the holy quran: english translation of the meaning and commentary

King Fahd HolyQur;"inPrinting Complex.

MU!:ilJaf AI-MadinahAn- abawiyah

k ... isn! & Ediltd II,.TilE "RESmE."iC\' 0.- ISLA.\IIC RESEARCIIES. IFTA.

CAl.!. ANI> GUIDAl'"Ct:

The Cuslodian Of The Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz AI- Saud,King Of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Has The Honour To Order The PrinlingOf This Holy Qur-i\n And The Translalion Of 115 Meanings And Commentary.

King Fahd Holy Qur-anPrinting Complex.

Mu~~af AI-MadinahAn-Nabawiyah

Revised & Edited 8yTHE PRESIDENCY OF ISLAMIC RESEARCHES. lITA.

CALL AND GUIDANCE

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- ii -

PREFACE

Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, Who has saidin His Noble Book:

There has come to you from AllahLight and a Perspicuous Book. (1)

And may peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets, Mu~ammad,who has said that:

The best among you is he who learnedthe Our-an and then taught it. (2)

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family and all hisCompanions.

The Glorious Our-an is the Book of Allah, the Wise and Worthy of allPraise, Who has promised to safeguard it from any violations in its purity. Itbecomes incumbent upon each and every person who seeks the dignity of thisworld and the bliss of the Hereafter to regulate his life according to it, toimplement its commandments and to pay homage to the magnificence of theOne Who revealed it. This can be an easy task for those favoured with guidancefrom Allah, especially those blessed by an understanding of Arabic, thelanguage of the divine communication. But for those not acquainted withArabic, their ignorance is a barrier between them and this source of guidanceand illumination. A translation of the message of Allah is thus a task not tobe taken lightly or performed superficially.

Before the reader begins to study the Qur-an, he must realise that unlikeall other writings, this is a unique book with a supreme author, an eternalmessage and a universal relevance. Its contents are not confined to a particulartheme or style, but contain the foundations for an entire system of life, coveringa whole spectrum of issues, which range from specific articles of faith andcommandments to general moral teachings, rights and obligations, crime andpunishment, personal and public law, and a host of other private and socialconcerns. These issues are discussed in a variety of ways, such as directstipulations, reminders of Allah's favours on His creation, admonitions andrebukes. Stories of past communities are narrated, followed by the lessons tobe learned from their actions and subsequent fates.

The Our-an enjoys a number of characteristics unique to it alone, some ofwhich are as follows:

iiI!iIIiIII,

l_

(I) Surat AI-Ma'ida: IS. (2) Narrated by the six ones except Muslim.

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J. It is the actual Word of Allah; not created but revealed for the benefit ofall mankind.

Blessed is He Who sent down the CriterionTo His servant, that it may beAn admonition to aU creatures. (3)

2. It is complete and comprehensive. The Almighty says:Nothing have We omitted from the Book. (4)

In another place we read,And We have sent down to theeThe Book explaining all things. (5)

3. It is a theoretical and a practical Book, not only moralising but also definingspecifically the permissible and the forbidden. The importance ofunderstanding the message of the Our-an is undeniable, but simply recitingit with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and reward is also an actof worship and meritorious in itself. Allah Almighty says:

So take what the Prophet gives youAnd refrain from what he prohibits you. (6)

4. Allah has perfected His religion for all mankind with the revelation of thisBook. He says:

This day have I perfected your religion for you,Completed my favour upon you and have chosenFor you Islam as your religion. (7)

5. It is Allah's eternal miracle revealed to the Prophet Mu~ammad for allsucceeding generations. In response to those who doubt the authorship of theOur-an, Allah Almighty has challenged the most articulate Arabs to producea whole book, ten chapters or even one solitary chapter which can beremotely comparable to the Our-an. But to this day, no one has succeededin meeting the challenge of the Almighty. The critics of the Our-an havebeen struck dumb by its ineffable eloquence and surpassing beauty.

Say, if the whole of mankind and jinnsWere to gather together to produce theLike of this Our-an, they could notProduce the like thereof; even if theyBacked up each other with help and support. (8)

The Almighty also says:Or they may say: he forged it.Say: Bring ye then ten chaptersForged, like unto it and call

iI~---- -- -

(3) Surat AI.Furqan: 1.(4) Surat AIAn'am; 38.

(5) Surat An-Na~l: 89.(6) Surat AI.ljashr: 7.

- iv

(7) Surat AI-Ma'ida: 3.(8) Surat AI-Israa: 88.

(To your aid) whomsoever ye canOther than Allah. if ye speakThe truth. (9)

And again:Or do they say: he forged it?Say: Bring then a chapter likeUnto it and call (to your aid)Anyone ye can besides Allah.If it be ye speak the truth. (10)

6. It has been revealed to re-establish the sincere worship of Allah alone,without association of any partners with Him.

This is a Book with verses basic orFundamental (of established meaning),Further explained in detail,-From One who is Wise and Well-Aware.(It teaches) that you should worshipNone but Allah. (11)And they have been commanded no moreThan this: to worship Allah,Offering Him sincere devotion, being trueIn faith, to establish regular prayerAnd to give Zakat, and that isThe religion Right and Straight. (12)

7. It contains a complete code which provides for all areas of life, whetherspiritual, intellectual, political, social or economic. It is a code which has noboundaries of time, place or nation.

Verily this Our-an doth guideTo that which is most right. (13)

8. Allah Almighty has taken upon Himself the duty of preserving the Our-anfor ever in its entirety, as He says:

We have without doubt sent downThe Message, and We will assuredlyGuard it (from corruption). (14)

So well has it been preserved, both in memory and in writing, that theArabic text we have today is identical to the text as it was revealed to theProphet. Not even a single letter has yielded to corruption during the passageof the centuries. And so it will remain for ever, by the consent of Allah.

Given the depth as well as the sublimity of the Our-anic text, a faithful

(9) Surat Hiid: 13.(10) Sural Yunus: 38.

(II) Sural Hiid: 1-2.(12) Sural AI-Bayyina: 5.

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(13) Siiral AI-Israa: 9.(14) Siiral AI-~ijr: 9.

.. . ,._.. - -..,,."-"-1translation of it into another language is virtually impossible. The varioustranslations that exist today, however accurate they may be, cannot bedesignated as the Qur-an, since they can never hope to imitate the diction orthe style of the Book of Allah. But as translation is one of the few ways toexport the message of the Qur-an to allow those lacking in knowledge of Arabicto share this priceless gift, it becomes a duty for those in a position to fulfilthis task.

A number of individuals have in the past ventured to translate the Qur-an,but their works have generally been private attempts, greatly influenced by theirown prejudices. In order to produce a reliable translation free from personalbias, a Royal decree (No. 19888, dated 16/8/1400 AH) was issued by theCustodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz, at that timethe deputy prime minister , authorising the General Presidency of theDepartments of Islamic Researches, Hta, Call and Guidance to undertakethe responsibility of revising and correcting a particular translation whichwould be selected for this purpose and made publicly available later.

To accomplish this enormous task, a number of committees wereformed, comprising scholars well-qualified both in Islamic Shari'a and theEnglish language. Some of these scholars were associated with the GeneralPresidency of the Departments of Islamic Researches,lfta,Call and Guidance.

The first committee was given the task of examining the existingtranslations and choosing the most suitable one from among them. Thecommittee discovered that there was no translation free from defects and sothere were two options open for consideration: the first was to select the besttranslation available and then adopt it as a base for further work as well asa source of reference, with the objective of revising its contents and correctingany faults in view of the objections raised against it; the second was toprepare a fresh and independent translation, starting from scratch.

It became obvious from studying these translations that the second optiondemanded much time and effort, neither of which were available at the time.

IiI

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The first option was therefore considered to be more practical, since it met theexisting urgent requirements and helped to achieve the desired goal in acomparatively short period of time. The translation by the late UstadhABDULLAH YUSUF ALI was consequently chosen for its distinguishingcharacteristics, such as a highly elegant style, a choice of words close to themeaning of the original text, accompanied by scholarly notes and commentaries.

The committee began revising and correcting this translation with the aidof other translations available, by comparing and then adopting best expressionsas well as by introducing fresh expressions where necessary. The committee wasfully aware of all the criticisms that had been directed against this translationand which had been carefully brought to the notice of the presidency by a num-

11lI...- vi -

~_ .._-

ber of academic bodies and other involved parties. In the second stage, theentire work of this committee was referred to a number of individuals and organisations who then augmented any deficiencies in the work of the committee.

A third committee was set up to collate all their suggestions. It thencompared all such views regarding specific issues, selected the appropriateone (s) and arrived at a text as authentic and defect-free as was humanlypossible.

Finally, a fourth committee was formed to look into the findings of thesecond and third committees and to implement the recommendations made bythem. Furthermore, this committee had to finalise the text by adopting the mostaccurate expression where needed, besides checking the notes vigilantly so asto clear any misconceptions regarding the articles of faith, varying juristicopinions and thoughts not in conformity with the sound Islamic point of view.

In the course of its work, the committee came across some Arabic wordswhich could not be translated correctly, such as zakat and Tagiit. It was

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therefore decided to give a transliteration of these words in English with a briefexplanatory note for each one at its first occurrence in the text. The reader willfind a list of such words at the end of this preface, as well as a list containingan English transliteration of Arabic letters. A list of the abbreviations used inthis work is also provided. Fmally, the reader will find at the end of the texta comprehensive list containing references to proper names of people, placesand important topics, dealt with either in the text or in the accompanying notes.

According to the Royal decree (No. 12412, dated 27/10/1405 AH), this translation is printed at King Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex in AI. MadinahAl - Munawarah and also with coordination of the General Presidency of the

Departments of Islamic Researches, Uta Call and Guidance.To implement the directions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (MayAllah preserve him) concerning the Propagation of the Book of Allah, itsdistribution and translation into every language spoken by Muslims theworldwide, and due to the cooperation between the General Secretariat ofKing Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex and the Presidency of IslamicResearches, lfta, Call and Guidance regarding a faithful, specific andscholarly translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur-an, we are pleased topresent to all Muslims and those seeking spiritual light among English -speaking people this translation which comes as one of the Series of thetranslations of the meanings of the Holy Qur-an into various languages printedby the Complex in Al- Madinah Al- Munawarah .

May Allah reward bounteously those who were behind this blessed work.

THE PRESIDENCY OF ISLAMIC RESEARCHES, IFTA,CALL AND GUIDANCE

.~~ ~ ~ ~.-. I~"-~~. ~ ~ ~ .....~-

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A comprehensive list of names, places and topics appears as an index atthe end of the book. Here some oft-repeated Arabic words occuring in thetranslation are given with brief explanation.

ALLAH:

HAJJ:

IBLis:ISLAM:

JINN:

MUHAJIR:

MUSLIM:

OIBLA:

OUR-AN:

The proper name of God in Arabic.

The pilgrimage to Makkah which takes place in the last monthof the Islamic calendar.

Satan.

Literally, to submit.The Religion of all the Prophets of Allah confirmed finally bythe mission of the Prophet Mu~ammad ~Invisible beings constituting a whole race like mankind.

Literally, the emigrant.One who leaves the home town to join a Muslim community.One who professes the faith of Islam or born to a Muslimfamily.

The Ka'ba. The direction for the daily prayers of a Muslim.

Literally, the recital.The final revelation given to the Prophet Mu~ammad ~in Arabic. -

RAMADHAN: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which theMuslims fast.

SDRAH:

TAQUT:

UMRAH:

UMMAH:

YATHRIB:

ZAKAT:

A chapter of the Our-an.

Literally, a tyrant, oppresser, false god, tempter to error.Tagut is applied to any object which is worshipped besidesAllah.

A minor form of pilgrimage to Makkah.

Literally, a nation but is usually applied to the MuslimBrother-hood.

The name by which Madinah was known before the Prophet'smigration to that city.

Literally, to grow, to purify.The third pillar of Islam.It is a definite portion of wealth which is given to needy atthe tum of the year.

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TRANSLITERAnON OF ARABIC WORDS AND NAMES

The following table shows the system which I have followed intransliterating the letters of the Arabic alphabet:

I rconsonantal} j, ~.. L sound a b..................................... !I Long vowel.. ii t. . (invened apostrophe)

Io..J b t !.;., t ...; f~ th J q

~ j .s kt. 1, J lt kh r m.:l d cJ n.:l Z oil h

JJJ

r.?r.?c.?

..................................... r

.................................... z

..................................... s

.................................. sh

..................................... ~

................................. dhShort vowels: T (fa/~a)

T (kasra).: (dhamma)

consonantlong vowel"diphthongconsonantlong vowel"dipthong

a

iu

w

iiau

Yi

ai

1. For the hamzd ( .. ) I have used no distinctive sign. An apostrophe forit and an inverted apostrophe for the 'a;n (t.), or vice versa, is confusing toEnglish readers. As a moved consonant, it is sufficiently shown in English bythe long or short vowel which moves it, e.g., abo Railf. Where it is a hiatuspreceded by a fa/~a, I have shown it by a second a: thus, lqraa. the cave ofI;liraa. In other cases it has not been possible to show it without using adistinctive sign. The name of the Holy Book is usually written Our-an; but Iprefer to write Qur-dn. However a few words like juz have an apostropheindicating Hamza.

2. The final h preceded by the short a is scarcely pronounced, and I haveleft it out. Hence Siira, Fati~a, Hijra, etc., where the Arabic spelling wouldrequire Siirah, Fiiti~ah, Hijrah, etc.

3. In internationalised words and names I have used the spelling ordinarilycurrent in English; e.g., Maulvi, Urdu, Islam, Israel, Abraham, Jacob, Here theboundary is thin and rather ill-defined, and possibly my practice and that of myproof-readers have not been absolutely uniform. But in place of Mecca andMedina, the more accurate form of Makkah and Madinah is adopted.

Where it is really pronounced long. Hence, Khalaqniikllm but Khalaqnalinsdn;Abu Sufydn but Abu/-Qiisim; finndr but {ihi. - -

- ix -

4. Some names, e.g., Ishmael, Hagar, etc., have acquired a contemptuousassociation in their European forms, while the persons they represent are sacredpersonages held in great honour in Islam. I have, therefore, avoided theEuropean forms and used the Arabic forms, Isma'iI, Hajar, etc.

ABBREVIATIONS USED

namely.

A.A.D.A.H.Bk.C/.d.Deut.E. B.e.g.Exod.Gen.H.H.G.S.i.e.JoshMatt.M.M.A.M.P.n.

nn.

Num.p.pp.Q.xx. 25Rev.S.v.

vv.

viz.

= Ayat (verse).= Anno Domini = year of the Christian Calendar.= Anno Hegirae = year of the Hijra.= Book.= compare.= date of death of an author (to show the age in which he lived).= The Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.= Encyclopaedia Britannica. 14th edition.= Exempli gratia = for example.= The Book of Exodus. Old Testament.=The Book of Genesis, Old Testament.= year of the Hijra.= Hafi~ Qulam Sarwar's Tmnslation of the Qur-an.= id est = that is.= Book of Joshua, Old Testament.= Gospel of St. Matthew, New Testament.= Maulvi Muhammad'Ali's Translation of the Our-an= Mr. M. Pickthall's Tire Meaning of the Glorious Koran.= note.= notes.= The Book of Numbers. Old Testament.= page.= pages.= Our-an.= Qur-an, Sural 20, verse 25,= Revelation of St. John. New Testament.= surat.= verse.

= verses.

= I'idelicef

- x -

" " " " ...." " " ,,"v " " if if if 'V v

Introduction and Summary 396

355-363

397405

375-381

363-375

345-355

337-345

381-389

389-395

PAGES

336

AI-A'raJ.

Degrees in good and evil deeds : avoidsuperstition and excess

Text and Notes, 6:130-150

Rebels against Allah arc deceived anddeceive each other : let us trust inAllah


Allah's commands are not irrationaltaboos, but based on moral law


Allah's loving care encompasses us; it isHis protection we should seek, andnot that of anyone else


Revelation in all ages; Our-an a blessingand confirmation; Signs of Allahin the daily pageants of Nature


Life of this world is empty; what isserious is the Hereafter; Allah holdsthe keys of the Unseen


Introduction and SummaryAllah reigns in heaven and on earth;there

is a HereafterText and Notes, 6:1-30

AI-An'am,

Allah has forbidden evil : all good is forman's enjoyment: Righteous tolive in peace and fulfilment of aUHope

Text and Notes, 7:32-58~' '~ ."

Revelation should ease difficulties ofheart and mind : arrogance andexcess at the root of evil


- e -

Surat 7: Al-A'riif-(Contd.). PAGESNoah, Hud, Siilih, Lot. and Shu'aib :

how their ~hoiesom'e warning wasrejected, to the detriment of therejecters

{ Text and Notes, 7:59-87 ........................... 416-425Pan 9. Text and Notes, 7:88-89 ........................... 426-430

Moses had to fight alien arrogance aswell as rebellion among his ownpeople, like the final Messenger whomhe prefigured

Text and Notes, 7:100-157 .......................... 430-451

The Prophet's Revelation superseded theolder Law

Text and Notes, 7:158-171 ........................... 451-456

The inborn good in man is strengthenedby constant reminders from Allah;if sin has a respite, it is only for aterm; Judgment must come; sodraw near to Allah, in humility andreverence

Text and Notes, 7:172-206 ........................... 456-466

Surat: 8 AI-Anfiil JlAj"ll oJ,J-'Introduction and Summary ........................... 467-468

The Fight is not for Spoils or gain, butfor the Cause

Text and Notes, 8:1-19 ........................... 469-474

Obey Allah's Call, and hold all else asnaught : the godless will not thrive

Text and Notes, 8:20-37 ........................... 474-480

The Battle of Badr differentiated Truthfrom Unbelief: its lessons

{ Text and Notes, 8:38-40 ........................... 480PortIO Text and Notes, 8:41-64 ........................... 480-488

The true man is not cowed down byodds against him : he fights not forspoils, but for truth and faith

Text and Notes, 8:65-75 ........................... 488-493

- f -

SUrat 9: At-Tauba or Bariiat. ~"pi oJ.J-" PAGESIntroduction and Summary ........................... 494-495

If the enemy treacherously breaks faith,denounce his treaty, but give timebefore declaration of war : Mosquesare for men of faith

Text and Notes, 9:1-29 ........................... 496-507

Enemies of Faith cannot put out Allah'sLight : wealth is for good use, notfor hoarding : strive and strugglefor Allah in a straight fight

Text and Notes, 9:30-42 ., ................ 507-514

Believers do their duty and make noexcuses : alms are for poor andneedy and not for hypocrites : blissof the righteous is in the GoodPleasure of Allah

Text and Notes, 9:43-72 ........................... 514-523

Hardest striving needed against evilwelcome all chance of service andsacrifice

{Text and Notes, 9:73-93 ....................... 523-530Pan II Text and Notes, 9:94-99 ..................... 530531

The vanguard of Faith expect theirreward in Allah's Good Pleasure :Allah's grace is free and abounding:even the erring obtain it by repentance

Text and Notes, 9:100-118 ........................... 532-539

Truth in word and deed is our fullestsatisfaction and reward : our strivingshould include study andteaching, for our brethren

Text and Notes, 9:119-129 ........................... 540-543

Surat 10: Yunus. ~.Jt oJ.J-"

Introduction and Summary ........................... 544-545

Allah guides the human spirit inwondrous ways, if man will haveFaith and put his trust in Allah :

g

Surat 10: Yanus-(Conld.). PAGES.mankind is one

Text and Notes, 10:1-20 ........................... 546-553

All things good, beautiful, and usefulare from Allah : instead of ephemeralgood seek the eternal Home ofPeace from Allah through His Book

Text and Notes, 10:21-40 ........................... 553-560

The Truth of Allah must not be shut outof our souls : Revelations andProphets are sent to teach us : wemust accept them and reject falsehood

Text and Notes, 10:41-70 ........................... 560-568

Allah works throughout His world inMercy and Justice : repent beforeit is too late

Text and Notes, 10:71-92 ........................... 568-574

Be patient and strive with constancy :Allah's Plan is righteous, and forthe good of His creatures

Text and Notes, 10:93109 ........................... 574-579

Surat 11: Had ').J" O)~Introduction and Summary ........................... 580

Ungrateful man folds up his heart andforgets how all nature points toAllah and the Hereafter: Allah'sMessage is the Light that leads andthe Mercy that forgives

{ Text and Notes, 11:1-5 .................... 581-582Pan 12 Text and Notes, 11:6-24 ........................... 582-587

Noah loved his people and taught andwarned them, but they flouted hismessage : Allah's justice overtookthem, but he was saved from theAood in the Ark

Text and Notes, II :25-49 ........................... 588-596

The Ad were warned against their sinsbut Hud, and the Thamud by ~ili~,

- h -

Surat 12: Yiisu!

SOrat 11: Hud-(Contd.).but they defied Allah, and werewiped out


612620

597-603

603-612

623-630

621-622

641-645645-651

630-641

PAGES

" OJ V "

He was bought by a dignitary ofPharaoh's Court: the wife of thedignitary burned with earthlypassion and brought him intotrouble : but he remained trueand righteous


Joseph asked his brethren to bringBenjamin with them next time; by astratagem he made the brethrenconfess their past guilt; he forgave

The beautiful story of Yiisuf : how envyand hate made his brothers sellhim for a small price

Text and Notes, 12: 1-20

Introduction and Summary

CONTENTS

The angels, on their mission of justiceto the people of Lu~, stopped togive Good News to Abraham : thepeople of Lu~ persisted in theirabominations and perished, and sodid Madyan, Shu'aib's people, fortheir frauds


The same lesson is taught by thearrogance of Pharaoh, who misled hispeople : learn and seek Mercy


He eventually became ruler of Egypt,and fought a famine in the serviceof the people: his brothers came,not knowing him

{ Text and Notes, 12:43-52Text and Notes, 12:53-68Pari 13.

- i -

Surat 12: YUsuf-(Contd.) PAGES.them, and sent for his father

Text and Notes, 12:69-93 ........................... 652-661

Joseph's father Jacob comes to Egypt,and the whole family are re-unitedhonourably; so Allah's Plan worksfor good

Text and Notes, 12:94-111 ........................... 662-669

Surat 13: Ar-Ra'd. ..10$)1 0J.,-Introduction and Summary ........................... 670

Nature proclaims the glory of Allah;Lightning and Thunder are Signsof his Might as well as of HisMercy

Text and Notes, 13:1-18 ........................... 671-679

Those with Faith are like the seeing,and those without are like the blind;Allah's promise never fails

Text and Notes, 13:19-31 ........................... 679-683

Men may mock, but Allah's Truth willcome to its own : the world's plotshave no power to defeat it

Text and Notes, 13:32-43 ........................... 684-688

Surat 14: Ibrahim. ~I.r.l 0J.,-Introduction and Summary ........................... 689

Revelation leads from darkness to light:Prophets must prevail : Truth is asa goodly tree, with firm roots,spreading branches, and perennialfruit

Text and Notes, 14:1-27 ........................... 690-700

Evil tries to mislead : the godly shouldbe on their guard: Abraham'sPrayer

Text and Notes, 14:28-52 ........................... 700-708

- j -

Surat 15: AI-J:lijr. p:ll oJ."..... PAGESIntroduction and Summary ........................... 709

Allah will guard His Truth, and is theSource of all things : He is Eternal

{ Text and Notes, 15:1 ........................... 710PaJ1 14. Text and Notes, 15:2-25 ........................... 710-716

Man's lowly origin; his rank raised bythe breathing of Allah's spirit intohim ; Gates of Evil are many, butthe goal of Good is peace

Text and Notes, 15:26-50 ........................... 716-720

Allah's Grace and Mercy are always first,but His Justice and Wrath will seizethose who defy His Law

Text and Notes, 15:51-84 ........................... 720-726

Allah's most glorious gift is the Our-in:denounce sin, but be gentle andkind

Text and Notes, 15:85-99 ........................... 726-729

Surat 16: An-Na~/. ~, oJ.".....Introduction and Summary ........................... 730

Signs and favours innumerable guideman to Allah, but arrogance misleads

Text and Notes, 16:1-25 ........................... 731-738

The plots of the wicked end in shame;the Penalty comes in unexpectedways ; for nature proclaims Allah

Text and Notes, 16:26-50 ........................... 738-746

Allah is One : He provides man with allthe means for growth, social, moral,and spiritual

Text and Notes, 16:51-83 ........................... 746-758

Prophets will witness against men whoreject Truth : be faithful in intentand action

Text and Notes, 16:84-100 ........................... 758-763

- k -

Surat 16: An-Nahl (eonld.) PAGESGive up pride of wordly goods : Allah is

with those who live in selfrestrainta pure and righteous life

Text and Notes, 16:101-128 ........................... 763-771

Surat 17: Al-lsTaa. ~I.r"~1 oJ.,....Pan IS. Introduction and Summary ........................... 772-773

Men of Allah instruct men, but each soulhas personal responsibility; Allah'sgifts are for all, but not the samefor all

Text and Notes, 17:1-22 ........................... 774-782

Service of Allah is duty to man; life andtrusts are sacred; pry not into evil,but avoid it

Text and Notes, 17:23-40 ........................... 782-788

Creation declares Allah's Glory; Hisrevelation is Truth ; guard your wordsand avoid dissension

Text and Notes, 17:41-60 ........................... 788-795

Roots of Evil; man's preeminence giveshim higher responsibility ; Truthwill last, and Falsehood perish

Text and Notes, 17:61-84 ........................... 796-804

Spirit of Inspiration, highest gift ofAllah : Qur-an teaches Truth ; praisethe Beautiful Names of Allah

Text and Notes, 17:85-111 ........................... 804-814

SUrat 18: AI-Kahf. ~I oJ.,....Introduction and Summary ........................... 815

Revelation warns against evil, andguides to good everlasting ; Parableof Companions of the Cave, and itslessons

Text and Notes, 18:1-22 ........................... 816-825

- I -

How David and Solomon praised Allah;Solomon and the Ant ; Solomon and theQueen of Sheba

Text and Notes, 27:15-44 1093-1102

Revelation makes things clear, guides usin life, and gives us Glad Tidings ;how the Message came to Mosesthrough the Fire

Text and Notes, 27:1-14 1090-1093

1089

PAGES

1081-1086

1087-1088

11061106-1115

........................... IOn-l08t


The abominations of those who mockedthe message of Lot recoiled onthemselves, and so did the fraudand dishonesty of the mockers ofShu'aib


Revelation comes through the Spirit ofFaith and Truth, and is not like thevain words of false poets


The plot of the nine wicked men againstSiilih brought about their owndestruction, as did also the defiance ofpurity and cleanness by thepeople of Lo~

Text and Notes, 27:45-58 11031106


The gifts of nature and the solace ofmind and soul come from Allah ;trust in His Grace and Mercy ;Judgment will come

{ Text and Notes, 27:59Text and Notes, 27:60-93

(I (I. (I (I (I

SUrat 26: Ash-Shu'ariia-(Contd.).

Appendix 4: Thamlid Inscriptions at al-Ifijr

SUrat 28: AI-Q~~.

Surat 27: An-Naml.

Part 20.

- q

CONTENTS

SUrat 30: Ar-Rum-(Contd.).own good time will separate Goodfrom Evil


Allah's signs are many, but theyall point to His Unity, Goodness,Power and Mercy; Unity inReligion ; worship due to Himalone


Evil and Mischief may spread, but Allahwill restore the balance in theEnd ; He created Purity, Harmonyand Law ; evil is doomed to perish


Appendix 5: First contact of Islamwith World Movements

Appendix 6: Comparative Chronology of theEarly Years of Islam

Surat 31: Lukmiin ~\cAl oJ".....Introduction and Summary

Revelation is a Guide and a Mercy toMen and teaches them Wisdom ;We gave wisdom to Luqman ; Pathof the Golden Mean

Text and Notes, 31:1-19Nature declares Allah's Bounties; We

must know our place ; Allah is theonly Reality ; He knows allwhat is hidden


Surat 32: As-Sajda.Introduction and Summary

Time and Allah's Creation:Good and Evil are not equal inGoal ; Learn now, before the Dayof Decision comes


- s -

PAGES

........................... 1176-1181

........................... 1181-1190

........................... 1190-1197

...................... 1198-1206

........................... 1207-1208

1209

........................... 1210-1216

........................... 1216-1223

1224

........................... 1225-1234

iJ iJ iJ

Unfaith has no stable foundations ;True values will come in the end

Text and Notes, 34:31-54 1285-1294

1295

1271

1249-12501250-1261

PAGES

1235-1236

.............."........... 1237-1240

........................... 1240-1248

........................... 1261-1270

~ v V V V V v V ~ V V V V V v



Confederates against Islam do notsucceed ; misused heritage must beforfeited



All power, wisdom, beauty and truthflow from Allah ; it is evil that

Refined respect in society ; specially tothe Prophet and his family ; women toupold their honour and dignity ;man to be true to his noble Trustfrom Allah


Allah loves Truth ; Call things by rightnames ; shun superstition ; Prophetis more than father ; His Consortsare mothers


Allah's Mercy and Power endure for ever;Human glory, whether in David orSolomon or the City of Saba, onlyfleeting

Text and Notes, 34:1-30 1272-1285

Prophet's Consorts ; their dignity andduties ; Allah decrees no unhappywedlock

{ Text and Notes, 33:28-30Text and Notes, 33:31-52Pan 22.

Surat 33: AI-A~zab.

Surat 34: Saba.

Surat 35: Fatir.

- t

Surat 35: Farir-(Contd.).deceives and plots; seek Allah'slove and glorify Him


PAGES

1339

1316

1317-13221322-1325

",,( .. "" ."

........................... 1296-1306

........................... 1330-1338

........................... 1340-1352

........................... 1325-1330

........................... 1306-1315


When Judgment comes, the Joy andPeace for the Blessed will be crownedwith Nearness to Allah ; alas forthe evil, their own nature andactions will speak against them


Signs of Allah everywhere, to bearwitness to Him, on earth, in man, andin the heavens ; prepare for theHereafter



CONTENTS

We must work in disciplined ranks torepel evil, for Allah is One: wemust choose between Good andevil, with their consequences in theHereafter


There are grades in nature and in thenext world ; The Good willreach Bliss, while Evil will bedoomed


The Quranic Revelation is a guide tothe Straight Path ; story of theCity where the one righteous manfrom the outskirts bore witness toTruth

{ Text and Notes, 36:1-21Text and Notes, 36:22-32Pan 23.

Surat 36: YdSfn

Surat 37: A~-~dffdt

- u -

CONTENTS

1369

PAGES

1392

1401-14051405-1413

........................... 1362-1368

........................... 1352-1362

....................... 1370-1378

........................... 1378-1387

........................... 1387-1391

........................... 13931401

To Allah alone is devotion due ; varietyin creation points to unity in plan;all nature proclaims His Grace andLoving-Kindness


Allah teaches men by parables, but HisWord is straight and clear ; noother thing can be of any accountbefore His Law

{ Text and Notes, 39:22-31Text and Notes, 39:32-52

Gospel of Unity is the true cure forevil; no power has evil over Allah'sservants sincere and true




Self-glory and Separatism, Envy andSuspicion, lead to evil ; spiritualpower more potent than worldlypower ; David's case


Solomon and other men of power andvision never forgot Allah ; all shouldstrive to win the final Bliss


The Prophets of Allah were flouted andpersecuted, but Allah's Purposealways won, and they receive theblessings of posterity

Text and Notes, 37:75-138Ascribe not to Allah things derogatory to

Him ; the ranks of angels andrighteous men stand firm in Hisservice

Text and Notes, 37:139-182Siirat 38: ~dd. ~ oJ"....

Siirat 39: Az-Zumar.

Surat 37: ~.~dffdt-(Contd.).

Pan 24.

v

Surat 39: Az-Zumar-(Contd).No soul should despair because of its sin ;

Allah's Mercy unbounded ; repentbefore Judgment comes


1472

1452

1422

PAGES

1463-14681468-1471

v vv

........................... 1423-1429

........................... 1453-1463

........................... 1430-1440

........................... 1440-1451

........................... 1413-1421

Revelation makes things clear; Messageof hope and mercy ; warning againstsnares of evil ; all Creation and

History, and the powers within you,speak of Him



Allah's grace and help ever ready for Hisservants; dispute not Allah's Signs ;nothing avails if soul is dead


CONTENTS


Believe in Allah ; He forgives sin andaccepts repentance ; Day ofRequital ever drawing near


Evil comes to nothing but evil, and isbrought low ; testimony of humbleBeliever in Pharaoh's Court



Best of men is the man of Faith, whoselaw of life is the Will of Allah ; Allah'sMessage comes to guide and heal;dispute not, but turn to Truth, andlive

{ Text and Notes, 41:33-46Text and Notes, 41:47-54Pan 25:

Surat 41: Fussilol.

Surat 42: Ash-Shara.

Surat 40: Gapr.

- w

CONTENTS

Introduction and Summary 1495

PAGES

1518

1502-1510

v v V v v V V

........................... 1519-1524

........................... 1510-1517

........................... 1496-1502

........................... 1485-1494

........................... 1473-1484

v v v v v v

Revelation makes things clear ; mocknot Allah's Signs, nor attribute falsequalities or any partners to Him ;follow guidance rather than ancestralways


Revelation is a blessing, as it warnsagainst evil ; Pharaoh's men resistedin arrogance, but their powerand glory departed unwept



If Christians go to Jesus, he preachedthe One True God ; dispute not ;Truth has come and must prevail


Misfortunes due to our ill deeds ; Allahforgives ; live true and in mutualconsultation and forbearance ; relyon Allah ; His Word comes as aguide and mercy


If Arabs go to ancestors, let them followAbraham ; spiritual worth not ingold or silver ; if Israel goes toMoses, he was mocked by Pharaoh,but Pharaoh perished


Unity in Inspiration and in Creation ;no sects or contentions ; all willreturn to Allah


Surat 42: Ash-Shura-(Contd.)

Surat 44: Ad-Dukhiin.

Surat 43: Az-Zukhruf.

- x -

1558

PAGES

1530

1542

........................... 1531-1541

........................... 1572-1573

........................... 1559-1565

........................... 1524-1529

........................... 1543-1557

........................... 15651571

"A: 1\"

1\" "

CONTENTS

", 1\ "':K'"'i'" :'o>!.,'b~: ..t.1 Jt,; ,.p,.:"


Accept Signs of Allah, and followguidance ; forgive weaker brethern ;form no sects, nor follow vaindesire, glory of Allah




Victory and Help, conditions for andagainst; true fealty, patience. and

Creation is for just ends ; learn theTruth and serve Allah ; be kind toparents ; evil will be undone ;learn patient perseverance


Believe in Revelation and follow notvanities, which will be destroyed ;Allah will guide



If Israel fell in their trial, can Quraishescape their doom for sin? Worldcreated for just ends ; good andevil will be sorted out


In fighting for Truth there is no roomfor faint-heartedness or half-heartedness ; strive your utmostand give yourself generously


Surat 44: Ad-Dukhdn-(Contd).

Pan 26.

Surat 45: A/-Jiithiya.

Surat 47: Mu~ammad.

Surat 46: A/-A~qiif

Surat 48: A/-Fat-h

- y

1647

1672

1659

PAGES

1635

........................... 16731679

........................... 16231634

........................... 1648-1658





CONTENTS

Day of Judgment will sort out meninto three classes


The Hour of Judgment is nigh ; is thereany that will receive admonition ?


Give your all to Allah ; He is the goal ;serve Him

Text and Notes, 53:33-62 1642-1646

All acts, good or ill, have inevitableconsequences ; Judgment mustcome ; praise and serve Allah


In true Revelation, no error or deception;true Reality from Allah, Whois all-in-all

Text and Notes, 53:1-32 1636-1641

Allah's Revelation and His favours; whichof them will ye deny? All willpass away, but Allah will endure

Text and Notes, 55:1-34 1660-1665

Evil will not escape justice, nor Goodits reward ; which favours of Allahwill ye deny?

Text and Notes, 55:35-76 1665-1671

.'v v

Siirat 52: At-rur-(Contd.)

Surat 53: An-Najm.

Surat 56: AI-Waqi'a.

Surat 55: Ar-Rahman

Surat 54: AI-Qamar.

za

1727

1686

1702

1736

1714

PAGES

v v"i; -. v" .v" V

........................... 1728-1735

........................... 1715-1726

........................... 16871701

........................... 1679-1685

u...aJ1


Show, by your conduct, unity,discipline, and earnest effort ; help





Follow Allah's Light in humble dedicationand sincerity ; seek Him andtrust Him ; not isolated renunciation,but service


Treachery foiled ; just distributionamong brethren; Glory to Allah,Lord of the most Beautiful Names


Social relations with Unbelievers ;marriages with them


Condemnation of Zihiir and all pretencesand superstitions derogatory towomen ; also of secret counselsand intrigues

Text and Notes, 58:1-22 1703-1713

v V V

Surat 58: AI-Mujddila.

Surat 59: AI-Hashr.

Pan 28

Surat 61: A~.$aff.

Surat 56: AI.Wdq;'a-(Contd.)Everything points to AUah ; accept His

Message, and glorify HimText and Notes, 56:57-96

Surat 60: AI.Mumta~ana.

Surat 57: AIHadid.

- zb-

1755

1763

1771

1749

1743

PAGES

1737-1742

........................... 1772-1779

........................... 1764-1770

........................... 1756-1762

........................... 1744-1748

........................... 1750-1754

Mutual Gain and Loss here and in theHereafter


Divorce not to be abused ; all intereststo be protected


Caution against the wiles of HypocritesBelievers to serve Allah and practisegood deeds of charity





Sex relations should be confidential andharmonious ; tum not away ; seekvirtue for self and family

Text and Notes. 66:1-12



Allah's Revelation is not exclusive butfor all ; Day of Assembly (Friday)


Surat 61: A$$aff-(Contd.}.Allah's Cause


Surat 63: Al-Muniifiqun.

Surat 65: A!-Taliiq.

Surat 62: Allumu'a.

Surat 64: At-Tas.iibun.

Surat 66: AI-Ta~rjm.

- zc-

PAGES

1780

1791

1813

1803

1822

1792-1798

1823-1828

........................... 1781-1790

......................... 1798-1802

........................... 1804-1812

........................... 1814-1821




The true standard is with Allah ; repentand seek His Grace



The Pen betokens the Record, theDecree, the Judgment; man is triedagainst selfishness and overweeningconfidence


Noah's agony, and his PrayerText and Notes, 71:1-28

Blessed and Most Gracious is Allah,Whose goodness and glory shineeverywhere ; His is the trueReality ; His promise of the Here-after is true



Allah is Lord of the ways of Ascent ;mystery of Time ; new World afterJudgment ; who will be thehonoured ones in the Garden ofBliss?


Seek absolute Reality ; be not lured byfalse appearances


it it it v it it it :r-it it it

Surat 71: Nah.

Surat 70: A l-Ma'drij.

Surat 69: Al-J:ldqqa.

Pan 29.

Surat 67: Al-Mulk.

Surat 68: Al-Qalam.

- zd-

1845

1855

1862

1838

1829

PAGES

........................... 18631869

........................... 1839-1844

........................... 1830-1837

........................... 1856-1861

........................... 1846-1854



Day of Account ; keep it ever in view;contrast between the Blessed onesand the Sinners



Hidden spiritual forces recognise the"wonderful Recital" ; Allah's

message points to the HereafterText and Notes, 72:128

Prayer and humility ; patience underpersecution





What is man's origin, and his destiny?Will he choose Chains and Yokesand Fire, or the flowing Cup ofBliss ? Revelation as an admonition


CONTENTS

The Seer, by devotion and contemplation,prepares himself to proclaim themessage ; sins of unregenerateman, and his End


v v v y v v v v v 'iI v " v v v Y V V vO:S v v

Surat 77: AI-Mursaldt.

Surat 72: AI-linn.

Surat 74: AI-MuddQ~tflir.

Surat 73: Al-Muzmmmil.

Surat 76: AI/nsiin.

Surat 75: AI-Qiytimot.

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Ii Ii ~II

CONTENTS

Surat 82: AI-lnfi{iir. JUaA;'11 oJ"'"Introduction and Summary

The HereafterText and Notes, 82:1-19

Surat 83: AI-Mu!affifeen ~I 0).,...Introduction and Summary

All kinds of fraud condemnedText and Notes, 83:1-36

Surat 84: AI-lnshiqtlq. J~'11 oJ.,...Introduction and Summary

The gloom and toil of this life ; contrastwith Hereafter


Surat 85: AI-BurUj. CS'~I 0).,...Introduction and Summary

Persecution of AUah's votariesText and Notes, 85:1-22

Surat 86: A{-'[tlriq. J;lkJl 0).,...Introduction and Summary

Out of darkness shines the Light ; so doesRevelation light the soul


Surat 87: AI-A'Iii J&-\l1 0).,...Introduction and Summary

Allah leads on man by stages to thehighest


Surat 88: AI-Gdshiya. ~WI 0).,...Introduction and Summary

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II.' /I D~

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r ~II~ 0J,,-

illl 0J,,-Introduction and Summary

CONTENTS


Men strive for diverse ends; take Allah'sguidance and seek His Face


Hope shines like the Dawn throughDarkness ; follow the Light Divine



An oath by the Prophet's City ;struggle up the Steep Path


No trouble but is linked with easeand joy





Learn from Allah's Signs Allah's Law;the choice is with you


This life's contrasts should not blind usto the Realities of the Hereafter;realise the Sure Event


.. "

Surat 93: Ad-Dhu~d.

Surat 94: A/-shar~.

Surat 90: A/-Ha/ad.

Surat 91: Ash-Shams.

Surat 92: Ai-Lui!.

Surat 89: A/-Fajr.

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As with a tremendous Earthquake,this world will be dissolved



Man created in best of moulds, butliable to fall unless he believes andleads a good life



Spiritual power is irresistible, but manis ungrateful





Clear Evidence ; Straight ReligionText and Notes, 98:1-8



Allah teaches man new knowledge; HisMessage to be proclaimed

Text and Notes, 96:119

Night of Allah's RevelationText and Notes, 97:1-5

Surat 99: AI- Zalzalall.

Surat 98: AIBaiyina.

Surat 96: AI i\laq.

Surat 95: At-Tin

Surat 97: AI-Qadr.

Surat 100: AI-'Adiydt

Surat 101: AI-Qiiri'a.

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CONTENTS

V""l:JI 0)""'"

" "/I

With Allah seek refuge from all inner illText and Notes. 114:1-6

With Allah seek refuge from all outer illText and Notes, 113:1-5

Index.

SUrat 113: AI-Falaq-(Contd.)

Siiral 114: An-Ntis.

- zI -

Ii Ii v Ii v Ii~ Ii v Ii V ~

-1-

Intro. to S.I

INTRODUCTION TO SURAT AI-Filti~a, I

15. Each chapter or portion of the Qur-an is caned a Sura, which means a Degreeor Step, by which we mount up. Sometimes whole Suras were revealed, and sometimesportions, which were arranged under the Prophet's directions. Some Suras are long, andsome are short, but a logical thread runs through them 1111. Each verse of the Silra iscalled an Ayal (plural, Ay,it), which means also II sign. A verse of rcvelation is II Signof Allah's wisdom and goodness just as much as Allah's beautiful handiwork in thematcrial creation or His dealings in history are signs 10 us, if we would understand. SomeAytils are long, and some

Surat AI-Fati~a 1. Ayat 1-4 Juz'

Opening Chapter. III

1. /" the "ame of Allah, Most Gracious,Most Merciful. 19

2. Praise be to AllahThe Chcrishcr and Sustaincr20 of

the Worlds:

3. Most Gracious. Most Merciful;

Master of the Day of Judgment.1t ~ 9\~r:'Ji~ - -(i)~~\!;-#

Ill. By universal consent it is rightly placed at the beginning of the Our-an. assumming up. in marvellously terse and comprehensive words, man's relation to Allah incontemplation and prayer. In our spiritual contemplation the first words should be thoseof praise. If the praise is from our inmost being. it brings us closer to Allah. Then oureyes see all good. peace, and harmony. Evil. rebellion. and conflict are purged oul. Theydo not exist for us. for our eyes are lifted up above them in praise. Then we see Allah'sattributes beller (verses 2-4). This leads us to the altitude of worship and acknowledgment(verse 5). And finally comes prayer for guidance, :md a contemplation of what guidancemeans (verses 6-7).

Allah needs no praise. for He is above all praise; He needs no petition, for He knowsour needs belter than we do ourselves; and His bounties are open without asking, to therighteous and the sinner alike. The prayer is l'rimari/}' for our own spiritual education,consolation, and confirmation.

That is why the words in this Sum are given to us in the form in which we shouldulter them.

19. The Arabic words "Ra!Jmiin" and "Ra~lim" translated "Most Gracious" and"Most Merciful" are both intensive forms referring to different aspects of Allah's attributeof Mercy. The Arabic intensive is more suited to express Allah's attributes than thesuperlative degree in English. The laller implies a comparison with other beings, or withother times or places, while there is no being like unto Allah. Mercy may imply pity,long-suffering, patience. and forgiveness. all of which the sinner needs and Allah MostMerciful bestows in abundant measure. But there is a Mercy that goes before even theneed arises, the Grace which is ever watchful. and flows from Allah Most Gracious toall His creatures, protecting them. preserving them. guiding them. and leading them toclear light and higher life.

Opinion is divided whether the BismiIliilJ should be numbered as a separate verseor not. It is unanimously agreed that it is a part of the Qur-an in Sura An-Naml.Therefore it is better to give it an independent number in the first SOra. For subsequentSOras it is treated as an introduction or head-line. and therefore not numbered.

20. The Arabic word Rabb. usually translated Lord. has also the meaning ofcherishing. sustaining, bringing to maturity. Allah cares for all the worlds He has created.

3

21. On realizing in our souls Allah's love and care. His grace and mercy, and Hispower and justice (as Ruler of the Day of Judgment). the immediate result is that webend in the act of worship, and see both our shortcomings and His all-sufficient power.The emphatic form means that not only do we reach the position of worshipping Allahand asking for His help, but wc worship Him alone and ask for His aid only. For thereis none other than Ilc worthy of our devotion and able to hclp us. Thc plural "wc"indicates that we associate ourselvcs with all who seek Allah, thus strengthening ourselves.md strengthening them in a fcllowship of faith.

22. If we transl.lIc by the English word "guidc", we shall have to say: Guide us to.md in the straight Way". For we may be wandering aimlessly. and the first step is tofind the way; and the sccond nccd is to kcep in the Way: our own wisdom may fail ineither case. The straight Way is often the narrow Way, or the SICCp Way, which manypeople shun (xc. I I). By the world's perversity the straight Way is sometimes stigmatizedand the crooked Way praised. How are we to judge'! We must ask for Allah's guidancc.With a Iittlc spiritual insight wc shall sec which are the people who walk in the lightof Allah's grace, and which are those that walk in the darkness of Wrath. This also wouldhclp our judgment.

23. Note that thc words relating to Grace are connected actively wilh Allah: thoserelating to Wrath arc impersonal. In the one case Allah's Mercy encompasses us beyondour deserts. In the other case our own actions are responsible for the Wrath,-the negativeof Grace, Peace, or Harmony.

24. Are there two categories?-Those who are in the darkness of Wrath and thosewho stray? The first arc those who deliberately break Allah's law; the second those whostray out of carelessness or negligence. Both are responsible for their own acts oromissions. In opposition to both arc the people who are in the light of Allah's Grace:for His Grace not only protects them from active wrong (if they will only submit theirwill to Him) but also from straying into paths of temptation or carelessness. The negativegoir should be construed as applying not to the way, but as describing men protected fromtwo dangers by Allah's Grace.

l~~~~;~ '~~ 2i~~d)~:~ "~J\.1~\G~\

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ii ii ir' it

5, Thee do we worship,2JAnd Thine aid we seek.

6. Show!l us the straight way,

7. The way of those on whomThou has bestowed Thy Grace,Those whose (portion)Is not wrath.!'And who go not astray.!'

S.1,A.5-7I)

- 4 -

Intro. to S. 21) 1) 1) 1) tJ.. 1) t> '! t> '! '! 11 '! t> t, t> t> ,I) Ii- t, 11 Ii- t, t,

:

This is in the main an early Madinah Sura.

v v v

Responsibility, lind Prayer (ii. 284-286).This is the longest Siira of the Qur-an. and in it occurs the longest verse

(ii. 282). The name of the Sura is from the Parable of the Heifer in ii. 67-71.which illustrates the insufficiency of carping obedience. When faith is lost.people put off obedience with various excuses: even when at last they obey inthe letter. they fail in the spirit. which means that they get fossilized. and theirself-sufficiency prevents them from seeing that spiritually they arc not alive butdead. For life is movement. activity. striving, fighting. against baser things. Andthis is the burden of the Sura.

Intro. to S. 2" " "-t" " "'/",,

6-

AIBaqarah. or the Heifer.

In the name of AI/air, Most gracious,Most Merciful.

Much has been written about the meaning of these letters. but most of it is pureconjecture.

25. These lire abbrevialed letters. the MlIqa!!a'ut, on which a general discussion willbe found in Appendix 1 (to be printed at the end of this Siira).

The particular letters. A.L.M., arc found prefixed to this Siira, and Siiras iii, xxix.xxx. xxxi and xxxii (six in all).

Juz' I J/~I"..hlA ~ ~ A A ~ ~ ~

" "

2. This is the Book;In it is guidance sure, without

doubt,To those who fear2b Allah;

3, Who believe in the Unseen,Are steadfast in prayer,And spend out of what weHave provided for them;27

... And who believe in the RevelationSent to thee.And sent before thy time.And (in their hearts)Have the assurance of the

Hereafter. 28

1. A. L. M.25

26. Taqwu. and the verbs and nouns connected with the root, signify: (1) the fearof Allah. which, according to the writer of Proverbs (i. 7) in the Old Testament. is thebeginning of Wisdom; (2) restraint, or guarding one's tongue, hand, and heart from evil;(3) hence righteousness, piety, good conduct. All these ideas are implied: in thetranslation. only one or other of these ideas can be indicated. according to the context.See also xlvii. 17; and Ixxiv. 56. n. 5808.

27, All bounties proceed from Allah. They may be physical gifts. e.g. food. clothing.houscs, gardens. wealth. etc. or intangible gifts. e.g. influence, power, birth and theopportunities flowing from it, health. talents. etc. or spiritual gifts, e.g., insight into goodand evil, understanding of men. the capacity for love. etc. We are to usc all in humilityand moderation. But we are also to give out of every one of them something thatcontributes to the wellbeing of others. We are to be neither ascetics nor luxurioussybarites, neither selfish misers nor thoughtless prodigals.

28. Righteousness comes from a secure faith. from sincere devotion to Allah. andfrom unselfish service to Man.

Surat AI-Baqarah 2 Ayat 1-"~ ~ ~ A ~ ~ ~ A ~

''l :1/1'; :1/

- 7 -

S.2 A.S-S."

5. They are on (truc guidance).From their Lord. and it isThese who will prosper.29

6. As to those who reject Faith:1I1It is the same to themWhether thou warn themOr do not warn them;They will not believe.

J. 1 T 0.;A:J1 oJ,.,....~ A ~ /)

7. Allah hath set a seal31On their hearts and on their

he'lring.And on their eyes is a veil;Great is the chastisementThey (incur).32

SECfION 2.

S. Of the people there .lrC somewho say:33

"Wc believe in Allah and the Lastday:"

But they do not (really) believe.

29. Prosperity must be taken liS referring to all the kinds of bounty which wediscussed in the note to ii. 3 above. The right use of one kind leads to lin increase inthat and other kinds, and that is prosperity.

30. Kofara, kllfr, kiifir, and derivative forms of the word. imply a deliberate rejectionof Faith as opposed to a mistaken idea of Allah or faith, which is not inconsistent withan earnest desire to see the truth. Where there is such desire, the grace and mercy ofAllah gives guidance. But that guidance is not efficacious when it is deliberately rejected.The consequence of the rejection is that the spiritual faculties become dead or imperviousto beller influences. See also n. 93 to ii. 88.

31. All actions arc referred to Allah. Therefore when we get the penalty of ourdeliberate sin, and our senses become impervious to good, the penalty is referred to thejustice of Allah.

32. The penally here is the opposite of the prosperity referred to in ii. 5. As we go downthe path of sin, our penally gathers momentum, just as goodness brings its own capacityfor greater goodness.

33. We now come to a third class of people. the hypocrites. They are untrue tothemselves. and therefore their hearts are diseased (ij, 10). The disease tends to spread.like all evil. They are curable but if they harden their hearts. they soon pass into thecategory of those who deliberately reject light.

- 8

14. When they meet those who bclieve.37

J. I JJ\'1 ~-*I~~~ ~ f!.

"' "

9. Fain would they deceiveAllah and those who believe,But they only deceive themselves,And realize (it) not!

13. When it is said to them:"Believe as the others believe:"They say: "Shall we believeAs the fools believe?"-Nay. of a surety they are the fools,But they do not know. 36

12. Of a surety, they are the onesWho make mischief,But they realize (it) not.35

11. When it is said to them:"Make not mischief on the earth."They say: "We are only onesThat put things right."

10. In their hearts is a disease;And Allah has increased their

disease: 34And grievous is the chastisementThey (incur),Because they lied (to themselves).

9- Yo 11"J,;,t J';' V v' :Iv v v v v v v v-.. V V V

-9 -

S.2 A.9-14

34. The insincere man who thinks he can get the best of both worlds bycompromising with good and evil only increases the disease of his heart, because he isnot true to himself. Even the good which comes to him he can pervert to evil. So therain which fills out the ear of com or lends fragrance to the rose also lends strength tothe thorn or adds strength to the poison of the deadly night-shade.

35. Much mischief is caused (sometimes unwillingly) by people who think that theyhave a mission of peace, when they have not even a true perception of right and wrong.By their blind arrogance they depress the good and encourage the evil.

36. This is another phase of the hypocrite and the cynic. "Faith," he says, "is goodenough to fools." But his cynicism may be the greatest folly in the eyes of Allah.

37. A deeper phase of insincerity is actual duplicity. But it never pays in the end.~. If we compare such a man to a trader. he loses in the bargain ..

18. Deaf, dumb, and blind,They will not return (to the path).

16. These are they who have barteredGuidance for error:But their traffic is profitless,And they have lost true direction.

J. I JJ'~1 ~):-'

They say: "We belicve;"But when thcy arc aloneWith their cvil ones,They say: "Wc are rcally with youWe (were) only jcsting."

38. The man wanted light: he only kindled a fire. It produced a blaze, and won theapplause of all around. But it did not last long. When the flame went out as wasinevitable. the darkness was worse than berore. And they all lost their way. So hypocrisy,deception. arrogant compromise with evil, cynicism, or duplicity may win temporaryapplause. But the true light of faith and sincerity is wanting, and therefore it must misleadand ruin all concerned. In the consternation they cannot speak or hear each other. andof course they cannot see; so they end like the deliberate rejecters of Faith (ii. 7), wildlygroping about, dumb. deaf and blind.

39. A wonderfully graphic and powerful simile applying to those who reject Faith.In their self-sufficiency they are undisturbed normally. But what happens when a greatstorm breaks over them? They cover their ears against thunder-claps, and the lightning =

19. Or (another similitude)39Is that of a rain-Iadcn cloud

17. Their similitude is that of a man38

Who kindled a fire;When it lighted all around him,Allah took away their lightAnd left thcm in uttcr darkncss.So they could not sec.

IS. Allah will throw backTheir mockery on thcm,And give them rope inTheir trcspasses;So they will wander like blind oncs(To and fro).

S.2 A.14-19~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. ~ ~

10 -

S.2 A.19-21 J. I JJ':ll ~):-I

21. 0 ye people!Worship your Guardian Lord,Who created youAnd those who came before youThat ye may become righteous.olO

Z'vvvvvvv

40. For Taqwa see ii. 2 n. 26. I connect this dependent clause with "worship" above,though it could be connected with created." According to my construction the argumentwill be as follows. Adoration is the act of the highest and humblest reverence andworship. When you get into that relationship with Allah. Who is your Creator andGuardian. your faith produces works of righteousness. 11 is a chance given you: will youtake it? If you do, your whole nature will be transformed.

SECfION 3.

20. The lightning all but snatches awayTheir sight: every time the light(Helps) them, they walk therein,And when the darkness grows on

them.They stand still,And if Allah willed, He could take

awayTheir faculty of hearing and seeing;For Allah hath power over all things.

But Allah is ever roundThe rejecters of Faith!

From the sky: in it are zonesOf darkness, and thunder and

Lightning:They press their fingers in their earsTo keep out the stunning

thunder-clap,The while they are in terror of

death.

= nearly blinds them. They are in mortal fear. but Allah encompasses them around~venthem. for He at all times encompasses all. He gives them rope. In the intervals ofdeafening noise and blinding flashes, there are moments of steady light, and thesecreatures take advantage of them, but again they are plunged into darkness. Perhaps theycurse; perhaps they think that the few moments of effective light are due to their ownintelligence! How much wiser would they be if they humbled themselves and sought thelight of Allah !

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Who has made the earth your couch,And the heavens your canopy;And sent down rain from the

heavens;And brought forth therewithFruits for your sustenance;Then set not up rivals4t unto AllahWhen ye know (the truth).And if ye are in doubtAs to what We have revealedFrom time to time to Our servantThen produce a SuraLike thereunto;And call your witnesses or helpers(If there are any) besides Allah,If ye are truthful42

But if ye cannot-And of a surety ye cannol-Then fear the FireWhose fuel is Men and Stones,-Which is prepared for thoseWho reject Faith.43

But give glad tidingsTo those who believeAnd work righteousness,That their portion is Gardens,

41. Further proofs of Allah's goodness to you are given in this verse. Your wholelife. physical and spiritual. depends upon Him. The spiritual is figured by the Canopyof Heaven. The truth has been brought plainly before you. Will you still resist it andgo after false gods, the creation of your own fancy? Thc false gods may be idols,superstitions, sclf, or cven great or glorious things like Poetry, Art, or Science, when setup as rivals to Allah. They may be pride of race, pride of birth, pride of wealth orposition, pride of power, pride of learning, or even spiritual pride.

42. How do we know that there is revelation, and that it is from Allah? Here isa concrete test. The Teacher of Allah's Truth has placed before you many Suras. Canyou produce one like it? If there is anyone besides Allah, who can inspire spiritual truthin such noble language, produce your evidence. Or is it that your doubts are merelyargumentative, refractory, against your own inner light, or conscience? All true revelationis itself a miracle, and stands on its own merits.

43. According to commentators the "Stones" mentioned in this verse refer to theidols which the polytheists worshipped. Thus, far from coming to the aid of theirworshippers, the false gods would be a means of aggravating their torment.

- 12

5.2 A.25-26'},I>; ,'}~l\.; .. ~"'~~ ,~".

How can ye reject46The faith in Allah?-Seeing that ye were without life,And He gave you life;Then will He cause you to die,And will again bring you to life;And again to Him will ye return.

It is He Who hath created for youAll things that are on earth;Then He turned to the heaven

Anything above it.Those who believe knowThat it is the truth from their Lord;But those who reject Faith say:"What Means Allah by this

similitude?"By it He causes many to stray,And many He leads into the right

path;But He causes not to stray,Except those who forsake

(the path),-27. Those who break Allah's Covenant

After it is ratified,And who sunder what AllahHas ordered to be joined,And do mischief on earth:These cause loss (only) to

themselves.

J.l Jll1 _):-1I)

46. In the preceding verses Allah has used various arguments. He has recalled Hisgoodness (ii. 21-22): resolved doubts (ii. 23); plainly set forth the penalty of wrong-doing(ii. 24); given glad tidings (ii. 25): shown how misunderstandings arise from a deliberaterejection of the light and breach of the Covenant (ii. 26-27). Now (ii. 28-29) He pleadswith His creatures and appeals to their own subjective feelings. He brought you intobeing. The mysteries of life and death are in His hands. When you die on this earth.that is not the end. You were of Him and you must return to Him. Look around youand realize your own dignity: it is from Him. The immeasurable depths of space aboveand around you may stagger you. They are part of His plan. What you have imaginedas the seven firmaments (and any other scheme you may construct) bears witness to Hisdesign of order and perfection for His knowledge (unlike yours) is all-comprehending.And yet will you deliberately reject or obscure or deaden the faculty of Faith which hasbeen put into you?

S.2 A.26-29

- 14

48. "The names of things:" according to commentators means the inner nature andqualities of things, and things here would include feelings. The particular qualities or feelingswhich were outside the nature of angels were put by Allah into the nature of man. Manwas thus able to love and understand love. and thus plan and initiate, as becomes the =

47. It would seem that the angels, though holy and pure. and endued with powerfrom Allah, yet represented only one side of Creation. We may imagine them withoutpassion or emotion, of which the highest flower is love. If man was to be endued withemotions, those emotions eould lead him to the highest and drag him to the lowest. Thepower of will or ehoosing would have to go with them, in order that man might steerhis own bark. This power of will (when used aright) gave him to some extent a mastel)'over his own fortunes and over nature, thus bringing him nearer 10 the God-like nature.which has supreme mastery and will. We may suppose the angels had no independentwills of their own: their perfection in other ways reflected Allah's perfcction but couldnot raise them to the dignity of vicegerency. The perfect vicegerent is hc who has thepower of initiative himself, but whose independent action always reflects perfectly the willof his Principal. The distinction is expressed by Shakespeare (Sonnet 94) in those finelines: "They are the lords and owners of their faces. Others but stewards of theirexcellence." The angels in their onesidedness saw only the mischief consequent on themisuse of the emotional nature by man; perhaps they also, being without emotions, didnot understand the whole of Allah's nature, which gives and asks for love. In humilityand true devotion to Allah, they remonstmte: we must not imagine the least tinge ofjealousy, as they are without emotion. This mystery of love being above them, they aretold that they do not know, and they acknowledge (in ii. 32 below) not their fault (forthere is no question of fault) but their imperfection of knowledge. At the same time, thematter is brought home to them when the actual capacities of man arc shown to them(ii. 31.33).

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v v

And made them into sevenfirmaments.

And of all thingsHe hath perfect knowledgc.

SECfION 4.

30. Behold, thy Lord said to theangels; "I will create

A vicegerent on earth." They said:"Wilt Thou place therein one who

will makeMischief therein and shed blood?-Whilst we do celebrate Thy praisesAnd glorify Thy holy {name)'!"He said: "I know what ye know

not,,47

31. And He taught Adam the names48Of all things; then He placed them

S.2 A.29-31

- 15 -

= office of vicegerent. The angels acknowledged this. These things they could only knowfrom the outside. but they had faith. or belief in the Unseen. And they knew that Allahsawall-what others sec. what others do not see. what others may even wish to conceal.Man has many qualities which arc latent or which he may wish to suppress or conceal,to his own detriment.

49. The Arabic may also be translated: "They bowed down. except Iblis." In thatcase Iblis (Satan) would be one of the angels. But the theory of fallen angels is notaccepted in Muslim theology. In xviii, 50. Iblis is spoken of as a Jinn. We shall discusslater the meaning of this word.

50. Was the Garden of Eden a place on this earth? Obviously not. For. in verse 36below, it was after the Fall that the sentence was pronounced: "On earth will be yourdwelling-place." Before the Fall, we must suppose Man to be on another planealtogether-of felicity, innocence, trust, a spiritual existence. with the negation of enmity,want of faith. and all evil.

S.2 A.31-35 J. 1 JJ\'1 -):.1""...r.'" I)" f!."'.'.~~ I),A ~~."J....~~I\ ~ f!.

~

Before the angels, and said: "TellMe

The names of these if ye are right."

32. They said: "Glory to Thee: ofknowledge

We have none, save what ThouHast taught us: in truth it is ThouWho art perfect in knowledge and

wisdom."

33. He said: "0 Adam! tell themTheir names." When he had told

them their names,Allah said: "Did I not tell youThat I know the secrets of heavenAnd earth, and I know what ye

reveal.And what ye conceal?"

34. And behold, We said to the angels:"Bow down to Adam:" and they

bowed down:Not so Iblis:49 he refused and was

haughty:He was of those who reject Faith.

35. And We said: "0 Adam! dwellthou

And thy wife in the Garden;5o

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- 16-

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51. "ZlIlm" in Arabic implies harm, wrong. injustice. or transgression. and may havereference 10 oneself; when the wrong is done 10 others il implies tyranny and oppression;the idea of wrong naturally connects itself with darkness, which is another shade ofmeaning carried with the rool word.

52. The word Iblis in the verse 34 above is derived from the root idea ofdesperateness or rebellion whereas "Salan" conveys the idea of perversity or enmity. Notethe appropriateness of the term on ellch occasion. Also, "slipping" from the Gardendenotes the idea of evil grlldually lempting man from a higher to a lower state.

53. Note the transition in Arabic from the singular number in ii. 33. 10 the dual inii. 35, and the plural here. which I have indicated in English by "All ye people,"Evidently Adam is the type of all mankind. and the sexes go together in all spiritua\matters. Moreover, the expulsion applied to Adam, Eve, and Satan, and the Arabic pluralis appropriate for any number greater than IWO.

54. Man's sojourn in this lower state, where he is partly an animal of this earth, isfor a time. But he must fulfil his lower duties also, for they too are a part of his spiritualtraining.

55. As "names" in verse 31 above is used for the "nature of things", so "words"here mean "inspiration." The Arabic word used for "learn" here implies some effort onhis part, to which Allah's Grace responded.

And eat of the bountiful thingstherein

As (where and when) ye will; butapproach not this tree,

Or ye run into harm andtransgression. ,,51

36. Then did SatanS2 make them slipFrom the (Garden), and get them

outOf the state (of felicity) in whichThey had been. And We said:"Get ye down, all (ye peopleS),With enmity between yourselves.On earth will be your dwelling

placeAnd your means of IivelihoodS4-For a time:'

37. Then learnt Adam from his LordCertain wordsss and his LordTurned towards him; for HeIs Oft-Returning. Most Merciful.

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SECfION 5.

"But those who reject FaithAnd belie Our Signs,They shall be Companions of the

Fire;They shall abide therein. ,,57

ye down all fromhere;

And if, as is sure, there comes to youGuidance from Me,56 whosoeverFollows My guidance, on themShall be no fear, nor shall they

grieve.

Upon you, and fulfil yourCovenant5K

o Children of Israel! call to mindThe (special) favour which I

bestowed

The Arabic word for "Repentance" (Iauba) means "turning," and the intensive word(tauwiib) for Allah's forgiveness ("Oft-Returning" or "Ever.Returning'") is from the sameroot. For repentance, three things are necessary: the sinner must acknowledge his wrong;he must give it up; and he must resolve to eschew it for the future. Man's nature is weak,and he may have to return again and again for mercy. So long as he does it sincerely.Allah is Oft-Returning. Most Merciful. For His grace helps out the sinner's shortcomings.

56. Note the transition from the plural "We" at the beginning of the verse to thesingular "Me" later in the same verse. Allah speaks of Himself usually in the first personplural "We": it is the plural of respect and honour and is used in human language inRoyal proclamations and decrees. But where a special personal relationship is expressedthe singular, "I" or "Me" is used Cf. xxvi 51. etc.

In spite of Man's fall, and in consequence of it, assurance of guidance is given. Incase man follows the guidance he is free from any fear for the present or the future,and any grief or sorrow for the past. The soul thus freed grows nearer to Allah.

57. As their rejection of faith was deliberate and definite, so the consequences mustbe a punishment of an abiding character.

58. The appeal is made to Israel subjectively in terms of their own tradition. Youclaim to be a favoured nation: have you forgotten My favo

the holy quran: english translation of the meaning and commentary

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