2. Surah Al Baqarah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
شَهْرُ
رَمَضَانَ
الَّذِيَ أُنزِلَ
فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ
هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
وَبَيِّنَاتٍ
مِّنَ الْهُدَى
وَالْفُرْقَانِ...
2: 185. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'án, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).
C192. Judgment (between right and wrong):
Furqan: the criterion or standard by which we judge between right and wrong. See 2:53 n. 68.
... فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ...
So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting,
... وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ...
but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period, (should be made up) by days later.
... يُرِيدُ اللّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ...
Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to difficulties.
... وَلِتُكْمِلُواْ الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ اللّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ ...
(He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you;
C193. The regulations are again and again coupled with an insistence on two things:
- the facilities and concessions given, and
- the spiritual significance of the fast, without which it is like an empty shell without a kernel.
If we realise this, we shall look upon Ramadhan, not as a burden, but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in this matter.
... وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾
and perchance ye shall be grateful.
Other versions:
2: 185
Asad It was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self- evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ell, or o a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks [unto Him].
Yusuf Ali Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
Pickthall The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.
Transliteration Syahru ramada_nal lazi unzila fihil qur'a_nu hudal lin na_si wa bayyina_tim minal huda_ wal furqa_n(i), faman syahida minkumusy syahra fal yasumh(u), wa man ka_na maridan au 'ala_ safarin fa'iddatum min ayya_min ukhar(a), yuridulla_hu bikumul yusra wa la_ yuridu bikumul'usr(a), wa litukmilul 'iddata wa litukabbirulla_ha'ala_ ma_ hada_kum wa la'allakum tasykuru_n(a).
5. Surah Al-Ma'idah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَاذْكُرُواْ
نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ
عَلَيْكُمْ
وَمِيثَاقَهُ
الَّذِي وَاثَقَكُم
بِهِ...
5: 7. And call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you, and His Covenant, which He ratified with you,
C705. There is a particular and a general meaning.
The particular meaning refers to the solemn Pledge and Covenant taken by two groups of people at 'Aqabah, a valley near Mina,
- the first about fourteen months before the Hijrah, and
- the second a little later.
These were Pledges of fealty to the Messenger of Allah, comparable to the Covenant under Mount Sinai taken in the time of Moses (See 2:63 and n. 78).
The general meaning has been explained in n. 682 to 5:1: man is under a spiritual obligation under an implied Covenant with Allah:
Allah has given man reason, judgment, the higher faculties of the soul, and even the position of vicegerent on earth (2:30), and man is bound to serve Allah faithfully-and obey His Will.
That obedience begins with cleanliness in bodily functions, food, etc. It goes on to cleanliness of mind and thought, and culminates in purity of motives in the inmost recesses of his heart and soul.
... إِذْ قُلْتُمْ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا...
when ye said: "We hear and we obey":
... وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ ﴿٧﴾
and fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.
Other versions:
5: 7 [al-Maidah, Medina 112]
Asad And [always] remember the blessings which God has bestowed upon you, and the solemn pledge by which He bound you to Himself when you said,………….
Yusuf Ali And call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you and His Covenant which He ratified with you when ye said: "We hear and we obey": and fear Allah for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.
Pickthall Remember Allah's grace upon you and His covenant by which He bound you when ye said: We hear and we obey; and keep your duty to Allah. Allah knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).
Transliteration Wazkuru_ ni'matalla_hi 'alaikum wa mis_qahul lazi wa_saqakum bih(i), iz qultum sami'na_ wa ata'na_, wattaqulla_h(a), innalla_ 'alimum bi za_tis sudu_r(i).
[[ Ali’s note - 705 There is a particular and a general meaning. The particular meaning refers to the solemn Pledge and Covenant taken by two groups of people at 'Aqaba, a valley near Mina, the first about fourteen months before the Hijra, and the second a little later. These were Pledges of fealty to the Messenger of Allah, comparable to the Covenant under Mount Sinai taken in the time of Moses (See 0. ii. 63 and n. 78). The general meaning has been explained in n. 682 to v. 1: man is under a spiritual obligation under an implied Covenant with Allah: Allah has given man reason, judgment, the higher faculties of the soul, and even the position of vicegerent on earth (ii. 30), and man is bound to serve Allah faithfully-and obey His Will. That obedience begins with cleanliness in bodily functions, food, etc. It goes on to cleanliness of mind and thought, and culminates in purity of motives in the inmost recesses of his heart and soul. (5.7)]]
6. Sura al-Anam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَكَذَلِكَ
فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُم
بِبَعْضٍ لِّيَقُولواْ
أَهَـؤُلاء
مَنَّ اللّهُ
عَلَيْهِم مِّن
بَيْنِنَا...
6: 53. Thus did We try some of them by comparison with others, that they should say:
"Is it these then that Allah hath favored from amongst us?"
C872. Pursue the argument of the last note.
The influential people who were not given precedence over the poor and humble but sincere disciples, were on their trial as to their spiritual insight. Their temptation was to say (and they said it in scorn):
"We are much greater than they: has Allah then selected these lowly people for His teaching?"
But that was so. And Allah knew best those who were grateful to Him for His guidance.
...أَلَيْسَ اللّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِالشَّاكِرِينَ ﴿٥٣﴾
"Is it these then that Allah hath favored from amongst us?"
Other versions:
6: 53
Asad For it is this way [note 44] that We try men through one another – to the end that they might ask, “His God, then, bestowed His favor upon those others in preference to us [note 45]? Does not God know best as to who is grateful [to Him]?
Yusuf Ali Thus did We try some of them by comparison with others that they should say: Is it these then that Allah hath favored from amongst us?" Doth not Allah know best those who are grateful?
Pickthall And even so do We try some of them by others, that they say: Are these they whom Allah favoureth among us? Is not Allah best aware of the thanksgivers?
Transliteration Wa kaza_lika fatanna_ ba'dahum bi ba'dil liyaqu_lu_ aha_'ula_'i mannalla_hu 'alaihim mim bainina_, alaisalla_hu bi a'lama bisy sya_kirin(a).
[[ Asad’s note 44 – I.e., by endowing man the power of reasoning and thus, indirectly, giving rise to a multiplicity of faiths.
Note 45 – Lit., “Is it those upon whom God has bestowed His favor from among us (min baynina)?”…………….]]
[[Ali’s note - 872 Pursue the argument of the last note. The influential people who were not given precedence over the poor and humble but sincere disciples, were on their trial as to their spiritual insight. Their temptation was to say (and they said it in scorn): "We are much greater than they: has God then selected these lowly people for His teaching?" But that was so. And God knew best those who were grateful to Him for His guidance. (6.53)]]
12. Surha Yusuf (Joseph)
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَرَفَعَ
أَبَوَيْهِ
عَلَى
الْعَرْشِ ...
12: 100. And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity),
C1779. Certainly metaphorically: probably also literally. By Eastern custom the place of honour at a ceremonial reception is on a seat on a dais, with a special cushion of honour, such as is assigned to a bridegroom at his reception.
To show his high respect for his parents, Joseph made them sit on a throne of dignity. On the other hand, his parents and his brothers, -all performed the ceremony of prostration before Joseph in recognition of his supreme rank in Egypt under the Pharaoh. And thus was fulfilled the dream or vision of his youth (12:4 above and n. 1633).
... وَخَرُّواْ لَهُ سُجَّدًا...
and they fell down in prostration (all) before him.
C1779a. The ceremony of prostration for paying respect might have been allowed at the time of previous prophets, but with the advent of the complete and final revelation prostration before anyone other than Allah is a grave sin strictly prohibited. (Eds.).
...وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَـذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّي حَقًّا...
He said:
"O my father! this is the fulfillment of my vision of old!
Allah hath made it come true!
...وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بَي إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِي مِنَ السِّجْنِ...
He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison
...وَجَاء بِكُم مِّنَ الْبَدْوِ مِن بَعْدِ أَن نَّزغَ الشَّيْطَانُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِي...
and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers.
C1780. Note how modest Joseph is throughout. The first things he thinks of among Allah's gracious favours to him are:
- that he was brought out of prison and publicly proclaimed to be honest and virtuous; and
- that his dear father was restored to him, as well as the brothers who had persecuted him all his life. He will say nothing against them personally. In his husn-i-zann (habit of interpreting everyone and everything in the most favourable and charitable light), he looks upon them as having been misled. It was Satan that set them against him. But now all is rectified by the grace of Allah, to Whom he renders due praise.
...إِنَّ رَبِّي لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَاء...
Verily my Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all that He planneth to do:
Latif. see n. 2844 to 22:63;
the fourth meaning mentioned there applies here, with echoes of the other meanings.
...إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠﴾
for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Other versions:
12: 100
Asad ………..and they fell down before Him, prostrating themselves in adoration…….Verily, my Sustainer is unfathomable in [the way He brings about] whatever He wills: verily, He alone is all-knowing, truly wise!
Yusuf Ali And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity) and they fell down in prostration (all) before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfillment of my vision of old! Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all that He planneth to do: for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Pickthall And he placed his parents on the dais and they fell down before him prostrate, and he said: O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old. My Lord hath made it true, and He hath shown me kindness, since He took me out of the prison and hath brought you from the desert after Satan had made strife between me and my brethren. Lo! my Lord is tender unto whom He will. He is the Knower, the Wise.
Yuksel He raised his parents on the throne, and all fell in prostration before Him. He said, "My father, this is the interpretation of my old dream. My Lord has made it true, and He has been good to me that he took me out of prison and brought you out of the wilderness after the devil had placed a rift between me and my brothers. My Lord is kind to whom He wills. He is the Knowledgeable, the Wise."
Transliteration Wa rafa'a abawaihi 'alal 'arsyi wa kharru_ lahu_ sujjada_(n), wa qa_la ya_ abati ha_za_ ta'wilu ru'ya_yamin qabl(u), qad ja'alaha_ rabbi haqqa_(n), wa qad ahsana bi iz akhrajani minas sijni wa ja_'a bikum minal badwi mim ba'di an nazagasy syaita_nu baini wa baina ikhwati, inna rabbi latiful lima_ yasya_'(u), innahu_ huwal 'alimul hakim(u).
39. Surah Az-Zumar (The Throngs)
Mecca Period 59 [75 verses]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
بَلِ
اللَّهَ فَاعْبُدْ
وَكُن مِّنْ
الشَّاكِرِينَ
﴿٦٦﴾
39: 66. Nay,
but worship Allah, and be of those who give thanks.
C4340. To "give thanks" is to show by our conduct that we esteem the gifts of Allah and will use them in His service.
Asad’s Version:
39:66 Nay, but thou shalt worship God [alone], and be among those who are grateful [to Him]!