The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations)

The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations)4%

The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations) Translator: Mohammad Habib Shakir, Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall and Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Publisher: www.alhassanain.org/english
Category: Quran Text

The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations)
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The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations)

The Holy Quran (Arabic Text + Three English Translations)

Publisher: www.alhassanain.org/english
English

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سورة طه (Ta-Ha)

Sura 20

Aya 1 to 135

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

[Shakir] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[Pickthal] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[Yusufali] In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

طه {1}

[Shakir 20:1] Ta Ha.

[Pickthal 20:1] Ta. Ha.

[Yusufali 20:1] Ta-Ha.

مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ {2}

[Shakir 20:2] We have not revealed the Quran to you that you may be unsuccessful.

[Pickthal 20:2] We have not revealed unto thee (Muhammad) this Qur'an that thou shouldst be distressed,

[Yusufali 20:2] We have not sent down the Qur'an to thee to be (an occasion) for thy distress,

إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَىٰ {3}

[Shakir 20:3] Nay, it is a reminder to him who fears:

[Pickthal 20:3] But as a reminder unto him who feareth,

[Yusufali 20:3] But only as an admonition to those who fear (Allah),-

تَنْزِيلًا مِمَّنْ خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ وَالسَّمَاوَاتِ الْعُلَى {4}

[Shakir 20:4] A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the high heavens.

[Pickthal 20:4] A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the high heavens,

[Yusufali 20:4] A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ {5}

[Shakir 20:5] The Beneficent Allah is firm in power.

[Pickthal 20:5] The Beneficent One, Who is established on the Throne.

[Yusufali 20:5] (Allah) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority).

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

[Shakir 20:6] His is what is in the heavens and what is in the earth and what is between them two and what is beneath the ground.

[Pickthal 20:6] Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and whatsoever is between them, and whatsoever is beneath the sod.

[Yusufali 20:6] To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

وَإِنْ تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى {7}

[Shakir 20:7] And if you utter the saying aloud, then surely He knows the secret, and what is yet more hidden.

[Pickthal 20:7] And if thou speakest aloud, then lo! He knoweth the secret (thought) and (that which is yet) more hidden.

[Yusufali 20:7] If thou pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter): for verily He knoweth what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ {8}

[Shakir 20:8] Allah-- there is no god but He; His are the very best names.

[Pickthal 20:8] Allah! There is no Allah save Him. His are the most beautiful names.

[Yusufali 20:8] Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.

وَهَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰ {9}

[Shakir 20:9] And has the story of Musa come to you?

[Pickthal 20:9] Hath there come unto thee the story of Moses?

[Yusufali 20:9] Has the story of Moses reached thee?

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

[Shakir 20:10] When he saw fire, he said to his family: Stop, for surely I see a fire, haply I may bring to you therefrom a live coal or find a guidance at the fire.

[Pickthal 20:10] When he saw a fire and said unto his folk: Lo! Wait! I see a fire afar off. Peradventure I may bring you a brand therefrom or may find guidance at the fire.

[Yusufali 20:10] Behold, he saw a fire: So he said to his family, "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire."

فَلَمَّا أَتَاهَا نُودِيَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {11}

[Shakir 20:11] So when he came to it, a voice was uttered: O Musa:

[Pickthal 20:11] And when he reached it, he was called by name: O Moses!

[Yusufali 20:11] But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: "O Moses!

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

[Shakir 20:12] Surely I am your Lord, therefore put off your shoes; surely you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa,

[Pickthal 20:12] Lo! I, even I, am thy Lord, So take off thy shoes, for lo! thou art in the holy valley of Tuwa.

[Yusufali 20:12] "Verily I am thy Lord! therefore (in My presence) put off thy shoes: thou art in the sacred valley Tuwa.

وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰ {13}

[Shakir 20:13] And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed:

[Pickthal 20:13] And I have chosen thee, so hearken unto that which is inspired.

[Yusufali 20:13] "I have chosen thee: listen, then, to the inspiration (sent to thee).

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

[Shakir 20:14] Surely I am Allah, there is no god but I, therefore serve Me and keep up prayer for My remembrance:

[Pickthal 20:14] Lo! I, even I, am Allah, There is no Allah save Me. So serve Me and establish worship for My remembrance.

[Yusufali 20:14] "Verily, I am Allah: There is no god but I: So serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.

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

[Shakir 20:15] Surely the hour is coming-- I am about to make it manifest-- so that every soul may be rewarded as it strives:

[Pickthal 20:15] Lo! the Hour is surely coming. But I will to keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it striveth (to achieve).

[Yusufali 20:15] "Verily the Hour is coming - My design is to keep it hidden - for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavour.

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

[Shakir 20:16] Therefore let not him who believes not in it and follows his low desires turn you away from it so that you should perish;

[Pickthal 20:16] Therefor, let not him turn thee aside from (the thought of) it who believeth not therein but followeth his own desire, lest thou perish.

[Yusufali 20:16] "Therefore let not such as believe not therein but follow their own lusts, divert thee therefrom, lest thou perish!"..

وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {17}

[Shakir 20:17] And what is this in your right hand, O Musa!

[Pickthal 20:17] And what is that in thy right hand, O Moses?

[Yusufali 20:17] "And what is that in the right hand, O Moses?"

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

[Shakir 20:18] He said: This is my staff: I recline on it and I beat the leaves with it to make them fall upon my sheep, and I have other uses for it.

[Pickthal 20:18] He said: This is my staff whereon I lean, and wherewith I bear down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.

[Yusufali 20:18] He said, "It is my rod: on it I lean; with it I beat down fodder for my flocks; and in it I find other uses."

قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {19}

[Shakir 20:19] He said: Cast it down, O Musa!

[Pickthal 20:19] He said: Cast it down, O Moses!

[Yusufali 20:19] (Allah) said, "Throw it, O Moses!"

فَأَلْقَاهَا فَإِذَا هِيَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ {20}

[Shakir 20:20] So he cast it down; and lo! it was a serpent running.

[Pickthal 20:20] So he cast it down, and lo! it was a serpent, gliding.

[Yusufali 20:20] He threw it, and behold! It was a snake, active in motion.

قَالَ خُذْهَا وَلَا تَخَفْ سَنُعِيدُهَا سِيرَتَهَا الْأُولَىٰ {21}

[Shakir 20:21] He said: Take hold of it and fear not; We will restore it to its former state:

[Pickthal 20:21] He said: Grasp it and fear not. We shall return it to its former state.

[Yusufali 20:21] (Allah) said, "Seize it, and fear not: We shall return it at once to its former condition"..

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

[Shakir 20:22] And press your hand to your side, it shall come out white without evil: another sign:

[Pickthal 20:22] And thrust thy hand within thine armpit, it will come forth white without hurt. (That will be) another token.

[Yusufali 20:22] "Now draw thy hand close to thy side: It shall come forth white (and shining), without harm (or stain),- as another Sign,-

لِنُرِيَكَ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا الْكُبْرَى {23}

[Shakir 20:23] That We may show you of Our greater signs:

[Pickthal 20:23] That We may show thee (some) of Our greater portents,

[Yusufali 20:23] "In order that We may show thee (two) of our Greater Signs.

اذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {24}

[Shakir 20:24] Go to Firon, surely he has exceeded all limits.

[Pickthal 20:24] Go thou unto Pharaoh! Lo! he hath transgressed (the bounds).

[Yusufali 20:24] "Go thou to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds."

قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي {25}

[Shakir 20:25] He said: O my Lord! Expand my breast for me,

[Pickthal 20:25] (Moses) said: My Lord! relieve my mind

[Yusufali 20:25] (Moses) said: "O my Lord! expand me my breast;

وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي {26}

[Shakir 20:26] And make my affair easy to me,

[Pickthal 20:26] And ease my task for me;

[Yusufali 20:26] "Ease my task for me;

وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي {27}

[Shakir 20:27] And loose the knot from my tongue,

[Pickthal 20:27] And loose a knot from my tongue,

[Yusufali 20:27] "And remove the impediment from my speech,

يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي {28}

[Shakir 20:28] (That) they may understand my word;

[Pickthal 20:28] That they may understand my saying.

[Yusufali 20:28] "So they may understand what I say:

وَاجْعَلْ لِي وَزِيرًا مِنْ أَهْلِي {29}

[Shakir 20:29] And give to me an aider from my family:

[Pickthal 20:29] Appoint for me a henchman from my folk,

[Yusufali 20:29] "And give me a Minister from my family,

هَارُونَ أَخِي {30}

[Shakir 20:30] Haroun, my brother,

[Pickthal 20:30] Aaron, my brother.

[Yusufali 20:30] "Aaron, my brother;

اشْدُدْ بِهِ أَزْرِي {31}

[Shakir 20:31] Strengthen my back by him,

[Pickthal 20:31] Confirm my strength with him

[Yusufali 20:31] "Add to my strength through him,

وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِي أَمْرِي {32}

[Shakir 20:32] And associate him (with me) in my affair,

[Pickthal 20:32] And let him share my task,

[Yusufali 20:32] "And make him share my task:

كَيْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرًا {33}

[Shakir 20:33] So that we should glorify Thee much,

[Pickthal 20:33] That we may glorify Thee much

[Yusufali 20:33] "That we may celebrate Thy praise without stint,

وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا {34}

[Shakir 20:34] And remember Thee oft.

[Pickthal 20:34] And much remember Thee.

[Yusufali 20:34] "And remember Thee without stint:

إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ بِنَا بَصِيرًا {35}

[Shakir 20:35] Surely, Thou art seeing us.

[Pickthal 20:35] Lo! Thou art ever Seeing us.

[Yusufali 20:35] "For Thou art He that (ever) regardeth us."

قَالَ قَدْ أُوتِيتَ سُؤْلَكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {36}

[Shakir 20:36] He said: You are indeed granted your petition, O Musa

[Pickthal 20:36] He said: Thou art granted thy request, O Moses.

[Yusufali 20:36] (Allah) said: "Granted is thy prayer, O Moses!"

وَلَقَدْ مَنَنَّا عَلَيْكَ مَرَّةً أُخْرَىٰ {37}

[Shakir 20:37] And certainly We bestowed on you a favor at another time;

[Pickthal 20:37] And indeed, another time, already We have shown thee favour,

[Yusufali 20:37] "And indeed We conferred a favour on thee another time (before).

إِذْ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمِّكَ مَا يُوحَىٰ {38}

[Shakir 20:38] When We revealed to your mother what was revealed;

[Pickthal 20:38] When we inspired in thy mother that which is inspired,

[Yusufali 20:38] "Behold! We sent to thy mother, by inspiration, the message:

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

[Shakir 20:39] Saying: Put him into a chest, then cast it down into the river, then the river shall throw him on the shore; there shall take him up one who is an enemy to Me and enemy to him, and I cast down upon you love from Me, and that you might be brought up before My eyes;

[Pickthal 20:39] Saying: Throw him into the ark, and throw it into the river, then the river shall throw it on to the bank, and there an enemy to Me and an enemy to him shall take him. And I endued thee with love from Me that thou mightest be trained according to My will,

[Yusufali 20:39] "'Throw (the child) into the chest, and throw (the chest) into the river: the river will cast him up on the bank, and he will be taken up by one who is an enemy to Me and an enemy to him': But I cast (the garment of) love over thee from Me: and (this) in order that thou mayest be reared under Mine eye.

إِذْ تَمْشِي أُخْتُكَ فَتَقُولُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ مَنْ يَكْفُلُهُ 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}

[Shakir 20:40] When your sister went and said: Shall I direct you to one who will take charge of him? So We brought you back to your mother, that her eye might be cooled and she should not grieve and you killed a man, then We delivered you from the grief, and We tried you with (a severe) trying. Then you stayed for years among the people of Madyan; then you came hither as ordained, O Musa.

[Pickthal 20:40] When thy sister went and said: Shall I show you one who will nurse him? and we restored thee to thy mother that her eyes might be refreshed and might not sorrow. And thou didst kill a man and We delivered thee from great distress, and tried thee with a heavy trial. And thou didst tarry years among the folk of Midian. Then camest thou (hither) by (My) providence, O Moses,

[Yusufali 20:40] "Behold! thy sister goeth forth and saith, 'shall I show you one who will nurse and rear the (child)?' So We brought thee back to thy mother, that her eye might be cooled and she should not grieve. Then thou didst slay a man, but We saved thee from trouble, and We tried thee in various ways. Then didst thou tarry a number of years with the people of Midian. Then didst thou come hither as ordained, O Moses!

وَاصْطَنَعْتُكَ لِنَفْسِي {41}

[Shakir 20:41] And I have chosen you for Myself:

[Pickthal 20:41] And I have attached thee to Myself.

[Yusufali 20:41] "And I have prepared thee for Myself (for service)"..

اذْهَبْ أَنْتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِي {42}

[Shakir 20:42] Go you and your brother with My communications and be not remiss in remembering Me;

[Pickthal 20:42] Go, thou and thy brother, with My tokens, and be not faint in remembrance of Me.

[Yusufali 20:42] "Go, thou and thy brother, with My Signs, and slacken not, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance.

اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {43}

[Shakir 20:43] Go both to Firon, surely he has become inordinate;

[Pickthal 20:43] Go, both of you, unto Pharaoh. Lo! he hath transgressed (the bounds).

[Yusufali 20:43] "Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds;

فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَيِّنًا لَعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ {44}

[Shakir 20:44] Then speak to him a gentle word haply he may mind or fear.

[Pickthal 20:44] And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.

[Yusufali 20:44] "But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear (Allah)."

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

[Shakir 20:45] Both said: O our Lord! Surely we fear that he may hasten to do evil to us or that he may become inordinate.

[Pickthal 20:45] They said: Our Lord! Lo! we fear that he may be beforehand with us or that he may play the tyrant.

[Yusufali 20:45] They (Moses and Aaron) said: "Our Lord! We fear lest he hasten with insolence against us, or lest he transgress all bounds."

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ {46}

[Shakir 20:46] He said: Fear not, surely I am with you both: I do hear and see.

[Pickthal 20:46] He said: Fear not. Lo! I am with you twain, Hearing and Seeing.

[Yusufali 20:46] He said: "Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).

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

[Shakir 20:47] So go you both to him and say: Surely we are two messengers of your Lord; therefore send the children of Israel with us and do not torment them! Indeed we have brought to you a communication from your Lord, and peace is on him who follows the guidance;

[Pickthal 20:47] So go ye unto him and say: Lo! we are two messengers of thy Lord. So let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring thee a token from thy Lord. And peace will be for him who followeth right guidance.

[Yusufali 20:47] "So go ye both to him, and say, 'Verily we are messengers sent by thy Lord: Send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and afflict them not: with a Sign, indeed, have we come from thy Lord! and peace to all who follow guidance!

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

[Shakir 20:48] Surely it has been revealed to us that the chastisement will surely come upon him who rejects and turns back.

[Pickthal 20:48] Lo! it hath been revealed unto us that the doom will be for him who denieth and turneth away.

[Yusufali 20:48] "'Verily it has been revealed to us that the Penalty (awaits) those who reject and turn away.'"

قَالَ فَمَنْ رَبُّكُمَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {49}

[Shakir 20:49] (Firon) said: And who is your Lord, O Musa?

[Pickthal 20:49] (Pharaoh) said: Who then is the Lord of you twain, O Moses?

[Yusufali 20:49] (When this message was delivered), (Pharaoh) said: "Who, then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?"

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

[Shakir 20:50] He said: Our Lord is He Who gave to everything its creation, then guided it (to its goal).

[Pickthal 20:50] He said: Our Lord is He Who gave unto everything its nature, then guided it aright.

[Yusufali 20:50] He said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form and nature, and further, gave (it) guidance."

قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ الْقُرُونِ الْأُولَىٰ {51}

[Shakir 20:51] He said: Then what is the state of the former generations?

[Pickthal 20:51] He said: What then is the state of the generations of old?

[Yusufali 20:51] (Pharaoh) said: "What then is the condition of previous generations?"

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

[Shakir 20:52] He said: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a book, my Lord errs not, nor does He forget;

[Pickthal 20:52] He said: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord neither erreth nor forgetteth,

[Yusufali 20:52] He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets,-

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

[Shakir 20:53] Who made the earth for you an expanse and made for you therein paths and sent down water from the cloud; then thereby We have brought forth many species of various herbs.

[Pickthal 20:53] Who hath appointed the earth as a bed and hath threaded roads for you therein and hath sent down water from the sky and thereby We have brought forth divers kinds of vegetation,

[Yusufali 20:53] "He Who has, made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels); and has sent down water from the sky." With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others.

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

[Shakir 20:54] Eat and pasture your cattle; most surely there are signs in this for those endowed with understanding.

[Pickthal 20:54] (Saying): Eat ye and feed your cattle. Lo! herein verily are portents for men of thought.

[Yusufali 20:54] Eat (for yourselves) and pasture your cattle: verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding.

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ {55}

[Shakir 20:55] From it We created you and into it We shall send you back and from it will We raise you a second time.

[Pickthal 20:55] Thereof We created you, and thereunto We return you, and thence We bring you forth a second time.

[Yusufali 20:55] From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again.

وَلَقَدْ أَرَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَأَبَىٰ {56}

[Shakir 20:56] And truly We showed him Our signs, all of them, but he rejected and refused.

[Pickthal 20:56] And We verily did show him all Our tokens, but he denied them and refused.

[Yusufali 20:56] And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse.

قَالَ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتُخْرِجَنَا مِنْ أَرْضِنَا بِسِحْرِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {57}

[Shakir 20:57] Said he: Have you come to us that you should turn us out of our land by your magic, O Musa?

[Pickthal 20:57] He said: Hast come to drive us out from our land by thy magic, O Moses?

[Yusufali 20:57] He said: "Hast thou come to drive us out of our land with thy magic, O Moses?

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

[Shakir 20:58] So we too will produce before you magic like it, therefore make between us and you an appointment, which we should not break, (neither) we nor you, (in) a central place.

[Pickthal 20:58] But we surely can produce for thee magic the like thereof; so appoint a tryst between us and you, which neither we nor thou shall fail to keep, at a place convenient (to us both).

[Yusufali 20:58] "But we can surely produce magic to match thine! So make a tryst between us and thee, which we shall not fail to keep - neither we nor thou - in a place where both shall have even chances."

قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ الزِّينَةِ وَأَنْ يُحْشَرَ النَّاسُ ضُحًى {59}

[Shakir 20:59] (Musa) said: Your appointment is the day of the Festival and let the people be gathered together in the early forenoon.

[Pickthal 20:59] (Moses) said: Your tryst shall be the day of the feast, and let the people assemble when the sun hath risen high.

[Yusufali 20:59] Moses said: "Your tryst is the Day of the Festival, and let the people be assembled when the sun is well up."

فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ {60}

[Shakir 20:60] So Firon turned his back and settled his plan, then came.

[Pickthal 20:60] Then Pharaoh went and gathered his strength, then came (to the appointed tryst).

[Yusufali 20:60] So Pharaoh withdrew: He concerted his plan, and then came (back).

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

[Shakir 20:61] Musa said to them: Woe to you! do not forge a lie against Allah, lest He destroy you by a punishment, and he who forges (a lie) indeed fails to attain (his desire).

[Pickthal 20:61] Moses said unto them: Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He extirpate you by some punishment. He who lieth faileth miserably.

[Yusufali 20:61] Moses said to him: Woe to you! Forge not ye a lie against Allah, lest He destroy you (at once) utterly by chastisement: the forger must suffer frustration!"

فَتَنَازَعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّجْوَىٰ {62}

[Shakir 20:62] So they disputed with one another about their affair and kept the discourse secret.

[Pickthal 20:62] Then they debated one with another what they must do, and they kept their counsel secret.

[Yusufali 20:62] So they disputed, one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talk secret.

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

[Shakir 20:63] They said: These are most surely two magicians who wish to turn you out from your land by their magic and to take away your best traditions.

[Pickthal 20:63] They said: Lo! these are two wizards who would drive you out from your country by their magic, and destroy your best traditions;

[Yusufali 20:63] They said: "These two are certainly (expert) magicians: their object is to drive you out from your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished institutions.

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

[Shakir 20:64] Therefore settle your plan, then come standing in ranks and he will prosper indeed this day who overcomes.

[Pickthal 20:64] So arrange your plan, and come in battle line. Whoso is uppermost this day will be indeed successful.

[Yusufali 20:64] "Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in (serried) ranks: He wins (all along) today who gains the upper hand."

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

[Shakir 20:65] They said: O Musa! will you cast, or shall we be the first who cast down?

[Pickthal 20:65] They said: O Moses! Either throw first, or let us be the first to throw?

[Yusufali 20:65] They said: "O Moses! whether wilt thou that thou throw (first) or that we be the first to throw?"

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

[Shakir 20:66] He said: Nay! cast down. then lo! their cords and their rods-- it was imaged to him on account of their magic as if they were running.

[Pickthal 20:66] He said: Nay, do ye throw! Then lo! their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran.

[Yusufali 20:66] He said, "Nay, throw ye first!" Then behold their ropes and their rods-so it seemed to him on account of their magic - began to be in lively motion!

فَأَوْجَسَ فِي نَفْسِهِ خِيفَةً مُوسَىٰ {67}

[Shakir 20:67] So Musa conceived in his mind a fear.

[Pickthal 20:67] And Moses conceived a fear in his mind.

[Yusufali 20:67] So Moses conceived in his mind a (sort of) fear.

قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعْلَىٰ {68}

[Shakir 20:68] We said: Fear not, surely you shall be the uppermost,

[Pickthal 20:68] We said: Fear not! Lo! thou art the higher.

[Yusufali 20:68] We said: "Fear not! for thou hast indeed the upper hand:

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

[Shakir 20:69] And cast down what is in your right hand; it shall devour what they have wrought; they have wrought only the plan of a magician, and the magician shall not be successful wheresoever he may come from.

[Pickthal 20:69] Throw that which is in thy right hand! It will eat up that which they have made. Lo! that which they have made is but a wizard's artifice, and a wizard shall not be successful to whatever point (of skill) he may attain.

[Yusufali 20:69] "Throw that which is in thy right hand: Quickly will it swallow up that which they have faked what they have faked is but a magician's trick: and the magician thrives not, (no matter) where he goes."

فَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَارُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ {70}

[Shakir 20:70] And the magicians were cast down making obeisance; they said: We believe in the Lord of Haroun and Musa.

[Pickthal 20:70] Then the wizards were (all) flung down prostrate, crying: We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.

[Yusufali 20:70] So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: they said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses".

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

[Shakir 20:71] (Firon) said: You believe in him before I give you leave; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you enchantment, therefore I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will certainly crucify you on the trunks of the palm trees, and certainly you will come to know which of us is the more severe and the more abiding in chastising.

[Pickthal 20:71] (Pharaoh) said: Ye put faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he is your chief who taught you magic. Now surely I shall cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and I shall crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and ye shall know for certain which of us hath sterner and more lasting punishment.

[Yusufali 20:71] (Pharaoh) said: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you magic! be sure I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees: so shall ye know for certain, which of us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment!"

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

[Shakir 20:72] They said: We do not prefer you to what has come to us of clear arguments and to He Who made us, therefore decide what you are going to decide; you can only decide about this world's life.

[Pickthal 20:72] They said: We choose thee not above the clear proofs that have come unto us, and above Him Who created us. So decree what thou wilt decree. Thou wilt end for us only this life of the world.

[Yusufali 20:72] They said: "Never shall we regard thee as more than the Clear Signs that have come to us, or than Him Who created us! so decree whatever thou desirest to decree: for thou canst only decree (touching) the life of this world.

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

[Shakir 20:73] Surely we believe in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and the magic to which you compelled us; and Allah is better and more abiding.

[Pickthal 20:73] Lo! we believe in our Lord, that He may forgive us our sins and the magic unto which thou didst force us. Allah is better and more lasting.

[Yusufali 20:73] "For us, we have believed in our Lord: may He forgive us our faults, and the magic to which thou didst compel us: for Allah is Best and Most Abiding."

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

[Shakir 20:74] Whoever comes to his Lord (being) guilty, for him is surely hell; he shall not die therein, nor shall he live.

[Pickthal 20:74] Lo! whoso cometh guilty unto his Lord, verily for him is hell. There he will neither die nor live.

[Yusufali 20:74] Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment),- for him is Hell: therein shall he neither die nor live.

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

[Shakir 20:75] And whoever comes to Him a believer (and) he has done good deeds indeed, these it is who shall have the high ranks,

[Pickthal 20:75] But whoso cometh unto Him a believer, having done good works, for such are the high stations;

[Yusufali 20:75] But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds,- for them are ranks exalted,-

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

[Shakir 20:76] The gardens of perpetuity, beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein; and this is the reward of him who has purified himself.

[Pickthal 20:76] Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the reward of him who groweth.

[Yusufali 20:76] Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein for aye: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).

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

[Shakir 20:77] And certainly We revealed to Musa, saying: Travel by night with My servants, then make for them a dry path in the sea, not fearing to be overtaken, nor being afraid.

[Pickthal 20:77] And verily We inspired Moses, saying: Take away My slaves by night and strike for them a dry path in the sea, fearing not to be overtaken, neither being afraid (of the sea).

[Yusufali 20:77] We sent an inspiration to Moses: "Travel by night with My servants, and strike a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken (by Pharaoh) and without (any other) fear."

فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِ فَغَشِيَهُمْ مِنَ الْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ {78}

[Shakir 20:78] And Firon followed them with his armies, so there came upon them of the sea that which came upon them.

[Pickthal 20:78] Then Pharaoh followed them with his hosts and there covered them that which did cover them of the sea.

[Yusufali 20:78] Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.

وَأَضَلَّ فِرْعَوْنُ قَوْمَهُ وَمَا هَدَىٰ {79}

[Shakir 20:79] And Firon led astray his people and he did not guide (them) aright.

[Pickthal 20:79] And Pharaoh led his folk astray, he did not guide them.

[Yusufali 20:79] Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright.

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

[Shakir 20:80] O children of Israel! indeed We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the blessed side of the mountain, and We sent to you the manna and the quails.

[Pickthal 20:80] O Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and we made a covenant with you on the holy mountain's side, and sent down on you the manna and the quails,

[Yusufali 20:80] O ye Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent down to you Manna and quails:

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

[Shakir 20:81] Eat of the good things We have given you for sustenance, and be not inordinate with respect to them, lest My wrath should be due to you, and to whomsoever My wrath is due be shall perish indeed.

[Pickthal 20:81] (Saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and transgress not in respect thereof lest My wrath come upon you: and he on whom My wrath cometh, he is lost indeed.

[Yusufali 20:81] (Saying): "Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you: and those on whom descends My Wrath do perish indeed!

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

[Shakir 20:82] And most surely I am most Forgiving to him who repents and believes and does good, then continues to follow the right direction.

[Pickthal 20:82] And lo! verily I am Forgiving toward him who repenteth and believeth and doeth good, and afterward walketh aright.

[Yusufali 20:82] "But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right, who,- in fine, are ready to receive true guidance."

وَمَا أَعْجَلَكَ عَنْ قَوْمِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {83}

[Shakir 20:83] And what caused you to hasten from your people, O Musa?

[Pickthal 20:83] And (it was said): What hath made thee hasten from thy folk, O Moses?

[Yusufali 20:83] (When Moses was up on the Mount, Allah said:) "What made thee hasten in advance of thy people, O Moses?"

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

[Shakir 20:84] He said: They are here on my track and I hastened on to Thee, my Lord, that Thou mightest be pleased.

[Pickthal 20:84] He said: They are close upon my track. I hastened unto Thee, my Lord, that Thou mightest be well pleased.

[Yusufali 20:84] He replied: "Behold, they are close on my footsteps: I hastened to thee, O my Lord, to please thee."

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

[Shakir 20:85] He said: So surely We have tried your people after you, and the Samiri has led them astray.

[Pickthal 20:85] He said: Lo! We have tried thy folk in thine absence, and As-Samiri hath misled them.

[Yusufali 20:85] (Allah) said: "We have tested thy people in thy absence: the Samiri has led them astray."

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}

[Shakir 20:86] So Musa returned to his people wrathful, sorrowing. Said he: O my people! did not your Lord promise you a goodly promise: did then the time seem long to you, or did you wish that displeasure from your Lord should be due to you, so that you broke (your) promise to me?

[Pickthal 20:86] Then Moses went back unto his folk, angry and sad. He said: O my people! Hath not your Lord promised you a fair promise? Did the time appointed then appear too long for you, or did ye wish that wrath from your Lord should come upon you, that ye broke tryst with me?

[Yusufali 20:86] So Moses returned to his people in a state of indignation and sorrow. He said: "O my people! did not your Lord make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long (in coming)? Or did ye desire that Wrath should descend from your Lord on you, and so ye broke your promise to me?"

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

[Shakir 20:87] They said: We did not break (our) promise to you of our own accord, but we were made to bear the burdens of the ornaments of the people, then we made a casting of them, and thus did the Samiri suggest.

[Pickthal 20:87] They said: We broke not tryst with thee of our own will, but we were laden with burdens of ornaments of the folk, then cast them (in the fire), for thus As-Samiri proposed.

[Yusufali 20:87] They said: "We broke not the promise to thee, as far as lay in our power: but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the (whole) people, and we threw them (into the fire), and that was what the Samiri suggested.

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

[Shakir 20:88] So he brought forth for them a calf, a (mere) body, which had a mooing sound, so they said: This is your god and the god of Musa, but he forgot.

[Pickthal 20:88] Then he produced for them a calf, of saffron hue, which gave forth a lowing sound. And they cried: This is your god and the god of Moses, but he hath forgotten.

[Yusufali 20:88] "Then he brought out (of the fire) before the (people) the image of a calf: It seemed to low: so they said: This is your god, and the god of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten!"

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

[Shakir 20:89] What! could they not see that it did not return to them a reply, and (that) it did not control any harm or benefit for them?

[Pickthal 20:89] See they not, then, that it returneth no saying unto them and possesseth for them neither hurt nor use?

[Yusufali 20:89] Could they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?

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

[Shakir 20:90] And certainly Haroun had said to them before: O my people! you are only tried by it, and surely your Lord is the Beneficent Allah, therefore follow me and obey my order.

[Pickthal 20:90] And Aaron indeed had told them beforehand: O my people! Ye are but being seduced therewith, for lo! your Lord is the Beneficent, so follow me and obey my order.

[Yusufali 20:90] Aaron had already, before this said to them: "O my people! ye are being tested in this: for verily your Lord is (Allah) Most Gracious; so follow me and obey my command."

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

[Shakir 20:91] They said: We will by no means cease to keep to its worship until Musa returns to us.

[Pickthal 20:91] They said: We shall by no means cease to be its votaries till Moses return unto us.

[Yusufali 20:91] They had said: "We will not abandon this cult, but we will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us."

قَالَ يَا هَارُونُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِذْ رَأَيْتَهُمْ ضَلُّوا {92}

[Shakir 20:92] (Musa) said: O Haroun! what prevented you, when you saw them going astray,

[Pickthal 20:92] He (Moses) said: O Aaron! What held thee back when thou didst see them gone astray,

[Yusufali 20:92] (Moses) said: "O Aaron! what kept thee back, when thou sawest them going wrong,

أَلَّا تَتَّبِعَنِ أَفَعَصَيْتَ أَمْرِي {93}

[Shakir 20:93] So that you did not follow me? Did you then disobey my order?

[Pickthal 20:93] That thou followedst me not? Hast thou then disobeyed my order?

[Yusufali 20:93] "From following me? Didst thou then disobey my order?"

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

[Shakir 20:94] He said: O son of my mother! seize me not by my beard nor by my head; surely I was afraid lest you should say: You have caused a division among the children of Israel and not waited for my word.

[Pickthal 20:94] He said: O son of my mother! Clutch not my beard nor my head! I feared lest thou shouldst say: Thou hast caused division among the Children of Israel, and hast not waited for my word.

[Yusufali 20:94] (Aaron) replied: "O son of my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard nor by (the hair of) my head! Truly I feared lest thou shouldst say, 'Thou has caused a division among the children of Israel, and thou didst not respect my word!'"

قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكَ يَا سَامِرِيُّ {95}

[Shakir 20:95] He said: What was then your object, O Samiri?

[Pickthal 20:95] (Moses) said: And what hast thou to say, O Samiri?

[Yusufali 20:95] (Moses) said: "What then is thy case, O Samiri?"

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

[Shakir 20:96] He said: I saw (Jibreel) what they did not see, so I took a handful (of the dust) from the footsteps of the messenger, then I threw it in the casting; thus did my soul commend to me

[Pickthal 20:96] He said: I perceived what they perceive not, so I seized a handful from the footsteps of the messenger, and then threw it in. Thus my soul commended to me.

[Yusufali 20:96] He replied: "I saw what they saw not: so I took a handful (of dust) from the footprint of the Messenger, and threw it (into the calf): thus did my soul suggest to me."

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

[Shakir 20:97] He said: Begone then, surely for you it will be in this life to say, Touch (me) not; and surely there is a threat for you, which shall not be made to fail to you, and look at your god to whose worship you kept (so long); we will certainly burn it, then we will certainly scatter it a (wide) scattering in the sea.

[Pickthal 20:97] (Moses) said: Then go! and lo! in this life it is for thee to say: Touch me not! and lo! there is for thee a tryst thou canst not break. Now look upon thy god of which thou hast remained a votary. Verily we will burn it and will scatter its dust over the sea.

[Yusufali 20:97] (Moses) said: "Get thee gone! but thy (punishment) in this life will be that thou wilt say, 'touch me not'; and moreover (for a future penalty) thou hast a promise that will not fail: Now look at thy god, of whom thou hast become a devoted worshipper: We will certainly (melt) it in a blazing fire and scatter it broadcast in the sea!"

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

[Shakir 20:98] Your Allah is only Allah, there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.

[Pickthal 20:98] Your Allah is only Allah, than Whom there is no other Allah. He embraceth all things in His knowledge.

[Yusufali 20:98] But the god of you all is the One Allah: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.

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

[Shakir 20:99] Thus do We relate to you (some) of the news of what has gone before; and indeed We have given to you a Reminder from Ourselves.

[Pickthal 20:99] Thus relate We unto thee (Muhammad) some tidings of that which happened of old, and We have given thee from Our presence a reminder.

[Yusufali 20:99] Thus do We relate to thee some stories of what happened before: for We have sent thee a Message from Our own Presence.

مَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَحْمِلُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وِزْرًا {100}

[Shakir 20:100] Whoever turns aside from it, he shall surely bear a burden on the day of resurrection

[Pickthal 20:100] Whoso turneth away from it, he verily will bear a burden on the Day of Resurrection,

[Yusufali 20:100] If any do turn away therefrom, verily they will bear a burden on the Day of judgment;

خَالِدِينَ فِيهِ وَسَاءَ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حِمْلًا {101}

[Shakir 20:101] Abiding in this (state), and evil will it be for them to bear on the day of resurrection;

[Pickthal 20:101] Abiding under it - an evil burden for them on the Day of Resurrection,

[Yusufali 20:101] They will abide in this (state): and grievous will the burden be to them on that Day,-

يَوْمَ يُنْفَخُ فِي الصُّورِۚ وَنَحْشُرُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ يَوْمَئِذٍ زُرْقًا {102}

[Shakir 20:102] On the day when the trumpet shall be blown, and We will gather the guilty, blue-eyed, on that day

[Pickthal 20:102] The day when the Trumpet is blown. On that day we assemble the guilty white-eyed (with terror),

[Yusufali 20:102] The Day when the Trumpet will be sounded: that Day, We shall gather the sinful, blear-eyed (with terror).

يَتَخَافَتُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا عَشْرًا {103}

[Shakir 20:103] They shall consult together secretly: You did tarry but ten (centuries).

[Pickthal 20:103] Murmuring among themselves: Ye have tarried but ten (days).

[Yusufali 20:103] In whispers will they consult each other: "Yet tarried not longer than ten (Days);

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

[Shakir 20:104] We know best what they say, when the fairest of them in course would say: You tarried but a day.

[Pickthal 20:104] We are Best Aware of what they utter when their best in conduct say: Ye have tarried but a day.

[Yusufali 20:104] We know best what they will say, when their leader most eminent in conduct will say: "Ye tarried not longer than a day!"

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْجِبَالِ فَقُلْ يَنْسِفُهَا رَبِّي نَسْفًا {105}

[Shakir 20:105] And they ask you about the mountains. Say: My Lord will carry them away from the roots.

[Pickthal 20:105] They will ask thee of the mountains (on that day). Say: My Lord will break them into scattered dust.

[Yusufali 20:105] They ask thee concerning the Mountains: say, "My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;

فَيَذَرُهَا قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا {106}

[Shakir 20:106] Then leave it a plain, smooth level

[Pickthal 20:106] And leave it as an empty plain,

[Yusufali 20:106] "He will leave them as plains smooth and level;

لَا تَرَىٰ فِيهَا عِوَجًا وَلَا أَمْتًا {107}

[Shakir 20:107] You shall not see therein any crookedness or unevenness.

[Pickthal 20:107] Wherein thou seest neither curve nor ruggedness.

[Yusufali 20:107] "Nothing crooked or curved wilt thou see in their place."

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

[Shakir 20:108] On that day they shall follow the inviter, there is no crookedness in him, and the voices shall be low before the Beneficent Allah so that you shall not hear aught but a soft sound.

[Pickthal 20:108] On that day they follow the summoner who deceiveth not, and voices are hushed for the Beneficent, and thou hearest but a faint murmur.

[Yusufali 20:108] On that Day will they follow the Caller (straight): no crookedness (can they show) him: all sounds shall humble themselves in the Presence of (Allah) Most Gracious: nothing shalt thou hear but the tramp of their feet (as they march).

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

[Shakir 20:109] On that day shall no intercession avail except of him whom the Beneficent Allah allows and whose word He is pleased with.

[Pickthal 20:109] On that day no intercession availeth save (that of) him unto whom the Beneficent hath given leave and whose word He accepteth.

[Yusufali 20:109] On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (Allah) Most Gracious and whose word is acceptable to Him.

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

[Shakir 20:110] He knows what is before them and what is behind them, while they do not comprehend it in knowledge.

[Pickthal 20:110] He knoweth (all) that is before them and (all) that is behind them, while they cannot compass it in knowledge.

[Yusufali 20:110] He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them: but they shall not compass it with their knowledge.

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

[Shakir 20:111] And the faces shall be humbled before the Living, the Self-subsistent Allah, and he who bears iniquity is indeed a failure.

[Pickthal 20:111] And faces humble themselves before the Living, the Eternal. And he who beareth (a burden of) wrongdoing is indeed a failure (on that day).

[Yusufali 20:111] (All) faces shall be humbled before (Him) - the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal: hopeless indeed will be the man that carries iniquity (on his back).

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

[Shakir 20:112] And whoever does good works and he is a believer, he shall have no fear of injustice nor of the withholding of his due.

[Pickthal 20:112] And he who hath done some good works, being a believer, he feareth not injustice nor begrudging (of his wage).

[Yusufali 20:112] But he who works deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).

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

[Shakir 20:113] And thus have We sent it down an Arabic Quran, and have distinctly set forth therein of threats that they may guard (against evil) or that it may produce a reminder for them.

[Pickthal 20:113] Thus we have revealed it as a Lecture in Arabic, and have displayed therein certain threats, that peradventure they may keep from evil or that it may cause them to take heed.

[Yusufali 20:113] Thus have We sent this down - an arabic Qur'an - and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him).

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

[Shakir 20:114] Supremely exalted is therefore Allah, the King, the Truth, and do not make haste with the Quran before its revelation is made complete to you and say: O my Lord ! increase me in knowledge.

[Pickthal 20:114] Then exalted be Allah, the True King! And hasten not (O Muhammad) with the Qur'an ere its revelation hath been perfected unto thee, and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.

[Yusufali 20:114] High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."

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

[Shakir 20:115] And certainly We gave a commandment to Adam before, but he forgot; and We did not find in him any determination.

[Pickthal 20:115] And verily We made a covenant of old with Adam, but he forgot, and We found no constancy in him.

[Yusufali 20:115] We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.

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

[Shakir 20:116] And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam, they made obeisance, but Iblis (did it not); he refused.

[Pickthal 20:116] And when We said unto the angels: Fall prostrate before Adam, they fell prostrate (all) save Iblis; he refused.

[Yusufali 20:116] When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", they prostrated themselves, but not Iblis: he refused.

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

[Shakir 20:117] So We said: O Adam! This is an enemy to you and to your wife; therefore let him not drive you both forth from the garden so that you should be unhappy;

[Pickthal 20:117] Therefor we said: O Adam! This is an enemy unto thee and unto thy wife, so let him not drive you both out of the Garden so that thou come to toil.

[Yusufali 20:117] Then We said: "O Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in misery.

إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيهَا وَلَا تَعْرَىٰ {118}

[Shakir 20:118] Surely it is (ordained) for you that you shall not be hungry therein nor bare of clothing;

[Pickthal 20:118] It is (vouchsafed) unto thee that thou hungerest not therein nor art naked,

[Yusufali 20:118] "There is therein (enough provision) for thee not to go hungry nor to go naked,

وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظْمَأُ فِيهَا وَلَا تَضْحَىٰ {119}

[Shakir 20:119] And that you shall not be thirsty therein nor shall you feel the heat of the sun.

[Pickthal 20:119] And that thou thirstest not therein nor art exposed to the sun's heat.

[Yusufali 20:119] "Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat."

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

[Shakir 20:120] But the Shaitan made an evil suggestion to him; he said: O Adam! Shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and a kingdom which decays not?

[Pickthal 20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying: O Adam! Shall I show thee the tree of immortality and power that wasteth not away?

[Yusufali 20:120] But Satan whispered evil to him: he said, "O Adam! shall I lead thee to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?"

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

[Shakir 20:121] Then they both ate of it, so their evil inclinations became manifest to them, and they both began to cover themselves with leaves of the garden, and Adam disobeyed his Lord, so his life became evil (to him).

[Pickthal 20:121] Then they twain ate thereof, so that their shame became apparent unto them, and they began to hide by heaping on themselves some of the leaves of the Garden. And Adam disobeyed his Lord, so went astray.

[Yusufali 20:121] In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced.

ثُمَّ اجْتَبَاهُ رَبُّهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَىٰ {122}

[Shakir 20:122] Then his Lord chose him, so He turned to him and guided (him).

[Pickthal 20:122] Then his Lord chose him, and relented toward him, and guided him.

[Yusufali 20:122] But his Lord chose him (for His Grace): He turned to him, and gave him Guidance.

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

[Shakir 20:123] He said: Get forth you two therefrom, all (of you), one of you (is) enemy to another. So there will surely come to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, he shall not go astray nor be unhappy;

[Pickthal 20:123] He said: Go down hence, both of you, one of you a foe unto the other. But when there come unto you from Me a guidance, then whoso followeth My guidance, he will not go astray nor come to grief.

[Yusufali 20:123] He said: "Get ye down, both of you,- all together, from the Garden, with enmity one to another: but if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My Guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery.

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

[Shakir 20:124] And whoever turns away from My reminder, his shall be a straitened life, and We will raise him on the day of resurrection, blind.

[Pickthal 20:124] But he who turneth away from remembrance of Me, his will be a narrow life, and I shall bring him blind to the assembly on the Day of Resurrection.

[Yusufali 20:124] "But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment."

قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنْتُ بَصِيرًا {125}

[Shakir 20:125] He shall say: My Lord! why hast Thou raised me blind and I was a seeing one indeed?

[Pickthal 20:125] He will say: My Lord! Wherefor hast Thou gathered me (hither) blind, when I was wont to see?

[Yusufali 20:125] He will say: "O my Lord! why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?"

قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنْسَىٰ {126}

[Shakir 20:126] He will say: Even so, Our communications came to you but you neglected them; even thus shall you be forsaken this day.

[Pickthal 20:126] He will say: So (it must be). Our revelations came unto thee but thou didst forget them. In like manner thou art forgotten this Day.

[Yusufali 20:126] (Allah) will say: "Thus didst Thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, disregard them: so wilt thou, this day, be disregarded."

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

[Shakir 20:127] And thus do We recompense him who is extravagant and does not believe in the communications of his Lord, and certainly the chastisement of the hereafter is severer and more

[Pickthal 20:127] Thus do We reward him who is prodigal and believeth not the revelations of his Lord; and verily the doom of the Hereafter will be sterner and more lasting.

[Yusufali 20:127] And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the Signs of his Lord: and the Penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring.

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

[Shakir 20:128] Does it not then direct them aright how many of the generations In whose dwelling-places they go about We destroyed before them? Most surely there are signs in this for those endowed with understanding.

[Pickthal 20:128] Is it not a guidance for them (to know) how many a generation We destroyed before them, amid whose dwellings they walk? Lo! therein verily are signs for men of thought.

[Yusufali 20:128] Is it not a warning to such men (to call to mind) how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they (now) move? Verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding.

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

[Shakir 20:129] And had there not been a word (that had) already gone forth from your Lord and an appointed term, it would surely have been made to cleave (to them).

[Pickthal 20:129] And but for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Lord, and a term already fixed, the judgment would have been inevitable (in this world).

[Yusufali 20:129] Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a Term appointed (for respite).

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

[Shakir 20:130] Bear then patiently what they say, and glorify your Lord by the praising of Him before the rising of the sun and before its setting, and during hours of the night do also glorify (Him) and during parts of the day, that you may be well pleased

[Pickthal 20:130] Therefor (O Muhammad), bear with what they say, and celebrate the praise of thy Lord ere the rising of the sun and ere the going down thereof. And glorify Him some hours of the night and at the two ends of the day, that thou mayst find acceptance.

[Yusufali 20:130] Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy.

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

[Shakir 20:131] And do not stretch your eyes after that with which We have provided different classes of them, (of) the splendor of this world's life, that We may thereby try them; and the sustenance (given) by your Lord is better and more abiding.

[Pickthal 20:131] And strain not thine eyes toward that which We cause some wedded pairs among them to enjoy, the flower of the life of the world, that We may try them thereby. The provision of thy Lord is better and more lasting.

[Yusufali 20:131] Nor strain thine eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of thy Lord is better and more enduring.

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَۗ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ {132}

[Shakir 20:132] And enjoin prayer on your followers, and steadily adhere to it; We do not ask you for subsistence; We do give you subsistence, and the (good) end is for guarding (against evil).

[Pickthal 20:132] And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provided for thee. And the sequel is for righteousness.

[Yusufali 20:132] Enjoin prayer on thy people, and be constant therein. We ask thee not to provide sustenance: We provide it for thee. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for righteousness.

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

[Shakir 20:133] And they say: Why does he not bring to us a sign from his Lord? Has not there come to them a clear evidence of what is m the previous books?

[Pickthal 20:133] And they say: If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord! Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures?

[Yusufali 20:133] They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has not a Clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of revelation?

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

[Shakir 20:134] And had We destroyed them with chastisement before this, they would certainly have said: O our Lord! why didst Thou not send to us a messenger, for then we should have followed Thy communications before that we met disgrace and shame.

[Pickthal 20:134] And if we had destroyed them with some punishment before it, they would assuredly have said: Our Lord! If only Thou hadst sent unto us a messenger, so that we might have followed Thy revelations before we were (thus) humbled and disgraced!

[Yusufali 20:134] And if We had inflicted on them a penalty before this, they would have said: "Our Lord! If only Thou hadst sent us a messenger, we should certainly have followed Thy Signs before we were humbled and put to shame."

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

[Shakir 20:135] Say: Every one (of us) is awaiting, therefore do await: So you will come to know who is the follower of the even path and who goes aright.

[Pickthal 20:135] Say: Each is awaiting; so await ye! Ye will come to know who are the owners of the path of equity, and who is right.

[Yusufali 20:135] Say: "Each one (of us) is waiting: wait ye, therefore, and soon shall ye know who it is that is on the straight and even way, and who it is that has received Guidance."

Question 9: Asking one’s need from other than Allah

Question: Is it not polytheistic to ask for one’s needs from anyone other than Allah (awj) such as the Prophet (ص) or the infallible Imams (ع) since it is Allah (awj) who is the Fulfiller of Needs?

Brief Answer

If one reveres, refers or takes recourse to, or seeks one’s needs from these personages with the intention that are separate from Allah (awj) and independent of Him in fulfilling our needs, such an intention and notion is polytheistic and contrary to tawhid af’ali (the Unity of actions-the independence of Allah (awj) from all else, and the dependence of all other beings on Him in their actions) and tawhid rububi (the Unity of Lordship-His being the sole Planner and sovereign Lord, with all others, whether angels, prophets, or the natural worlds, being Divine workers). Such an intention constitutes polytheism in one’s understanding of Divine actions or Lordship.

But if this same respect, reference, and recourse are with the intention of:

a. Obedience to a Divine command;

b. Repaying the debt we owe them by virtue of their being the conduit of Divine grace in the creational and legal realms;

c. Follow their example or benefit from their special attention, without viewing them as independent of Allah (awj);

then there is no contradiction with Unity of actions or Lordship or with the fact that Allah (awj) is the sole (independent) Fulfiller of needs, since the actions, planning, and fulfilment of people’s desires through these personages are subordinate to Allah’s (awj) action, Lordship, and His being the Fulfiller of needs. They are not independent of Him for it to be considered polytheism.

Thus, the criterion of polytheism in seeking one’s needs from someone other than Allah (awj) is the intention of the individual. If he maintains the Divinity or Lordship of whoever he takes recourse to, or views them as being free of need of Allah (awj), such recourse is considered polytheism because of that belief. But if it is in order to obey Allah (awj) and benefit from the honour and esteem those esteemed people enjoy before Him, so that they implore Allah (awj) for that person’s needs or fulfil them with Allah’s (awj) permission, such an action is not only not polytheistic, but the person taking recourse is also worthy of a reward for having acted in accordance with a Divine command.

Detailed Answer

The human being’s existence has two aspects, meaning that he is a combination of a celestial soul and a material body. His entire being consists of poverty and need [towards Allah (awj)]. Since he has two aspects, he must fulfil the needs of both aspects in a balanced manner free of the two extremes of excess or negligence in order to remain sound and preserve his existence, and in order to follow the path of advancement and attain the peak of true salvation (the station of Divine regency).

The Creator of the Universe, who in His infinite Wisdom had a specific purpose in the creation of humanity and is aware of the needs of all its existential dimensions, prepared the groundwork for the fulfilment of humanity’s various needs either before their creation or simultaneous to it.

Divine Will dictates that the human being ensures his physical and spiritual soundness and salvation naturally and through free will; otherwise, He could have created mankind in a perfect bodily form, so that he would have no need of development to perfection, just as the creation of the sky and the Earth is in that way.

And He could likewise have created him in a perfect spiritual form, so that he would have no deficiencies in terms of worship, obedience, and entering the sacred realm, just as He created the angels. But the distinction of humanity over all other beings lies in becoming superior to angels while possessing the physical and spiritual needs.

To attain one’s needs, the human being, possessed of free will, must make the best use of the abundant array of Divine blessings in the heavens and the Earth in order to be sound and remain alive. In order to attain one’s spiritual needs, one must make use of the Divine laws in order to connect one’s celestial soul with the malakut (celestial realm).

There is no denying the role of creational and material factors in fulfilling the physical needs of the human being or in the fact that he makes constant use of these factors. Since humanity is familiar with these factors from the moment of birth, or rather ever since humanity was created, the objection does not arise in the mind of most believers that benefiting from these means and effects in fulfilling one’s physical needs may be polytheism or improper conduct in Allah’s (awj) dominion.

For the fulfilment of humanity’s spiritual needs, Allah (awj), the Wise, has placed another form of sustenance at people’s disposal in the form of laws and religion, with sound nourishment in terms of belief, worship, morals, and training, conveyed by the prophets (ع). This is why they are called the “vessel of legislative grace.” This is while the divine prophets, too, are required to observe those limits and duties and to utilize them to meet their spiritual needs and become linked to the spiritual and celestial realm, which is beyond their senses and perception, and for at least some moments of every day they must connect to the sacred realm (through the daily acts of worship).

There are some people who, in availing themselves of this Divine legislative blessing, have excelled others and have linked themselves to that realm both quicker and more strongly than them, so that it is as if they have detached themselves from the natural world and have themselves become celestial. Even amongst these people there are some who have surpassed the rest and attained the station of Divine regent (khalifah), becoming the “‘ummal Allah” (workers of Allah). And in this way, they also become vessels of creational grace; that is, they become intermediaries between that realm and people who have fallen behind the caravan. Thus, these individuals who have fallen behind have no choice but to make use of these intermediaries to benefit from the spiritual realm and meet their needs.

This is where the misconception arises that taking recourse to or seeking one’s needs from these personages contradicts Unity of action or Unity of Lordship.

But just as utilizing material resources and fulfilling physical needs is not polytheism, since Allah (awj) Himself created these blessings, subjected them to mankind1 and gave him permission (in the manner of his creation) to use them in the correct way (which is explained by religious law)-and anyone who is a monotheist knows that they are His gifts, created by Him, and dependent on Him and does not consider them independent or necessary existents-in the same way, taking recourse to, respecting, and seeking one’s needs from those personages, too, presents no contradiction to the Unity of Action or Unity of Lordship and to the fact that only Allah (awj) is the (independent) Fulfiller of needs, since in this recourse or attention to these personages, they are not viewed as being parallel to or independent of Allah (awj).

Rather, those possessed with awareness view their efficacy and planning as being an extension of Allah’s (awj) planning and action, and consider their existence-like that of all other beings-to be nothing but their very needfulness of the Divine Essence, since without Divine providence and grace they have no being of their own, let alone for them to be able to perform actions or fulfil needs. Thus, the belief in their efficacy and their fulfilment of needs, since it is in extension of Allah’s (awj) action and being the Fulfiller of needs, does not entail polytheism.

As for why Allah (awj) referred us to these noble people and why we are in need of them to benefit from the spiritual and celestial realm, this is for several reasons:

1. These individuals are the “vessels of Divine grace” to people and a channel or conduit for the current of Divine mercy towards all beings of the universe, to the extent that if not for these Noble beings, the creation of the heavens and Earth and what is between them would not have been worthy of note. This is why Allah (awj) says in the well-known hadith qudsi [hadith in which both the words and the meaning belong to Allah (awj), as opposed to the prophet explaining the meaning in his own words]: “If not for you (the Prophet (ص)), I would not have created the universe, and if not for ‘Ali I would not have created you, and if not for Fatimah I would not have created the two of you [since the existence of the three of you, who complement each other, is the reason for creation].”2

Thus, to attain the source of the grace of being, one must make use of this channel so as not to be deprived of Divine providence. This is why we say in Du’a al-Nudbah: “Where is that Godly threshold through which they enter?”

2. Since these intimate personages in Allah’s (awj) court have adorned themselves with Divine attributes, attention to them is like attention to Allah (awj), since intimacy with them-even if in times of need-makes one attentive to Allah (awj) and reminds one of the Divine signs. This is why we recite in one of the supplications, “Where is that Godly countenance to which the friends of Allah turn?”

3. Since they are intimate in Allah’s (awj) court and vessels of grace, their prayers do not go unanswered and their intercession is accepted by Allah (awj). Thus, in the continuation of our supplication (an-Nudbah) we say, “Where is that distressed one whose prayers are always answered?” Also, since they are noble, they do not refuse the request of any supplicant. If it is in his best interest, they do not send him back empty-handed, and this has been experienced many times by their contemporaries and visitors to their shrines. This is why they are addressed with the words, “Your habit is kindness and your disposition is nobility. Your affair is truth, sincerity, and compassion.”3

4. A direct link with the unseen realm is not possible for people who have not attained the level of perfection, and thus they must make use of these means and paths. This is why Allah (awj) has commanded,

“O you who believe. Fear Allah and seek a means (of approach) to Him.”4

There are also many traditions in which the Ahlul Bayt (ع) are called the “means” and Divine “strong faith” that a believer must recognize and take hold of.5 Again, we recite in Du’a an-Nudbah, “Where is the one who is a means of connection between the earth and heavens?”

5. To know, refer, and take recourse to them produces familiarity with them and the fulfilment of needs and thus brings about love and intimacy. This love and intimacy with these noble personages becomes a source of instruction and guidance for the individual, although they themselves are free of need of people and their referral, since they have attained their goal through Divine attention.

6. The referral of people to the friends (awliya’) of Allah (awj) is a reward that they receive in return for their efforts, as Allah (awj) says to the Prophet (ص):

“And remain awake for a portion of the night, (involved in) supplication; perhaps you will attain a praiseworthy station (that of intercession in this world and the next).” 6

7. People’s referring and taking recourse to these noble personages on the one hand encourages others to follow their path, and on the other hand it does away with the arrogance and pride of worshippers, ascetics, “wayfarers,” and other claimants to a “journey to Allah” and to self-purification, and it prevents ostentatious and pretentious impostors from flourishing.

8. The station of the perfect human being is many degrees higher than that of the angels, since:

1. In this world and the next, the angels are at the service of Allah’s (awj) righteous servants;

2. The efficacy of the angels is predetermined and is therefore not considered a distinction for them;

3. On the night of the Ascension (mi’raj), the Prophet (ص) advanced farther than the angel Jibra`il (ع);

When the angels are entrusted with executing various affairs7 (in extension of Allah’s (awj) efficacy), why should not these personages, who have attained the greatest station of purity and nearness to Allah (awj), be the same?

The conduct of great personalities and wise people, when they see their subordinates are able to perform certain tasks, is to entrust those tasks to them so they can supervise those subordinates in responding to those who refer to them. In this way, those individuals can receive an exclusive training and be given a recompense for their efforts, and in addition others can get to know them and their station better and will find it easier to become familiar and intimate with them.

Also, it is the conduct of rational people when they want to contact some prominent personality to do so through intermediaries and people close to him if they themselves are not close to him, making use of the respect and honour in which those people are held to attain their needs. Of course, they do this with the full realization that this need to use intermediaries is because of their own inadequacy; the intermediaries are in no way equal or parallel to that prominent person, and they cannot do anything without his consent.

In short, to become connected to the unseen world, obey Divine commands, train and elevate the self, and fulfil our needs in this world and the next-both spiritual and physical-we are in need of recognizing, referring to, imploring, and loving the friends (awliya’) of Allah (awj). Taking recourse to them is to take recourse to (Divinely sanctioned) means, “the firm rope of Allah” and the intermediaries in Allah’s (awj) court - intermediaries who are dependent on Allah (awj) for their existence and all their existential attributes, and whose efficacy and fulfilment of people’s needs is in extension of that of Allah (awj).

Taking recourse in this manner is not polytheism, since the independent Fulfiller of needs is none but Allah (awj) alone.

Notes

1. Surat al-Jathiyah (45), Verses 12-13:

 اَللٌّهُ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْبَحْرَ لِتَجْرِيَ الْفُلْكُ فِيهِ بِأَمْرِهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ. وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمٌوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِنْهُ إِنَّ فِي ذٌلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

2. Majma’ al-Nurayn, pg. 14:

لَوْلاَکَ لَمَا خَلَقْتُ الأَفْلاَکَ، وَ لَوْ لاَ عَلِيُّ لَمَا خَلَقْتُکَ، وَ لَوْ لاَ فَاطِمَةُ لَمَا خَلَقْتُکُمَا.

3. Mafatih al-Jinan - Ziyarat Jami’ah:

عَادَتُكُمُ الإِحْسَانُ وَ سَجِيَّتُكُمُ الْكَرَمُ وَ شَأْنُكُمُ الْحَقُّ وَ الصِّدْقُ وَ الرِّفْقُ...

4. Surat al-Ma`idah (5), Verse 35:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللٌّهَ وَابْتَغُوا إِلَيْهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُوا فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

5. Some of these traditions can be found in al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur`an, vol. 5 pg. 333.

6. Surat al-Isra’ (17), Verse 79:

 وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَى أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا

7. Surat al-Nazi’at (79), Verse 5:

 فَالْمُدَبِّرَاتِ أَمْراً

Question 10: The Light of Heavens and the Earth

Question: What is the meaning of Allah (awj) being the light of the heavens and of the earth? Is He light in the physical sense? If not, what is intended?

Brief Answer

Without doubt, the “light” mentioned in the verse of Light (Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth...) is not a physical and sensible light. For, sensible light pertains to the accidental characteristics and qualities of material existents. Hence, the arguments that negate Allah’s (awj) corporeality preclude perceiving Allah (awj) as sensible and material light. Moreover, there are numerous Qur`anic verses that deny the possibility of a visual perception of Allah (awj), disaffirming any similarity between Him and His creatures.

Therefore, when Allah (awj) is referred to as “the light of the heavens and the earth” certainly sensible light is not meant.

Light by definition is that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest and visible as well; it is clear and it makes [other things] clear; it is apparent and it makes [other things] apparent. This definition applies both to sensory light-such as the light of the sun, the stars and of a lamp-and to super-sensory light-such as knowledge and faith. Of course, what comes to mind on hearing the word light initially is sensory light. But by analyzing the definition of light (i.e. what is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest), one finds it permissible to apply the word to spiritual matters, for they illuminate the spirit, the inward, and such application is also encountered in the Qur`an where it refers to faith as a light bestowed on the believer. In addition, gnostics employ the word to signify “love.”

As the Divine Essence is bright and manifest and is also the cause that brightens and makes other things manifest-for, He is the creator and existence-granter - employing the word light to denote Allah (awj) is correct. Rather, as the cause for a thing’s appearance to others is its existence, it must be concluded that the most fundamental instance of light is existence itself. Hence, Allah (awj), is the most perfect instance of light. He is the sole real essentially manifest being who makes other things manifest. Thus, it must be proclaimed that He is the light who illuminates the heavens and the earth.

Furthermore, it must be noted that “the heavens and the earth” is an allusion to the entirety of the world of being, to all the celestial and terrestrial creatures, to the hidden and apparent worlds, not merely the sky above us or the Earth we inhabit. Hence, the meaning of, “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” is that Allah (awj) is the light of the whole universe.

The reason why the word light is employed in lieu of creator is to point to the fact that just as light is manifest and as such does not need anything else to shed light on it, Allah (awj) is also manifest and obvious and there is no need for a mediating agent to illuminate Allah (awj). Hence, gnostics following the teachings of the prophets and Imams (ع), have expressed that

all creatures must be understood in the light of Allah (awj); we should not try to identify Allah (awj) through His creatures and effects [taken on their own level]. For the friends of Allah (awj), everything is manifest in the light of Allah (awj), and other than His light, nothing is to be seen. If not for the Divine light, everything would sink into the darkness of non-existence.

Therefore, the main point that is understood from this verse is that Allah (awj) is known to all His creatures, for the appearance of all things derives from His manifestness and illumination. Allah (awj) is not absent so as to be revealed through His creatures. He is manifest in all His Essence, and so His obscurity in the eyes of the intellectually impaired is due to the intensity of His light; “O You Who are obscured by the intensity of Your light, You Who are manifest but hidden in Your manifestness.”

Another point that is derived from this verse is the fact that Allah (awj) [in Islam] is referred to as “Light” not “the Greatest Light.” The Manichaean belief that Allah (awj) is the “Greatest Light” (i.e. a physical light similar to other lights but greater and more elevated) is not a correct belief. According to the Qur`an, Allah (awj) is “pure light” and is super-sensory. He is the sole light of the world of existence, and all else is “darkness.” In the words of some supplications, He is “the Light of Lights.” That is, He is the real light, and if there is any light at all, it is thanks to His existence and light.

Regarding the exposition, the reality underlying this verse, and its application there are numerous views and narrations that can be sought by referring to books of exegesis and the corpus of narrations.

Detailed Answer

Without doubt, by referring to Allah (awj) as light,

“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” 1

the Qur`an does not intend to identify Him as a physical light. The sensible light is a creature among the creatures of Allah (awj), as is expressly stated in the first verse of Surat al-An’am,

“All praise belongs to Allah who created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light.” 2

Muslim philosophers, theologians, and Qur`anic exegetes have all provided strong proofs in negating a corporeal aspect for Allah (awj).3 Hence, using the word light in reference to Allah (awj) does not denote sensory light, which is either a physical substance or a characteristic of matter.

Among the exegete-theologians, Fakhr Razi has probably treated this topic more thoroughly than any other. In his exposition of the Verse of Light, he has formulated six rational arguments why Allah (awj) cannot have a body and so consequently the light mentioned in the verse cannot be signifying sensible and material light.4

More importantly, there are numerous verses in the Qur`an that negate the coming-into-being (huduth) and corporeality of Allah (awj).

Moreover, the verse, “There is nothing like Him,” that recurs several times in the Qur`an denies the possibility of any likeness and resemblance of Allah (awj) to other existents. Hence, Allah’s (awj) being light cannot be

of the nature of the sensible light, for the latter has many instances [while Allah (awj) in no way resembles physical phenomena].

In analyzing the meaning of the word light, ’Allamah Tabataba`i explains: “The word light carries a popular meaning, and that is, the thing that lightens dark bodies so that we can see them, and so light is the thing by which all things become apparent and visible. Of course, light itself is essentially manifest and visible; there is nothing else that lightens it. Hence, light can be defined as that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest as well. This is the first meaning to which the word light was initially designated. Subsequently, the word was employed, by way of allegory or secondary designation (waz’ thanawi), to indicate whatever made sensible things visible. In a later stage, the word was also applied to super sensible realities. It is in this sense that intellect is defined as a light which reveals the intelligibles. All these various usages have stemmed from analyzing the initial meaning of light: “that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest as well.”5

Thus, what is initially understood by light is the sensible light that emanates from illuminant objects-such as, the sun, the stars, and man-made lamps-without which the world would be shrouded in darkness. Of course, the essence and definition of light from the standpoint of the physicists is a whole different issue. They might consider the reality of light as yet unravelled and they might have disagreements regarding it, but what is for certain is that in the material world there does exist something referred to as light that is radiated from illuminate objects, technically referred to as “sources of light.” The application of the word light, however, is not limited to sensible light. It can be applied to whatever is “manifest and makes manifest” or, put differently, to whatever is “apparent and makes apparent.” For instance, we often refer to knowledge as light, for it is in its essence clear and also sheds light on other realities.6

Regarding the believer, the Qur`an states,

“He who was lifeless, then We gave him life and provided him with a light by which he walks among the people…” 7

So in the Qur`anic terminology, faith is “light.” And as faith illuminates the heart of the believer, shows him the destination, and guides him to felicity, this application of light is correct. This is similar to the gnostics’ reference to love as “light.” Rumi says:

Love is victorious and I, conquered;

As the moon, I am illuminated with the light of Love.8

Using the word light in reference to Allah (awj) is correct, for such usage has occurred in the Qur`an and the narrations.9 But we must be careful to note in saying “Allah is light” that we do not intend material and sensible light; rather, that the Divine Essence is manifest and manifestant10 . The manifestness and clearness of everything is due to the emanation of His Essence. However, nothing illuminates Him. Thus, we can correctly say, Allah is light.

’Allamah Tabataba`i writes: “Since it is the existence of everything that is the cause of its manifestness to others, therefore the highest form of light is existence itself. Moreover, since the existence of contingent being

depends on the bestowal of existence by the Truth, the Supreme, He is the most complete instance of light. It is He Who is essentially manifest and also makes manifest all-other-than-him. All other existents become manifest and existent by virtue of Him. And this is the meaning of the verse, ‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth.’”11

From the aforesaid explanations the meaning of the Verse of Light becomes clear that: Allah (awj) is the creator and the illuminator of the heavens and the earth. By the expression “the heavens and the earth” what is intended is the entirety of the world of existence; all the celestial and the terrestrial existents; the apparent and the hidden worlds.12 “The heavens and the earth” does not merely signify the sky above and the Earth that we inhabit. Therefore, the meaning of the verse is that Allah (awj) is the light of the entire universe. The reason why the verse has employed this word in lieu of creator is to point to the fact that just as light is itself visible and does not need anything else to make it visible, rather it is light itself that illuminates all other things, Allah (awj), likewise has no creator and there is no other agent that could shed light on Him. He is a manifest, clear, and self-evident existent. There is no need for formulating reasoning to prove His existence. He is the creator of all the other existents of the world of being. In the words of Haji Sabzwari, “O You Who are obscured by the intensity of Your light.”13

Thus, as propounded by the gnostics in following the mystical teachings of the prophets and the Imams (ع), Allah (awj) is manifest to the highest degree; He is absolutely clear, and hence there is no need for the mediation of His creatures to reveal Him. In other words, in order to reason for the existence of Allah (awj), one should utilize the argument from cause rather than the argument from effect. We must first comprehend Allah (awj) and then through Him His creatures, not conversely.

It is to this truth that the following line from the ‘Arafah Supplication (related from Imam al-Husayn b. ‘Ali (ع)) refers: “O Allah! Being distracted by [Your] effects and creatures prevents me from seeing You.”

In Du’a Kumayl, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) expresses, “By the light of Your face from which all things are alight.” If not for the light of the Divine Visage and Essence, everything would be dark. That is, nothing will exist, and all things would recede back into the darkness of non-existence.

Without the light of the Divine Essence the shadow of non-existence would envelope all things; the resulting darkness would not be like that of the night [rather it would be the darkness of non-existence].

Hence, it must be said that Allah (awj), is absolute light. In comparison to Him, there is no other light. All other lights in comparison to Him are darkness. For, the only existent Who is by His essence manifest and manifesting is Allah (awj). All other things that are manifest and that illuminate other creatures are by their essences dark. It is Allah (awj) Who has bestowed on them that feature.

It is in this light that ‘Allamah Tabataba`i has made the following inference from that verse: “Hence, it can be inferred that Allah (awj), is not obscure for any existent, for the disclosure of all things, to themselves and to other things, derives from Allah’s (awj) illuminating. If Allah (awj) had not illuminated or brought into existence anything, nothing would have existed. Thus prior to all other things, Allah (awj) is the essential manifest being … Hence it can be concluded that light in the verse, ‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,’ refers to that all-embracing Divine light which is the source of the universe, the light to which all things owe their manifestness, the light which is identical with the existence of everything. This is that all-embracing Divine mercy.”14

Thus, according to the Qur`an, Allah (awj), the Supreme, is not an absent or essentially obscure God that is revealed by His creatures. Such conception is defected and elementary. Real knowledge is to comprehend the world through Allah (awj), not conversely. And this verse asserts that Allah (awj) is at the height of conspicuousness, clarity, and obviousness.

Another point that can be inferred from this verse is that we refer to Allah as light, not as “the greatest light”, which implies that there are other lights as well, some more bright and others less bright, and that Allah (awj)is the greatest. According to the Qur`an, there is only one light and that is Allah, and everything else is dark and non-existent. It is true, however, that in comparing the creatures together, some are light and some are not-for instance, knowledge, faith, intellect, etc., are light. But the latter have derived their light from Allah (awj).

Thus, in comparison to Allah (awj), there is no other light, or in other words, He is “the Light of Lights.”15 That is, He is the light of all lights rather than being the greatest light. Therefore, the belief that Allah (awj) is the greatest light, that He is of the sensory lights but the brightest and the most intense-reputedly attributed to the Manicheans-is false.

In the end, we find it suitable to relate Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Rida’s (ع) reply to ‘Abbas ibn Hilal who had asked the Imam regarding the meaning of the Verse of Light: “He is the guide for the inhabitants of the heaven and the inhabitants of the earth.”16

Notes

1. Surat Nur (24), Verse 35:

 اَللٌّهُ نُورُ السَّمٌوَاتِ وَ الأَرْضِ

2. Surat al-An’am (6), Verse 1:

 وَ جَعَلَ الظُّلُمٌتِ وَ النُّورَ

3. These proofs can be found in Kashf al-Murad fi Sharh Tajrid al-I’tiqad pg. 287 and Nihayat al-Hikmah, pg. 275.

4. al-Tafsir al-Kabir, vol. 22, pg. 224

5. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 122

6. Tafsir Surat al-Nur, by Murtada Muhahhari, pg. 101

7. Surat al-An’am (6), Verse 122:

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتاً فَأَحْـيَينٌهُ وَ جَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُوراً يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ...

8. Mathnawi, Sixth Notebook

9. Nur (Light) is one of Allah’s (awj) names. Other than the Noble Qur`an, Allah (awj) has been addressed by this name in a number of traditions. Some examples are Kitab al-Tawhid ch. 29, pg. 194, no. 8 and pg. 195, no. 9 and pg. 219, no. 11; al-Khisal. In a number of supplications such as Du’a` al-Kumail and Du’a` Jawshan Kabir this name of Allah (awj) has been mentioned. It is considered one of Allah’s (awj) 99 names. Gnostics have prolonged discussions about these names which we cannot discuss here.

10. I did not find this word in the dictionary in the sense intended here. However, I think it is appropriate to use it since the suffix ­-ant­ denotes fa’iliyyah. (Tr.)

11. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 122

12. Tafsir Surat Nur, by Murtada Muhahhari, pg. 98

13. Manzumah, Chapter Hikmah

14. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 123

15. In Mafatih al-Jinan there is a supplication called “Nur” (light). In it we read:

 “يا نور النور”

 (O light of light)

16. al-Tawhid, ch. 14, no. 1

Question 11: Divine Tests

Question: If Allah (awj) is omniscient, why does He need to test mankind?

Brief Answer

As implied by the question, because Allah (awj) is omniscient, the purpose of His tests is not to unveil something hitherto unknown. Rather, the Qur`an and ahadith suggest that these tests serve two purposes. First, they comprise a Divine precedent (sunnah ilahiyyah1 ) that is in turn based on another Divine precedent that can be termed “universal guidance.”

In particular, Allah (awj) wishes that mankind, by obeying the divine law (shari’ah) and struggling through the various circumstances that he encounters in life, will blossom from potentiality to actuality, and will thereby attain the level of perfection that has been intended for him. One of the terms that is used for such tests in Islamic literature is fitnah (in this sense this term denotes a “crucible”).

Fitnah literally refers to the process of smelting by which gold is purified. In one hadith it is said that people are tested the way gold is tested. The mettle of man is gold ore that is purified in the crucible of Divine tests and guidance. It should be kept in mind though, that in the course of such tests, just as good qualities reach their perfection in the believers, bad qualities also develop to the utmost in disbelievers.

The second purpose that these tests serve is to awaken man from his sleep of heedlessness. The Qur`an explains that one of the purposes of tragedy and disaster is to test man and thereby jar him from his stupor of heedlessness. In a way, tragedy in man’s life serves the same purpose as the ridges that are embossed on some modern motorways and highways that are meant to wake drivers during the monotony of highway driving so they do not fall asleep at the wheel.

There are, in reality, two types of Divine will at play here. One is called the existential will (al-iradah al-takwiniyyah) and the other is called the legislative will (al-iradah al-tashri’iyyah). Allah’s (awj) existential will is that through Divine tests, both believers and disbelievers be able to actualize their good and bad potentials. On the other hand, his legislative will is that only good potentials be actualized.

Detailed Answer

Divine tests are not designed to unveil something hitherto unknown, since Allah (awj) is omniscient and needs no such unveiling. Rather, they comprise a Divine precedent, that is based on a second Divine precedent called “universal guidance.” By universal guidance, we mean Allah’s (awj) guidance of all creation (whether they be conscious or not), as it relates to man.

To clarify, we must first describe the three types of Divine guidance:

1. One type of guidance is intended only for the most pious people and has been negated from other groups in the following verses of the Qur`an:

“Allah does not guide the wrongdoing ones,”

and

“Allah does not guide the corrupt ones.”

The converse of this kind of guidance is misguidance.

2. Another type of guidance known as “legislative guidance” entails showing someone the path. This kind of guidance addresses both believers and disbelievers, but does not benefit inanimate beings. Examples of this kind of guidance are in the following verses: “We showed him the path while he is either grateful or ungrateful2 ,” and “As for (the people of) Thamud, we guided them, but they preferred blindness to guidance.”3

3. The third kind of guidance is universal both in terms of the beings who are guided and the resulting guidance and is also called existential guidance. This is the guidance referred to in the following verse:

“Our Sustainer is He who gave everything its existence, and then guided it.”4

This verse implies that Allah’s (awj) universal guidance includes all creation, whether conscious or inanimate. In another verse, the Qur`an states,

“who created and proportioned; who determined and guided.” 5

Here, the verb “to determine” (taqdir) entails the facilitation of the appropriate means of a given thing so that it is “guided” to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.

All of creation - whether conscious or inanimate - attains its intended purpose through this third type of existential guidance. However man, who is more than just a physical being living in this material world, requires more than the existential guidance afforded to all creation. He can only attain perfection by choosing his path according to his free will. For this reason, Allah must on the one hand, provide a set of positive and negative commands entailed in the shari’ah (divine law) so that man can choose to either obey or disobey.

On the other hand, Allah (awj) must create “problems” at the individual and societal levels (some of which are caused by human choice and some of which are caused by natural means such as natural disasters) so that man can choose a course of action with respect to these problems. By choosing a course of action with respect to divine law and the aforementioned problems, man actualizes the potential that is hidden within himself, and either proves himself to be worthy of eternal felicity or chastisement. It is for this reason that both the divine law and human tragedy are referred to in Islamic literature by the terms “trial,” “tribulation,” and “test.”

To put it simply, Allah (awj) is like a scientist examining each individual human being. The parameters on which his experiments are based are the shari’ah and human tragedy. Through these two variables, a person’s station with respect to the level of perfection that was intended for him is determined.6

To recapitulate, Divine tests are based on the Divine precedent called universal guidance. Through these tests every person comes to know which abode he will enter: the abode of reward or the abode of chastisement. The Qur`an describes the purpose of these tests in this way: “…so that Allah may purify those who have faith and that He may eradicate the faithless.”7

In the course of repeated tests, the superficial faith and deceitful good qualities of the faithless and the hypocrites are extirpated. Another meaning

of the “eradication of the faithless” is mentioned in the verse that says, “the (final) outcome will be in favour of the fear of Allah”8 and in the verse that reads,

“My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” 9

We can recap the positive effects of divine tests in the following two points:

1. They serve to actualize hidden potentials. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) says: “It is in extreme circumstances that a man’s true mettle shows itself.”10 It is narrated from Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Rida (ع) that “People are tested as gold is tested, and they are purified as gold is purified.”11 The word fitnah refers to the process of smelting gold ore. Gold ore is melted so that its impurities float to the surface and are removed. Likewise the essence of man is like gold that Allah (awj) wishes to purify. Meanwhile, the presence of animal-like qualities such as anger and lust pose a major obstacle to his purification. It is for this reason that Divine tests are considered a means for the perfection of mankind.

In the military, soldiers are required to perform strenuous activities to build their strength. Likewise, Divine tests are meant to strengthen man’s inner self. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) says, “Although Allah knows man better than he knows himself, (He tests him) in order to make manifest those actions by which he earns his reward or punishment.”12

2. They also serve to awaken man from his sleep of heedlessness. Allah (awj) tests man both through tragedy and hardship and by showering him with an abundance of blessings such as power, health, and wealth. Often these blessing deceive a person so much that they threaten to lead to his downfall. Allah (awj) sends tragedy his way, in order to jar him from his stupor so that he can once again discern right from wrong, and so that he remembers that all existence and blessings issue from Allah (awj), whom one should never forget and against whom one should never sin.

Many verses in the Qur`an speak of this aspect of Divine tests13 . These verses generally use the terms tadhakkur (to remind), tadarru` (to show humility), and ruju’ (to return to the path). These concepts link together in the following way: to return to the path that leads to Allah (awj) one must first be reminded of Allah (awj); he must then humble himself before Allah (awj); only then can he truly return to Allah (awj) and better himself. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) refers to this Qur`anic truth in the following way: “When Allah’s servants commit a sin, He tests them with hardship until they repent and cease committing sins and heed Allah’s admonishment.”14

If what we have said so far is true, then one might wonder why Allah’s (awj) prophets (ع), Imams (ع), and saints are tested? The answer to this question is found in a narration of Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) where he says: “The divine test is a form of discipline for the wrongdoer, a test for the believer, a means to increase one’s station for the prophets, and a means of ennoblement for the saints of Allah.”15

Question 9: Asking one’s need from other than Allah

Question: Is it not polytheistic to ask for one’s needs from anyone other than Allah (awj) such as the Prophet (ص) or the infallible Imams (ع) since it is Allah (awj) who is the Fulfiller of Needs?

Brief Answer

If one reveres, refers or takes recourse to, or seeks one’s needs from these personages with the intention that are separate from Allah (awj) and independent of Him in fulfilling our needs, such an intention and notion is polytheistic and contrary to tawhid af’ali (the Unity of actions-the independence of Allah (awj) from all else, and the dependence of all other beings on Him in their actions) and tawhid rububi (the Unity of Lordship-His being the sole Planner and sovereign Lord, with all others, whether angels, prophets, or the natural worlds, being Divine workers). Such an intention constitutes polytheism in one’s understanding of Divine actions or Lordship.

But if this same respect, reference, and recourse are with the intention of:

a. Obedience to a Divine command;

b. Repaying the debt we owe them by virtue of their being the conduit of Divine grace in the creational and legal realms;

c. Follow their example or benefit from their special attention, without viewing them as independent of Allah (awj);

then there is no contradiction with Unity of actions or Lordship or with the fact that Allah (awj) is the sole (independent) Fulfiller of needs, since the actions, planning, and fulfilment of people’s desires through these personages are subordinate to Allah’s (awj) action, Lordship, and His being the Fulfiller of needs. They are not independent of Him for it to be considered polytheism.

Thus, the criterion of polytheism in seeking one’s needs from someone other than Allah (awj) is the intention of the individual. If he maintains the Divinity or Lordship of whoever he takes recourse to, or views them as being free of need of Allah (awj), such recourse is considered polytheism because of that belief. But if it is in order to obey Allah (awj) and benefit from the honour and esteem those esteemed people enjoy before Him, so that they implore Allah (awj) for that person’s needs or fulfil them with Allah’s (awj) permission, such an action is not only not polytheistic, but the person taking recourse is also worthy of a reward for having acted in accordance with a Divine command.

Detailed Answer

The human being’s existence has two aspects, meaning that he is a combination of a celestial soul and a material body. His entire being consists of poverty and need [towards Allah (awj)]. Since he has two aspects, he must fulfil the needs of both aspects in a balanced manner free of the two extremes of excess or negligence in order to remain sound and preserve his existence, and in order to follow the path of advancement and attain the peak of true salvation (the station of Divine regency).

The Creator of the Universe, who in His infinite Wisdom had a specific purpose in the creation of humanity and is aware of the needs of all its existential dimensions, prepared the groundwork for the fulfilment of humanity’s various needs either before their creation or simultaneous to it.

Divine Will dictates that the human being ensures his physical and spiritual soundness and salvation naturally and through free will; otherwise, He could have created mankind in a perfect bodily form, so that he would have no need of development to perfection, just as the creation of the sky and the Earth is in that way.

And He could likewise have created him in a perfect spiritual form, so that he would have no deficiencies in terms of worship, obedience, and entering the sacred realm, just as He created the angels. But the distinction of humanity over all other beings lies in becoming superior to angels while possessing the physical and spiritual needs.

To attain one’s needs, the human being, possessed of free will, must make the best use of the abundant array of Divine blessings in the heavens and the Earth in order to be sound and remain alive. In order to attain one’s spiritual needs, one must make use of the Divine laws in order to connect one’s celestial soul with the malakut (celestial realm).

There is no denying the role of creational and material factors in fulfilling the physical needs of the human being or in the fact that he makes constant use of these factors. Since humanity is familiar with these factors from the moment of birth, or rather ever since humanity was created, the objection does not arise in the mind of most believers that benefiting from these means and effects in fulfilling one’s physical needs may be polytheism or improper conduct in Allah’s (awj) dominion.

For the fulfilment of humanity’s spiritual needs, Allah (awj), the Wise, has placed another form of sustenance at people’s disposal in the form of laws and religion, with sound nourishment in terms of belief, worship, morals, and training, conveyed by the prophets (ع). This is why they are called the “vessel of legislative grace.” This is while the divine prophets, too, are required to observe those limits and duties and to utilize them to meet their spiritual needs and become linked to the spiritual and celestial realm, which is beyond their senses and perception, and for at least some moments of every day they must connect to the sacred realm (through the daily acts of worship).

There are some people who, in availing themselves of this Divine legislative blessing, have excelled others and have linked themselves to that realm both quicker and more strongly than them, so that it is as if they have detached themselves from the natural world and have themselves become celestial. Even amongst these people there are some who have surpassed the rest and attained the station of Divine regent (khalifah), becoming the “‘ummal Allah” (workers of Allah). And in this way, they also become vessels of creational grace; that is, they become intermediaries between that realm and people who have fallen behind the caravan. Thus, these individuals who have fallen behind have no choice but to make use of these intermediaries to benefit from the spiritual realm and meet their needs.

This is where the misconception arises that taking recourse to or seeking one’s needs from these personages contradicts Unity of action or Unity of Lordship.

But just as utilizing material resources and fulfilling physical needs is not polytheism, since Allah (awj) Himself created these blessings, subjected them to mankind1 and gave him permission (in the manner of his creation) to use them in the correct way (which is explained by religious law)-and anyone who is a monotheist knows that they are His gifts, created by Him, and dependent on Him and does not consider them independent or necessary existents-in the same way, taking recourse to, respecting, and seeking one’s needs from those personages, too, presents no contradiction to the Unity of Action or Unity of Lordship and to the fact that only Allah (awj) is the (independent) Fulfiller of needs, since in this recourse or attention to these personages, they are not viewed as being parallel to or independent of Allah (awj).

Rather, those possessed with awareness view their efficacy and planning as being an extension of Allah’s (awj) planning and action, and consider their existence-like that of all other beings-to be nothing but their very needfulness of the Divine Essence, since without Divine providence and grace they have no being of their own, let alone for them to be able to perform actions or fulfil needs. Thus, the belief in their efficacy and their fulfilment of needs, since it is in extension of Allah’s (awj) action and being the Fulfiller of needs, does not entail polytheism.

As for why Allah (awj) referred us to these noble people and why we are in need of them to benefit from the spiritual and celestial realm, this is for several reasons:

1. These individuals are the “vessels of Divine grace” to people and a channel or conduit for the current of Divine mercy towards all beings of the universe, to the extent that if not for these Noble beings, the creation of the heavens and Earth and what is between them would not have been worthy of note. This is why Allah (awj) says in the well-known hadith qudsi [hadith in which both the words and the meaning belong to Allah (awj), as opposed to the prophet explaining the meaning in his own words]: “If not for you (the Prophet (ص)), I would not have created the universe, and if not for ‘Ali I would not have created you, and if not for Fatimah I would not have created the two of you [since the existence of the three of you, who complement each other, is the reason for creation].”2

Thus, to attain the source of the grace of being, one must make use of this channel so as not to be deprived of Divine providence. This is why we say in Du’a al-Nudbah: “Where is that Godly threshold through which they enter?”

2. Since these intimate personages in Allah’s (awj) court have adorned themselves with Divine attributes, attention to them is like attention to Allah (awj), since intimacy with them-even if in times of need-makes one attentive to Allah (awj) and reminds one of the Divine signs. This is why we recite in one of the supplications, “Where is that Godly countenance to which the friends of Allah turn?”

3. Since they are intimate in Allah’s (awj) court and vessels of grace, their prayers do not go unanswered and their intercession is accepted by Allah (awj). Thus, in the continuation of our supplication (an-Nudbah) we say, “Where is that distressed one whose prayers are always answered?” Also, since they are noble, they do not refuse the request of any supplicant. If it is in his best interest, they do not send him back empty-handed, and this has been experienced many times by their contemporaries and visitors to their shrines. This is why they are addressed with the words, “Your habit is kindness and your disposition is nobility. Your affair is truth, sincerity, and compassion.”3

4. A direct link with the unseen realm is not possible for people who have not attained the level of perfection, and thus they must make use of these means and paths. This is why Allah (awj) has commanded,

“O you who believe. Fear Allah and seek a means (of approach) to Him.”4

There are also many traditions in which the Ahlul Bayt (ع) are called the “means” and Divine “strong faith” that a believer must recognize and take hold of.5 Again, we recite in Du’a an-Nudbah, “Where is the one who is a means of connection between the earth and heavens?”

5. To know, refer, and take recourse to them produces familiarity with them and the fulfilment of needs and thus brings about love and intimacy. This love and intimacy with these noble personages becomes a source of instruction and guidance for the individual, although they themselves are free of need of people and their referral, since they have attained their goal through Divine attention.

6. The referral of people to the friends (awliya’) of Allah (awj) is a reward that they receive in return for their efforts, as Allah (awj) says to the Prophet (ص):

“And remain awake for a portion of the night, (involved in) supplication; perhaps you will attain a praiseworthy station (that of intercession in this world and the next).” 6

7. People’s referring and taking recourse to these noble personages on the one hand encourages others to follow their path, and on the other hand it does away with the arrogance and pride of worshippers, ascetics, “wayfarers,” and other claimants to a “journey to Allah” and to self-purification, and it prevents ostentatious and pretentious impostors from flourishing.

8. The station of the perfect human being is many degrees higher than that of the angels, since:

1. In this world and the next, the angels are at the service of Allah’s (awj) righteous servants;

2. The efficacy of the angels is predetermined and is therefore not considered a distinction for them;

3. On the night of the Ascension (mi’raj), the Prophet (ص) advanced farther than the angel Jibra`il (ع);

When the angels are entrusted with executing various affairs7 (in extension of Allah’s (awj) efficacy), why should not these personages, who have attained the greatest station of purity and nearness to Allah (awj), be the same?

The conduct of great personalities and wise people, when they see their subordinates are able to perform certain tasks, is to entrust those tasks to them so they can supervise those subordinates in responding to those who refer to them. In this way, those individuals can receive an exclusive training and be given a recompense for their efforts, and in addition others can get to know them and their station better and will find it easier to become familiar and intimate with them.

Also, it is the conduct of rational people when they want to contact some prominent personality to do so through intermediaries and people close to him if they themselves are not close to him, making use of the respect and honour in which those people are held to attain their needs. Of course, they do this with the full realization that this need to use intermediaries is because of their own inadequacy; the intermediaries are in no way equal or parallel to that prominent person, and they cannot do anything without his consent.

In short, to become connected to the unseen world, obey Divine commands, train and elevate the self, and fulfil our needs in this world and the next-both spiritual and physical-we are in need of recognizing, referring to, imploring, and loving the friends (awliya’) of Allah (awj). Taking recourse to them is to take recourse to (Divinely sanctioned) means, “the firm rope of Allah” and the intermediaries in Allah’s (awj) court - intermediaries who are dependent on Allah (awj) for their existence and all their existential attributes, and whose efficacy and fulfilment of people’s needs is in extension of that of Allah (awj).

Taking recourse in this manner is not polytheism, since the independent Fulfiller of needs is none but Allah (awj) alone.

Notes

1. Surat al-Jathiyah (45), Verses 12-13:

 اَللٌّهُ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْبَحْرَ لِتَجْرِيَ الْفُلْكُ فِيهِ بِأَمْرِهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ. وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمٌوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِنْهُ إِنَّ فِي ذٌلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

2. Majma’ al-Nurayn, pg. 14:

لَوْلاَکَ لَمَا خَلَقْتُ الأَفْلاَکَ، وَ لَوْ لاَ عَلِيُّ لَمَا خَلَقْتُکَ، وَ لَوْ لاَ فَاطِمَةُ لَمَا خَلَقْتُکُمَا.

3. Mafatih al-Jinan - Ziyarat Jami’ah:

عَادَتُكُمُ الإِحْسَانُ وَ سَجِيَّتُكُمُ الْكَرَمُ وَ شَأْنُكُمُ الْحَقُّ وَ الصِّدْقُ وَ الرِّفْقُ...

4. Surat al-Ma`idah (5), Verse 35:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللٌّهَ وَابْتَغُوا إِلَيْهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُوا فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

5. Some of these traditions can be found in al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur`an, vol. 5 pg. 333.

6. Surat al-Isra’ (17), Verse 79:

 وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَى أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا

7. Surat al-Nazi’at (79), Verse 5:

 فَالْمُدَبِّرَاتِ أَمْراً

Question 10: The Light of Heavens and the Earth

Question: What is the meaning of Allah (awj) being the light of the heavens and of the earth? Is He light in the physical sense? If not, what is intended?

Brief Answer

Without doubt, the “light” mentioned in the verse of Light (Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth...) is not a physical and sensible light. For, sensible light pertains to the accidental characteristics and qualities of material existents. Hence, the arguments that negate Allah’s (awj) corporeality preclude perceiving Allah (awj) as sensible and material light. Moreover, there are numerous Qur`anic verses that deny the possibility of a visual perception of Allah (awj), disaffirming any similarity between Him and His creatures.

Therefore, when Allah (awj) is referred to as “the light of the heavens and the earth” certainly sensible light is not meant.

Light by definition is that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest and visible as well; it is clear and it makes [other things] clear; it is apparent and it makes [other things] apparent. This definition applies both to sensory light-such as the light of the sun, the stars and of a lamp-and to super-sensory light-such as knowledge and faith. Of course, what comes to mind on hearing the word light initially is sensory light. But by analyzing the definition of light (i.e. what is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest), one finds it permissible to apply the word to spiritual matters, for they illuminate the spirit, the inward, and such application is also encountered in the Qur`an where it refers to faith as a light bestowed on the believer. In addition, gnostics employ the word to signify “love.”

As the Divine Essence is bright and manifest and is also the cause that brightens and makes other things manifest-for, He is the creator and existence-granter - employing the word light to denote Allah (awj) is correct. Rather, as the cause for a thing’s appearance to others is its existence, it must be concluded that the most fundamental instance of light is existence itself. Hence, Allah (awj), is the most perfect instance of light. He is the sole real essentially manifest being who makes other things manifest. Thus, it must be proclaimed that He is the light who illuminates the heavens and the earth.

Furthermore, it must be noted that “the heavens and the earth” is an allusion to the entirety of the world of being, to all the celestial and terrestrial creatures, to the hidden and apparent worlds, not merely the sky above us or the Earth we inhabit. Hence, the meaning of, “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” is that Allah (awj) is the light of the whole universe.

The reason why the word light is employed in lieu of creator is to point to the fact that just as light is manifest and as such does not need anything else to shed light on it, Allah (awj) is also manifest and obvious and there is no need for a mediating agent to illuminate Allah (awj). Hence, gnostics following the teachings of the prophets and Imams (ع), have expressed that

all creatures must be understood in the light of Allah (awj); we should not try to identify Allah (awj) through His creatures and effects [taken on their own level]. For the friends of Allah (awj), everything is manifest in the light of Allah (awj), and other than His light, nothing is to be seen. If not for the Divine light, everything would sink into the darkness of non-existence.

Therefore, the main point that is understood from this verse is that Allah (awj) is known to all His creatures, for the appearance of all things derives from His manifestness and illumination. Allah (awj) is not absent so as to be revealed through His creatures. He is manifest in all His Essence, and so His obscurity in the eyes of the intellectually impaired is due to the intensity of His light; “O You Who are obscured by the intensity of Your light, You Who are manifest but hidden in Your manifestness.”

Another point that is derived from this verse is the fact that Allah (awj) [in Islam] is referred to as “Light” not “the Greatest Light.” The Manichaean belief that Allah (awj) is the “Greatest Light” (i.e. a physical light similar to other lights but greater and more elevated) is not a correct belief. According to the Qur`an, Allah (awj) is “pure light” and is super-sensory. He is the sole light of the world of existence, and all else is “darkness.” In the words of some supplications, He is “the Light of Lights.” That is, He is the real light, and if there is any light at all, it is thanks to His existence and light.

Regarding the exposition, the reality underlying this verse, and its application there are numerous views and narrations that can be sought by referring to books of exegesis and the corpus of narrations.

Detailed Answer

Without doubt, by referring to Allah (awj) as light,

“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” 1

the Qur`an does not intend to identify Him as a physical light. The sensible light is a creature among the creatures of Allah (awj), as is expressly stated in the first verse of Surat al-An’am,

“All praise belongs to Allah who created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light.” 2

Muslim philosophers, theologians, and Qur`anic exegetes have all provided strong proofs in negating a corporeal aspect for Allah (awj).3 Hence, using the word light in reference to Allah (awj) does not denote sensory light, which is either a physical substance or a characteristic of matter.

Among the exegete-theologians, Fakhr Razi has probably treated this topic more thoroughly than any other. In his exposition of the Verse of Light, he has formulated six rational arguments why Allah (awj) cannot have a body and so consequently the light mentioned in the verse cannot be signifying sensible and material light.4

More importantly, there are numerous verses in the Qur`an that negate the coming-into-being (huduth) and corporeality of Allah (awj).

Moreover, the verse, “There is nothing like Him,” that recurs several times in the Qur`an denies the possibility of any likeness and resemblance of Allah (awj) to other existents. Hence, Allah’s (awj) being light cannot be

of the nature of the sensible light, for the latter has many instances [while Allah (awj) in no way resembles physical phenomena].

In analyzing the meaning of the word light, ’Allamah Tabataba`i explains: “The word light carries a popular meaning, and that is, the thing that lightens dark bodies so that we can see them, and so light is the thing by which all things become apparent and visible. Of course, light itself is essentially manifest and visible; there is nothing else that lightens it. Hence, light can be defined as that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest as well. This is the first meaning to which the word light was initially designated. Subsequently, the word was employed, by way of allegory or secondary designation (waz’ thanawi), to indicate whatever made sensible things visible. In a later stage, the word was also applied to super sensible realities. It is in this sense that intellect is defined as a light which reveals the intelligibles. All these various usages have stemmed from analyzing the initial meaning of light: “that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest as well.”5

Thus, what is initially understood by light is the sensible light that emanates from illuminant objects-such as, the sun, the stars, and man-made lamps-without which the world would be shrouded in darkness. Of course, the essence and definition of light from the standpoint of the physicists is a whole different issue. They might consider the reality of light as yet unravelled and they might have disagreements regarding it, but what is for certain is that in the material world there does exist something referred to as light that is radiated from illuminate objects, technically referred to as “sources of light.” The application of the word light, however, is not limited to sensible light. It can be applied to whatever is “manifest and makes manifest” or, put differently, to whatever is “apparent and makes apparent.” For instance, we often refer to knowledge as light, for it is in its essence clear and also sheds light on other realities.6

Regarding the believer, the Qur`an states,

“He who was lifeless, then We gave him life and provided him with a light by which he walks among the people…” 7

So in the Qur`anic terminology, faith is “light.” And as faith illuminates the heart of the believer, shows him the destination, and guides him to felicity, this application of light is correct. This is similar to the gnostics’ reference to love as “light.” Rumi says:

Love is victorious and I, conquered;

As the moon, I am illuminated with the light of Love.8

Using the word light in reference to Allah (awj) is correct, for such usage has occurred in the Qur`an and the narrations.9 But we must be careful to note in saying “Allah is light” that we do not intend material and sensible light; rather, that the Divine Essence is manifest and manifestant10 . The manifestness and clearness of everything is due to the emanation of His Essence. However, nothing illuminates Him. Thus, we can correctly say, Allah is light.

’Allamah Tabataba`i writes: “Since it is the existence of everything that is the cause of its manifestness to others, therefore the highest form of light is existence itself. Moreover, since the existence of contingent being

depends on the bestowal of existence by the Truth, the Supreme, He is the most complete instance of light. It is He Who is essentially manifest and also makes manifest all-other-than-him. All other existents become manifest and existent by virtue of Him. And this is the meaning of the verse, ‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth.’”11

From the aforesaid explanations the meaning of the Verse of Light becomes clear that: Allah (awj) is the creator and the illuminator of the heavens and the earth. By the expression “the heavens and the earth” what is intended is the entirety of the world of existence; all the celestial and the terrestrial existents; the apparent and the hidden worlds.12 “The heavens and the earth” does not merely signify the sky above and the Earth that we inhabit. Therefore, the meaning of the verse is that Allah (awj) is the light of the entire universe. The reason why the verse has employed this word in lieu of creator is to point to the fact that just as light is itself visible and does not need anything else to make it visible, rather it is light itself that illuminates all other things, Allah (awj), likewise has no creator and there is no other agent that could shed light on Him. He is a manifest, clear, and self-evident existent. There is no need for formulating reasoning to prove His existence. He is the creator of all the other existents of the world of being. In the words of Haji Sabzwari, “O You Who are obscured by the intensity of Your light.”13

Thus, as propounded by the gnostics in following the mystical teachings of the prophets and the Imams (ع), Allah (awj) is manifest to the highest degree; He is absolutely clear, and hence there is no need for the mediation of His creatures to reveal Him. In other words, in order to reason for the existence of Allah (awj), one should utilize the argument from cause rather than the argument from effect. We must first comprehend Allah (awj) and then through Him His creatures, not conversely.

It is to this truth that the following line from the ‘Arafah Supplication (related from Imam al-Husayn b. ‘Ali (ع)) refers: “O Allah! Being distracted by [Your] effects and creatures prevents me from seeing You.”

In Du’a Kumayl, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) expresses, “By the light of Your face from which all things are alight.” If not for the light of the Divine Visage and Essence, everything would be dark. That is, nothing will exist, and all things would recede back into the darkness of non-existence.

Without the light of the Divine Essence the shadow of non-existence would envelope all things; the resulting darkness would not be like that of the night [rather it would be the darkness of non-existence].

Hence, it must be said that Allah (awj), is absolute light. In comparison to Him, there is no other light. All other lights in comparison to Him are darkness. For, the only existent Who is by His essence manifest and manifesting is Allah (awj). All other things that are manifest and that illuminate other creatures are by their essences dark. It is Allah (awj) Who has bestowed on them that feature.

It is in this light that ‘Allamah Tabataba`i has made the following inference from that verse: “Hence, it can be inferred that Allah (awj), is not obscure for any existent, for the disclosure of all things, to themselves and to other things, derives from Allah’s (awj) illuminating. If Allah (awj) had not illuminated or brought into existence anything, nothing would have existed. Thus prior to all other things, Allah (awj) is the essential manifest being … Hence it can be concluded that light in the verse, ‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,’ refers to that all-embracing Divine light which is the source of the universe, the light to which all things owe their manifestness, the light which is identical with the existence of everything. This is that all-embracing Divine mercy.”14

Thus, according to the Qur`an, Allah (awj), the Supreme, is not an absent or essentially obscure God that is revealed by His creatures. Such conception is defected and elementary. Real knowledge is to comprehend the world through Allah (awj), not conversely. And this verse asserts that Allah (awj) is at the height of conspicuousness, clarity, and obviousness.

Another point that can be inferred from this verse is that we refer to Allah as light, not as “the greatest light”, which implies that there are other lights as well, some more bright and others less bright, and that Allah (awj)is the greatest. According to the Qur`an, there is only one light and that is Allah, and everything else is dark and non-existent. It is true, however, that in comparing the creatures together, some are light and some are not-for instance, knowledge, faith, intellect, etc., are light. But the latter have derived their light from Allah (awj).

Thus, in comparison to Allah (awj), there is no other light, or in other words, He is “the Light of Lights.”15 That is, He is the light of all lights rather than being the greatest light. Therefore, the belief that Allah (awj) is the greatest light, that He is of the sensory lights but the brightest and the most intense-reputedly attributed to the Manicheans-is false.

In the end, we find it suitable to relate Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Rida’s (ع) reply to ‘Abbas ibn Hilal who had asked the Imam regarding the meaning of the Verse of Light: “He is the guide for the inhabitants of the heaven and the inhabitants of the earth.”16

Notes

1. Surat Nur (24), Verse 35:

 اَللٌّهُ نُورُ السَّمٌوَاتِ وَ الأَرْضِ

2. Surat al-An’am (6), Verse 1:

 وَ جَعَلَ الظُّلُمٌتِ وَ النُّورَ

3. These proofs can be found in Kashf al-Murad fi Sharh Tajrid al-I’tiqad pg. 287 and Nihayat al-Hikmah, pg. 275.

4. al-Tafsir al-Kabir, vol. 22, pg. 224

5. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 122

6. Tafsir Surat al-Nur, by Murtada Muhahhari, pg. 101

7. Surat al-An’am (6), Verse 122:

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتاً فَأَحْـيَينٌهُ وَ جَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُوراً يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ...

8. Mathnawi, Sixth Notebook

9. Nur (Light) is one of Allah’s (awj) names. Other than the Noble Qur`an, Allah (awj) has been addressed by this name in a number of traditions. Some examples are Kitab al-Tawhid ch. 29, pg. 194, no. 8 and pg. 195, no. 9 and pg. 219, no. 11; al-Khisal. In a number of supplications such as Du’a` al-Kumail and Du’a` Jawshan Kabir this name of Allah (awj) has been mentioned. It is considered one of Allah’s (awj) 99 names. Gnostics have prolonged discussions about these names which we cannot discuss here.

10. I did not find this word in the dictionary in the sense intended here. However, I think it is appropriate to use it since the suffix ­-ant­ denotes fa’iliyyah. (Tr.)

11. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 122

12. Tafsir Surat Nur, by Murtada Muhahhari, pg. 98

13. Manzumah, Chapter Hikmah

14. al-Mizan, vol. 15, pg. 123

15. In Mafatih al-Jinan there is a supplication called “Nur” (light). In it we read:

 “يا نور النور”

 (O light of light)

16. al-Tawhid, ch. 14, no. 1

Question 11: Divine Tests

Question: If Allah (awj) is omniscient, why does He need to test mankind?

Brief Answer

As implied by the question, because Allah (awj) is omniscient, the purpose of His tests is not to unveil something hitherto unknown. Rather, the Qur`an and ahadith suggest that these tests serve two purposes. First, they comprise a Divine precedent (sunnah ilahiyyah1 ) that is in turn based on another Divine precedent that can be termed “universal guidance.”

In particular, Allah (awj) wishes that mankind, by obeying the divine law (shari’ah) and struggling through the various circumstances that he encounters in life, will blossom from potentiality to actuality, and will thereby attain the level of perfection that has been intended for him. One of the terms that is used for such tests in Islamic literature is fitnah (in this sense this term denotes a “crucible”).

Fitnah literally refers to the process of smelting by which gold is purified. In one hadith it is said that people are tested the way gold is tested. The mettle of man is gold ore that is purified in the crucible of Divine tests and guidance. It should be kept in mind though, that in the course of such tests, just as good qualities reach their perfection in the believers, bad qualities also develop to the utmost in disbelievers.

The second purpose that these tests serve is to awaken man from his sleep of heedlessness. The Qur`an explains that one of the purposes of tragedy and disaster is to test man and thereby jar him from his stupor of heedlessness. In a way, tragedy in man’s life serves the same purpose as the ridges that are embossed on some modern motorways and highways that are meant to wake drivers during the monotony of highway driving so they do not fall asleep at the wheel.

There are, in reality, two types of Divine will at play here. One is called the existential will (al-iradah al-takwiniyyah) and the other is called the legislative will (al-iradah al-tashri’iyyah). Allah’s (awj) existential will is that through Divine tests, both believers and disbelievers be able to actualize their good and bad potentials. On the other hand, his legislative will is that only good potentials be actualized.

Detailed Answer

Divine tests are not designed to unveil something hitherto unknown, since Allah (awj) is omniscient and needs no such unveiling. Rather, they comprise a Divine precedent, that is based on a second Divine precedent called “universal guidance.” By universal guidance, we mean Allah’s (awj) guidance of all creation (whether they be conscious or not), as it relates to man.

To clarify, we must first describe the three types of Divine guidance:

1. One type of guidance is intended only for the most pious people and has been negated from other groups in the following verses of the Qur`an:

“Allah does not guide the wrongdoing ones,”

and

“Allah does not guide the corrupt ones.”

The converse of this kind of guidance is misguidance.

2. Another type of guidance known as “legislative guidance” entails showing someone the path. This kind of guidance addresses both believers and disbelievers, but does not benefit inanimate beings. Examples of this kind of guidance are in the following verses: “We showed him the path while he is either grateful or ungrateful2 ,” and “As for (the people of) Thamud, we guided them, but they preferred blindness to guidance.”3

3. The third kind of guidance is universal both in terms of the beings who are guided and the resulting guidance and is also called existential guidance. This is the guidance referred to in the following verse:

“Our Sustainer is He who gave everything its existence, and then guided it.”4

This verse implies that Allah’s (awj) universal guidance includes all creation, whether conscious or inanimate. In another verse, the Qur`an states,

“who created and proportioned; who determined and guided.” 5

Here, the verb “to determine” (taqdir) entails the facilitation of the appropriate means of a given thing so that it is “guided” to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.

All of creation - whether conscious or inanimate - attains its intended purpose through this third type of existential guidance. However man, who is more than just a physical being living in this material world, requires more than the existential guidance afforded to all creation. He can only attain perfection by choosing his path according to his free will. For this reason, Allah must on the one hand, provide a set of positive and negative commands entailed in the shari’ah (divine law) so that man can choose to either obey or disobey.

On the other hand, Allah (awj) must create “problems” at the individual and societal levels (some of which are caused by human choice and some of which are caused by natural means such as natural disasters) so that man can choose a course of action with respect to these problems. By choosing a course of action with respect to divine law and the aforementioned problems, man actualizes the potential that is hidden within himself, and either proves himself to be worthy of eternal felicity or chastisement. It is for this reason that both the divine law and human tragedy are referred to in Islamic literature by the terms “trial,” “tribulation,” and “test.”

To put it simply, Allah (awj) is like a scientist examining each individual human being. The parameters on which his experiments are based are the shari’ah and human tragedy. Through these two variables, a person’s station with respect to the level of perfection that was intended for him is determined.6

To recapitulate, Divine tests are based on the Divine precedent called universal guidance. Through these tests every person comes to know which abode he will enter: the abode of reward or the abode of chastisement. The Qur`an describes the purpose of these tests in this way: “…so that Allah may purify those who have faith and that He may eradicate the faithless.”7

In the course of repeated tests, the superficial faith and deceitful good qualities of the faithless and the hypocrites are extirpated. Another meaning

of the “eradication of the faithless” is mentioned in the verse that says, “the (final) outcome will be in favour of the fear of Allah”8 and in the verse that reads,

“My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” 9

We can recap the positive effects of divine tests in the following two points:

1. They serve to actualize hidden potentials. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) says: “It is in extreme circumstances that a man’s true mettle shows itself.”10 It is narrated from Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Rida (ع) that “People are tested as gold is tested, and they are purified as gold is purified.”11 The word fitnah refers to the process of smelting gold ore. Gold ore is melted so that its impurities float to the surface and are removed. Likewise the essence of man is like gold that Allah (awj) wishes to purify. Meanwhile, the presence of animal-like qualities such as anger and lust pose a major obstacle to his purification. It is for this reason that Divine tests are considered a means for the perfection of mankind.

In the military, soldiers are required to perform strenuous activities to build their strength. Likewise, Divine tests are meant to strengthen man’s inner self. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) says, “Although Allah knows man better than he knows himself, (He tests him) in order to make manifest those actions by which he earns his reward or punishment.”12

2. They also serve to awaken man from his sleep of heedlessness. Allah (awj) tests man both through tragedy and hardship and by showering him with an abundance of blessings such as power, health, and wealth. Often these blessing deceive a person so much that they threaten to lead to his downfall. Allah (awj) sends tragedy his way, in order to jar him from his stupor so that he can once again discern right from wrong, and so that he remembers that all existence and blessings issue from Allah (awj), whom one should never forget and against whom one should never sin.

Many verses in the Qur`an speak of this aspect of Divine tests13 . These verses generally use the terms tadhakkur (to remind), tadarru` (to show humility), and ruju’ (to return to the path). These concepts link together in the following way: to return to the path that leads to Allah (awj) one must first be reminded of Allah (awj); he must then humble himself before Allah (awj); only then can he truly return to Allah (awj) and better himself. Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) refers to this Qur`anic truth in the following way: “When Allah’s servants commit a sin, He tests them with hardship until they repent and cease committing sins and heed Allah’s admonishment.”14

If what we have said so far is true, then one might wonder why Allah’s (awj) prophets (ع), Imams (ع), and saints are tested? The answer to this question is found in a narration of Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (ع) where he says: “The divine test is a form of discipline for the wrongdoer, a test for the believer, a means to increase one’s station for the prophets, and a means of ennoblement for the saints of Allah.”15


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