Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Surah al-Najm, Chapter 53

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 25

وَالنَّجْمِ إِذَا هَوَىٰ {1}

1. And when the Prophet ascended

مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمْ وَمَا غَوَىٰ {2}

2. your companion was neither misguided nor erred.

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ {3}

3. He does not talk of his own will

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ {4}

4. except what inspired unto him.

عَلَّمَهُ شَدِيدُ الْقُوَىٰ {5}

5. Directly by God the Almighty.

ذُو مِرَّةٍ فَاسْتَوَىٰ {6}

6. Equipping him first.

وَهُوَ بِالْأُفُقِ الْأَعْلَىٰ {7}

7. Then when he was on the highest point of ascension

ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلَّىٰ {8}

8. when he drew quite close to Him.

فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ {9}

9. When distance between the two was hardly an arch between eyes or even closer than that.

فَأَوْحَىٰ إِلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ مَا أَوْحَىٰ {10}

10. When I revealed unto Him what I had to reveal.1

مَا كَذَبَ الْفُؤَادُ مَا رَأَىٰ {11}

11. He did not lie in what his heart had viewed.

أَفَتُمَارُونَهُ عَلَىٰ مَا يَرَىٰ {12}

12. Do you dispute on His view of Divine glory.

وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ {13}

13. But verily he saw Gabriel coming down a second time

عِنْدَ سِدْرَةِ الْمُنْتَهَىٰ {14}

14. near Sidrat ul-Muntahn.2

عِنْدَهَا جَنَّةُ الْمَأْوَىٰ {15}

15. And in neighbourhood of which is Paradise Mava.

إِذْ يَغْشَى السِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ {16}

16. When glory of Almighty was fully functioning.

مَا زَاغَ الْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَىٰ {17}

17. Neither did his eyes dazzle nor was he led away.

لَقَدْ رَأَىٰ مِنْ آيَاتِ رَبِّهِ الْكُبْرَىٰ {18}

18. Verily did he view a mighty sign of his creator (Ali).

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّىٰ {19}

19. Have you seen that Lat and Uzza

وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَىٰ {20}

20. and Manat the third?

أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَىٰ {21}

21. What! Are sons for you and daughters for Him?

تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَىٰ {22}

22. This division of you is abstruse.

إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍۚ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُۖ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَىٰ {23}

23. These are the names given by you and your forefathers, without having any proof, wherein you have simply followed guess ad passion, and verily did come to you guidance from your Providence.

أَمْ لِلْإِنْسَانِ مَا تَمَنَّىٰ {24}

24. What! Will man have everything he wills?

فَلِلَّهِ الْآخِرَةُ وَالْأُولَىٰ {25}

25. It is under Divine control, granting gift of eternity and world.

Moral

1. This paragraph testifies to the Prophet, as a Divine Light, making an infallible statement under Divine inspiration, without having any prejudicial influence of his Ahl al-Bayt. it also confirms the existence of paradise and hell.

2. Another version of this paragraph gives a proof of Ali’s succession, when the Prophet was asked as to who would succeed him, when he said, the member of the house on which the planet would descend the following night and this house was that of Ali. (Previous version being from Qummi.)

Verses 26 – 32

وَكَمْ مِنْ مَلَكٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ لَا تُغْنِي شَفَاعَتُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِلَّا مِنْ بَعْدِ أَنْ يَأْذَنَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَرْضَىٰ {26}

26. And how many angels are in the heavens, whose intercession will be of no avail to them except whom God sanctions whom he chooses and is pleased with.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ لَيُسَمُّونَ الْمَلَائِكَةَ تَسْمِيَةَ الْأُنْثَىٰ {27}

27. Those who do not believe in eternity, verily term angels His daughters.

وَمَا لَهُمْ بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍۖ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّۖ وَإِنَّ الظَّنَّ لَا يُغْنِي مِنَ الْحَقِّ شَيْئًا {28}

28. They have no knowledge about them. They simply follow guess work, which cannot gain upon fact.

فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْ مَنْ تَوَلَّىٰ عَنْ ذِكْرِنَا وَلَمْ يُرِدْ إِلَّا الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا {29}

29. So keep off from them who turn away from Our remembrance (that is Divine Light in person) and have no intentions (of being guided) except gaining the world.

ذَٰلِكَ مَبْلَغُهُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ {30}

30. This is their end and aim (due to their limited knowledge). Verily your Providence is fully acquainted with him who is misled from his path and who is guided.

وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسَاءُوا بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا بِالْحُسْنَى {31}

31. And for Us is what is in the heavens and the earth, to reward him who acts virtuously and punish him who acts evil on Earth.

الَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ إِلَّا اللَّمَمَۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَاسِعُ الْمَغْفِرَةِۚ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنْشَأَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنْتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْۖ فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنْفُسَكُمْۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ {32}

32. Those are who give up major sins and punishable acts such as fornication and theft etc. except those mentally committed and pardoned under penance, without operation. Verily your Providence is mighty at forgiveness. He knows of what you are created and when you were in your mother’s womb. So do not boast on your piety, He knows better as to who is virtuous.

Moral

Nil.

Verses 33 – 62

أَفَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي تَوَلَّىٰ {33}

33. Did you notice who turned away his face form God?

وَأَعْطَىٰ قَلِيلًا وَأَكْدَىٰ {34}

34. After paying little, stopped further payments.

أَعِنْدَهُ عِلْمُ الْغَيْبِ فَهُوَ يَرَىٰ {35}

35. What! Has the mysterious knowledge with him wherein he looks out for his actions?

أَمْ لَمْ يُنَبَّأْ بِمَا فِي صُحُفِ مُوسَىٰ {36}

36. Was he not informed of what is in the Text of Moses?

وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ الَّذِي وَفَّىٰ {37}

37. And in records of Abraham which he fulfilled?3

أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ {38}

38. Beware nobody is going to lift the load of sins of any except himself.

وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ {39}

39. And verily for man is nothing beyond what he attempts,

وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ {40}

40. and he shall see the result of his own attempts.

ثُمَّ يُجْزَاهُ الْجَزَاءَ الْأَوْفَىٰ {41}

41. He will be rewarded duly for his acts

وَأَنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ الْمُنْتَهَىٰ {42}

42. and terminal goal of your contemplation will end God (you cannot go further to fathom His nature).

وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ {43}

43. It is He who sends water from the clouds. It is He who fertilizes the soil with fruit and vegetation.

وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَمَاتَ وَأَحْيَا {44}

44. It is He who shall give death and enliven again.

وَأَنَّهُ خَلَقَ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ وَالْأُنْثَىٰ {45}

45. It is He Who created in pairs man and woman4

مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ إِذَا تُمْنَىٰ {46}

46. From sperm whit it shoots out through the vagina.

وَأَنَّ عَلَيْهِ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُخْرَىٰ {47}

47. And it is for Him to re-enliven you.

وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَغْنَىٰ وَأَقْنَىٰ {48}

48. It is He Who enriches and makes each contented in his avocation.

وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ رَبُّ الشِّعْرَىٰ {49}

49. And He is the creation of Planet Venus.

وَأَنَّهُ أَهْلَكَ عَادًا الْأُولَىٰ {50}

50. It is He who destroyed the foul sect of ‘Ad,

وَثَمُودَ فَمَا أَبْقَىٰ {51}

51. and the sect of Thamood leaving none behind.

وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ مِنْ قَبْلُۖ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا هُمْ أَظْلَمَ وَأَطْغَىٰ {52}

52. And the sect of Noah at first who were disobedient and transgressing.

وَالْمُؤْتَفِكَةَ أَهْوَىٰ {53}

53. And destroyed the sect of Lot.

فَغَشَّاهَا مَا غَشَّىٰ {54}

54. Then passed over them what was destined.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكَ تَتَمَارَىٰ {55}

55. Which of your Providence’s bounties do you doubt?

هَٰذَا نَذِيرٌ مِنَ النُّذُرِ الْأُولَىٰ {56}

56. He is one of the bygone warners.

أَزِفَتِ الْآزِفَةُ {57}

57. What has been expected has drawn near.

لَيْسَ لَهَا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ كَاشِفَةٌ {58}

58. There is none to divert it save God.

أَفَمِنْ هَٰذَا الْحَدِيثِ تَعْجَبُونَ {59}

59. What are you surprised at?

وَتَضْحَكُونَ وَلَا تَبْكُونَ {60}

60. You laugh and do not weep.

وَأَنْتُمْ سَامِدُونَ {61}

61. And are busy about playing.

فَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ وَاعْبُدُوا۩ {62}

62. Better prostate before Him and pray unto Him.5

Moral

Although scientists by composition of two or more elementary substances produce a mixture or a compound, they are not able to explain property thereof. Thus the creator of these elements and producer of property is God beyond conception of scientists, the most intelligent.

Notes

1. Re-succession and marriage of Ali, etc.

2. His highest reach where human deeds reach.

3. In thanksgiving day and night.

4. To co-ordinate action, proving His unique nature being self-sufficient for creation and administration.

5. For keeping you stead at supplicating Him.

Surah al-Qamar, Chapter 54

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 22

اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانْشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ {1}

1. The Day of Judgment has approached and the moon has split asunder.

وَإِنْ يَرَوْا آيَةً يُعْرِضُوا وَيَقُولُوا سِحْرٌ مُسْتَمِرٌّ {2}

2. And when they see any sign, they turn away saying it is an incessant magic.

وَكَذَّبُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا أَهْوَاءَهُمْۚ وَكُلُّ أَمْرٍ مُسْتَقِرٌّ {3}

3. They falsified and followed their passion, and everyone shall have their destination (by virtue of their faith and cult).

وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنَ الْأَنْبَاءِ مَا فِيهِ مُزْدَجَرٌ {4}

4. Verily came the news to them, wherein was a warning.

حِكْمَةٌ بَالِغَةٌۖ فَمَا تُغْنِ النُّذُرُ {5}

5. Verily came news to the wherein was a warning.

فَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْۘ يَوْمَ يَدْعُ الدَّاعِ إِلَىٰ شَيْءٍ نُكُرٍ {6}

6. They turned away when invited to Dooms Day, as an offensive subject.

خُشَّعًا أَبْصَارُهُمْ يَخْرُجُونَ مِنَ الْأَجْدَاثِ كَأَنَّهُمْ جَرَادٌ مُنْتَشِرٌ {7}

7. When their eyes well be frightened as they come out of the graves, like distractive locusts.

مُهْطِعِينَ إِلَى الدَّاعِۖ يَقُولُ الْكَافِرُونَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ عَسِرٌ {8}

8. Kneeling to the inviter the infidels will say, “This is an awful day.”

كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ فَكَذَّبُوا عَبْدَنَا وَقَالُوا مَجْنُونٌ وَازْدُجِرَ {9}

9. Before them had falsified the sect of Noah, Our creatures, saying, “He was a mad cap.”

فَدَعَا رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَغْلُوبٌ فَانْتَصِرْ {10}

10. So he called upon his Providence saying, “Verily I am overpowered, help me.”

فَفَتَحْنَا أَبْوَابَ السَّمَاءِ بِمَاءٍ مُنْهَمِرٍ {11}

11. So We opened the gates of heaven whence poured forth incessant rain (for 40 days and nights)

وَفَجَّرْنَا الْأَرْضَ عُيُونًا فَالْتَقَى الْمَاءُ عَلَىٰ أَمْرٍ قَدْ قُدِرَ {12}

12. and tore open channels of earth and both waters swelled on towards a destined level,

وَحَمَلْنَاهُ عَلَىٰ ذَاتِ أَلْوَاحٍ وَدُسُرٍ {13}

13. and We carried Noah on a nailed ship of boards

تَجْرِي بِأَعْيُنِنَا جَزَاءً لِمَنْ كَانَ كُفِرَ {14}

14. which, floating under a care as a reward for those who appreciated a prophet as a Divine bounty, proving grace for them and drowned the rest who did not so appreciate.

وَلَقَدْ تَرَكْنَاهَا آيَةً فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {15}

15. And We left signs for the future. Is anybody going to take a lesson?

فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {16}

16. How intense was My punishment and warning.

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {17}

17. We have made the Qur’an easy and sweet as offering an advice. Is anybody ready to listen to it?

كَذَّبَتْ عَادٌ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {18}

18. The sect of ‘Ad falsified. How intense was My punishment and warning?

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِي يَوْمِ نَحْسٍ مُسْتَمِرٍّ {19}

19. Verily We sent on them continuous gale during those days,

تَنْزِعُ النَّاسَ كَأَنَّهُمْ أَعْجَازُ نَخْلٍ مُنْقَعِرٍ {20}

20. which was separating their heads from bodies like uprooted branches of dates.

فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {21}

21. Ho intense was My punishment and warning?

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {22}

22. Verily We have made the Qur’an easy and sweet as offering an advice is anybody ready to listen to it?

Moral

1. The temple of Mecca was considered the object of great adoration by pagans. It was their pantheon, holding 360 gods. Sabians sent the offerings to fire-worshippers. Jews showed their respect. It had become a migration of the Prophet, as barbarous invasion of Goths had broken the Roman empire. Many of the great centres of learning, namely, Rome, Milan, Alexandria were partially destroyed and thus culture had declined during the dark ages (450 – 1000 A.D.) Besides idolatry, several religions were found in Arabia. Jews driven from Assyria, Romans, Greeks, welcomed the children of Ismail, found deep respect for God of Abraham, principally at Mecca and Yathrab.

By means of souvenirs skilfully evoked, Judaism had made converts and had principally spread throughout Hijaz, in the neighbourhood of Khaibar and Yathrab. Powerful tribes of Khizran and Najhrites had been naturalized. Magianism was practiced by Himrites and on the coast of Persian Gulf, some disciples of Brahmanism in the midst of inhabitants of Oman.

2. Although some are doubtful in the miracle of splitting asunder of the moon, as it was not largely witnessed:

1. Owing to geographical difference of longitude.

2. People may be sleeping.

3. Not being broadcast.

4. People were in the habit of looking at heaven at all times whether cloudy or otherwise.

5. It was a question of little time.

6. Besides, such miracles have occurred in the past, vide Joshua, 14:12 – 13. Then spoke... in the sight of Israel, sun, stand, there still upon Gibeon, and then the moon in the valley of Ajalax, and the sun stood still, and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Joshua?

Verses 23 – 40

كَذَّبَتْ ثَمُودُ بِالنُّذُرِ {23}

23. The sect of Thamood falsified the warner.

فَقَالُوا أَبَشَرًا مِنَّا وَاحِدًا نَتَّبِعُهُ إِنَّا إِذًا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ وَسُعُرٍ {24}

24. They said, “What! A single man from us and we to follow him? We shall certainly be in misguidance and hell.”

أَأُلْقِيَ الذِّكْرُ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ بَيْنِنَا بَلْ هُوَ كَذَّابٌ أَشِرٌ {25}

25. What! Has a book been revealed to him from amongst us? Rather, he is a liar, a self-conceited being.

سَيَعْلَمُونَ غَدًا مَنِ الْكَذَّابُ الْأَشِرُ {26}

26. They will come to know tomorrow (Day of Judgment) as to who is the falsifier and self conceited.

إِنَّا مُرْسِلُو النَّاقَةِ فِتْنَةً لَهُمْ فَارْتَقِبْهُمْ وَاصْطَبِرْ {27}

27. They are going to send a camel as trial for them. Wait and watch and see whay they are doing,

وَنَبِّئْهُمْ أَنَّ الْمَاءَ قِسْمَةٌ بَيْنَهُمْۖ كُلُّ شِرْبٍ مُحْتَضَرٌ {28}

28. and inform them, water of the lake has been apportioned between it and them.

فَنَادَوْا صَاحِبَهُمْ فَتَعَاطَىٰ فَعَقَرَ {29}

29. They called their friend (Kaidar ibn Saleh) who cut down her feet.

فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {30}

30. How intense have been My punishment and warning.

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ صَيْحَةً وَاحِدَةً فَكَانُوا كَهَشِيمِ الْمُحْتَظِرِ {31}

31. Verily, We sent one shriek on to them with which they were reduced to a dry tree.

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {32}

32. Verily We have made the Qur’an a sweet advice. Is there anyone to listen to it?

كَذَّبَتْ قَوْمُ لُوطٍ بِالنُّذُرِ {33}

33. The sect of Lot falsified his warning.

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ حَاصِبًا إِلَّا آلَ لُوطٍۖ نَجَّيْنَاهُمْ بِسَحَرٍ {34}

34. Verily We sent on them a downpour of pebbles except on Lot’s family and saved them by early morning.

نِعْمَةً مِنْ عِنْدِنَاۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَنْ شَكَرَ {35}

35. As a bounty from Us, thus We saved the grateful.

وَلَقَدْ أَنْذَرَهُمْ بَطْشَتَنَا فَتَمَارَوْا بِالنُّذُرِ {36}

36. Verily Lot warned them with intense punishment which they doubted.

وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدُوهُ عَنْ ضَيْفِهِ فَطَمَسْنَا أَعْيُنَهُمْ فَذُوقُوا عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {37}

37. And verily they desired to behave ill with his guests. We blinded their eyesight, to savour them of Our punishment and realize the warning.

وَلَقَدْ صَبَّحَهُمْ بُكْرَةً عَذَابٌ مُسْتَقِرٌّ {38}

38. They met with early morning punishment of a stable nature.

فَذُوقُوا عَذَابِي وَنُذُرِ {39}

39. Test Our punishment and warning.

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {40}

40. Verily have We sweetened the Qur’an as an advice. Is there anyone to listen to it?

Moral

Do not falsify a Divine messenger and listen to the Divine warning with care and act as per Divine discretion, lest you may have to pay eternally for disregard.

Verses 41 – 55

وَلَقَدْ جَاءَ آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ النُّذُرُ {41}

41. And verily came to Pharaoh’s followers a warner (in Moses).

كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُقْتَدِرٍ {42}

42. They falsified Our miracles so We arrested them with iron hands.

أَكُفَّارُكُمْ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أُولَٰئِكُمْ أَمْ لَكُمْ بَرَاءَةٌ فِي الزُّبُرِ {43}

43. Are you (Arab pagans) better (by way of strength) than previous infidels? Or have they freedom from Text (having no punishment for falsifying)?

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ نَحْنُ جَمِيعٌ مُنْتَصِرٌ {44}

44. Are they saying they shall face the Divine messengers at a congregation?

سَيُهْزَمُ الْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّونَ الدُّبُرَ {45}

45. They will shortly be defeated and take to flight.

بَلِ السَّاعَةُ مَوْعِدُهُمْ وَالسَّاعَةُ أَدْهَىٰ وَأَمَرُّ {46}

46. Rather, the Day of Judgment is the promised day for them, which is a terrible and permanent in effect.

إِنَّ الْمُجْرِمِينَ فِي ضَلَالٍ وَسُعُرٍ {47}

47. Verily the culprits are in misguidance in the world and be in hell tomorrow (Day of Judgment).

يَوْمَ يُسْحَبُونَ فِي النَّارِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ ذُوقُوا مَسَّ سَقَرَ {48}

48. The day they shall be dragged into the fire and thrown headlong and asked to taste the heat of hell.

إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ {49}

49. We have created everything, granting limited powers.

وَمَا أَمْرُنَا إِلَّا وَاحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍ بِالْبَصَرِ {50}

50. And Our commands are a matter of a single stroke, like the twinkling of an eye.1

وَلَقَدْ أَهْلَكْنَا أَشْيَاعَكُمْ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ {51}

51. Verily We have destroyed your groups of similar tenets. Is any to take an advice?

وَكُلُّ شَيْءٍ فَعَلُوهُ فِي الزُّبُرِ {52}

52. All what they have done are on record in a persevered plate.

وَكُلُّ صَغِيرٍ وَكَبِيرٍ مُسْتَطَرٌ {53}

53. Every tiny and great is recorded.

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَنَهَرٍ {54}

54. Verily the pious shall be in paradise of streams.

فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِنْدَ مَلِيكٍ مُقْتَدِرٍ {55}

55. In proximity of their Lord, the All-mighty.

Moral

Self-sufficient.

Note

1. This disproves doctrine of fatalism and pre-destination.

Surah Qaf, Chapter 50

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 15

قۚ وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ {1}

1. By Qaf1 and by the Text.

بَلْ عَجِبُوا أَنْ جَاءَهُمْ مُنْذِرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَقَالَ الْكَافِرُونَ هَٰذَا شَيْءٌ عَجِيبٌ {2}

2. Rather they are surprised at the Prophet, having come from amongst them as a warner and the pagans said this is marvellous.

أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًاۖ ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌ بَعِيدٌ {3}

3. What! After death and turning to dust (to be revived)! This version is far from being true.

قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنْقُصُ الْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْۖ وَعِنْدَنَا كِتَابٌ حَفِيظٌ {4}

4. Verily did We know what is being reduced from them (after death) and have We with Us a book preserving their acts.

بَلْ كَذَّبُوا بِالْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ فَهُمْ فِي أَمْرٍ مَرِيجٍ {5}

5. Rather, they falsified Truth when it came to them and about which (Day of Reckoning) they have been in doubt.

أَفَلَمْ يَنْظُرُوا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَاهَا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا وَمَا لَهَا مِنْ فُرُوجٍ {6}

6. Have they not seen the vast heavens above them, how We created them and adorned them having no holes therein.

وَالْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنْبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهِيجٍ {7}

7. And similarly the earth how We spread it and fixed therein hills and grew vegetation of pleasing variety.

تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُنِيبٍ {8}

8. A source of contemplation and advice for every contemplating mind (on Divine Wisdom).

وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً مُبَارَكًا فَأَنْبَتْنَا بِهِ جَنَّاتٍ وَحَبَّ الْحَصِيدِ {9}

9. We sent blessed rain from the clouds, wherewith grew fruit gardens and corns for cutting.

وَالنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَاتٍ لَهَا طَلْعٌ نَضِيدٌ {10}

10. And date trees having bunch of fruits.

رِزْقًا لِلْعِبَادِۖ وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِ بَلْدَةً مَيْتًاۚ كَذَٰلِكَ الْخُرُوجُ {11}

11. Food for Our creatures by thus enlivening the dead land, and similarly shall be the raising of the dead from the grave.

كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَأَصْحَابُ الرَّسِّ وَثَمُودُ {12}

12. Before them (Quraish infidels) pagan tribe of Noah falsified its Prophet. Also sect of Ras (who threw their Prophet into the well) and a sect of Thamood.

وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ وَإِخْوَانُ لُوطٍ {13}

13. And the sect of ‘Ad and Pharaoh and the sect of their brother Lot.

وَأَصْحَابُ الْأَيْكَةِ وَقَوْمُ تُبَّعٍۚ كُلٌّ كَذَّبَ الرُّسُلَ فَحَقَّ وَعِيدِ {14}

14. And men of the desert and the sect of Tuba, all falsified their prophets and became entitled to punishment.

أَفَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِۚ بَلْ هُمْ فِي لَبْسٍ مِنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ {15}

15. Are We tired of creation (in which We may not revive you again)? Rather, they are in doubt of being re-enlivened.

Moral

Self-sufficient.

Verses 16 – 29

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ {16}

16. Verily did We create man and know what is misgiving in his mind, as We are nearer than the carotid artery.2

إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى الْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ الْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ الشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ {17}

17. Recall when the two seated angels on the right and left of the front teeth record every word he utters.

مَا يَلْفِظُ مِنْ قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ {18}

18. Not a word does he utter but are they there present to record immediately (his statements).

وَجَاءَتْ سَكْرَةُ الْمَوْتِ بِالْحَقِّۖ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنْتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ {19}

19. And when the indispensable swoon accompanying death approaches, it is then his eyesight is sharpened to view future events which due to his negligence he was evading.

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِۚ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْوَعِيدِ {20}

20. And when the second siren will sound, this is the Day of Judgment.

وَجَاءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَعَهَا سَائِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ {21}

21. And shall come every soul with whom shall be one driving him to plain of assembly, and the other to witness his deeds.

لَقَدْ كُنْتَ فِي غَفْلَةٍ مِنْ هَٰذَا فَكَشَفْنَا عَنْكَ غِطَاءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ الْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ {22}

22. Verily were you negligent (due to worldly avocations) from this, so We raised from you your curtain, now your eyesight is keener.

وَقَالَ قَرِينُهُ هَٰذَا مَا لَدَيَّ عَتِيدٌ {23}

23. And shall say to his accompanying devil, here is the result of your deeds.

أَلْقِيَا فِي جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ {24}

24. Oh you (Mohammad and Ali) hurl into hell every falsifying enemy

مَنَّاعٍ لِلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ مُرِيبٍ {25}

25. who withheld dues and prevented men3 , transgressing, and doubting4 .

الَّذِي جَعَلَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ فَأَلْقِيَاهُ فِي الْعَذَابِ الشَّدِيدِ {26}

26. He who associates self with God, under self-opinion, so better he be steeped into intense punishment.

قَالَ قَرِينُهُ رَبَّنَا مَا أَطْغَيْتُهُ وَلَٰكِنْ كَانَ فِي ضَلَالٍ بَعِيدٍ {27}

27. When his companion will say, “Oh my Providence, I did not turn him haughty, but he was in absolute misguidance.”

قَالَ لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا لَدَيَّ وَقَدْ قَدَّمْتُ إِلَيْكُمْ بِالْوَعِيدِ {28}

28. God shall say, “Do not litigate in My presence now, and verily to you have reached my warnings of punishment.

مَا يُبَدَّلُ الْقَوْلُ لَدَيَّ وَمَا أَنَا بِظَلَّامٍ لِلْعَبِيدِ {29}

29. “My word does not change and I am not tyrannical to My creatures.”

Moral

1. God’s being nearer to man than his carotid artery means from the point of view of knowledge, not physically as He is intangible. Similarly, the Prophet said he who saw me saw God. this means his being a Divine Light, manifested Divine actions and Divine will with Divine attributes being transferred to him. Exactly what Jesus says in St. John 12:45 – 46 – “He that seeth me seeth Him.” “I am come a Light into the world.” When transferred attributes to Divine Lights, God adopts transferred epithets of their physical organs to self.

2. The worldly avocations are a great barrier to realize distant future, p art of which is visible at death-bed. This is a proof what we cannot see, cannot be denied. The further we are away from the worldly engagements, near are we to Him. It is death and purgatory thereafter, which cleanses sin of the sinful faithful, who are then able to appreciate reality and rendered capable to admission of paradise and some not until having passed some time in hell.

3. Self-opinion is urging to deviate from religious code and results in self-destruction. Barring his own sin with those whom he influences over his head as a ringleader and shall on Reckoning Day, be a cause of being driven away from Divine Mercy, on the ground of his having forsaken authentic guides i.e. the Divine Lights.

Verses 30 – 45

يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ امْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِنْ مَزِيدٍ {30}

30. On the day hell will be addressed, “are you full?” It will say, “Is there any more to come?”

وَأُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ {31}

31. And paradise will be brought very near the righteous.

هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ {32}

32. And they will be informed this has been promised for every cautious and directing to God.

مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَٰنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُنِيبٍ {33}

33. He who fears God unseen and directs self with supplicating heart

ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍۖ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ {34}

34. shall enter in safety (today is this the Day of admission).

لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ {35}

35. For them shall be present therein everything in their desires, besides Our will to boot.

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُمْ مِنْ قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ هَلْ مِنْ مَحِيصٍ {36}

36. How many generations did We destroy who were mighty and wandered about countries (to escape Our punishment) was there any refuge (for them)?

إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَنْ كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى السَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ {37}

37. Verily there is an advice for him who has a heart (to reflect facts regarding faith) listens to comply, ad is present with the presence of mind.

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِنْ لُغُوبٍ {38}

38. Verily did We create the heavens and the earth and in between in six days, and We did not feel pain there in.

فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوبِ {39}

39. So wait on what they say and glorify your Providence before sunrise and sunset.5

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَارَ السُّجُودِ {40}

40. And during the night glorify and prostate.

وَاسْتَمِعْ يَوْمَ يُنَادِ الْمُنَادِ مِنْ مَكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ {41}

41. Pay heed when the crier will shout from near on the day.

يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ الصَّيْحَةَ بِالْحَقِّۚ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُرُوجِ {42}

42. The trumpet will blow and this is the day to come out of the graves.

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْيِي وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْنَا الْمَصِيرُ {43}

43. Verily do We enliven and do We give death and to Us is the reversion.

يَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ الْأَرْضُ عَنْهُمْ سِرَاعًاۚ ذَٰلِكَ حَشْرٌ عَلَيْنَا يَسِيرٌ {44}

44. the day the earth will burst due to the emergence of the dead, when they will run and this is congregating day, which is easy for Us.

نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَۖ وَمَا أَنْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ بِجَبَّارٍۖ فَذَكِّرْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَنْ يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ {45}

45. We know what they say, and you are not going to force (guidance) on them. Simply advise them by the Text and those who are afraid of certainty and intensity of punishment of the day.

Moral

Clear.

Notes

1. Mountains which colour the sky blue

2. Supplies blood to the brain and cutting of which leads to death.

3. from owning allegiance to Ali.

4. in their being Divine Lights.

5. These are orders for auxiliary prayers.

Surah al-Dhariyat, Chapter 51

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 23

وَالذَّارِيَاتِ ذَرْوًا {1}

1. By the winds which drive (the clouds)

فَالْحَامِلَاتِ وِقْرًا {2}

2. and by the clouds which (carry rain).

فَالْجَارِيَاتِ يُسْرًا {3}

3. By the ships which float (on the sea smoothly).

فَالْمُقَسِّمَاتِ أَمْرًا {4}

4. By the angels which distribute provision.

إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَصَادِقٌ {5}

5. What is promised to you (the Day of Judgment) is bound to come.

وَإِنَّ الدِّينَ لَوَاقِعٌ {6}

6. And verily are We to judge.

وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الْحُبُكِ {7}

7. By the ski which skirts (around the Earth).

إِنَّكُمْ لَفِي قَوْلٍ مُخْتَلِفٍ {8}

8. Verily wherein there is a division of opinion1

يُؤْفَكُ عَنْهُ مَنْ أُفِكَ {9}

9. the disbeliever is an infidel or an apostate.

قُتِلَ الْخَرَّاصُونَ {10}

10. Be they cursed who doubt (title to their guidance).

الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي غَمْرَةٍ سَاهُونَ {11}

11. And who are deeply immersed in ignorance.

يَسْأَلُونَ أَيَّانَ يَوْمُ الدِّينِ {12}

12. They ask you when the Day of Judgment will occur.

يَوْمَ هُمْ عَلَى النَّارِ يُفْتَنُونَ {13}

13. The day they will be thrown into a burning hell.

ذُوقُوا فِتْنَتَكُمْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي كُنْتُمْ بِهِ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ {14}

14. To savour its punishment (when they will be addressed) “This is the day of which you were in a hurry.”

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ {15}

15. Verily the pious will be in paradise with canals.

آخِذِينَ مَا آتَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ {16}

16. Enjoying from their Providence, ere this they were obliging

كَانُوا قَلِيلًا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ {17}

17. sleeping little in the night time.

وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ {18}

18. They were praying for forgiveness.

وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ {19}

19. And in their property they deemed a share of beggars and the disappointed claimants.

وَفِي الْأَرْضِ آيَاتٌ لِلْمُوقِنِينَ {20}

20. And on Earth are signs of His existence for those who desire to investigate.

وَفِي أَنْفُسِكُمْۚ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ {21}

21. And even in you, do you not realize?2

وَفِي السَّمَاءِ رِزْقُكُمْ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ {22}

22. And in the heavens is your provision which you are promised3 .

فَوَرَبِّ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِنَّهُ لَحَقٌّ مِثْلَ مَا أَنَّكُمْ تَنْطِقُونَ {23}

23. By the Providence of the heavens and the earth it shall come as certainly as you are reading the Text.

Moral

Just as God, in spite of being Self-sufficient and Indispensable to His creation, by virtue of His being unlike creation, has recourse to physical and spiritual agents’ viz. clouds, rain, soil, and angels for provision of His creatures, has created Divine Lights, having guided them to His way, qualifying them with His attributes to guide His creation on earth without which man cannot attain Divine proximity.

He who therefore denies ancillary leadership of Divine Lights, through whose medium alone, Divine proximity is attainable, is not only ungrateful, like children, disobeying their parents and incurring major sins which renders them unforgivable for wasting their virtues. Their infidelity to God is first followed by their infidelity to Divine Lights. Disobedience to parent is allowable, where Divine Commands are being contravened, but under no circumstances disobedience to Divine Lights is permissible, as they are infallible.

Hence, disregard to them must end in perpetual condemnation to hell without any question of intercession. The only difference in Divine Commands and those of them is former emanate for Him and the latter are transferred through their agencies, and for this reason prostration to God is only permissible. These Divine Lights are alive, whether present on Earth or otherwise and seeking their help is but fair, as in the case of the living beings. To judge them otherwise is mere ignorance of their real object of creation. Their actions are as per Divine will. Compare the word of Jesus in St. John 8:28 – 29 and that I do nothing for myself but as my Father taught me. I speak these things and that he sent me is with me. The father has not left alone, for I do always things which please him. This is exactly what the Prophet said, “Ali is with God and God is with Ali.

Verses 24 – 46

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ {24}

24. Has history of Abraham’s respected guests come to you?

إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًاۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُنْكَرُونَ {25}

25. When after they wishing him entered his house, when he replied int he same term and remarked, “I see you are strangers.”

فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ {26}

26. He went quickly to his wife and returned within a short time with a fried goat.

فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ {27}

27. Drawing it near to them, asking them why they did not do justice to it.

فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةًۖ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْۖ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ {28}

28. Then he got nervous,4 when they said, “Be not nervous (we have not come to pain you). Rather we have come to give tidings of a learned child.”

فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ {29}

29. His wife joined the group and smiting her cheek, remarked how she an old woman in menopause, bear a child.

قَالُوا كَذَٰلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْعَلِيمُ {30}

30. The angel said, “Such is a Divine Command of her Providence.” Verily He is wise and Omniscient.

قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكُمْ أَيُّهَا الْمُرْسَلُونَ {31}

31. Abraham said, “Oh yu messengers, what has been the cause of your being here?”

قَالُوا إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمٍ مُجْرِمِينَ {32}

32. They said, “We have sent to the guilty sect (of Lot).

لِنُرْسِلَ عَلَيْهِمْ حِجَارَةً مِنْ طِينٍ {33}

33. “So we may pelt earthen gavels on them.

مُسَوَّمَةً عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ لِلْمُسْرِفِينَ {34}

34. “Duly marked by your Providence on the guilty

فَأَخْرَجْنَا مَنْ كَانَ فِيهَا مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ {35}

35. “and we shall remove them from the town (the faithful).”

فَمَا وَجَدْنَا فِيهَا غَيْرَ بَيْتٍ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ {36}

36. We did not find more than a single house of Muslims.

وَتَرَكْنَا فِيهَا آيَةً لِلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِيمَ {37}

37. We have left therein a sign for those who are afraid of intense punishment.

وَفِي مُوسَىٰ إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَاهُ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ بِسُلْطَانٍ مُبِينٍ {38}

38. And similarly, there is a sign in the case of Moses when sent him to Pharaoh with clear over-powering miracles.

فَتَوَلَّىٰ بِرُكْنِهِ وَقَالَ سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ {39}

39. He turned his back from them, replying on his strength, calling him a magician or a mad fellow.

فَأَخَذْنَاهُ وَجُنُودَهُ فَنَبَذْنَاهُمْ فِي الْيَمِّ وَهُوَ مُلِيمٌ {40}

40. We arrested him and his army, throwing them into the sea, when they began to repent.

وَفِي عَادٍ إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الرِّيحَ الْعَقِيمَ {41}

41. And in the case of the case of ‘Ad there is a sign when We sent to them singular winds.

مَا تَذَرُ مِنْ شَيْءٍ أَتَتْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا جَعَلَتْهُ كَالرَّمِيمِ {42}

42. Which would not leave anybody they struck against, except turning it into powder.

وَفِي ثَمُودَ إِذْ قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَمَتَّعُوا حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ {43}

43. And in the case of Thamood, there is a sign, when they were informed to enjoy within a stipulated period.

فَعَتَوْا عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِمْ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ وَهُمْ يَنْظُرُونَ {44}

44. They disobeyed the commands of their Providence when the shriek of Gabriel seized them, when they were looking at it in the day.

فَمَا اسْتَطَاعُوا مِنْ قِيَامٍ وَمَا كَانُوا مُنْتَصِرِينَ {45}

45. They had neither power to face nor any means to divert the disaster.

وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ مِنْ قَبْلُۖ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فَاسِقِينَ {46}

46. And the tribe of Noah, before this, they were a disobedient tribe.

Moral

Self-sufficient.

Verses 47 – 60

وَالسَّمَاءَ بَنَيْنَاهَا بِأَيْدٍ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ {47}

47. And the heavens We created with Our might and We have means to develop them.

وَالْأَرْضَ فَرَشْنَاهَا فَنِعْمَ الْمَاهِدُونَ {48}

48. And the earth We spread as a carpet and We are best at spreading it.

وَمِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَا زَوْجَيْنِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ {49}

49. And of everything We have made a pair so you may take a lesson (of worshipping Me as a unique Creator).

فَفِرُّوا إِلَى اللَّهِۖ إِنِّي لَكُمْ مِنْهُ نَذِيرٌ مُبِينٌ {50}

50. So hurry up to pilgrimage (in due worship of God). I am for you an open warner.

وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَۖ إِنِّي لَكُمْ مِنْهُ نَذِيرٌ مُبِينٌ {51}

51. Do not associate any with Him verily I am for you an open warner.

كَذَٰلِكَ مَا أَتَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا قَالُوا سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ {52}

52. Similarly came to them (preceding generations), prophets, but they turned them down as magicians or mad caps.

أَتَوَاصَوْا بِهِۚ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ طَاغُونَ {53}

53. Have they so willed to one another? Rather they are transgressors.

فَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ فَمَا أَنْتَ بِمَلُومٍ {54}

54. You turn away from them as you are not responsible for their disobedience.

وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَىٰ تَنْفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ {55}

55. Go on advising, verily the advice will benefit the faithful.

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ {56}

56. I did not create the spirit and man but for realizing (object of creation) and worshipping Me5 .

مَا أُرِيدُ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ رِزْقٍ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ يُطْعِمُونِ {57}

57. I did not except from them any provision for Me. Rather I provide them.

إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ {58}

58. Verily God is the Providence of mighty means.

فَإِنَّ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ذَنُوبًا مِثْلَ ذَنُوبِ أَصْحَابِهِمْ فَلَا يَسْتَعْجِلُونِ {59}

59. Verily for sinful tyrants6 is reserved the punishment of like intensity. So do not hurry up.

فَوَيْلٌ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ يَوْمِهِمُ الَّذِي يُوعَدُونَ {60}

6. Hell is for the infidels on the day which is promised to come.

Moral

Bodily notes will suffice.

Notes

1. Among you on the genuiness of the Prophet and leadership of his infallible Ahl al-Bayt as Divine Lights.

2. That there is One who disposes away your proposals and this is God.

3. you will have it. Why then have recourse to unfair methods in securing it

4. Realizing they were not physical beings but angels in the habit of a man.

5. on the declaration through Divine Lights duly trained by Me.

6. Misleading the public at large and depriving Divine Lights of the rights of guiding the public.

Surah al-Tur, Chapter 52

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 28

الطُّورِ {1}

1. By Mount Sinai.

وَكِتَابٍ مَسْطُورٍ {2}

2. By the recorded Text.

فِي رَقٍّ مَنْشُورٍ {3}

3. In finely enlightened way.

وَالْبَيْتِ الْمَعْمُورِ {4}

4. And by Bait al-Mamur.1

وَالسَّقْفِ الْمَرْفُوعِ {5}

5. And by the exalted skies.

وَالْبَحْرِ الْمَسْجُورِ {6}

6. And by the fiery oceans of Reckoning Day.

إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ لَوَاقِعٌ {7}

7. Verily is intended punishment of your Providence bound to occur.

مَا لَهُ مِنْ دَافِعٍ {8}

8. None is there to stay it away.

يَوْمَ تَمُورُ السَّمَاءُ مَوْرًا {9}

9. When the skies will be whirling in a whirlpool.

وَتَسِيرُ الْجِبَالُ سَيْرًا {10}

10. And mountains set to motion.

فَوَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِلْمُكَذِّبِينَ {11}

11. Hell shall be for the falsifiers.

الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي خَوْضٍ يَلْعَبُونَ {12}

12. Who are wasting their time in play.2

يَوْمَ يُدَعُّونَ إِلَىٰ نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ دَعًّا {13}

13. When they will be thrown into the hellish fire headlong

هَٰذِهِ النَّارُ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ بِهَا تُكَذِّبُونَ {14}

14. where they will informed of the fire they were falsifying.

أَفَسِحْرٌ هَٰذَا أَمْ أَنْتُمْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ {15}

15. Whether it was magic or they did not realize it.

اصْلَوْهَا فَاصْبِرُوا أَوْ لَا تَصْبِرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْكُمْۖ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ {16}

16. Better enter it and undergo its agony patiently or otherwise it is all the same for you. You will be paid for your dues.

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَنَعِيمٍ {17}

17. Verily the pious will be in Paradise of Naeem (highest grade).

فَاكِهِينَ بِمَا آتَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ وَوَقَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ {18}

18. What their Providence will provide with. Their Providence shall save them from hellish disaster.

كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ {19}

18. Eat and drink freely, for what you have acted (in the world).

مُتَّكِئِينَ عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مَصْفُوفَةٍۖ وَزَوَّجْنَاهُمْ بِحُورٍ عِينٍ {20}

20. Rest on connected sofas where We shall bring about your marriage with nymphs.

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاتَّبَعَتْهُمْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُمْ بِإِيمَانٍ أَلْحَقْنَا بِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَمَا أَلَتْنَاهُمْ مِنْ عَمَلِهِمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍۚ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ {21}

21. Their children who embraced faith and followed them on the same system shall We get together with them, without reducing any reward of their parents for shortcomings of their children. Every one shall be confined to their deeds of sins.

وَأَمْدَدْنَاهُمْ بِفَاكِهَةٍ وَلَحْمٍ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ {22}

22. We shall help them with fruits and flesh of their choice.

يَتَنَازَعُونَ فِيهَا كَأْسًا لَا لَغْوٌ فِيهَا وَلَا تَأْثِيمٌ {23}

23. Wherein they will be free to exchange among themselves, cups of drinks, without any quarrel or sin.

وَيَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ غِلْمَانٌ لَهُمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لُؤْلُؤٌ مَكْنُونٌ {24}

24. While shall circle round them, children alike hidden pearls.

وَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ {25}

25. And facing each other shall they be questioning among themselves.

قَالُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا قَبْلُ فِي أَهْلِنَا مُشْفِقِينَ {26}

26. Saying, “Verily ere this (while in the world) we dreaded Divine punishment.

فَمَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَوَقَانَا عَذَابَ السَّمُومِ {27}

27. God has been gracious to us and has saved us from the torment of Hell’s intense heat.

إِنَّا كُنَّا مِنْ قَبْلُ نَدْعُوهُۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْبَرُّ الرَّحِيمُ {28}

28. Verily, before this we prayed unto Him in the night and verily He is All-endowing and Merciful.

Moral

1. Fat of those who play away in this world is described in the above paragraph. They go on falsifying Eternity and make no preparation for Dooms Day.

2. Man is known by the company he keeps. It will mould and fashion his character into conformity with its own. The depraved derive great satisfaction in ruining others as themselves. By their subtle influence, they move you, to set your faith in the wrong direction, whereby you dislike purity and quiet at home, and take a liking to dissipation and vice.

3. Avoid those whose companionship silences the admonition of conscience, your reverence for Divine Text (see Appendix B) and faith in God and your dread of Dooms Day, degrading your character, wasting your substance, undermining your health, defeating the great purpose of life, taking away from you all hope of eternal salvation. Avoid the profane man social drinker, smoker, card player and cinema and musical radio seeker, shun the libertine, and turn a deaf ear to the cynic and the unbeliever. Forsake the foolish, and live and go in the way of understanding. Remember the friendship of the world is just as much enmity with God today and also of your neighbour plunged in pleasure, as it was in the beginning of the world.

Tidings are for the pious and pious children though weakened by nature in attaining high grades of their parents.

4. Ali shall conduct the marriage ceremony with nymphs of residents of paradise as a result of their piety and night prayer with Divine awe for the dreadful day, when, to account shall they rise from clay.

Verses 29 – 49

فَذَكِّرْ فَمَا أَنْتَ بِنِعْمَتِ رَبِّكَ بِكَاهِنٍ وَلَا مَجْنُونٍ {29}

29. Go on advising, you are not due to your Providence’s gift, soothsayer or mad.

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ شَاعِرٌ نَتَرَبَّصُ بِهِ رَيْبَ الْمَنُونِ {30}

30. Do they say you are a poet? Wait until death overtakes them.

قُلْ تَرَبَّصُوا فَإِنِّي مَعَكُمْ مِنَ الْمُتَرَبِّصِينَ {31}

31. Say, “Wait and I am waiting with you.

أَمْ تَأْمُرُهُمْ أَحْلَامُهُمْ بِهَٰذَاۚ أَمْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ طَاغُونَ {32}

32. Does their intelligence order them this, or rather they are transgressors?

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ تَقَوَّلَهُۚ بَلْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ {33}

33. Do they say, “He has fabricated it?3 Rather, they have no faith in you.

فَلْيَأْتُوا بِحَدِيثٍ مِثْلِهِ إِنْ كَانُوا صَادِقِينَ {34}

34. Let them bring a book like this, if they are true in their claim.

أَمْ خُلِقُوا مِنْ غَيْرِ شَيْءٍ أَمْ هُمُ الْخَالِقُونَ {35}

35. Or are they created by another agency? Or have they created themselves?

أَمْ خَلَقُوا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَۚ بَلْ لَا يُوقِنُونَ {36}

36. Have they created the heavens and the earth? Rather they have no belief.

أَمْ عِنْدَهُمْ خَزَائِنُ رَبِّكَ أَمْ هُمُ الْمُصَيْطِرُونَ {37}

37. Have they Divine mercy of your Providence with them.4 Are they going to overpower you?

أَمْ لَهُمْ سُلَّمٌ يَسْتَمِعُونَ فِيهِۖ فَلْيَأْتِ مُسْتَمِعُهُمْ بِسُلْطَانٍ مُبِينٍ {38}

38. Have they a ladder (going up) by which means they overhear? If so, let them bring the news with clear proof.

أَمْ لَهُ الْبَنَاتُ وَلَكُمُ الْبَنُونَ {39}

39. Are daughters for God and sons for you?

أَمْ تَسْأَلُهُمْ أَجْرًا فَهُمْ مِنْ مَغْرَمٍ مُثْقَلُونَ {40}

40. Do you ask of them any reward, owing to which they are undergoing strain of taxation?

أَمْ عِنْدَهُمُ الْغَيْبُ فَهُمْ يَكْتُبُونَ {41}

41. Have they secrets with them, which they are recording?

أَمْ يُرِيدُونَ كَيْدًاۖ فَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا هُمُ الْمَكِيدُونَ {42}

42. Do they mean to intrigue though intriguing infidels shall lose the bargain?

أَمْ لَهُمْ إِلَٰهٌ غَيْرُ اللَّهِۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ {43}

43. Have they any other God? Pure is he with whom they are associating any.

وَإِنْ يَرَوْا كِسْفًا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ سَاقِطًا يَقُولُوا سَحَابٌ مَرْكُومٌ {44}

44. When they see a piece falling from heaven they call it a solidified cloud.5

فَذَرْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يُلَاقُوا يَوْمَهُمُ الَّذِي فِيهِ يُصْعَقُونَ {45}

45. Leave them until they meet on the promised day when they will fall into swoon.

يَوْمَ لَا يُغْنِي عَنْهُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ {46}

46. The day when nothing of their designs and philosophy will be of any use or render any assistance.

وَإِنَّ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا عَذَابًا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ {47}

47. Those who have tyrannized6 shall have, besides the punishment of Reckoning day, that during Resurrection, although most of them do not understand.

وَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَاۖ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ حِينَ تَقُومُ {48}

48. Have patience until the issue of Divine commands. You are under Our direct care, glorify your Providence until Dooms Day

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَإِدْبَارَ النُّجُومِ {49}

49. and towards midnight and setting of stars which auxiliary prayers.

Note: The Prophet used to get up three times during the night and at every get up used to repeat couplets (190 – 194) of Surah Three, Ali- Imran.

Moral

You can discover want of common sense in illogical and inconsistent statements regarding prophets, by infidel enemies calling him a soothsayer and at times mad cap, and at times a poet. For such people, Our punishment is eternal and worldly.

Notes

1. Lofty heaven where 70,000 angels circumambulate daily without repeating their turn.

2. Without preparation for the coming day.

3. Such an allegation only results in condemnation to hell.

4. On account of which they expect to be forgiven for their faults.

5. This is a piece of impudence on their path, disregard Divine warning and not taking to penance. They begin to opine without any knowledge of its cause.

6. Divine Lights by depriving them of their guidance as religious leaders.