ya'tihim ta'wiluh(u_), kaza_lika kazzabal lazina min qablihim fanzur kaifa ka_na 'a_qibatuz za_limin(a).
10: 40
Pickthall And of them is he who believeth therein, and of them is he who believeth not therein, and thy Lord is best aware of the corrupters.
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11.Hud, Mecca 52
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ
افْتَرَاهُ...
11: 13. Or they may say, "He forged it."
...قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِعَشْرِ سُوَرٍ مِّثْلِهِ مُفْتَرَيَاتٍ...
Say, "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged, like unto it,
...وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ِ ﴿١٣﴾
and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can, other than Allah! -- if ye speak the truth!
فَإِلَّمْ
يَسْتَجِيبُواْ
لَكُمْ فَاعْلَمُواْ
أَنَّمَا أُنزِلِ
بِعِلْمِ اللّهِ...
11: 14. "If then they (your false gods) answer not your (call),
know ye that this Revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of Allah,
...وَأَن لاَّ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ ﴿١٤﴾
and that there is no god but He!
Will ye even then submit (to Islam)?"
مَن كَانَ
يُرِيدُ الْحَيَاةَ
الدُّنْيَا
وَزِينَتَهَا
نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ
أَعْمَالَهُمْ
فِيهَا...
11: 15. Those who desire the life of the Present and its glitter -- to them We shall pay (the price of) their deeds therein --
...وَهُمْ فِيهَا لاَ يُبْخَسُونَ ﴿١٥﴾
without diminution.
C1511. If worldly men desire the glitter of this world, they shall have it in full measure, but it is false glitter, and it involves the negation of that spiritual life which comes from the guidance of the inner light and from the revelation of Allah, as described in verse 17 below.
أُوْلَـئِكَ
الَّذِينَ
لَيْسَ لَهُمْ
فِي الآخِرَةِ
إِلاَّ النَّارُ...
11: 16. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire:
...وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُواْ فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٦﴾
vain are the designs they frame therein,
and of no effect are the deeds that they do!
أَفَمَن
كَانَ عَلَى
بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن
رَّبِّهِ وَيَتْلُوهُ
شَاهِدٌ مِّنْهُ...
11: 17. Can they be (like) those who accept a Clear (Sign) from their Lord, and whom a witness from Himself doth teach,
C1512. "A witness from Himself': i.e., the Book which was given to Al-Mustafa, the Holy Quran, which is compared to the original Revelation given to Moses. We make no difference between one true and genuine Message and another, nor between one apostle and another, for they all come from the One True God.
...وَمِن قَبْلِهِ كِتَابُ مُوسَى إَمَامًا وَرَحْمَةً...
as did the Book of Moses before it -- a guide and a mercy?
C1513. "Guide": the Arabic word here is Imam, a leader, a guide, one that directs to the true Path. Such a direction is an instance of the Mercy and Goodness of Allah to man.
The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad are also called, each, a Guide and a Mercy, and so are these epithets applicable to previous Books and Prophets.
...أُوْلَـئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ...
They believe therein;
...وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ مِنَ الأَحْزَابِ فَالنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُ...
but those of the Sects that reject it -- the Fire will be their promised meeting place.
...فَلاَ تَكُ فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِّنْهُ...
Be not then in doubt thereon:
...إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٧﴾
for it is the Truth from thy Lord: yet many among men do not believe!
Other versions:
11: 13
[[The Quran is a Unique Book with Extraordinary Features]]
Asad and so they assert, “[Muhammad himself] has invented this[Quran]”! [note 23]. Say [unto them]: “Produce, then, ten surahs of similar merit, invented [by yourseves], and [to this end] call to your aid whoever you can, other than God, if hwat you say is true! [note 24]
Pickthall Or they say: He hath invented it. Say: Then bring ten surahs, the like thereof, invented, and call on everyone ye can beside Allah, if ye are truthful!
Yuksel Or do they say, "He invented it!" Say, "Bring ten invented chapters like it, and call on whom you can besides God if you are truthful."*
Transliteration Am yaqu_lu_na-ftara_h(u), qul fa'tu_ bi 'asyri suwarim mislihi muftaraya_ tiw wa-d'u_ man-istata'tum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
[[ Yuksel’s note - 011:013 The mathematical structure of the Quran is too intricate to be imitated. ]]
11: 14
Pickthall And if they answer not your prayer, then know that it is revealed only in the knowledge of Allah; and that there is no God save Him. Will ye then be (of) those who surrender?
Transliteration Fa illam yastajibu_ lakum fa'lamu_ annama_ unzila bi 'ilmilla_hi wa alla_ ila_ha illa_ huw(a), fahal antum muslimu_n(a).
11: 15
Pickthall Whoso desireth the life of the world and its pomp, We shall repay them their deeds herein, and therein they will not be wronged.
Transliteration Man ka_na yuridul haya_tad dunya_ wa zinataha_ nuwaffi ilaihim a'ma_lahum fiha_ wa hum fiha_ la_ yubkhasu_n(a).
11: 16
Pickthall Those are they for whom is naught in the Hereafter save the Fire. (All) that they contrive here is vain and (all) that they are wont to do is fruitless.
Transliteration Ula_'ikal lazina laisa lahum fil a_khirati illan na_r(u), wa habita ma_ sana'u_ fiha_ wa ba_tilum ma_ ka_nu_ ya'malu_n(a).
11: 17
Pickthall Is he (to be counted equal with them) who relieth on a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him reciteth it, and before it was the Book of Moses, an example and a mercy? Such believe therein, and Whoso disbelieveth therein of the clans, the Fire is his appointed place. So be not thou in doubt concerning it. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord; but most of mankind believe not.
Transliteration Afaman ka_na 'ala_ bayyinatim mir rabbihi wa yatlu_hu sya_hidum minhu wa min qablihi kita_bu mu_sa_ ima_maw wa rahmah(tan), ula_'ika yu'minu_na bih(i), wa may yakfur bihi minal ahza_bi fan na_ru mau'iduhu_ fala_ taku fi miryatim minhu innahul haqqu mir rabbika wa la_kinna aksaran na_si la_ yu'minu_n(a).
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17. Al-Israa, Mecca 50
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُل لَّئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ
الإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ
عَلَى أَن يَأْتُواْ
بِمِثْلِ هَـذَا
الْقُرْآنِ...
17: 88. Say:
"If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'án,
C2288. For the meaning of "Jinns", see .
...لاَ يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا ﴿٨٨﴾
they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.
C2289. The proof of the Quran is in its own beauty and nature, and the circumstances in which it was promulgated. The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one.
It is the only revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today.
Cf., for a similar challenge, 2:23, 10:38, and 11:13.
وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا
لِلنَّاسِ فِي
هَـذَا الْقُرْآنِ
مِن كُلِّ
مَثَلٍ...
17: 89. And We have explained to man, in this Qur'án, every kind of similitude:
C2290. In the Quran everything is explained in detail from various points of view, by commands, similitudes, examples, stories, parables, etc.
It does not merely narrate stories or lay down vague abstract propositions. It gives every detailed help in outward and inner life.
...فَأَبَى أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ إِلاَّ كُفُورًا ﴿٨٩﴾
yet the greater part of men refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude!
C2291. One form in which it can be received with ingratitude is to pay verbal tributes to it but not study it as it ought to be studied (2:121, haqqa tilawatihi), or to disobey its precepts or standards.
وَقَالُواْ
لَن نُّؤْمِنَ
لَكَ حَتَّى
تَفْجُرَ لَنَا
مِنَ الأَرْضِ
يَنبُوعًا ﴿٩٠﴾
17: 90. They say:
"We shall not believe in thee, until thou cause spring to gush forth for us from the earth,
C2292. Cf. 2:60.
أَوْ
تَكُونَ لَكَ
جَنَّةٌ مِّن
نَّخِيلٍ وَعِنَبٍ
فَتُفَجِّرَ
الأَنْهَارَ
خِلالَهَا
تَفْجِيرًا ﴿٩١﴾
17: 91. "Or (until) thou have a garden of date trees and vines, and cause rivers to gush forth in their midst, carrying abundant water;
C2293. This ill-assorted and crude jumble of the sort of miracles which the Unbelievers wanted is in very appropriate contrast to the sober and reasoned argument which has begun in the last sentence ofverse 93 and continued in sections 11 and 12, which close this Surah.
It is throughout reminiscent of the materialistic imagination of Jewish skeptics, which was mainly responsible for the fall of the Jewish nation (see verse 104 below). For a thirsty people sojourning in a dry land, the finding of a spring of water as in the story of Moses or of the well of Zamzam is an appropriate miracle. But miracles are not for faithless crowds to gape at.
A beautiful well-watered Garden is a symbol of Felicity: but a skeptic cannot order Allah to produce it for his pleasure. The same may be said about a house adorned with gold, except that its symbolism is even more materialistic.
The fall of the sky or producing Allah face to face or climbing to the skies by a ladder, or bringing down a book of parchment which men could handle, are all irreverent suggestions that make no distinction between spiritual and material things.
أَوْ
تُسْقِطَ السَّمَاء
كَمَا زَعَمْتَ
عَلَيْنَا
كِسَفًا...
17: 92. "Or thou cause the sky to fall in pieces, as thou sayest (will happen), against us;
C2294. Contrast the sublime passages like the beginning with 82:1. or that in 25:25, where the final breaking up of the firmaments as we know them is referred to in the world's catastrophe, with the ridiculous demand that it should be done for the sport of the skeptics!
...أَوْ تَأْتِيَ بِاللّهِ وَالْمَلآئِكَةِ قَبِيلاً ﴿٩٢﴾
or thou bring Allah and the angels before (us) face to face;
C2295. Cf. 2:55 and 4:153 about the desire of the Israelites to see Allah face to face;
and 6:8-9, about angels coming down to convince men.
أَوْ يَكُونَ
لَكَ بَيْتٌ
مِّن زُخْرُفٍ
أَوْ تَرْقَى
فِي السَّمَاء...
17: 93. "Or thou have a house adorned with gold, or thou mount a ladder right into the skies.
C2296. Cf. 6:35 about a ladder to the skies.
...وَلَن نُّؤْمِنَ لِرُقِيِّكَ حَتَّى تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا كِتَابًا نَّقْرَؤُهُ...
No, we shall not even believe in thy mounting until thou send down to us a book that we could read."
C2297. Cf. 6:7 for the foolish idea of materialistic skeptics that a spiritual revelation could come down from the heavens on a piece of parchment that they can touch.
...قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي هَلْ كُنتُ إَلاَّ بَشَرًا رَّسُولاً ﴿٩٣﴾
Say: "Glory to my Lord! am I aught but a man -- a Messenger?"
C2298. A prophet or messenger of Allah is a man at the command of Allah, and not to satisfy the disingenuous whims and fancies of Unbelievers.
Miracles greater than any that their foolish fancies could devise were before them. The Quran was such a miracle, and it is a standing miracle that lasts through the ages.
Why did they not believe?
The real reason was spite and jealousy like that of Iblis. See next verse.
Other versions:
17: 88
Pickthall Say: Verily, though mankind and the Jinn should assemble to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof though they were helpers one of another.
Yuksel 17:88 Say, "If all the humans and the Jinn were to gather to bring a Quran like this, they could not come with its like, even if they were helping one another."*
Qul la'inijtama'atil insu wal jinnu 'ala_ ay ya'tu_ bi misli ha_zal qur'a_ni la_ ya'tu_na bi mislihi wa lauka_na ba'dahum liba'din zahira_(n).
17: 89
Pickthall And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all kinds of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse aught save disbelief.
Yuksel 17:89 We have cited to the people in this Quran of every example, but most of the people refuse to be anything but ingrates!
Transliteration Wa laqad sarrafna_ lin na_si fi ha_zal qur'a_ni min kulli masal(in), fa aba_ aksarun na_si illa_ kufu_ra_(n).
[[ Ali’s notes - 2288 For the meaning of "Jinns", see n. 929 to vi. 100. (17.88)
2289 The proof of the Qur-an is in its own beauty and nature, and the circumstances in which it was promulgated. The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Cf., for a similar challenge, ii. 23, x. 38, and xi. 13. (17.88)
2290 In the Qur-an everything is explained in detail from various points of view, by commands, similitudes, examples, stories, parables, etc. It does not merely narrate stories or lay down vague abstract propositions. It gives every detailed help in outward and inner life. (17.89)
2291 One form in which it can be received with ingratitude is to pay verbal tributes to it but not study it as it ought to be studied (ii. 121, haqqa tilawatihi), or to disobey its precepts or standards. (17.89) ]]
17: 90
Pickthall And they say: We will not put faith in thee till thou cause a spring to gush forth from the earth for us;
Transliteration Wa qa_lu_ lan nu'mina laka hatta_ tafjura lana_ minal ardi yambu_'a_(n),
17: 91
Pickthall Or thou have a garden of date palms and grapes, and cause rivers to gush forth therein abundantly;
Transliteration Au taku_na laka jannatum min nakhiliw wa 'inabin fa tufajjiral anha_ra khila_laha_ tafjira_(n),
17: 92
Pickthall Or thou cause the heaven to fall upon us piecemeal, as thou hast pretended, or bring Allah and the angels as a warrant;
Transliteration Au tusqitas sama_'a kama_ za'amta 'alaina_ kisafan au ta'tiya billa_hi wal mala_'ikati qabila_(n),
17: 93
Pickthall Thou have a house of gold; or thou ascend up into heaven, and even then we will put no faith in thine ascension till thou bring down for us a book that we can read. Say (O Muhammad): My Lord be glorified! Am I naught save a mortal messenger?
Yuksel 17:93 "Or that you have a luxurious mansion, or that you can ascend into the heavens. We will not acknowledge your ascension unless you bring for us a book that we can study." Say, "Glory be to my Lord. Am I anything other than a human messenger!"
Transliteration Au yaku_na laka baitum min zukhrufin au tarqa_ fis sama_'(i), wa lan nu'mina liruqiyyika hatta_ tunazzila 'alaina_ kita_ban naqra'uh(u_), qul subha_na rabbi hal kuntu illa_ basyarar rasu_la_(n).
Yuksel’s translation
The Fanatic Skeptics Do not Appreciate the Intellectual Challenge
17:90 They said, "We will not acknowledge you until you cause a spring of water to burst from the land"
17:91 "Or that you have a garden of palm trees and grapes, and you cause gushing rivers to burst through it."
17:92 "Or that you make the sky fall upon us in pieces as you claimed, or that you bring God and the angels before us."
17:94 Nothing stopped the people from acknowledging when the guidance came to them, except they said, "Has God sent a human messenger?"
17:95 Say, "If the earth had angels walking about at ease, We would have sent down to them from heaven an angel as a messenger."
17:96 Say, "God suffices as a witness between me and you. He is Ever-aware and Watcher over His servants."
17:97 Whomever God guides is the truly guided one. Whomever He misguides then you will not find for them any allies except for Him. We gather them on the day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, mute, and deaf; their abode will be hell. Every time it dies down, We increase for them the fire.
17:98 Such is their recompense that they rejected Our signs, and they said, "If we are bones and fragments, will we be sent into a new creation?"
17:99 Did they not see that God who has created the heavens and the earth is able to create their like? He has made an appointed time for them in which there is no doubt. But the wicked refuse anything except rejection.
52 At-Tur (Mount Sinai)
Mecca Period 76
52:34 But then, [if they deem it the work of a mere mortal,] let them produce another discourse like it - if what they say be true!
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
فَلْيَأْتُوا
بِحَدِيثٍ
مِّثْلِهِ إِن
كَانُوا صَادِقِينَ
﴿٣٤﴾
52:34. Let them then produce a recital like unto it -- if (it be) they speak the Truth!