2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ أَندَاداً يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللّهِ...

2: 165. Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah as equal (with Allah); they love them as they should love Allah.

... وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلّهِ...

But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.

... وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعاً...

If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty, that to Allah belongs all power,

... وَأَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ ﴿١٦٥﴾

and Allah will strongly enforce the Punishment.

C167. Everything around and within us points to unity of purpose and design, - points to Allah. Yet there are foolish persons (unrighteous - those who deliberately use the choice given them to go wrong). They think something else is equal to Allah. Perhaps they even do lip service to Allah.

If only the unrighteous could see the consequences, they would see the terrible Penalty, and that all Power is in Allah's hands, not in that of any one else.

Who are these others who are used as fetishes by the misguided?

It may be:

- creatures of their own imagination, or of their faculties misused; the idea lying behind Idols is akin to this, for no intelligent idol-worshipper owns to worshipping stocks and stones; or

- good leaders whose names have been misused out of perversity to erect them to a position of equality with Allah; or

- Powers of evil that deliberately mislead.

When it comes to the inevitable consequences of blasphemy and the rejection of Allah, the eyes of all are opened and these false and artificial, relations dissolve. The idea which was created into a fetish disowns its follower, i.e. is seen to have no reasonable basis in the life of the follower, and the follower is forced to renounce it as false. The good ones would take an unholy delight in exposing the facts. The Reality is now irresistible but alas! at what cost?

إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُواْ مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُواْ وَرَأَوُاْ الْعَذَابَ...

2: 166. Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them); they would see the penalty,

... وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الأَسْبَابُ ﴿١٦٦﴾

and all relations between them would be cut off.

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُواْ لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّؤُواْ مِنَّا...

2: 167. And those who followed would say:

"If only we had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us."

... كَذَلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ اللّهُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ حَسَرَاتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ...

Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets,

C168. Cf. 3:156, 7:36, 19:39, 25:23, 69:50, [Eds]

... وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنَ النَّارِ﴿١٦٧﴾

nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire.

وَلاَ تَنكِحُواْ الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّى يُؤْمِنَّ...

2: 221. Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe;

C245a. Literally "Pagan".

... وَلأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ...

a slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allure you.

C245a. Literally "Pagan".

... وَلاَ تُنكِحُواْ الْمُشِرِكِينَ حَتَّى يُؤْمِنُواْ...

Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe:

C245a. Literally "Pagan".

... وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ...

a man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allure you.

C246. Marriage is a most intimate communion, and the mystery of sex finds its highest fulfilment when intimate spiritual harmony is combined with the physical link. If religion is at all a real influence in life to both parties or to either party, a difference in this vital matter must affect the lives of both more profoundly than differences of birth, race, language, or position in life. It is therefore only right that the parties to be married should have the same spiritual outlook. If two person love each other, their outlook in the highest things of life must be the same.

Note that religion is not here a mere label or a matter of custom or birth. The two persons may have been born in different religions, but if, by their mutual influence, they come to see the truth in the same way, they must openly accept the same rites and the same social brotherhood. Otherwise the position will become impossible individually and socially.

... أُوْلَـئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ وَاللّهُ يَدْعُوَ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ...

Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the fire. But Allah beckons by His grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness,

... وَيُبَيِّنُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ ﴿٢٢١﴾

and makes His Signs clear to mankind: that they may receive admonition..

Other versions:

2: 165

Asad And yet there are people who choose to believe in beings that allegedly rival God, loving them as [only] God should be loved: whereas those who have attained to faith love God more than all else. If they who are bent on evildoing could but see – as see they will when they are made to suffer [on Resurrection Day] – that all might belongs to God alone, and that God is sever in [meting out] punishment!

Yusuf Ali Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah as equal (with Allah); they love them as they should love Allah. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see behold they would see the penalty that to Allah belongs all power and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty.

Pickthall Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only)--Those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah--Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!

Wa minan na_si may yattakhizu min du_nilla_hi anda_day yuhibbu_nahum ka hubbilla_h(i), wallazinaa_manu_ asyaddu hubbal lilla_h(i), wa lau yaral lazina zalamu_ iz yaraunal 'aza_b(a), annal quwwata lilla_hi jami'a_(n), wa annalla_ha syadidul'aza_b(i).

2: 166

Asad [On that Day] it will come to pass that those who had been [falsely] adored [Asad’s note 133] shall disown their followers, and the latter shall see the suffering [that awaits them], with all their hopes [note 134] cut to pieces!

Yusuf Ali Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them); they would see the penalty and all relations between them would be cut off.

Pickthall (On the day) when those who were followed disown those who followed (them), and they behold the doom, and all their aims collapse with them.

Transliteration

[ Asad’s note 133 – Lit., “followed” – i.e., as saints or alleged “divine personalities”.

note 134 – Asbab (sing sabab) denotes, in its primary meaning, “ties” or “attachments”, and in a tropical sense, “means [towards any end]" …….In the above context, asbab obviously refers to means of salvation, and may thus be rendered as “hopes”. ]

2: 167

Asad And then those followers shall say: “Would that we had a second chance [in life], so that we could disown them as they have disowned us!”

Yusuf Ali And those who followed would say: "If only we had one more chance we would clear ourselves of them as they have cleared themselves of us." Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets nor will there be a way for them out of the fire.

Pickthall And those who were but followers will say: If a return were possible for us, we would disown them even as they have disowned us. Thus will Allah show them their own deeds as anguish for them, and they will not emerge from the Fire.

Transliteration Wa qa_lal lazinat taba'u_ lau anna lana_ karratan fa natabarra'a minhum, kama_ tabarra'u_ minna_, kaza_lika yurihimulla_hu a'ma_lahum hasara_tin 'alaihim, wa ma_ hum bi kha_rijina minan na_r(i).

2: 221

Asad And do not marry women who ascribe divinity to aught beside God ere they attain to [true] belief: for any believing bondwoman [of God] is certainly better than a woman who ascribes divinity to aught beside God, even though she please you greatly. And do not give your women in marriage to men who ascribe divinity to aught beside God ere they attain to [true] belief: for any believing bondman…………[Such as] these invite unto the fire, whereas God invites unto paradise, and unto [the achievement of] forgiveness by His leave; and He makes clear His messages unto mankind, so that they might bear them in mind.

Yusuf Ali Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters) until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman even though she allure you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: a man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the fire. But Allah beckons by His grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness and makes His Signs clear to mankind: that they may celebrate His praise.

Pickthall Wed not idolatresses till they believe; for lo! a believing bondwoman is better than an idolatress though she please you; and give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe, for lo! a believing slave is better than an idolater though he please you. These invite unto the Fire, and Allah invites unto the Garden, and unto forgiveness by His grace, and expound thus His revelations to mankind that haply they may remember.

Wa la_ tankihul musyrika_ti hatta_ yu'minn(a), wa la'amatum mu'minatun khairum mim musyrikatiw wa lau a'jabatkum, wa la_ tunkihul musyrikina hatta_ yu'minu_, wa la'abdum ymu'minun khairum mim musyrikiw wa lau a'jabakum, ula_'ika yad'u_na ilan na_r(i), walla_hu yad'u_ ilal jannati wal magfirati bi iznih(i), wa yubayyinu a_ya_tihi linna_si la'allahum yatazakkaru_n(a).

3. Sura al-Imran

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

سَنُلْقِي فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ الرُّعْبَ بِمَا أَشْرَكُواْ بِاللّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا...

3: 151. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, for that hey joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority:

...وَمَأْوَاهُمُ النَّارُ وَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿١٥١﴾

their abode will be the fire; and evil is the home of the wrongdoers!

Other versions:

3: 151

Asad Into the hearts of those who are bent on denying the truth We shall cast dread in return for their ascribing divinity, side by side with God, to other beings – [something] for which He has never bestowed any warrant from on high [note 106]; and their goal is the fire – and how evil that abode of evildoers!

Yusuf Ali Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers for that they joined companions with Allah for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the fire; and evil is the home of the wrong-doers!

Pickthall We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant hath been revealed. Their habitation is the Fire, and hapless the abode of the wrong doers.

Transliteration Sanulqi fi qulu_bil lazina kafarur ru'ba bima_ asyraku_ billa_hi ma_ lam yunazzil bihi sulta_na_(n), wa ma'wa_humun na_r(u), wa bi'sa maswaz za_limin(a).

[[ Asad’s note 106 – I.e., something which He never permits. The use of the adverb “never” in my rendering is based on the grammatical form “lam yunazzil (lit. “ He has not been sending down” or “ bestowing from on high”), which implies continuity in time.]]

5. Surah Al-Ma'idah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ...

5: 72. They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary."

... وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ...

But said Christ: "O children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord."

C782. Cf. Matt. 4:10, where Christ rebukes Satan for desiring the worship of other than Allah:

John 20:17, where Christ says to Mary Magdalene, "Go unto my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father; and to my God and your God.

"Cf. also Luke 18:19, where Christ rebukes a certain ruler for calling him Good Master: "Why callest thou me good? None is good, save One, that is, Allah."

In Mark 12:29 Jesus says: "The first of all the commandments is, Hear 0 Israel; the Lord our God is One Lord."

... إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ...

Whoever joins other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode.

... وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ ﴿٧٢﴾

There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلاَثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـهٍ إِلاَّ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ...

5: 73. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity:

for there is no god except One Allah.

... وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُواْ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٧٣﴾

If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

Other versions:

5: 72

Yusuf Ali They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O children of Israel! worship Allah my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah Allah will forbid him the garden and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.

Pickthall They surely disbelieve who say : Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said : O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden Paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evildoers there will be no helpers.

Transliteration Laqad kafaral lazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha huwal masihubnu maryam(a), wa qa_lal masihu ya_ bani isra_'ila'budulla_ha rabbi wa rabbakum, innahu_ may yusyrik billa_hi faqad harramalla_hu 'alaihil jannata wa ma'wa_hun na_r(u), wa ma_ liz za_limina min ansa_r(in).

5: 73

Yusuf Ali They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy) verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

Pickthall They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.

Transliteration Laqad kafaral lazina qa_lu_ innalla_ha sa_lisu sala_sah(tin), wa ma_ min ila_hin illa_ ila_huw wa_hid(un), wa illam yantahu_'amma_ yaqu_lu_na layamassannal lazina kafaru_ minhum 'aza_bun alim(un).

7. Sura al-Araf

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ...

7: 37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects his signs?

...أُوْلَـئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ...

For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book (of decrees);

C1018. It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth.

During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late.

...حَتَّى إِذَا جَاءتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ قَالُواْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ...

until, when Our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they say:

"Where are the things that ye used to invoke besides Allah?"

...قَالُواْ ضَلُّواْ عَنَّا وَشَهِدُواْ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُواْ كَافِرِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾

They will reply, "They have left us in the lurch,"

and they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.

Other versions:

7: 37

Asad And who could be more wicked than they who attribute their own lying inventions to God or give the lie to His messages? Whatever has been decreed to be their lot [in life] will be theirs – till there shall come unto them Our messengers to cause them to die,…………….

Yusuf Ali Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects his signs? For such their portion appointed must reach them from the Book (of decrees); until when Our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls they say: "where are the things that ye used to invoke besides Allah?" They will reply "they have left us in the lurch" and they will bear witness against themselves that they had rejected Allah.

Pickthall Who doeth greater wrong than he who invent a lie concerning Allah or deny Our tokens. (For such) their appointed portion of the Book (of destiny) reaches them till, when Our messengers come to gather them, they say: Where (now) is that to which ye cried beside Allah? They say: They have departed from us. And they testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

Transliteration Faman azlamu mimmaniftara_'alalla_hi kaziban au kazzaba bi a_ya_tih(i), ula_'ika yana_luhum nasibuhum minal kita_b(i), hatta_ iza_ ja_'athum rusuluna_ yatawaffaunahum, qa_lu_ aina ma_ kuntum tad'u_na min du_nilla_h(i), qa_lu_ dallu_'anna_ wa syahidu_ 'ala_ anfusihim annahum ka_nu_ ka_firin(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 1018 It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth. During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late. (7.37)]]

9. Surah At Tawbah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

مَا كَانَ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ أَن يَعْمُرُواْ مَسَاجِدَ الله شَاهِدِينَ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ بِالْكُفْرِ... 

9: 17.  It is not for such as join gods with Allah, to visit or maintain the mosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity.

C1266. 'Amara as applied to mosques implies the following ideas:

-        to build or repair:

-        to maintain in fitting dignity:

-        to visit for purposes of devotion: and

-        fill with light and life and activity.

For brevity I have only used "maintain" in the Translation. Before the preaching of Islam the Pagans built, repaired, and maintained the Mosque, and celebrated Pagan ceremonies in it. They made an income out of it. Islam protested, and the Pagans ejected Muslims and their Leader from Makkah and shut them out from the Ka'bah itself.

When the Muslims were strong enough to re-take Makkah (A.H. 8), they purified the Mosque and re-established the worship of the true God. If they became Muslims, it was a different matter. The further question arose: should they be allowed to visit it and practice their unseemly Pagan rites?

Obviously this would be derogatory to the dignity and honour of the Mosque, and was forbidden. This was the particular occasion to which the verse refers.

The general deduction is clear. A house of Allah is a place of sincere devotion, not a theatre for vulgar rites nor a source of worldly income. Only sincere Believers have a right of entry.

Who the sincere Believers are, is explained in the next verse.

...أُوْلَئِكَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ وَفِي النَّارِ هُمْ خَالِدُونَ ﴿١٧﴾  

The works of such bear no fruit:

in fire shall they dwell.

Other versions:

9: 17

Asad It is not for those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God to visit or tend [note 26] God’s houses of worship, …….that they are denying the truth………..and they who in the fire shall abide! [note 27]

Yusuf Ali It is not for such as join gods with Allah to visit or maintain the mosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: in fire shall they dwell.

Pickthall It is not for the idolaters to tend Allah's sanctuaries, bearing witness against themselves of disbelief. As for such, their works are vain and in the Fire they will abide.

Transliteration Ma_ ka_na lil musyrikina ay ya'muru_ masa_jidalla_hi sya_hidina 'a_la_ anfusihim bil kufr(i), ula_'ika habitat a'ma_luhum, wa fin na_ri hum kha_lidu_n(a).

11.Surah Hud

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّمَنْ خَافَ عَذَابَ الآخِرَةِ...   

11: 103. In that is a Sign for those who fear the Penalty of the Hereafter:

...ذَلِكَ يَوْمٌ مَّجْمُوعٌ لَّهُ النَّاسُ وَذَلِكَ يَوْمٌ مَّشْهُودٌ ﴿١٠٣﴾  

that is a Day for which mankind will be gathered together:

that will be a Day of Testimony.

C1604. Yaumunmashhud: To suggest the comprehensive meaning of the Arabic I have translated, "a Day of Testimony".

I proceed to explain the various shades of meaning implied:

-        a Day to which all testimony points from every quarter;

-        a Day when testimony will be given before Allah's Judgment Seat, by all who are relevant witnesses, e.g., the Prophets that preached, the men or women we benefited or injured, the angels who recorded our thoughts and deeds, or our thoughts and deeds personified;

-        a Day which will be witnessed, i.e., seen by all, no matter how or where they died.

وَمَا نُؤَخِّرُهُ إِلاَّ لِأَجَلٍ مَّعْدُودٍ ﴿١٠٤﴾    

11: 104. Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.

يَوْمَ يَأْتِ لاَ تَكَلَّمُ نَفْسٌ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ...   

11: 105. The day it arrives, no soul shall speak except His leave:

C1605. Speak i.e.,

-         either in self-defence or

-         in accusation of others or

-         to intercede for others, or

-         to enter into conversation or

-         ask questions, one with another.

It will be a solemn Day, before the Great Judge of all, to whom everything will be known and whose authority will be unquestioned.

There will be no room for quibbling or equivocation or subterfuge of any kind, nor can any one lay the blame on another or take the responsibility of another. Personal responsibility will be enforced strictly.

...فَمِنْهُمْ شَقِيٌّ وَسَعِيدٌ ﴿١٠٥﴾  

of those (gathered) some will be wretched and some will be blessed.

C1606. Shaqi (wretched) and Said (blessed) have become almost technical theological terms. They are explained in the four following verses.

فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ شَقُواْ فَفِي النَّارِ لَهُمْ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌ وَشَهِيقٌ ﴿١٠٦﴾    

11: 106.Those who are wretched shall be in the Fire:

there will be for them therein (nothing but) the heaving of sighs and sobs:

C1607. The first word, Zafir, translated "sighs", is applied to one part in the process of the braying of an, ass, when he emits a deep breath.

The second, Shahiq, translated, "sobs", is the other process in the braying of an ass, when he draws in a long breath.

This suggestion of an animal proverbial for his folly implies that the wicked, in spite of their arrogance and insolence in this world below, will at last realise that they have been fools after all, throwing away their own chances whenever they got them,

In 67:7 the word Shahiq is applied to the tremendous roaring in-take or devouring of Hell-fire.

خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا مَا دَامَتِ السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ إِلاَّ مَا شَاء رَبُّكَ...   

11: 107.They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as thy Lord willeth:

C1608. Khalidin: This is the word which is usually translated "dwell for ever" or "dwell for aye".

Here it is definitely connected with two conditions, viz:

-        as long as the heavens and the earth endure, and

-        except as Allah wills.

Some Muslim theologians deduce from this the conclusion that the penalties referred to are not eternal, because the heavens and the earth as we see them are not eternal, and the punishments for the deeds of a life that will end should not be such as will never end.

The majority of Muslim theologians reject this view. They hold that the heavens and the earth here referred to are not those we see now, but others that will be eternal. They agree that Allah's Will is unlimited in scope and power, but that it has willed that the rewards and punishments of the Day of Judgment will be eternal.

This is not the place to enter into this tremendous controversy.

...إِنَّ رَبَّكَ فَعَّالٌ لِّمَا يُرِيدُ ﴿١٠٧﴾  

for thy Lord is the (sure) Accomplisher of what He planneth.

وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ سُعِدُواْ فَفِي الْجَنَّةِ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا مَا دَامَتِ السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ...   

11: 108.And those who are blessed shall be in the Garden:

they will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure,

C1609. Exactly the same arguments apply as in the last note.

...إِلاَّ مَا شَاء رَبُّكَ...

except as thy Lord willeth:

...عَطَاء غَيْرَ مَجْذُوذٍ ﴿١٠٨﴾  

a gift without break.

C1610. The felicity will be uninterrupted, unlike any joy or happiness which we can imagine in this life and which is subject to chances and changes, as our daily experience shows.

Other versions:

11: 103

Asad ……that Day [ of Judgment] which shall be witnessed [by all that ever lived],

Yusuf Ali In that is a Sign for those who fear the Penalty of the Hereafter: that is a Day for which mankind will be gathered together: that will be a Day of Testimony.

Pickthall Lo! herein verily there is a portent for those who fear the doom of the Hereafter. That is a day unto which mankind will be gathered, and that is a day that will be witnessed.

Yuksel In this is a sign for he who fears the retribution of the Hereafter. That is a day to which all the people will be gathered, and that is a day which will witnessed.

Transliteration Inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liman kha_fa 'aza_bal a_khirah(ti), za_lika yaumum majmu_'(ul), lahun na_su wa za_lika yaumum masyhu_d(un).

[[ Ali’s note - 1604 Yaumun mashhud: To suggest the comprehensive meaning of the Arabic I have translated, "a Day of Testimony". I proceed to explain the various shades of meaning implied: (1) a Day to which all testimony points from every quarter; (2) a Day when testimony will be given before Allah's Judgment-seat, by all who are relevant witnesses, e.g., the Prophets that preached, the men or women we benefited or injured, the angels who recorded our thoughts and deeds, or our thoughts and deeds personified; (3) a Day which will be witnessed, i.e., seen by all, no matter how or where they died. (11.103) ]]

11: 104

Asad and which We shall not delay beyond a term set [by Us]. [note 133]

Yusuf Ali Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.

Pickthall And We defer it only as a term already reckoned.

Yuksel We do not delay it except to a term already prepared for.

Transliteration Wa ma_ nu'akhkhiruhu_ illa_ li ajalim ma'du_d(in).

[[ Asad’s note 133- Lit., “except till a term computed [by Us]”.]]

11: 105

Yusuf Ali The day it arrives no soul shall speak except by His leave: of those (gathered) some will be wretched and some will be blessed.

Pickthall On the day when it cometh no soul will sneak except by His permission; some among them will be wretched, (others) glad.

Yuksel On the day it comes, no person will speak to another except by His leave. Some of them will be distraught, some will be happy.

Transliteration Yauma ya'ti la_ takallamu nafsun illa_ bi iznih(i), fa minhum syaqiyyuw wa sa'id(un).

[[Ali’s notes - 1606 Shaqi (wretched) and Said (blessed) have become almost technical theological terms. They are explained in the four following verses. (11.105)

11: 106

Yusuf Ali Those who are wretched shall be in the Fire: there will be for them therein (nothing but) the heaving of sighs and sobs:

Pickthall As for those who will be wretched (on that day) they will be in the Fire; sighing and wailing will be their portion therein.

Yuksel As for those who are distraught, they will be in the fire; in it for them is a sighing and a wailing.

Transliteration Fa ammal lazina syaqu_ fa fin na_ri lahum fiha_ zafiruw wa syahiq(un),

11: 107

Asad therein to abide as long as the heavens and the earth endure – unless your Sustainer wills it otherwise [note 134]; for, verily, your Sustainer is a sovereign doer of whatever He wills.

Yusuf Ali They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure except as thy Lord wills: for thy Lord is the (sure) Accomplisher of what He planneth.

Pickthall Abiding there so long as the heavens and the earth endure save for that which thy Lord willeth. Lo! thy Lord is Doer of what He will.

Yuksel They will abide in it as long as the heavens and earth exist, except for what your Lord wishes. Your Lord does as He pleases.

Transliteration Kha_lidina fiha_ ma_ da_matis sama_wa_tu wal ardu illa_ ma_ sya_'a rabbuk(a), inna rabbaka fa''a_lul lima_ yurid(u).

[[ Ali’s note - 1608 Khalidin: This is the word which is usually translated "dwell for ever" or "dwell for aye". Here it is definitely connected with two conditions, viz: (1) as long as the heavens and the earth endure, and (2) except as Allah wills. Some Muslim theologians deduce from this the conclusion that the penalties referred to are not eternal, because the heavens and the earth as we see them are not eternal, and the punishments for the deeds of a life that will end should not be such as will never end. The majority of Muslim theologians reject this view. They hold that the heavens and the earth here referred to are not those we see now, but others that will be eternal. They agree that Allah's Will is unlimited in scope and power, but that It has willed that the rewards and punishments of the Day of Judgment will be eternal. (11.107)]]

[[ Asad’s note – I.e., unless God wills to reprieve them (cf. the last paragraph of 6:128 and the corresponding note 114, as well as note 10 on 40:12). The phrase “as long as the heavens and the earth endure” has causes some perplexity to most of the classical commentators in view of the many Quranic statements to the effect that the world as well know it will come to an end on the Last Day, which is synonymous with the Day of Resurrection. …..were used metonymically in the sense of “time beyond count”….See also 20:105-107 and the corresponding note 90, as well note 63 on 14:48.]]

11: 108

Yusuf Ali And those who are blessed shall be in the Garden: they will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure except as thy Lord willeth: a gift without break.

Pickthall And as for those who will be glad (that day) they will be in the Garden, abiding there so long as the heavens and the earth endure save for that which thy Lord willeth: a gift unfailing.

Yuksel As for those who are fortunate, they will be in paradise; in it they will abide as long as the heavens and earth exist, except for what your Lord wishes, a giving without end.*

Transliteration Wa ammal lazina su'idu_ fa fil jannati kha_lidina fiha_ ma_ da_matis sama_wa_tu wal ardu illa_ ma_ sya_'a rabbuk(a), 'ata_'an gaira majzu_z(in).

[[ Yuksel’s note - 011:108 After the end of the world, the earth together with the universe will be recreated anew (14:48).]]

14. Surah Ibrahim

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ بَدَّلُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ كُفْرًا وَأَحَلُّواْ قَوْمَهُمْ دَارَ الْبَوَارِ ﴿٢٨﴾

14: 28.  Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have changed the favor of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition? --

C1904. There is a particular and a general meaning.

-        The particular meaning is understood to be a reference to the Makkan Pagans who turned the House of Allah into a place for the worship of horrible idols and the practice of unseemly rites and cults.

There is no real difficulty in accepting this as part of a late Makkan Surah even without supposing it to be a prophecy.

The Makkan Pagans had turned Religion into a blasphemous superstition, and were misguiding their people, persecuting the true Messenger of Allah and all who followed his teaching. Their cup of iniquity seemed about full, and they seemed to be heading to perdition, as later events indeed showed to be the case.

-        The general meaning is also clear. Selfish men, when they seize power, want worship for themselves or their Phantasies, in derogation of the true God. Power, which should have been an instrument of good, becomes in their hands an instrument of evil. They and their people rush headlong to perdition. "These be thy gods, 0 Israel!" has been a cry repeated again and again in history, in the face, or at the back, of men of God!

جَهَنَّمَ يَصْلَوْنَهَا وَبِئْسَ الْقَرَارُ ﴿٢٩﴾

14: 29.  Into Hell?

They will burn therein -- an evil place to stay in!

وَجَعَلُواْ لِلّهِ أَندَادًا لِّيُضِلُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ...   

14: 30.  And they set up (idols) as equal to Allah, to mislead (men) from the Path!

...قُلْ تَمَتَّعُواْ فَإِنَّ مَصِيرَكُمْ إِلَى النَّارِ ﴿٣٠﴾

Say:

"Enjoy (your brief power)! But verily ye are making straightway for Hell!"

Other versions:

14: 28

Yusuf Ali Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have changed the favor of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition?

Pickthall Hast thou not seen those who gave the grace of Allah in exchange for thanklessness and led their people down to the Abode of Loss,

Yuksel Did you not see those who replaced God's blessings with rejection, and they caused their people to dwell in the abode of destruction?

Transliteration Alam tara ilal lazina baddalu_ ni'matalla_hi kufraw wa ahallu_ qaumahum da_ral bawa_r(i),

14: 29

Yusuf Ali Into Hell? They will burn therein an evil place to stay in!

Pickthall (Even to) hell? They are exposed thereto. A hapless end!

Yuksel Hell is where they will burn, what a miserable place to settle.

Transliteration Jahannam(a), yaslaunaha_, wa bi'sal qara_r(u).

14: 30

Yusuf Ali And they set up (idols) as equal to Allah to mislead (men) from the Path! Say: "Enjoy (your brief power)! But verily ye are making straightway for Hell!"

Pickthall And they set up rivals to Allah that they may mislead (men) from His way. Say: Enjoy life (while ye may) for lo! your journey's end will be the Fire.

Yuksel They made equals to God in order that they may divert from His path. Say, "Enjoy, for your destiny is to the fire."

Transliteration Wa ja'alu_ lilla_hi anda_dal liyudillu_ 'an sabilih(i), qul tamatta'u_ fa inna masirakum ilan na_r(i).

]

22. Sura al-Hajj

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا وَمَا لَيْسَ لَهُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ...

22: 71. Yet they worship, besides Allah, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have (really) no knowledge:

...وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِن نَّصِيرٍ ﴿٧١﴾

for those that do wrong there is no helper.

C2852. When plain common-sense shows the absurdity of false worship, behind which there is neither knowledge, intelligence, nor authority (quite the contrary), who or what can help the false misguided creatures who dishonour Allah by false worship?

وَإِذَا تُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّنَاتٍ تَعْرِفُ فِي وُجُوهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الْمُنكَرَ...

22: 72. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, thou wilt notice a denial on the faces of the Unbelievers!

C2853. Munkar;

- a refusal to accept something offered;

- a denial of something stated or pointed out;

- a feeling of disapproval or active aversion, or disgust.

...يَكَادُونَ يَسْطُونَ بِالَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِنَا...

They nearly attack with violence those who rehearse Our Signs to them.

...قُلْ أَفَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِشَرٍّ مِّن ذَلِكُمُ...

Say,

"Shall I tell you of something (far) worse than these Signs?

C2854. There is irony here.

'You think Allah's revelations and Signs are distasteful to you! There will be something far more distasteful to you if you do not repent! What do you say to the inevitable Punishment?'

...النَّارُ...

It is the fire (of Hell)!

...وَعَدَهَا اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا...

Allah has promised it to the Unbelievers!

...وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿٧٢﴾

And evil is that destination!"

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ...

22: 73. O men!

Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it!

... إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَن يَخْلُقُوا ذُبَابًا وَلَوِ اجْتَمَعُوا لَهُ ...

Those on whom, besides Allah ye call, cannot create (even) a fly, if they all met together for the purpose!

...وَإِن يَسْلُبْهُمُ الذُّبَابُ شَيْئًا لَّا يَسْتَنقِذُوهُ مِنْهُ...

And if the fly should snatch away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly:

...ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالْمَطْلُوبُ ﴿٧٣﴾

feeble are those who petition and those whom they petition!

C2855. Both idols and their worshippers are poor, foolish, feeble creatures!

مَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ...

22: 74. No just estimate have they made of Allah:

...إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ ﴿٧٤﴾

for Allah is He Who is strong and able to carry out His Will.

C2856. No one can have a true idea of Allah, who descends to the base forms of false worship. Allah has all power, and He is fully able to carry out every part of His Will and Plan.

He is exalted above all in power and dignity.

Cf. 22:40 and n. 2818 for the full meaning of 'Aziz.

اللَّهُ يَصْطَفِي مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا وَمِنَ النَّاسِ...

22: 75. Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from men:

C2857. Men are chosen as Messengers to ordinary men; for ordinary men will not be able to understand and be in communion with beings so refined as angels. But angels are sent as Messengers to Allah's chosen prophets, to convey the Message from time to time.

In either case they are chosen by Allah, are subject to Allah's Will, and should not be worshipped as gods.

...إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ ﴿٧٥﴾

for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).

C2858. As Allah regards the humblest of His creatures and hears their prayer, He sends men messengers out of their own brethren (see last note), and to such messengers He communicates the highest spiritual Truths through His angels.

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ...

22: 76. He knows what is before them and what is behind them:

...وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الأمُورُ ﴿٧٦﴾

and to Allah go back all questions (for decision).

C2859. Time, before or behind, may be of some importance to men. They may dispute as to what was the first Message, and what is the last Message.

To Allah, this question of priority and posteriority is of no consequence. All questions go back ultimately to Him and are judged on their merits.

Other versions:

22:71

And yet, 88 they [who claim to believe in Him often] worship [other beings or forces] beside God - something for which He has never bestowed any warrant from on high, 87 and [of the reality] whereof they cannot have any knowledge: 88 and such evildoers shall have none to

succour them [on Judgment Day] .

22:72

As it is, whenever Our messages are conveyed unto them in all their clarity, thou canst

perceive utter repugnance on the faces of those who are bent on denying the truth: they would almost assault those who convey Our messages unto them! Say: "Shall I, then, tell you of something worse than what you feel at present? 8 ' It is the fire [of the hereafter] that God has promised to those who are bent on denying the truth: and how vile a journey's end!"

22:73

O MEN! A parable is set forth [herewith]; hearken, then, to it! Behold, those beings whom you invoke instead of God cannot create [as much as] a fly, even were they to join all their forces to that end! And if a fly robs them of anything, they cannot [even] rescue it from him! Weak indeed is the seeker, and [weak] the sought!

22:74

No true understanding of God have they [who err in this way]: for, verily, God is most powerful, almighty!

(22:75) [In His almightiness,] God chooses message-bearers from among the angels as well as from among men. But, behold, God [alone] is all-hearing, all-seeing:" 1

(22:76) [whereas their knowledge is limited,] He knows all that lies open before them and all that is hidden from them" - for all things go back to God [as their source].

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