Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Surah Ta Ha, Chapter 20

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 24

طه {1}

1. Ta Ha.1

مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ {2}

2. We have not revealed unto you the Text to undertake such severe pains.

إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَىٰ {3}

3. But for those who fear and take an advice.

تَنْزِيلًا مِمَّنْ خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ وَالسَّمَاوَاتِ الْعُلَى {4}

4. This revelation is from Him, Who created Earth and the lofty heavens.

الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ {5}

5. The Compassionate, Who controls the entire creation through His knowledge.

لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمَا تَحْتَ الثَّرَىٰ {6}

6. For Him is whatever is in the heavens and earth, and in between, and what is below lowest earth.

وَإِنْ تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى {7}

7. Whether you speak loudly or slowly, verily does He know (what is secret in your heart) and what are created in your minds unawares.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ {8}

8. There is no other God, except Him, For Him are glorious attributes.

وَهَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰ {9}

9. Has the history of Moses come to you?

إِذْ رَأَىٰ نَارًا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا لَعَلِّي آتِيكُمْ مِنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى النَّارِ هُدًى {10}

10. When he saw the burning bush, he told his wife to wait2 as he had seen the fire whence he hoped to bring charcoal (to heat the body) or light to trace the path3 .

فَلَمَّا أَتَاهَا نُودِيَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {11}

11. When he reached the burning bush, he was given a call, “Oh you Moses!

إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ فَاخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَۖ إِنَّكَ بِالْوَادِ الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى {12}

12. “Verily, I am your Providence. Give up your affection for family in my supplication. Verily, You are in the holy valley of Mount Sinai.4

وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰ {13}

13. “I have selected you so listen to what I reveal unto you with care.

إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي {14}

14. “Verily I am God, accept Me, there is no other (God). Pray unto Me and keep steady at prayers to have Me (in your memory) forever.

إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ {15}

15. “Verily, the Day of Judgment has been kept a mystery to reward everyone for their deeds.

فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنْهَا مَنْ لَا يُؤْمِنُ بِهَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ فَتَرْدَىٰ {16}

16. “Let not anyone make you negligent of it to your destruction.

وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {17}

17. “What is in your right hand, oh Moses?”

قَالَ هِيَ عَصَايَ أَتَوَكَّأُ عَلَيْهَا وَأَهُشُّ بِهَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِي وَلِيَ فِيهَا مَآرِبُ أُخْرَىٰ {18}

18. He said, “It is a rod, I support myself therewith, and drive my goats and use it otherwise, too.”

قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {19}

19. “Cast it on the ground, oh Moses.”

فَأَلْقَاهَا فَإِذَا هِيَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ {20}

20. He cast it, when it turned out a running serpent.

قَالَ خُذْهَا وَلَا تَخَفْۖ سَنُعِيدُهَا سِيرَتَهَا الْأُولَىٰ {21}

21. God said, “Hold it with fear, We shall restore it to its original form.

وَاضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَىٰ جَنَاحِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَاءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُوءٍ آيَةً أُخْرَىٰ {22}

22. “And hide your arm under your armpit and take it out shining without any disease.

لِنُرِيَكَ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا الْكُبْرَى {23}

23. “So We may show you (two) of Our great miracles.

اذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {24}

24. “Go to Pharaoh, verily he has been transgressing.”

Moral

Knowledge of Judgment Day is secreted to let everyone to make up for their final destination and because knowledge is power, hence pray for its gift to overcome passion.

Verses 25 – 54

قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي {25}

25. Moses prayed, “Oh my Providence, expand my chest.

وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي {26}

26. “Lighten for me my duty.

وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي {27}

27. “Untie the know of my tongue

يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي {28}

28. “so people may understand me.

وَاجْعَلْ لِي وَزِيرًا مِنْ أَهْلِي {29}

29. “Make a member of my family my assistant.

هَارُونَ أَخِي {30}

30. “Aaron who is my brother.5 Reinforce me with him.

وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِي أَمْرِي {32}

32. “Let him participate in my duty.

كَيْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرًا {33}

33. “So we may immensely glorify Thee.

وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا {34}

34. “And remember Thee intensely.

إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ بِنَا بَصِيرًا {35}

35. “Verily You are fully acquainted with our state.”

قَالَ قَدْ أُوتِيتَ سُؤْلَكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {36}

36. God replied, “I granted what you requested.

وَلَقَدْ مَنَنَّا عَلَيْكَ مَرَّةً أُخْرَىٰ {37}

37. “Verily once, We graced you, oh you Moses.

إِذْ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمِّكَ مَا يُوحَىٰ {38}

38. “When We inspired your mother as We desired

أَنِ اقْذِفِيهِ فِي التَّابُوتِ فَاقْذِفِيهِ فِي الْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ الْيَمُّ بِالسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِي وَعَدُوٌّ لَهُۚ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِي {39}

39. “in which she should lock you up in a box and leave it in the Nile, and it will be drifted along the bank, until it was picked up by My and your enemy and I have, with my power, instilled inviting affection, on your face so you may be cherished by him, under My care.

إِذْ تَمْشِي أُخْتُكَ فَتَقُولُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ مَنْ يَكْفُلُهُۖ فَرَجَعْنَاكَ إِلَىٰ أُمِّكَ كَيْ تَقَرَّ عَيْنُهَا وَلَا تَحْزَنَۚ وَقَتَلْتَ نَفْسًا فَنَجَّيْنَاكَ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَفَتَنَّاكَ فُتُونًاۚ فَلَبِثْتَ سِنِينَ فِي أَهْلِ مَدْيَنَ ثُمَّ جِئْتَ عَلَىٰ قَدَرٍ يَا مُوسَىٰ {40}

40. “When your sister was going along the bank6 she said, ‘Shall I point out once one who can nourish the child.’ Thus We reverted you to your mother, so as to cool her eyes, and she may not grieve any more (your separation). Again you killed one man when I gave you salvation, out of this grief and tried you, in various ways. When you were several years in Midian, and when you attained a matured age, oh Moses.

وَاصْطَنَعْتُكَ لِنَفْسِي {41}

41. “I befitted you for my work.

اذْهَبْ أَنْتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِي {42}

42. “You and your brother had better go with My miracles and do not be sluggish in your remembrance of me.

اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {43}

43. “Go to Pharaoh, he has transgressed. speak to him meekly so he may either listen to the advice or fear.”

فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَيِّنًا لَعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ {44}

44. Speak to him meekly so he may either listen to the advice or fear.”

قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَىٰ {45}

45. They said, “Oh our Providence, we are afraid he may overawe us or get more impudent regarding You.”

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَاۖ إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ {46}

46. God said, “Do not fear, I am with you. I hear and shall watch the proceedings.

فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَا إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْۖ قَدْ جِئْنَاكَ بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكَۖ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدَىٰ {47}

47. “Now, both of you, go to him and say, ‘Verily, We are Prophets from your Providence, better send with us Bani Israel and do not torment them. Of course, we have brought you a miracle from you Providence. He who shall follow the guidance shall rest in peace.

إِنَّا قَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَىٰ مَنْ كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ {48}

48. “Verily we have been inspired in which the punishment shall fall on him who falsifies and turns away from guidance.

قَالَ فَمَنْ رَبُّكُمَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {49}

49. Pharaoh asked Moses, “Who is your Providence?”

قَالَ رَبُّنَا الَّذِي أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلْقَهُ ثُمَّ هَدَىٰ {50}

50. Moses said, “Our Providence is He who endowed on every creature natural instinct, then guided the creature to make it (instinct) serviceable.”

قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ الْقُرُونِ الْأُولَىٰ {51}

51. Pharaoh asked, “What about the previous generations?”

قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِنْدَ رَبِّي فِي كِتَابٍۖ لَا يَضِلُّ رَبِّي وَلَا يَنْسَى {52}

52. Moses said, “Its knowledge is with my Providence on record. Neither does He err nor forget.

الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ مَهْدًا وَسَلَكَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا سُبُلًا وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِنْ نَبَاتٍ شَتَّىٰ {53}

53. “Who made for you the Earth a cradle, and laid therein paths to walk along, and sent down the rain from the clouds, with which He brought out, from soil, variegated vegetation.”

كُلُوا وَارْعَوْا أَنْعَامَكُمْۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي النُّهَىٰ {54}

54. Eat and graze your animals. Verily in this are signs for the intelligent.

Moral

As God has none of creatural attributes (physical or otherwise), Moses’ describing of Innate Divine attributes did not appeal to Pharaoh and his nobles.

Verses 55 – 76

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ {55}

55. From which We created you and therein shall We raise you once again.

وَلَقَدْ أَرَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَأَبَىٰ {56}

56. Of course, We demonstrated all Our miracles to him, he falsified them, and refused to acknowledge them.

قَالَ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتُخْرِجَنَا مِنْ أَرْضِنَا بِسِحْرِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {57}

57. He said, “Are you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, oh Moses?

فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحْرٍ مِثْلِهِ فَاجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَا نُخْلِفُهُ نَحْنُ وَلَا أَنْتَ مَكَانًا سُوًى {58}

58. “We shall certainly bring you a like magic. Let us come to an understanding which should not be contravened by fixing a date to come to a plane7 .”

قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ الزِّينَةِ وَأَنْ يُحْشَرَ النَّاسُ ضُحًى {59}

59. Moses said, “Let it be a festival day and let the parties assemble in the morning at the appointed period.”

فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ {60}

60. Pharaoh turned to consult his nobles and decided to assemble all leading magicians to be presented on the fixed day.

قَالَ لَهُمْ مُوسَىٰ وَيْلَكُمْ لَا تَفْتَرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَيُسْحِتَكُمْ بِعَذَابٍۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنِ افْتَرَىٰ {61}

61. Moses told them, “You be cursed, do not allege falsely God. He will cast His wrath on you for he who alleges God, shall never be redeemed.”

فَتَنَازَعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّجْوَىٰ {62}

62. They (magicians) started litigating among themselves, realizing Moses was not a magician, and hid their decision within themselves from Pharaoh (out of fear).

قَالُوا إِنْ هَٰذَانِ لَسَاحِرَانِ يُرِيدَانِ أَنْ يُخْرِجَاكُمْ مِنْ أَرْضِكُمْ بِسِحْرِهِمَا وَيَذْهَبَا بِطَرِيقَتِكُمُ الْمُثْلَىٰ {63}

63. And to please Pharaoh said, “These two are magicians, intending to drive you out of your land with their magic and destroying your excellent faith.

فَأَجْمِعُوا كَيْدَكُمْ ثُمَّ ائْتُوا صَفًّاۚ وَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْيَوْمَ مَنِ اسْتَعْلَىٰ {64}

64. So pharaoh ordered the magicians to bring into play their manoeuvre, and then come forward in a row. Of course, he who carried the day today wins the goal.

قَالُوا يَا مُوسَىٰ إِمَّا أَنْ تُلْقِيَ وَإِمَّا أَنْ نَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَلْقَىٰ {65}

65. They asked Moses if he would cast or they should commence casting.

قَالَ بَلْ أَلْقُواۖ فَإِذَا حِبَالُهُمْ وَعِصِيُّهُمْ يُخَيَّلُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ سِحْرِهِمْ أَنَّهَا تَسْعَىٰ {66}

66. Moses said, “Better you cast,” when they did the ropes and sticks began to appear moving, under their jugglery.

فَأَوْجَسَ فِي نَفْسِهِ خِيفَةً مُوسَىٰ {67}

67. Moses got nervous within himself (lest the simple spectators be misled).

قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعْلَىٰ {68}

68. We said, “Do not be hesitate, verily shall you carry the day.

وَأَلْقِ مَا فِي يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُواۖ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا كَيْدُ سَاحِرٍۖ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ {69}

69. “Cast what is in your right hand so whatever they have fabricate may be swallowed by it. Whatever they have fabricated is out of jugglery, and magicians will never succeed when facing Truth, under any circumstances.”

فَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَارُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ {70}

70. So the magicians fell prostration (in penance) and said, “We have believed in the Providence of Moses and Aaron.”

قَالَ آمَنْتُمْ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ آذَنَ لَكُمْۖ إِنَّهُ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ مِنْ خِلَافٍ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ فِي جُذُوعِ النَّخْلِ وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَا أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَأَبْقَىٰ{71}

71. Pharaoh said, “What! Have you put faith prior to my permitting you? He is a greater magician amongst you, who has taught you magic. So I shall cut down crosswise you hands and feet and put you on a scaffold of date trees, when you will come to know, who amongst us is mightier in punishing.”

قَالُوا لَنْ نُؤْثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالَّذِي فَطَرَنَاۖ فَاقْضِ مَا أَنْتَ قَاضٍۖ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِي هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا {72}

72. They (in reply) said, “We cannot prefer you, on the face of Moses, having brought us miracles, and in face of Him, Who has created us. Do what you decide, your decision shall hold good in this world only.”

إِنَّا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا خَطَايَانَا وَمَا أَكْرَهْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ السِّحْرِۗ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ {73}

73. “Verily, we have believed in our Providence so He may forgive our sins and to which we were driven by you, to act (against the Prophet of God) and God is all the better and Eternal.”

إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَأْتِ رَبَّهُ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَهُ جَهَنَّمَ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحْيَىٰ {74}

74. Verily, He who becomes a criminal to his Providence has Hell for him, werein shall he neither die nor live.

وَمَنْ يَأْتِهِ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ الصَّالِحَاتِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الدَّرَجَاتُ الْعُلَىٰ {75}

75. He who becomes a faithful8 with virtuous deeds shall have high grade in Paradise for him.

جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَاۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ مَنْ تَزَكَّىٰ {76}

76. Paradise of Eden, below which flow streams where shall he ever abide and this is a reward of him who keeps himself purified of sins.

Moral

In this there is a proof of hiding faith when life is in danger, for declaring when there is no go with an apology for previous behaviour unto Almighty Who is merciful to him for penance offered.

Verses 77 – 89

وَلَقَدْ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَسْرِ بِعِبَادِي فَاضْرِبْ لَهُمْ طَرِيقًا فِي الْبَحْرِ يَبَسًا لَا تَخَافُ دَرَكًا وَلَا تَخْشَىٰ {77}

77. Of course We revealed unto Moses to take away My creatures during the night. Make a dry road in the sea for them (by casting his rod) and be not anxious and afraid of being overtaken (by Pharaoh.

فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِ فَغَشِيَهُمْ مِنَ الْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ {78}

78. Pharaoh, with his army, gave him the chase and was swept away by waves of the sea.

وَأَضَلَّ فِرْعَوْنُ قَوْمَهُ وَمَا هَدَىٰ {79}

79. Thus, Pharaoh misled his tribe.

يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ قَدْ أَنْجَيْنَاكُمْ مِنْ عَدُوِّكُمْ وَوَاعَدْنَاكُمْ جَانِبَ الطُّورِ الْأَيْمَنَ وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَىٰ {80}

80. Oh you Bani Israel! We rescued you, certainly, from your enemy and promised you (to grand a code of guidance through Moses during his soliloquy, on the auspicious Mount Sinai) and sent you from heaven Manna and Quail.

كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا فِيهِ فَيَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبِيۖ وَمَنْ يَحْلِلْ عَلَيْهِ غَضَبِي فَقَدْ هَوَىٰ {81}

81. Eat of pure what We have provided for you and do not transgress therein lest My wrath befall you and verily he is destroyed on whom befalls My wrath.

وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِمَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ {82}

82. And certainly shall I forgive him who does penance, embraces faith, acts virtuously and is steady in guidance.9

وَمَا أَعْجَلَكَ عَنْ قَوْمِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {83}

83. What hastened oh you Moses to approach Me (leaving your tribe)?

قَالَ هُمْ أُولَاءِ عَلَىٰ أَثَرِي وَعَجِلْتُ إِلَيْكَ رَبِّ لِتَرْضَىٰ {84}

84. Moses said, “The tribe was following me and I hurried up to gain Your Will.”

قَالَ فَإِنَّا قَدْ فَتَنَّا قَوْمَكَ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ وَأَضَلَّهُمُ السَّامِرِيُّ {85}

85. God said, “Of course, We tried your tribe after you and Samari misguided them.”10

فَرَجَعَ مُوسَىٰ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ غَضْبَانَ أَسِفًاۚ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ أَلَمْ يَعِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ وَعْدًا حَسَنًاۚ أَفَطَالَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْعَهْدُ أَمْ أَرَدْتُمْ أَنْ يَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُمْ مَوْعِدِي {86}

86. Moses returned to this tribe enraged, feeling sorry and addressed his tribe, “Did not your Providence hold out to you a good promise (of granting you the Code of Laws)? What! Did a long period intervene or did you desire Divine wrath to befall you from your Providence which you transgressed my promise?”

قَالُوا مَا أَخْلَفْنَا مَوْعِدَكَ بِمَلْكِنَا وَلَٰكِنَّا حُمِّلْنَا أَوْزَارًا مِنْ زِينَةِ الْقَوْمِ فَقَذَفْنَاهَا فَكَذَٰلِكَ أَلْقَى السَّامِرِيُّ {87}

87. They said, “We did not, of course, transgress your promise. Rather, Pharaoh’s tribe loaded us with jewellery, which we threw into the fire, and so did Samari.

فَأَخْرَجَ لَهُمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَهُ خُوَارٌ فَقَالُوا هَٰذَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ وَإِلَٰهُ مُوسَىٰ فَنَسِيَ {88}

88. Then he made out of it a gold calf having therein a cow’s sound, and said this is your god and god of Moses, when, having lost it, was gone to Mount Sinai.

أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَلَّا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلًا وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا {89}

89. Did they not think so much it was not able to reply to their questions and had no power to injure or benefit?

Moral

1. Man should seek Divine Light for guidance and in difficulty.

2. Sure salvation lies in penance from association and faith.

3. Righteousness.

4. Steadfast in following Divine Lights.

Verses 90 – 104

وَلَقَدْ قَالَ لَهُمْ هَارُونُ مِنْ قَبْلُ يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّمَا فُتِنْتُمْ بِهِۖ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ فَاتَّبِعُونِي وَأَطِيعُوا أَمْرِي {90}

90. And Aaron had told them beforehand, “Oh my tribe, verily have you been simply tried, and your Providence is Compassionate, and you follow me and carry out my injunctions.”

قَالُوا لَنْ نَبْرَحَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفِينَ حَتَّىٰ يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ {91}

91. In reply they said, “We shall now worship this until Moses returns to us.”

قَالَ يَا هَارُونُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِذْ رَأَيْتَهُمْ ضَلُّوا {92}

92. Moses, on arrival, asked Aaron, “What prevented you from not having followed by directions when you saw them misguided?

أَلَّا تَتَّبِعَنِۖ أَفَعَصَيْتَ أَمْرِي {93}

93. “Did you disobey my orders?”

قَالَ يَا ابْنَ أُمَّ لَا تَأْخُذْ بِلِحْيَتِي وَلَا بِرَأْسِيۖ إِنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ تَقُولَ فَرَّقْتَ بَيْنَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَمْ تَرْقُبْ قَوْلِي {94}

94. Aaron said, “Oh my brother, do not hold me up by my beard and charge me with disobedience. I was afraid lest you might say I produced a faction among the Bani Israel and did not keep in view your own instructions.”11

قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكَ يَا سَامِرِيُّ {95}

95. Then Moses turned to Samari and asked him: what’s your cause?12 .

قَالَ بَصُرْتُ بِمَا لَمْ يَبْصُرُوا بِهِ فَقَبَضْتُ قَبْضَةً مِنْ أَثَرِ الرَّسُولِ فَنَبَذْتُهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ سَوَّلَتْ لِي نَفْسِي {96}

96. He said, “I had seen (Gabriel on horseback and dust below hoofs of his horse flying in the air, which I put it into the throat of the gold calf and this appealed to me).”

قَالَ فَاذْهَبْ فَإِنَّ لَكَ فِي الْحَيَاةِ أَنْ تَقُولَ لَا مِسَاسَۖ وَإِنَّ لَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَنْ تُخْلَفَهُۖ وَانْظُرْ إِلَىٰ إِلَٰهِكَ الَّذِي ظَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفًاۖ لَنُحَرِّقَنَّهُ ثُمَّ لَنَنْسِفَنَّهُ فِي الْيَمِّ نَسْفًا {97}

97. Moses said, “Get out from me, for you is this punishment in this world in which you shall say, ‘Do not touch me,’ (lest I get fever and you, too) and for you is the fixed period which shall not be contravened to look at your God to which you were attached. We shall burn it to ashes and throw it into the sea.

إِنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۚ وَسِعَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا {98}

98. “Only your God is He (alone), except Him there is none other, circumspective of everything with His Omniscience.

كَذَٰلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَۚ وَقَدْ آتَيْنَاكَ مِنْ لَدُنَّا ذِكْرًا {99}

99. Thus do We describe to you news of the past and have We endowed upon you the glorious Qur’an.

مَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَحْمِلُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وِزْرًا {100}

100. He, who shall divert away from it, shall carry on the Day of Judgment a heavy load (of disobedience taking him to hell).

خَالِدِينَ فِيهِۖ وَسَاءَ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حِمْلًا {101}

101. Wherein shall he shall ever abide and on the Day of Judgment this punishment shall be awful.

يَوْمَ يُنْفَخُ فِي الصُّورِۚ وَنَحْشُرُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ يَوْمَئِذٍ زُرْقًا {102}

102. The day the trumpet will blow We shall assemble the criminals with blue eyes.

يَتَخَافَتُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا عَشْرًا {103}

103. When they will be whispering among themselves saying “They hardly stayed in the world ten days.”

نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذْ يَقُولُ أَمْثَلُهُمْ طَرِيقَةً إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا يَوْمًا {104}

104. We are well aware of their conversation. The most intelligent among them shall say comparatively, “Their stay in this world was hardly a day.”

Moral

Similar events followed in Islam, on the Prophet’s demise, when Ali was busy in burial ceremony, people having forgotten Ali’s right to succession as publicly celebrated in the Valley of Khum cast in their lot, under the influential companions’ authority with the mob and were thus misled, as were the followers of Moses by Samari. The world is a trial. God tried Muslims as He did Jews.

Verses 105 – 115

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْجِبَالِ فَقُلْ يَنْسِفُهَا رَبِّي نَسْفًا {105}

105. They ask you about mountains, say, “My Providence shall raise them to ground level

فَيَذَرُهَا قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا {106}

106. the entire place, in their stead shall be levelled down.”

لَا تَرَىٰ فِيهَا عِوَجًا وَلَا أَمْتًا {107}

107. You shall not see therein any winding or rising ground.

يَوْمَئِذٍ يَتَّبِعُونَ الدَّاعِيَ لَا عِوَجَ لَهُۖ وَخَشَعَتِ الْأَصْوَاتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ فَلَا تَسْمَعُ إِلَّا هَمْسًا {108}

108. The day when they shall follow a crier without any opposition and owing to Divine awe, voices will be lowered down, and nothing beyond whispering shall there be.

يَوْمَئِذٍ لَا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وَرَضِيَ لَهُ قَوْلًا {109}

109. On that day intercession of none shall be fulfilled except to whom the Compassionate grants permission, having appreciated his suggestion.13

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِ عِلْمًا {110}

110. And He is acquainted with what is ahead of them and what has been prior to them, and none can fathom His knowledge.

وَعَنَتِ الْوُجُوهُ لِلْحَيِّ الْقَيُّومِۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ حَمَلَ ظُلْمًا {111}

111. And all shall prostrate before the Eternal Being and the loaded with sins shall suffer.

وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِنَ الصَّالِحَاتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَا يَخَافُ ظُلْمًا وَلَا هَضْمًا {112}

112. He who acted righteously, provided he was faithful (to the end) shall have no anxiety of a loss.

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا وَصَرَّفْنَا فِيهِ مِنَ الْوَعِيدِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ أَوْ يُحْدِثُ لَهُمْ ذِكْرًا {113}

113. And thus did We reveal the Glorious Qur’an in Arabic and warned frequently therein so they may refrain and take advice.

فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يُقْضَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۖ وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا {114}

114. Right is the Lord, the God Almighty, and do not hurry up in reading it before completion of its revelation and pray, “Oh Providence, enhance my knowledge.”

وَلَقَدْ عَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ آدَمَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَنَسِيَ وَلَمْ نَجِدْ لَهُ عَزْمًا {115}

115. And verily had We commanded Adam14 but he forgot it and We did not find him steadfast.

Moral

Except five Prophets: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad, none was steadfast.

Verses 116 – 128

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ {116}

116. Recall when We commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, they prostrated except Satan, who declined.

فَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ إِنَّ هَٰذَا عَدُوٌّ لَكَ وَلِزَوْجِكَ فَلَا يُخْرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ فَتَشْقَىٰ {117}

117. Upon which We commanded, oh you Adam, he is your enemy and of your wife. (Beware) he may not drive both of you from paradise to undergo pain

إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيهَا وَلَا تَعْرَىٰ {118}

118. although, for you here, you are neither hungry, nor naked

وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظْمَأُ فِيهَا وَلَا تَضْحَىٰ {119}

119. neither have you been thirsty nor sunburnt.

فَوَسْوَسَ إِلَيْهِ الشَّيْطَانُ قَالَ يَا آدَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ الْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍ لَا يَبْلَىٰ {120}

120. The devil, under whisper, created misgivings (in them) saying, “Oh you Adam, shall I point you out a tree giving you eternal life?”

فَأَكَلَا مِنْهَا فَبَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْآتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِنْ وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِۚ وَعَصَىٰ آدَمُ رَبَّهُ فَغَوَىٰ {121}

121. They ate of it, and saw themselves naked and began both of them to cover their private parts and leaves of paradise, and Adam acted contrary to the advice of his Providence and was disappointed (in securing a permanent above in paradise).

ثُمَّ اجْتَبَاهُ رَبُّهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَىٰ {122}

122. Then his Providence selected him accepting his penance befitting him15 to which He guided him.16

قَالَ اهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًاۖ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى فَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ {123}

123. Thereafter asked him to get down on Earth saying, “You will be inimical to one another17 and he who shall follow that guidance shall not be misguided, nor shall he be unfortunate.”

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنْكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ {124}

124. And he who turns away from My advice (Divine Light) for him shall be his provision (in Resurrection) narrowed down, and We shall raise him on the Day of Judgment blind.18

قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنْتُ بَصِيرًا {125}

125. When he will complain, “Oh my Providence, why did You raise me blind when I had eyes in the world?”

قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَاۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنْسَىٰ {126}

126. He will say, “This is the way, as Our Couplets19 came before you, when you ignored them. Similarly, have you been ignored today (by us).

وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَنْ أَسْرَفَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِۚ وَلَعَذَابُ الْآخِرَةِ أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰ {127}

127. Thus do we reward him who selects a non-Divine Light and eternal punishment is intense and permanent.

أَفَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُمْ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِي مَسَاكِنِهِمْۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي النُّهَىٰ {128}

128. Were they not made aware how many generations did We destroy them, in whose houses they are now residing? Verily in this are signs for the intelligent.

Moral

1. Following non-Divine Lights is making Self blind hearted and to be raised blind in Eternity.

2. The necessity of labour is a part of the primeval curse, and all the beauty or glory or dignity pertaining to it depends on the ends to which it is the means.

Verses 129 – 135

وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَبِّكَ لَكَانَ لِزَامًا وَأَجَلٌ مُسَمًّى {129}

129. Had it not been for the fact that from your Providence, relaxation and time have been given. Verily punishment would have come to them.20

فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَاۖ وَمِنْ آنَاءِ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ النَّهَارِ لَعَلَّكَ تَرْضَىٰ {130}

130. So, be patient on what they say and glorify Him before the sun rise and sun set and during the dead of night and during the day time, so you may be pleased (with the right of intercession being granted to you).

وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ {131}

131. And do not direct your eyes towards those whom We have profited in different sections so We may try them in the world and provisions of your Providence21 endowed upon you are better and more lasting.22

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَاۖ لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًاۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَۗ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ {132}

132. We do not ask of you provision; rather, do We provide you and eternity is for the pious.

وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِۚ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِمْ بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِي الصُّحُفِ الْأُولَىٰ {133}

133. And they said, “Why does he not bring signs from his Providence?” What! Have not proofs about his genuiness been given in previous revelations?

وَلَوْ أَنَّا أَهْلَكْنَاهُمْ بِعَذَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ لَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا لَوْلَا أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًا فَنَتَّبِعَ آيَاتِكَ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ {134}

134. And had We destroyed them with punishment ere this, they would have pleaded, “Oh our Providence why did You not send us a prophet when we would have followed (him)? And Your commands before being disgraced and put to shame.”

قُلْ كُلٌّ مُتَرَبِّصٌ فَتَرَبَّصُواۖ فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَصْحَابُ الصِّرَاطِ السَّوِيِّ وَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ {135}

135. Say, “Let everyone wait and I am awaiting, too. Shortly shall you see who is on the right way and who is guided?”

Moral

The Prophet said, “Every age has one Divine Light to guide people and I am the Divine Light of this age and after me shall be Ali, and thereafter, several of his descent 11 representatives of God shall be.

N.B. This is exactly what Jesus claimed for himself (Vide St. John 9:5), “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Notes

1. Oh you seeker of truth.

2. in the cold dark where he had halted.

3. which has been lost in the darkness.

4. Literally shoe, allegorically, it refers to love of family.

5. By the same mother.

6. On seeing the failure to be sucked by any woman.

7. for exposition to public appreciation.

8. Believing in Divine Lights, for seeking guidance.

9. Following right way dictated by Divine Light. Note: these four are sure conditions to ultimate salvation.

10. Samari was originally a goldsmith and a cow worshipper, who had collected gold ornaments from Pharaoh’s tribe and was illegally transacting thereon, upon which, Aaron had forbidden it and ordered all gold to be thrown into the fire and be melted down, from which Samari turned out a gold calf, pouring in its throat dust, which he had picked up from the hoofs of Gabriel’s horse, having seen it, flying in the air which produced a miraculous effect of enlivening it (calf) thus (We) produced a sound therein. He said to Moses’ tribe which was Moses’ God and he having lost it, has gone to Mount Sinai in search of it.

Note: God takes upon Himself the task of trial of man, and attributes misguidance to those non-Divine Lighted, who play mischief with his creatures when put to the test, and who do not care to approach His Divine Lights,125 to clear their doubts, having no common sense, nor remember the Divine Commands.

11. Identical events occurred after the Prophet’s demise and Ali had to hold peace, as per the Prophet’s advice.

12. to take up that attitude of misguiding the tribe.

13. This will be our Prophet on seeing certain Shias of Ali being left out, who will importune to the Creator upon which He will command them (angels) to hand the (sinful Shias) over to our Prophet.

14. Regarding our Prophet and the remaining Divine Lights.

15. To be steady as an infallible for prophetship.

16. To function as a prophet.

17. in the form of Divine Light.

18. Being blind hearted in the world is not to have appreciation for miracles and gained appreciation of Divine Lights, as a result of which, he could not hearken to their guidance.

19. Divine Lights in Personification

20. This explains why tyrants rule the world, which is a trial and an opportunity is being given them to do penance and rectify, and not that God accedes to their wishes, as these tyrants and their followers suppose. It is further clarified in (131). Position and Dignity of this world are not proofs of one’s competence. Rather Honesty and Wisdom.

21. Faith, Divine Knowledge, and Philosophy.

22. Better order your Ahl al-Bayt to be steady at prayers and be you also steady therein.