7. Sura al-Araf
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
الَّذِينَ
اتَّخَذُواْ
الْعِجْلَ
سَيَنَالُهُمْ
غَضَبٌ مِّن
رَّبِّهِمْ
وَذِلَّةٌ فِي
الْحَياةِ
الدُّنْيَا...
7: 152. Those who took the calf (for worship) will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their Lord, and with shame in this life:
C1120. The consequences were twofold:
- spiritual, in that Allah's grace is withdrawn, and
- even in the present life of this world, in that godly men also shun the sinner's company, and he is isolated.
...وَكَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُفْتَرِينَ ﴿١٥٢﴾
thus do We recompense those who invent (falsehoods).
وَالَّذِينَ
عَمِلُواْ
السَّيِّئَاتِ
ثُمَّ تَابُواْ
مِن بَعْدِهَا
وَآمَنُواْ...
7: 153. But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and (truly) believe,
...إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِن بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٥٣﴾
verily Thy Lord is thereafter Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Other versions:
7: 152
Asad ……their Sustainer’s condemnation will overtake them, and ignominy [will be their lot] in the life of this world!” For thus do We requite all who invent [such] falsehood. [note 119]
Yusuf Ali Those who took the calf (for worship) will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their Lord and with shame in this life: thus do We recompense those who invent (falsehoods).
Pickthall Lo! those who chose the calf (for worship), terror from their Lord and humiliation will come upon them in the life of the world. Thus do We requite those who invent a lie.
Transliteration Innal lazinattakhazul 'ijla sayana_luhum gadabum mir rabbihim wa zillatun fil haya_tid dunya_, wa kaza_lika najzil muftarin(a).
7: 153
Yusuf Ali But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and (truly) believe verily Thy Lord is thereafter Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
Pickthall But those who do ill deeds and afterward repent and believe--lo! for them, afterward, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Transliteration Wallazina 'amilus sayyi'a_ti summa ta_bu_ mim ba'diha_ wa a_manu_ inna rabbaka mim ba'diha_ lagafu_rur rahim(un).
[[ Asad’s note 119 – Throughout the Quran, this expression is used to describe a)the attribute of divine qualities to any concrete or imaginary object or person, and b) the making of false statements about God, His attributes, or the contents of His messages. In the above context it refers to any false imagery which deflects man from the worship of the One God.]]
6. Sura al-Anam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِذَا
جَاءكَ الَّذِينَ
يُؤْمِنُونَ
بِآيَاتِنَا
فَقُلْ سَلاَمٌ
عَلَيْكُمْ
...
6 :54. When those come to thee who believe in Our Signs, say:
"Peace be on you:
C873. The humble who had sincere faith, were not only not sent away to humour the wealthy: they were honoured and were given a special salutation, which has become the characteristic salutation in Islam: "Peace be on you,"
- the word peace, "salam" having special affinity with the word "Islam".
In words they are given the salutation; in life they are promised Mercy by the special grace of Allah.
... كَتَبَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةَ...
your Lord had inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy:
C874. Cf. 6:12.
...أَنَّهُ مَن عَمِلَ مِنكُمْ سُوءًا بِجَهَالَةٍ ثُمَّ تَابَ مِن بَعْدِهِ وَأَصْلَحَ ...
verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented and amended (his conduct),
... فَأَنَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٥٤﴾
lo! He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
وَكَذَلِكَ
نفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ
وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ
سَبِيلُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
﴿٥٥﴾
6: 55. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail: that the way of the sinners may be shown up.
C875. If the way of the sinners (in jealousy and worldly pride) is shown up, and details are given how to honour the truly sincere, it forms the best illustration of the teaching of Allah.
Other versions:
6: 54 [al-Anam, Mecca 55 ]
Asad ….”…Your Sustainer has willed upon Himself the law of grace and mercy…………..”
Yusuf Ali When those come to thee who believe in Our Signs say: "Peace be on you: your Lord had inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy: verily if any of you did evil in ignorance and thereafter repented and amended (his conduct) lo! He is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."
Pickthall And when those who believe in Our revelations come unto thee, say: Peace be unto you! Your Lord hath prescribed for Himself mercy, that whoso of you doeth evil and repents afterward thereof and doeth right, (for him) lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Transliteration Wa iza_ ja_'akal lazina yu'minu_na bi a_ya_tina_ faqul sala_mun 'alaikum kataba rabbukum 'ala_ nafsihir rahmah(ta), annahu_ man'amila minkum su_'am bi jaha_latin summa ta_ba mim ba'dihi wa aslaha fa annahu_ gafu_rur rahim(un).
6: 55
Yusuf Ali Thus do We explain the Signs in detail: that the way of the sinners may be shown up.
Pickthall Thus do We expound the revelations that the way of the unrighteous may be manifest.
Transliteration Wa kaza_lika nufassilul a_ya_ti wa litastabina sabilul mujrimin(a).
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
9: 112. - Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance:
C1363. We are to rejoice that by giving up such small things as ourselves and our possessions we are to be rewarded with such a great thing as the eternal life of felicity. The truly righteous, whose lives in various aspects are described in this verse, do so rejoice. The good news is to be proclaimed to all Believers, including the weakest among us, so that they may profit by that example.
... الْعَابِدُونَ الْحَامِدُونَ السَّائِحُونَ الرَّاكِعُونَ السَّاجِدونَ...
- that serve Him, and praise Him;
- that wander in devotion to the Cause of Allah;
- that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer;
... الآمِرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَالنَّاهُونَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ...
- that enjoin good and forbid evil;
وَالْحَافِظُونَ لِحُدُودِ اللّهِ...
- and observe the limits set by Allah; (these do rejoice).
... وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿١١٢﴾
So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.
وَعَلَى
الثَّلاَثَةِ
الَّذِينَ
خُلِّفُواْ...
9: 118. (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left Behind: (they felt guilty)
... حَتَّى إِذَا ضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ...
to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all its speciousness
C1370.
- Among the Faithful, the largest number consisted of those who were perfectly staunch and ever ready to do their duty. They obtained the love and good pleasure of Allah.
- Next came a few who wavered because their will was weak and they were daunted by the dangers and difficulties that faced them; Allah's saving grace protected them and they conquered their weakness, and did not fail in their duty; Allah forgave them and accepted their repentance.
- Lastly, in the illustration taken from the Tabuk affair, there were some who actually failed in their duty, not from contumacy or ill-will, but from thoughtlessness, slackness, and human weakness: they actually failed to obey the Holy Prophet's summons, and were naturally called on to explain, and were excluded from the life of the Community.
Their mental state is here described graphically. Though the earth is spacious, to them it was constrained. In their own souls they had a feeling of constraint. In worldly affluence they felt poor in spirit.
They realized that they could not flee from Allah, but could only find solace and refuge in coming back to Him. They freely repented and showed it in their deeds, and Allah freely forgave them and took them to His grace.
Though illustrated by the particular examples of Ka'b, Mararah and Hilal, the lesson is perfectly general and is good for all times.
... وَضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَظَنُّواْ أَن لاَّ مَلْجَأَ مِنَ اللّهِ إِلاَّ إِلَيْهِ ...
and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah and no refuge but to Himself.
... ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُواْ...
Then He turned to them, that they might repent:
... إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿١١٨﴾
for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
Other versions:
9: 112 [at-Tawbah, Medina 113, after Tabuk, 9H]
Asad ……………..and go on and on [seeking His goodly acceptance] [note 147],…….and keep to the bounds set by God. And give thous [O Prophet] the glad tiding [of God’s promise] to all believers.
Yusuf Ali Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance: that serve Him and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the Cause of Allah; that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limits set by Allah; (these do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.
Pickthall (Triumphant) are those who turn repentant (to Allah), those who serve (Him), those who praise (Him), those who fast, these who bow down, those who fall prostrate (in worship), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits (ordained) of Allah And give glad tidings to believers!.
Transliteration At ta_'ibu_nal 'a_bidu_nal ha_midu_nas sa_'ihu_nar ra_ki'u_nas sa_jidu_nala a_miru_na bil ma'ru_fi wan na_hu_na 'anil munkari wal hu_fizu_na li hudu_dilla_h(i), wa basysyiril mu'minin(a).
[[ Asad’s note 147 – Most o the commentators attribute to the expression “as-sa’ihun [lit., “those who wander”) the meaning of as-sa’imun, i.e., “those who fast”, since he who fasts deprives himself, temporarily, of worldly enjoyments ……………..Other authorities, however, ……..prefer the original significance of this term and explain it as more or less synonymous with al-muhajirun (“those who forsake the domain of evil”). To my mind, the expression as-saihun is best rendered as “those who go on and on [seeking God’s goodly acceptance]”, thus combining the literal and metonymical connotation of the term ‘siyahah’.]]
[[Ruby’s note – I think I like the shade of meaning of wondering in the world seeking God’s signs in the pursuit of truth. People who wonder go places to places are better exposed to many things than who stay in one place. But the central here is the intention of wondering. If one wonders just for the sake of wondering and pleasure or curiosity or amusement the purpose is lost. When one wonders with the deep desire and commitment to see the sign of God in greater reality and wonder with that spirit that act then becomes a worship and service to God. This spirit is similar to that of al-muhajirun but not the same. I believe as-saihun is general in spirit in life and not due to a compulsive situation where as al-muhajirun is due to a compulsive situation but both are with the spirit to do good, comply with God’s laws and thus serve God better. ]]
9: 118
Yusuf Ali (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left Behind: (they felt guilty) to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them for all its speciousness and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah and no refuge but to Himself. Then He turned to them that they might repent: for Allah is Oft-Returning Most Merciful.
Pickthall And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) who were left behind: when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them, and their own souls were straitened for them till they bethought them that there is no refuge from Allah save toward Him. Then turned He unto them in mercy that they (too) might turn (repentant unto Him). Lo! Allah! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.
Transliteration Wa 'alas sala_satil lazina khullifu_, hatta_ iza_ da_qat 'alaihimul ardu bima_ rahubat wa da_qat 'alaihim anfusuhum wa zannu_ alla_ malja'a minalla_hi illa_ ilaih(i), summa tu_ba 'alaihim liyatu_bu_, innalla_ha huwat tawwa_bur rahim(u).
[[Ali’s notes -
1368 Cf. ix. 100. The Muhajirs were the people who originally forsook their homes in Makkah and followed Al-Mustafa in exile to Madinah. The Ansar were the Madinah people who received them with honour and hospitality into their city. Both these groups were staunch supporters of Islam, and proved their Faith by great sacrifices. But in the difficult days of the Tabuk expedition some of them, not perversely, but out of lethargy and human weakness, had failed to follow the standard. They were forgiven, and they afterwards acquitted themselves with zeal. (9.117)
1369 Note that the "swerving from duty" was merely an inclination due to the weakness of human nature in the face of new difficulties: that it only affected a part of the men for a time: and that it was overcome even in their case by the grace of Allah, so that they all did their duty, and were freely forgiven their incipient weakness, which they conquered. There were three exceptions, which are referred to in the next verse. (9.117)
1370 Left behind: i.e., the acceptance of their repentance was delayed. Among the Faithful, the largest number consisted of those who were perfectly staunch and ever ready to do their duty. They obtained the love and good pleasure of Allah. Next came a few who wavered because their will was weak and they were daunted by the dangers and difficulties that faced them; Allah's saving grace protected them and they conquered their weakness, and did not fail in their duty; Allah forgave them and accepted their repentance. Lastly, in the illustration taken from the Tabuk affair, there were some who actually failed in their duty, not from contumacy or ill-will, but from thoughtlessness, slackness, and human weakness: they actually failed to obey the Holy Prophet's summons, and were naturally called on to explain, and were excluded from the life of the Community. Their mental state is here described graphically. Though the earth is spacious, to them it was constrained. In their own souls they had a feeling of constraint. In worldly affluence they felt poor in spirit. They realized that they could not flee from Allah, but could only find solace and refuge in coming back to Him. They freely repented and showed it in their deeds, and Allah freely forgave them and took them to His grace. Though illustrated by the particular examples of Ka'b, Mararah and Hilal, the lesson is perfectly general and is good for all
11.Surah Hud
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
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.
وَأَنِ
اسْتَغْفِرُواْ
رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ
تُوبُواْ
إِلَيْهِ...
11: 3. ("And to preach thus), 'Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance;
...يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى...
that He may grant you enjoyment, good (and true), for a term appointed,
...وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ...
and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit!
C1495. The enjoyment of all good and true things in life refers,
I think, to the present life with its limited term, and the abounding Grace refers to the higher reward, which begins here but is completed in the life to come.
...وَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَإِنِّيَ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ ﴿٣﴾
But if ye turn away, then I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day:
إِلَى
اللّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ
وَهُوَ عَلَى
كُلِّ شَيْءٍ
قَدِيرٌ ﴿٤﴾
11: 4. "'To Allah is your return, and He hath power over all things.'"
وَيَا قَوْمِ
اسْتَغْفِرُواْ
رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ
تُوبُواْ
إِلَيْهِ...
11: 52. "And O my people!
ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him (in repentance):
...يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا ...
He will send you the skies pouring abundant rain,
C1546. The beautiful metaphor about the skies coming down with rain has been obscured unnecessarily in most translations.
The country of the 'Ad was an arid country, and rain was the greatest blessing they could receive. We can imagine this being said in a time of famine, when the people performed all sorts of superstitious rites and invocations instead of turning to the true God in faith and repentance.
Further, when we remember that there were, in this tract in ancient times, dams like that at Ma'arib, for the storage of rain water, the effect is still further heightened in pointing to Allah's care and mercy in His dealing with men.
... وَيَزِدْكُمْ قُوَّةً...
and add strength to your strength:
C1547. Adding strength to strength may refer to increase of population, as some Commentators think. While other parts of Arabia were sparsely populated, the irrigated lands of the 'Ad supported a comparatively dense population and added to their natural strength in the arts of peace and war.
But the term used is perfectly general. They were a powerful people in their time. If they obeyed Allah and followed the law of righteousness, they would be still more powerful, for "righteousness exalteth a nation."
...إِلَى قُوَّتِكُمْ وَلاَ تَتَوَلَّوْاْ مُجْرِمِينَ ﴿٥٢﴾
so turn ye not back in sin!"
Other versions:
11: 1 [Hud, Mecca 52]
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
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 "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
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
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: 52 [Hud, Mecca 52]
Asad ………He will shower upon you heavenly blessings abundant, and will add strength to your strength……….
Yusuf Ali "And O my people! ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him (in repentance): He will send you the skies pouring abundant rain and add strength to your strength: so turn ye not back in sin!"
Pickthall And, O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn unto Him repentant; He will cause the sky to rain abundance on you and will add unto you strength to your strength. Turn not away, guilty!
Yuksel "My people, seek forgiveness from your Lord, then repent to Him; He will send the sky to you abundantly, and He will increase might to your might. So do not turn away as criminals."
Transliteration Wa ya_ qaumi-stagfiru_ rabbakum summa tu_bu_ ilaihi yursilis sama_'a 'alaikum midra_raw wa yazidkum quwwatan ila_ quwwatikum wa la_ tatawallau mujrimin(a).
20 Sura Taha
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِنِّي
لَغَفَّارٌ
لِّمَن تَابَ
وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ
صَالِحًا ثُمَّ
اهْتَدَى ﴿٨٢﴾
20: 82. "But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right -- who, in fine are ready to receive true guidance."
Other versions:
20:82
Asad Yet withal, behold, I forgive all sins unto any who repents and attains to faith and does righteous deeds, and thereafter keeps to the right path