2. Surah al-Baqara, Medina 87
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَوْ
كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ
السَّمَاء فِيهِ
ظُلُمَاتٌ
وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ...
2: 19. Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning,
C39. A wonderfully graphic and powerful simile applying to those who reject Faith. In their self-sufficiency they are undisturbed normally.
But what happens when a great storm breaks over them?
They cover their ears against thunder-clasps and the lightning nearly blinds them. They are in mortal fear, but Allah encompasses them around - even them, for He at all times encompasses all.
He give them rope. In the intervals of deafening noise and blinding flashes, there are moments of steady light and these creatures take advantage of them, but again they are plunged into darkness.
Perhaps they curse; perhaps they think that the few moments of effective light are due to their own intelligence!
How much wiser would they be if they humbled themselves and sought the light of Allah!
... يَجْعَلُونَ أَصْابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِم مِّنَ الصَّوَاعِقِ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ...
they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death.
... واللّهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكافِرِينَ ﴿١٩﴾
But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
Asad’s Version:
2: 19 But God is ever round the rejecters of faith,….
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4. Sura an-Nisa
Medina 92 [Hijra 4]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَنْ
أَحْسَنُ دِينًا
مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ
وَجْهَهُ لله...
4: 125. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah,
... وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ واتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا...
does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in faith?
... وَاتَّخَذَ اللّهُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلاً ﴿١٢٥﴾
For Allah did take Abraham for a friend.
C634. Abraham is distinguished in Muslim theology with the title of "Friend of Allah".
This does not of course mean that he was anything more than a mortal. But his faith was pure and true, and his conduct was firm and righteous in all circumstances.
He was the fountainhead of the present monotheistic tradition, the Patriarch of the prophetic line, and is revered alike by Jews, Christians and Muslims. (R).
وَللّهِ
مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَمَا فِي
الأَرْضِ...
4: 126. But to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth:
... وَكَانَ اللّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّحِيطًا ﴿١٢٦﴾
and He it is that encompasseth all things.
C635. Muhit: Cf. 4:108, and n. 623.
4: 125
Asad And who could be of better faith than he who surrenders his whole being unto God and is a doer of good withal, and follows the creed of Abraham, who turned away from all that is false – seeing that God exalted Abraham with His love [note 144]?
Pickthall Who is better in religion than he who surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good (to men) and followeth the tradition of Abraham, the upright? Allah (Himself) chose Abraham for friend.
Transliteration Wa man ahsanu dinam mimman aslama wajhahu_ lilla_hi wa huwa muhsinuw wattaba'a millata ibra_hima hanifa_(n), wattakhazalla_hu ibra_hima khalila_(n).
[[ Asad’s note 144 – Lit., “chose Abraham to be [His] beloved friend (khalil)”.]]
[[ Ali’s note -
634 Abraham is distinguished in Muslim theology with the title of "Friend of Allah". This does not of course mean that he was anything more than a mortal. But his faith was pure and true, and his conduct was firm and righteous in all circumstances. He was the fountainhead of the present monotheistic tradition, the Patriarch of the prophetic line, and is revered alike by Jews, Christians and Muslims. (4.125)
4: 126
Pickthall Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Allah ever surroundeth all things.
Transliteration Wa lilla_hi ma_ fis sama_wa_ti wa ma_ fil ard(i), wa ka_nalla_hu bi kulli syai'im muhita_(n).