Sura -11 [Hud mecca 52]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:

قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَى بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّيَ...   

11:28.   He said: "O my people!

see ye if (it be that) I have a Clear Sign from my Lord,

...وَآتَانِي رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِهِ فَعُمِّيَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ...

and that He hath sent Mercy unto me from His own Presence, but that the Mercy hath been obscured from your sight?

C1519. Noah's answer (like that of the Prophet of Allah who spoke in later ages in Makkah and Madinah is a pattern of humility, gentleness, firmness, persuasiveness, truth, and love for his own people.

-        First, he meekly (not exultingly) informs them that he has got a Message from Allah.

-        Secondly, he tells them that it is a Message of Mercy even in its warning, though in their arrogance the Mercy may be hidden from them.

-        Thirdly, he tells them plainly that there can be no compulsion in Religion: but will they not accept with goodwill what is for their own benefit?

He pleads with them as one of their own.

...أَنُلْزِمُكُمُوهَا وَأَنتُمْ لَهَا كَارِهُونَ ﴿٢٨﴾

Shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it?

Transliteration Qa_la ya_ qaumi ara'aitum in kuntu 'ala_ bayyinatim mir rabbi wa a_ta_ni rahmatam min 'indihi fa 'ummiyat 'alaikum, anulzimukumu_ha_ wa antum lahu_ ka_rihu_n(a).

Asad’s Version:

11: 28 [Hud, Mecca 52]

Asad Said [Noah]: “O my people! What do you think? If [it be true that] I am taking my stand on a clear evidence from my Sustainer, who has vouchsafed unto me grace from Himself – [a revelation] to which you have remained blind-: [if this be true,] can we force it on you even though it be hateful to you? [note 49]

Pickthall He said: O my people! Bethink you, if I rely on a clear proof from my Lord and there hath come unto me a mercy from His presence, and it hath been made obscure to you, can we compel you to accept it when ye are averse thereto?

[Ali’s note - 1519 Noah's answer (like that of the Prophet of Allah who spoke in later ages in Makkah and Madinah) is a pattern of humility, gentleness, firmness, persuasiveness, truth, and love for his own people. First, he meekly (not exultingly) informs them that he has got a Message from Allah. Secondly, he tells them that it is a Message of Mercy even in its warning, though in their arrogance the Mercy may be hidden from them. Thirdly, he tells them plainly that there can be no compulsion in Religion: but will they not accept with goodwill what is for their own benefit? He pleads with them as one of their own. (11.28) ]

[Asad’s note 49 – A reference to the cardinal Quranic doctrine that “thee shall be no coercion in matters of faith” (2:256), as well as to the oft-repeated statement that a prophet is no more than “a warner and a bearer of glad tidings”, implying that his duty consists only in delivering the message entrusted to his. The plural “we” in this sentence relates to Noah and his followers.]