Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Surah al-Isra’, Chapter 17

Surah al-Isra’ or Bani-’Israel (The Children of Israel), Chapter 17

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 10

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَاۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ {1}

1. Pure is He Who carried (on Burak) His creature during the night from the holy sanctuary of Mecca to Jerusalem1 which has been sanctified, to show him His signs. Verily He is Hearing and Seeing.

وَآتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلْنَاهُ هُدًى لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَلَّا تَتَّخِذُوا مِنْ دُونِي وَكِيلًا {2}

2. And We had revealed unto Moses in the Torah, wherein was guidance for the Jews in which they should not adopt anybody except God their Lord.

ذُرِّيَّةَ مَنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا {3}

3. They were the progeny of those whom We had boarded with Noah, in the Ark. Verily Noah was a grateful creature.

وَقَضَيْنَا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ فِي الْكِتَابِ لَتُفْسِدُنَّ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَّتَيْنِ وَلَتَعْلُنَّ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا {4}

4. And We had informed them in the Torah in which they would rise in rebellion twice2 .

فَإِذَا جَاءَ وَعْدُ أُولَاهُمَا بَعَثْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادًا لَنَا أُولِي بَأْسٍ شَدِيدٍ فَجَاسُوا خِلَالَ الدِّيَارِۚ وَكَانَ وَعْدًا مَفْعُولًا {5}

5. And when the (second) occasion to put down the continuity of this rebellion came, We sent against you a formidable foe3 who entered the City and thus fulfiller our promise.

ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَا لَكُمُ الْكَرَّةَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَمْدَدْنَاكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ أَكْثَرَ نَفِيرًا {6}

6. Then again, We gave you a second victory and reinforced you with property and children and greatly enhanced your resources.

إِنْ أَحْسَنْتُمْ أَحْسَنْتُمْ لِأَنْفُسِكُمْۖ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَاۚ فَإِذَا جَاءَ وَعْدُ الْآخِرَةِ لِيَسُوءُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَلِيَدْخُلُوا الْمَسْجِدَ كَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَلِيُتَبِّرُوا مَا عَلَوْا تَتْبِيرًا {7}

7. If you do otherwise, you will reap the consequences (thereof) accordingly, and when the second opportunity came for your sedition4 (for Islam). We sent him, who disgraced you by entering the mosque as per previous foe and continued destruction until success attended him.5

عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَنْ يَرْحَمَكُمْۚ وَإِنْ عُدْتُمْ عُدْنَاۘ وَجَعَلْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ حَصِيرًا {8}

8. Shortly, your Providence may be merciful on you, and for infidels, We have made Hell a jail.

إِنَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا {9}

9. Verily this Holy Text points out a direct way (to Divine Proximity) to those faithful, who have been acting righteously, and gives them tidings of mighty rewards for them.

وَأَنَّ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ أَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا {10}

10. And for those who do not believe in Eternity, We have equipped an intense punishment6 .

Religious Moral

1. Prophet rode Burak to gain “physical Ascension under Gabriel’s care.

2. Events of ages of Moses are likened to those of Islam which will follow suit, which is one way of Divine guidance.

Verses 11 – 22

وَيَدْعُ الْإِنْسَانُ بِالشَّرِّ دُعَاءَهُ بِالْخَيْرِۖ وَكَانَ الْإِنْسَانُ عَجُولًا {11}

11. And man prays for evil as for good, and he is hasty in his action.

وَجَعَلْنَا اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ آيَتَيْنِۖ فَمَحَوْنَا آيَةَ اللَّيْلِ وَجَعَلْنَا آيَةَ النَّهَارِ مُبْصِرَةً لِتَبْتَغُوا فَضْلًا مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَلِتَعْلَمُوا عَدَدَ السِّنِينَ وَالْحِسَابَۚ وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ فَصَّلْنَاهُ تَفْصِيلًا {12}

12. And We have made night and day as Our signs ad replace the night with daylight to enable you to seek livelihood through your Providence and to count period, and take account and everything We have described in detail.

وَكُلَّ إِنْسَانٍ أَلْزَمْنَاهُ طَائِرَهُ فِي عُنُقِهِۖ وَنُخْرِجُ لَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كِتَابًا يَلْقَاهُ مَنْشُورًا {13}

13. And for every man, We have hung an amulet of actions around his neck, which on Reckoning Day, shall We take out, and opt it for him to see.

اقْرَأْ كِتَابَكَ كَفَىٰ بِنَفْسِكَ الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكَ حَسِيبًا {14}

14. Read your recorded deeds and you are enough to take your own account.

مَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِۖ وَمَنْ ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَاۚ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰۗ وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا {15}

15. He who is guided is guided for his own sake and he who is lost in misguidance shall suffer himself, and nobody is going to bear the burden of others, and We are not going to punish any generation until We raise a prophet from amongst it.

وَإِذَا أَرَدْنَا أَنْ نُهْلِكَ قَرْيَةً أَمَرْنَا مُتْرَفِيهَا فَفَسَقُوا فِيهَا فَحَقَّ عَلَيْهَا الْقَوْلُ فَدَمَّرْنَاهَا تَدْمِيرًا {16}

16. And when We intend to destroy a town after establishing right to Our obedience, We increase the wealthy therein, and they begin to disobey Us despite Our warnings and then become liable to punishment when We destroy them thoroughly.7

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مِنْ بَعْدِ نُوحٍۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا بَصِيرًا {17}

17. And how many generations, after Noah, have We destroyed! And your Providence is self-sufficient in circumspecting His creatures.

مَنْ كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْعَاجِلَةَ عَجَّلْنَا لَهُ فِيهَا مَا نَشَاءُ لِمَنْ نُرِيدُ ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَا لَهُ جَهَنَّمَ يَصْلَاهَا مَذْمُومًا مَدْحُورًا {18}

18. Who desires the world, We hasten for him his destined share therein, and then mark him up for Hell, wherein he will be hurled disgraced and destroyed.

وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الْآخِرَةَ وَسَعَىٰ لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُمْ مَشْكُورًا {19}

19. And he who intends eternity and attempts in the way8 patience cheerfulness, tact, wisdom, courage, and justice in which it has to be attempted, provided he is faithful9 to acquire Divine Will against worldly attractions, shall be one whose attempts will be appreciated10

كُلًّا نُمِدُّ هَٰؤُلَاءِ وَهَٰؤُلَاءِ مِنْ عَطَاءِ رَبِّكَۚ وَمَا كَانَ عَطَاءُ رَبِّكَ مَحْظُورًا {20}

20. We enhance gifts of these (latter) and those (former) and your Providential gifts are not withheld to any.

انْظُرْ كَيْفَ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۚ وَلَلْآخِرَةُ أَكْبَرُ دَرَجَاتٍ وَأَكْبَرُ تَفْضِيلًا {21}

21. See how We raise grades of one over another? Similarly, shall be grades in eternity in varying degrees, as per corresponding deeds.

لَا تَجْعَلْ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ فَتَقْعُدَ مَذْمُومًا مَخْذُولًا {22}

22. Do not associate any with God lest you may remain disgraced and disparaged.

Religious Moral

1. Every act, good or evil, remains a record for exposition on Reckoning Day. Better get it recorded to please you on Day of Judgment, by penance, if evil.

2. With wealth, luxury increases and calls for a revolution, ending in Divine wrath.

3. Prosperity in world and eternity depends on earnestness and hard work, worldly prosperity is transitory and subject to accounting, unlike eternal, which is unaccountable and permanent. Earnestness is the devotion of all the faculties which contribute causes for patience, endurance to overcome pains, strength to overcome weakness, bravery to face danger, sustenance to entertain hope, lightness of difficulties. Man should trust in God, and God shall fulfil it as per His Will, and he should labour, as earnestly and sincerely, as if he himself did it, leaving to none what pertains to him, praying to god to help him in his endeavours.

It may be noted actions have three phases: those of inanimate object having external agency, those of animals having motives but void reason, those of man govern reason, hence freedom of human action restricts this freedom within bounds of rationality, bearing in mind object of his creation. Destruction of civilization starts with cities, where glory and pomp flourish and abound.

Verses 23 – 30

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًاۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا {23}

23. And your Providence has finally decided, “Do not worship any but Him” and oblige parents, and when they attain old age in your presence, either one or both of them, do not say Eh! to them. And do not look askance at them, and talk mildly to them.

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا {24}

24. Bow down your shoulders and pray Divine mercy for them and for cherishment as they cherished you in childhood.

رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمْۚ إِنْ تَكُونُوا صَالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورًا {25}

25. Your Providence knows what is in your heart. If you are righteous verily God is forgiving to the entreating.

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا {26}

26. And give dues to the relations who are poor, wayfarers and do not waste.

إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا {27}

27. Verily those who squander their wealth are the devil’s brethren and the devil is disobedient to his Providence.

وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُلْ لَهُمْ قَوْلًا مَيْسُورًا {28}

28. And if anyone comes to ask you anything and if you have nothing to spare, turn your face politely away from him.

وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَحْسُورًا {29}

29. Do not be so miserably as to wrap your hand around your neck nor widen it to such an extent as to render you liable to contempt.

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا بَصِيرًا {30}

30. Verily your providence expands and contracts provisions on whomsoever He likes. Verily He is acquainted with His creatures, He is circumspective to all.

Moral

1. Obligation to parents is brought in close proximity to Divine worship, as an injunction neglecting which is a major sin alike association (for further elucidations vide Moral Paragraph 2, Mary).

2. As per Divine Light Six, this refers to the Prophet and Ali, spiritually and superseding any of these two or one renders condemnable to hell, under disinhersion.

3. Passion to acquire riches to support vain glory corrupts the purest soul and extravagance will invite poverty, leading to dependence and corruptions.

Verses 31 – 52

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَاقٍۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْۚ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْئًا كَبِيرًا {31}

31. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty, We provide for you and them. Verily their killing is a major sin.

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَاۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا {32}

32. Do not approach fornication, it is highly evil and a major sin.

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّۗ وَمَنْ قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِ سُلْطَانًا فَلَا يُسْرِفْ فِي الْقَتْلِۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنْصُورًا {33}

33. Do not kill anybody except on grounds of justice. Those who kill an innocent being shall see assistance rendered to the heirs of the murdered against him. There will be no excess therein. Verily the martyr has been thus assisted11 .

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۚ وَأَوْفُوا بِالْعَهْدِۖ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْئُولًا {34}

34. Do not approach property of orphans, except under most sensible reason and under sheer necessity, fulfil promises. Verily, on this, you shall be questioned.

وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ إِذَا كِلْتُمْ وَزِنُوا بِالْقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا {35}

35. Measure fully and do not under weigh. This is best if you understand.

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا {36}

36. Do not utter anything you do not know, verily ears, eyes, and heart are all liable to question.

وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَلَنْ تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولًا {37}

37. Do not walk pompously on Earth, for you are not going to tear it off or go up hill.

كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ كَانَ سَيِّئُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ مَكْرُوهًا {38}

38. All these are sins under Divine disapproval.

ذَٰلِكَ مِمَّا أَوْحَىٰ إِلَيْكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ الْحِكْمَةِۗ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ فَتُلْقَىٰ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَلُومًا مَدْحُورًا {39}

39. These are what We have revealed unto you being part of “Divine Philosophy” and do not associate any with God, lest be thrown into hell, disgracefully.12

أَفَأَصْفَاكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ بِالْبَنِينَ وَاتَّخَذَ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنَاثًاۚ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَقُولُونَ قَوْلًا عَظِيمًا {40}

40. Do you describe angels to be daughters of God and sons for you? This is a mighty claim.

وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا فِي هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ لِيَذَّكَّرُوا وَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا نُفُورًا {41}

41. And verily We have repeatedly described in the Text reasons for you to take advice (at God being unique) but they do not know anything except which enhances their hatred (to the text).

قُلْ لَوْ كَانَ مَعَهُ آلِهَةٌ كَمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذًا لَابْتَغَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِي الْعَرْشِ سَبِيلًا {42}

42. Say, “If there was only other associates of God, as per their suggestion, he would have found a way to the glorious throne (of knowledge).

سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا {43}

43. He is far above what they speak.

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ السَّمَاوَاتُ السَّبْعُ وَالْأَرْضُ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّۚ وَإِنْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَلَٰكِنْ لَا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْۗ إِنَّهُ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا {44}

44. Everything in the seven Heavens and Earth glorifies Him and there is not one who does not glorify Him, but you do not understand its glorification. Verily He is highly Forgiving and Merciful.

وَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ جَعَلْنَا بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ حِجَابًا مَسْتُورًا {45}

45. When you read the Glorious Qur’an, We throw a veil between you and those who do not believe in eternity.

وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَنْ يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًاۚ وَإِذَا ذَكَرْتَ رَبَّكَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ وَحْدَهُ وَلَّوْا عَلَىٰ أَدْبَارِهِمْ نُفُورًا {46}

46. And We have lined their hearts so they (infidels) may not understand and We have made them hard of hearing and when you remember your Providence in the Qur’an as a unique Monarch, they turn their back out of hatred from you.

نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَسْتَمِعُونَ بِهِ إِذْ يَسْتَمِعُونَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِذْ هُمْ نَجْوَىٰ إِذْ يَقُولُ الظَّالِمُونَ إِنْ تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا رَجُلًا مَسْحُورًا {47}

47. We are fully aware when they hear attentively with what motive they do so, and these disobedient, when they gather together privately they say, “He is not a prophet but works under the influence of magic.”

انْظُرْ كَيْفَ ضَرَبُوا لَكَ الْأَمْثَالَ فَضَلُّوا فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ سَبِيلًا {48}

48. Just imagine what foolish suggestions they make in your favour. Rather, they themselves are misguided and cannot find a way out of it.

وَقَالُوا أَإِذَا كُنَّا عِظَامًا وَرُفَاتًا أَإِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ خَلْقًا جَدِيدًا {49}

49. And they said, “What! When we are turned to bones and ashes are we going to be raised (alive) again?”

قُلْ كُونُوا حِجَارَةً أَوْ حَدِيدًا {50}

50. Say, “You may be turned into a stone or iron.” Still shall We raise you alive.

أَوْ خَلْقًا مِمَّا يَكْبُرُ فِي صُدُورِكُمْۚ فَسَيَقُولُونَ مَنْ يُعِيدُنَاۖ قُلِ الَّذِي فَطَرَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍۚ فَسَيُنْغِضُونَ إِلَيْكَ رُءُوسَهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَۖ قُلْ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَكُونَ قَرِيبًا {51}

51. Or if there is anything harder than this, in your knowledge, upon which they will say, “Who is going to raise us alive?” You say, “The same Lord who created you the first time.” Then they will say, looking at you and nodding their heads, “When shall we be raised alive?” Say, “Shortly.”

يَوْمَ يَدْعُوكُمْ فَتَسْتَجِيبُونَ بِحَمْدِهِ وَتَظُنُّونَ إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا {52}

52. When you will run towards Him, praising Him, thinking you lived in this world for a very short time.

Moral

Moral virtues, without religion are but cold and lifeless and insipid. It is religion which opens the mind of great conceptions, fills it with sublime ideas and warms the soul with more than sensual pleasure.

Verses 53 – 60

وَقُلْ لِعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُۚ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْۚ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ عَدُوًّا مُبِينًا {53}

53. And talk politely to My creatures because the devil awaits an opportunity to split up, being your open enemy.

رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْۖ إِنْ يَشَأْ يَرْحَمْكُمْ أَوْ إِنْ يَشَأْ يُعَذِّبْكُمْۚ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَكِيلًا {54}

54. Your Providence knows, if He wills, He can be merciful to you or punish you and He has not set you, oh Prophet, to be their guard.

وَرَبُّكَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِۗ وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ النَّبِيِّينَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۖ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا {55}

55. And your Providence knows everything in the Heavens and Earth, and We have graded the prophets, having endowed upon David the Psalms.

قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ مِنْ دُونِهِ فَلَا يَمْلِكُونَ كَشْفَ الضُّرِّ عَنْكُمْ وَلَا تَحْوِيلًا {56}

56. Say, “Call your associates, barring God, of whom you are so confident they will not remove your calamities, nor replace them otherwise.”

أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ يَبْتَغُونَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمُ الْوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّهُمْ أَقْرَبُ وَيَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَهُ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُۚ إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحْذُورًا {57}

57. Those are whom they pray, whereas they are on the look out of a medium, who can proximate them to God and are hopeful of Divine Mercy, and are afraid of Divine punishment. Verily, Divine punishment is one to be dreaded.

وَإِنْ مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ إِلَّا نَحْنُ مُهْلِكُوهَا قَبْلَ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُوهَا عَذَابًا شَدِيدًاۚ كَانَ ذَٰلِكَ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَسْطُورًا {58}

58. And there is not a single town which We shall not destroy13 before Reckoning Day or14 punish intensely. This has been decided for all.

وَمَا مَنَعَنَا أَنْ نُرْسِلَ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا أَنْ كَذَّبَ بِهَا الْأَوَّلُونَۚ وَآتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ النَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا بِهَاۚ وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا تَخْوِيفًا {59}

59. And nothing prevented Us from sending miracles, except their predecessors falsified, for which they are punished, and We sent to Thamud an open miracle, in a she-camel, which they killed, and We only send such miracles, as a warning.

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِالنَّاسِۚ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الرُّؤْيَا الَّتِي أَرَيْنَاكَ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَالشَّجَرَةَ الْمَلْعُونَةَ فِي الْقُرْآنِۚ وَنُخَوِّفُهُمْ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا طُغْيَانًا كَبِيرًا {60}

60. And recollect when We informed you, your Providence has circumspected all of them, and the dream which We revealed to you, was but a mere warning to your followers and referred to the cursed tree in the Glorious Qur’an15 and We warned them, but it does not produce any effect except enhancing their indifference all the more.

Moral

58. (a) Those destroyed, having lost life and property shall rise on reckoning day.

(b) Those punished will be on Resurrection before rising for reckoning day.

Verses 61 – 70

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ قَالَ أَأَسْجُدُ لِمَنْ خَلَقْتَ طِينًا {61}

61. recollect when We commanded angels to prostrate before Adam, all did, except Satan. He said, “Am I to knell down before one whom Thou has created of dust?”

قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَكَ هَٰذَا الَّذِي كَرَّمْتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنْ أَخَّرْتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا {62}

62. And said, “Whom Thou hast raised above me. If Thou do give me time, until the Day of Judgment, I shall destroy his entire progeny, except the selected few.

قَالَ اذْهَبْ فَمَنْ تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَاؤُكُمْ جَزَاءً مَوْفُورًا {63}

63. God in reply said, “Get you gone, he who shall follow you shall be hurled into hell which shall be sufficient punishment for following you.

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُمْ بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِمْ بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ وَعِدْهُمْۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا {64}

64. “Try your most to excite them with your voice and march against them with your army of horse and foot, participate in their property and children holding out hope before them under deception.

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا {65}

65. “Verily you shall not have control over my obedient creatures, for whom your Providence is a sufficient Protector.”

رَبُّكُمُ الَّذِي يُزْجِي لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ فِي الْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا {66}

66. Your Providence is He Who floats the ship in sea, to enable you to earn a livelihood, through his grace. Verily He is Merciful.

وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ الضُّرُّ فِي الْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَنْ تَدْعُونَ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُۖ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاكُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ أَعْرَضْتُمْۚ وَكَانَ الْإِنْسَانُ كَفُورًا {67}

67. And when calamity befalls during raging storm, which they have to face16 , except God, Whom do they cry unto? And when We give safety against being drowned or receiving a downpour of stones from Heaven as Divine wrath?

أَفَأَمِنْتُمْ أَنْ يَخْسِفَ بِكُمْ جَانِبَ الْبَرِّ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ وَكِيلًا {68}

68. Do you then feel secure against His causing you to be swallowed by the Earth when you are back on land or His sending a deadly sand storm upon you? Then you will find none to protect you.

أَمْ أَمِنْتُمْ أَنْ يُعِيدَكُمْ فِيهِ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ فَيُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ قَاصِفًا مِنَ الرِّيحِ فَيُغْرِقَكُمْ بِمَا كَفَرْتُمْۙ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا بِهِ تَبِيعًا {69}

69. Or do you feel safe if We take you back to sea and send a stormy gale over you by which you will be drowned for your infidelity, when you will find nobody to rescue you against Us.

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا {70}

70. Verily We have dignified man over other creatures, riding him over land and sea, and providing him with pure food and exalting him over many of Our creatures out of Our grace.

Moral

64 This is where Divine Philosophy helps you in getting lawful property and children while you earn them, if you keep Divine remembrance, where simple moral virtues are cold and lifeless, as noted under morals of foregoing paragraph.

Verses 71 – 77

يَوْمَ نَدْعُو كُلَّ أُنَاسٍ بِإِمَامِهِمْۖ فَمَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِيَمِينِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ يَقْرَءُونَ كِتَابَهُمْ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا {71}

71. And on Reckoning Day, when We shall call each party, with its leader, he who is given his book of record in his right hand, will read with glee and will not be least bit ill-treated.

وَمَنْ كَانَ فِي هَٰذِهِ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ أَعْمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلًا {72}

72. He who is blind17 in this world, shall be raised so on Reckoning Day, being highly misguided.

وَإِنْ كَادُوا لَيَفْتِنُونَكَ عَنِ الَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ لِتَفْتَرِيَ عَلَيْنَا غَيْرَهُۖ وَإِذًا لَاتَّخَذُوكَ خَلِيلًا {73}

73. And they were almost about to deviate you (by persuasive means) from what We have revealed to you18 (Prophet). They wanted by spreading sedition among the followers, and to attribute it (their acts) to Us, when they would reconciled with you (oh Prophet).

وَلَوْلَا أَنْ ثَبَّتْنَاكَ لَقَدْ كِدْتَ تَرْكَنُ إِلَيْهِمْ شَيْئًا قَلِيلًا {74}

74. And had We not made you steady, they would have persuaded you to side with them.

إِذًا لَأَذَقْنَاكَ ضِعْفَ الْحَيَاةِ وَضِعْفَ الْمَمَاتِ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُ لَكَ عَلَيْنَا نَصِيرًا {75}

75. In which case, you would have been doubly punished, in this world and after death and you would not have found any assistance against Us.19

وَإِنْ كَادُوا لَيَسْتَفِزُّونَكَ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ لِيُخْرِجُوكَ مِنْهَاۖ وَإِذًا لَا يَلْبَثُونَ خِلَافَكَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا {76}

76. And it was very close, when they had worried you to such an extent as to expel you out of Mecca, they would have hardly remained after you except a few.

سُنَّةَ مَنْ قَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ مِنْ رُسُلِنَاۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ لِسُنَّتِنَا تَحْوِيلًا {77}

77. This is Divine Law on which We have sent preceding prophets and you would not change in Divine Law.

Divine Philosophy

1. Those who ignore to select their true religious leaders, in this world, for want of worldly engagement or out of self-opinion, or under the influence of worldly authority, by entertaining democratic, socialistic thoughts or being blind hearted in this world, shall be so raised in eternity.

2. The cause of the Battle of Badr is clearly expressed in the Text, due to expulsion of Our Prophet from Mecca, as a Divine punishment, wherein the deadly enemy of the Prophet, Abu Jahal was killed, with other ring leaders. Other companions of the Prophet wanted to capture a party of Meccans which were returning from Damascus, with a lead of merchandise, to get their booty, as God had promised.

Verses 78 – 84

أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِۖ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا {78}

78. Keep steady at prayers at appointed periods, and during transit of the sun, and during setting of the sun. Verily, you will be questioned on the morning prayers, before day break, and verily morning prayers shall bear witness to your acts.

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا {79}

79. And during the night, say after midnight, prayers which are obligatory to you, oh Prophet. Shortly shall your Providence raise you on exalted stage, on the plain on Reckoning day (to plead intercession).

وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَصِيرًا {80}

80. And say, “Oh my Providence, take me to an approved place, and remove me safely from here, and grant me from Thee, an open assistance.”

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُۚ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا {81}

81. And say, “Truth has come and falsehood has disappeared, and certainly falsehood has to go.”

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا {82}

82. And We revealed unto the text what is healing and mercy to the faithful, and which does not but enhance losses to the disobedient.

وَإِذَا أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى الْإِنْسَانِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَأَىٰ بِجَانِبِهِۖ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ كَانَ يَئُوسًا {83}

83. And verily when We shower bounty on man, he turns away and fights, shy of Us, ad when he is involved in calamity, he becomes despondent.

قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا {84}

84. Say, “Everybody acts as per his developed sense (i.e. faith) and God knows better who is guided on the right path.

Moral

This carries a brief command regarding the five times of prayers and an obligatory command to the Prophet for night prayers with a promise to grant him privileges of pleading intercession on behalf of his followers attached to the Ahl al-Bayt, who alone shall be capable of receiving intercession.

Action of everyone is based on his mental attitude, shaped by degree of purity of heart. Try to keep it pure, as desired by the Providence, as its misuse is Divine ingratitude.

Verses 85 – 93

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِۖ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا {85}

85. They ask you about the soul. Say, “It is an (outcome of the) Command of my Providence and you are given little information about it.”

وَلَئِنْ شِئْنَا لَنَذْهَبَنَّ بِالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُ لَكَ بِهِ عَلَيْنَا وَكِيلًا {86}

86. And if We had willed We would have removed what is revealed unto you and had you tried to recall it, you could not have succeeded (in recollecting it) against Our Will.

إِلَّا رَحْمَةً مِنْ رَبِّكَۚ إِنَّ فَضْلَهُ كَانَ عَلَيْكَ كَبِيرًا {87}

87. But it is a mercy of your Providence. Verily, His grace is mighty on you

قُلْ لَئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الْإِنْسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَىٰ أَنْ يَأْتُوا بِمِثْلِ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ لَا يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا {88}

88. and then say to them, If you gather together, man and spirit, to bring forth the like of this Text, the Glorious Qur’an, ou shall never succeed, even under co-operation.”

وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِي هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ كُلِّ مَثَلٍ فَأَبَىٰ أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ إِلَّا كُفُورًا {89}

89. Verily for the benefit of the people, We have exemplified, variously, in the Glorious Qur’an, in spite of which, many remain ungrateful.

وَقَالُوا لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّىٰ تَفْجُرَ لَنَا مِنَ الْأَرْضِ يَنْبُوعًا {90}

90. They say, “We shall never believe in it until you open a canal underground.”

أَوْ تَكُونَ لَكَ جَنَّةٌ مِنْ نَخِيلٍ وَعِنَبٍ فَتُفَجِّرَ الْأَنْهَارَ خِلَالَهَا تَفْجِيرًا {91}

91. Or for you, produce gardens of dates, grapes, and open canals therein also.

أَوْ تُسْقِطَ السَّمَاءَ كَمَا زَعَمْتَ عَلَيْنَا كِسَفًا أَوْ تَأْتِيَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ قَبِيلًا {92}

92. Or as you think, you throw from heave a piece of it or your God should send angels from the heavens to us.

أَوْ يَكُونَ لَكَ بَيْتٌ مِنْ زُخْرُفٍ أَوْ تَرْقَىٰ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَلَنْ نُؤْمِنَ لِرُقِيِّكَ حَتَّىٰ تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا كِتَابًا نَقْرَؤُهُۗ قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي هَلْ كُنْتُ إِلَّا بَشَرًا رَسُولًا {93}

93. Or God makes for your palace of gold or you ascend to heaven, even then we will not believe in you until you bring a record from Him which We shall be able to read. Say, “My God is far more glorious than to comply with your request. Your only a human messenger from Him.”

Moral

An atheist is but a mad ridiculous derider of piety, but a hypocrite makes a sober jest of God, talking familiarly to his creditor, without ever praying what he owes. Reason is a mysterious Divine Gift with knowledge as its spirit, sense of understanding as its soul, chastity as its head, sense of shame its eye, tact its tongue, kindness its desire, mercy its heart, aided by faculties of certainty, truth, calmness, self-respect, fulfilling promise, sympathy, piety, sincerity, charity, contentment, resignation, and thanksgiving.

Verses 94 – 100

وَمَا مَنَعَ النَّاسَ أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا إِذْ جَاءَهُمُ الْهُدَىٰ إِلَّا أَنْ قَالُوا أَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ بَشَرًا رَسُولًا {94}

94. And We did not prevent men from embracing faith when guidance came to them, except they started litigating. What! Has God sent a messenger in man?

قُلْ لَوْ كَانَ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَلَائِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَلَكًا رَسُولًا {95}

95. You say in reply, “If it was possible for angels to safely reside on Earth, in human society, We would have sent from Heaven angels only as Our messengers.”

قُلْ كَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا بَصِيرًا {96}

96. Say, “God is enough to testify between you and I. He is acquainted and watching His creatures.”

وَمَنْ يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِۖ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلَنْ تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِنْ دُونِهِۖ وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّاۖ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُۖ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَاهُمْ سَعِيرًا {97}

97. He can only be on guidance whom God guides, and you will not find anyone to sympathize except God, with him whom God forsakes and on Reckoning Day, We shall raise them head over heels, blinded, mute, an deaf and Hell shall be their destination. Fire whereof, if it begins to smoulder, shall be reignited.

ذَٰلِكَ جَزَاؤُهُمْ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَقَالُوا أَإِذَا كُنَّا عِظَامًا وَرُفَاتًا أَإِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ خَلْقًا جَدِيدًا {98}

98. This will be punishment for them, who have refused to accept rule of Divine Lights, and said, “What! When we shall become bones, shall be raised alive again?”

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ قَادِرٌ عَلَىٰ أَنْ يَخْلُقَ مِثْلَهُمْ وَجَعَلَ لَهُمْ أَجَلًا لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ فَأَبَى الظَّالِمُونَ إِلَّا كُفُورًا {99}

99. Did they not understand God, Who created the Heavens and Earth, can create again what He has created once? And He has fixed periods for them wherein there is no doubt and these infidels will certainly refuse.

قُلْ لَوْ أَنْتُمْ تَمْلِكُونَ خَزَائِنَ رَحْمَةِ رَبِّي إِذًا لَأَمْسَكْتُمْ خَشْيَةَ الْإِنْفَاقِۚ وَكَانَ الْإِنْسَانُ قَتُورًا {100}

100. You say, “If you had possession of Divine mercy, you would have, out of fear, acted miserly,” and man is a great miser.

Religious Morals

1. Angels, being socially unfit, cannot be prophets.

2. God suffices to testify prophetship.

3. Guidance is with God and bestows on one who is worthy of accepting leadership of Divine Lights.

4. Disbelievers of Divine Lights shall be raised in Eternity blind, deaf, and dumb with head over heels.

Verses 101 – 111

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ تِسْعَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍۖ فَاسْأَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِذْ جَاءَهُمْ فَقَالَ لَهُ فِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ مَسْحُورًا {101}

101. And certainly We had endowed upon Moses nine miracles: locusts, lice, blood, frogs, flood, crossing of the Red Sea, gushing of water from stones, rod becoming a serpent, and shining hand. As the Bani Israel when Moses put them forth (the above miracles) Pharaoh said, “In my opinion, you have been bewitched.”

قَالَ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا أَنْزَلَ هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِلَّا رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ بَصَائِرَ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا فِرْعَوْنُ مَثْبُورًا {102}

102. Moses said, “You know none has sent these miracles except the Providence of the Heavens and Earth with proofs, and I think, verily, you are doomed.”

فَأَرَادَ أَنْ يَسْتَفِزَّهُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ فَأَغْرَقْنَاهُ وَمَنْ مَعَهُ جَمِيعًا {103}

103. Then Pharaoh though of banishing Moses from his state, so We drowned Pharaoh and those with him.

وَقُلْنَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اسْكُنُوا الْأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَاءَ وَعْدُ الْآخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا {104}

104. Then we commanded Bani Israel to occupy the lands of the drowned and when Our promise of reckoning Day shall be fulfilled, We shall assemble you all.

وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَۗ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا {105}

105. And We have revealed this (Qur’an) with truth20 , and It has come with Truth21 Both Divine Lights and We have not sent you a messenger except as a tidings giver and a warner.

وَقُرْآنًا فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنْزِيلًا {106}

106. And We have revealed the Glorious Qur’an piecemeal, so you may read it out to them (similarly) and We revealed it, as it was deemed to be revealed.

قُلْ آمِنُوا بِهِ أَوْ لَا تُؤْمِنُواۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ إِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا {107}

107. Say, “Believe in it or not those, verily who have been endowed with Divine knowledge, when it is read out to them, fall in prostration.

وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِنْ كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولًا {108}

108. And say, “Pure is Thy nature, oh our Providence. Verily the promise of our Providence shall be fulfilled.”

وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا۩ {109}

109. And they fall down, weeping, which enhances their devotion.

قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَۖ أَيًّا مَا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا {110}

110. Say, “Pray unto Him, call Him God or Compassionate, with whatever attribute you choose, all Glorious attributes are his, and you, in your prayers, do not raise your voice loudly, nor say in a whispering tone, but in between.

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ الذُّلِّۖ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا {111}

111. And say, “All praise is due to God, Who has neither adopted a son nor taken a partner for His Kingdom being not need of anyone to support Him and you go on glorifying Him in the highest terms.”

Religious Morals

1. Couplet 105 repeated by a sick person down with fever cures him of it.

2. Reading of the text if results in weeping, forecasts guidance.

3. Prayers are to be uttered (morning and evening in audible tone) the rest little louder than whispering.

Notes

1. From there above to the mosque of Al-Aqsa under Ascension.

2. Similarly, in Islam, it occurred, once after our Prophet’s demise, on question of succession of the Khalifa, second, which was put down in the battle of the Camel – Junge-e-Jamal.

3. In the person of Ali, as mentioned above.

4. Resulting in tragedy of Karbala.

5. Similar occasion will occur in Islam during resurrection under the 12th Divine Light.

6. Here Ali gets exclusive title to be called “Commander of the Faithfuls”.

7. Accounting for destruction of civilization.

8. i.e. employing all faculties endowed on him.

9. i.e. sincere in his devotion.

10. i.e. he will be entitled to paradise.

11. This refers to Divine Lights, who have laid their lives for propagating Islam, shall be assisted by the Prophet, Imams, i.e. Divine Lights and their followers against the murders, and against those who are pleased with the action of the murders.

12. Philosophy has two sides as (1) Science and (2) Art. (1) Knowledge is acquired by arriving at the truth of its science, (2) its practice is Art in conduct. The more we understand, more deeply do we feel Divine obligations, and practice of the same will make you perfect (in Divine Philosophy). You will be contented with little of world, be modest and economical in prosperity, be patient in adversity, equal minded at all times, dutiful to (1) God, (2) Divine Lights, (3) neighbours, (4) self, and (5) the dead. The world cannot show a more exalted character than that of a truly religious Philosopher, who is a Divine Light and who delights in glorifying God all the time.

13. Those destroyed, having lost life and property shall rise on Reckoning Day.

14. Those punished will be on Resurrection before rising for Reckoning Day.

15. lineage of Bani Umayyah

16. when all means which they employ will fail.

17. Not recognizing the religious leader of his time.

18. Regarding Ali’s succession, to nominate other than Ali.

19. This applies to the Prophet’s followers as he is immaculate.

20. Muhammad.

21. Ali.