Changing-Concealing God's Message

kha_siru_n(a).

7. [al-Araf, Mecca 39]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَإِذْ قِيلَ لَهُمُ اسْكُنُواْ هَـذِهِ الْقَرْيَةَ وَكُلُواْ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ ...

7: 161. And remember it was said to them:

"Dwell in this town and eat therein as ye wish,

C1135. As in 7:19, we may construe "eat" here to mean not only eating literally, but enjoying the good things of life.

...وَقُولُواْ حِطَّةٌ وَادْخُلُواْ الْبَابَ سُجَّدًا نَّغْفِرْ لَكُمْ خَطِيئَاتِكُمْ... ...

but say the word of humility and enter the gate in a posture of humility; We shall forgive you your faults;

...سَنَزِيدُ الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٦١﴾

We shall increase (the portion of) those who do good."

فَبَدَّلَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنْهُمْ قَوْلاً غَيْرَ الَّذِي قِيلَ لَهُمْ...

7: 162. But the transgressors among them changed the word from that which had been given them;

...فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِجْزًا مِّنَ السَّمَاء بِمَا كَانُواْ يَظْلِمُونَ ﴿١٦٢﴾

so We sent on them a plague from heaven, for that they repeatedly transgressed.

C1136. Cf. 2:58-59, and n. 72.

The story is here told by way of parable for the times of Islam. Hence we have a few verbal changes: e.g., "dwell in this town" instead of "enter this town." etc.

فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ وَرِثُواْ الْكِتَابَ يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـذَا الأدْنَى...

7: 169. After them succeeded an (evil) generation:

they inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world,

C1142. Merely inheriting a Book, or doing lip service to it, does not make a nation righteous. If they succumb to the temptations of the world, their hypocrisy becomes all the more glaring. "High finance" is one of these temptations.

Cf. also 2:80: "the Fire shall not touch us except for a few numbered days":

and 2:88, about their blasphemous self-sufficiency.

...وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا...

saying (for excuse):

"(everything) will be forgiven us."

...وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مُّثْلُهُ يَأْخُذُوهُ...

(Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them.

...أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَاقُ الْكِتَابِ أَن لاَّ يِقُولُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِلاَّ الْحَقَّ ...

Was not the Covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth?

C1143. Cf. Exod. 19:5-8; 24:3; 34:27; and many other passages.

... وَدَرَسُواْ مَا فِيهِ...

And they study what is in the Book.

...وَالدَّارُ الآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلاَ تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿١٦٩﴾

But best for the righteous is the home in the hereafter:

will ye not understand?

وَالَّذِينَ يُمَسَّكُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ وَأَقَامُواْ الصَّلاَةَ إِنَّا لاَ نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُصْلِحِينَ ﴿١٧٠﴾

7: 170. As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer; never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.

Others version:

7: 161

Asad …………….enter the gate humbly -……….

Pickthall And when it was said unto them: Dwell in this township and eat therefrom whence ye will, and say "Repentance," and enter the gate prostrate; We shall forgive you your sins; We shall increase (reward) for the right-doers.

Transliteration Wa iz qila lahumuskunu_ ha_zihil qaryata wa kulu_ minha_ haisu syi'tum wa qu_lu_ hittatuw wadkhulul ba_ba sujjadan nagfir lakum khati'a_tikum, sanazidul muhsinin(a).

7: 162

Pickthall But those of them who did wrong changed the word which had been told them for another saying, and We sent down upon them wrath from heaven for their wrongdoing.

Transliteration Fa baddalal lazina zalamu_ minhum qaulan gairal lazi qila lahum fa arsalna_ 'alaihim rijzam minas sama_'i bima_ ka_nu_ yazlimu_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note 128 – For an explanation of this and the preceding verse, see 2:58-59, and the corresponding notes.]]

[[ Ali’s notes - 1135 As in vii. 19, we may construe "eat" here to mean not only eating literally, but enjoying the good things of life. (7.161)

1136 Cf. ii, 58-59, and n. 72. The story is here told by way of parable for the times of Islam. Hence we have a few verbal changes: e.g., "dwell in this town" instead of "enter this town." etc. (7.162) ]]

7: 169

Pickthall And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the Scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense?

Transliteration Fa khalafa mim ba'dihim khalfuw warisul kita_ba ya'khuzu_na 'arada ha_zal adna_ wa yaqu_lu_na sayugfaru lana_, wa iy ya'tihim 'aradum misluhu_ ya'khuzu_h(u), alam yu'khaz'alaihim misa_qul kita_bi alla_ yaqu_lu_ 'alalla_hi illal haqqa wa darasu_ ma_ fih(i), wad da_rul a_khiratu khairul lillazina yattaqu_n(a), afala_ ta'qilu_n(a).

7: 170

Pickthall And as for those who make (men) keep the Scripture, and establish worship--lo! We squander not the wages of reformers.

Transliteration Wallazina yumassiku_na bil kita_bi wa aqa_mus sala_h(ta), inna_ la_ nudi'u ajral muslihin(a).

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2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلاَ تَلْبِسُواْ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُواْ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٤٢﴾

2: 42. And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).

فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَكْتُبُونَ الْكِتَابَ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ...

2: 79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands

... ثُمَّ يَقُولُونَ هَـذَا مِنْ عِندِ اللّهِ لِيَشْتَرُواْ بِهِ ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً ...

and then say: "This is from Allah," to traffic with it for a miserable price!

فَوَيْلٌ لَّهُم مِّمَّا كَتَبَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَوَيْلٌ لَّهُمْ مِّمَّا يَكْسِبُونَ ﴿٧٩﴾

Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.

chance they came back into their hands as captives, they demanded ransom for them to return to their homes although they had no right to banish them at all.

If we understand by "ransom them" pay "ransom for them to release them from the hands of their enemies," it would mean that they did this pious act for show, although they were themselves the authors of their unlawful banishment.

I think the former makes better sense.

... أَفَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِبَعْضِ الْكِتَابِ وَتَكْفُرُونَ بِبَعْضٍ...

Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest?

... فَمَا جَزَاء مَن يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ مِنكُمْ إِلاَّ خِزْيٌ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا...

But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?

... وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَى أَشَدِّ الْعَذَابِ ...

and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty.

... وَمَا اللّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٨٥﴾

For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالآَخِرَةِ ...

2: 86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter;

... فَلاَ يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلاَ هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ ﴿٨٦﴾

their penalty shall not be lightened, nor shall they be helped.

أَمْ تَقُولُونَ إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ ...

2: 140. Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob

... وَالأسْبَاطَ كَانُواْ هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَى ...

and the Tribes were Jews or Christians?

C138. The alternative is with the question in the last verse.

Do you dispute with us although we worship the same God as you and claim that ours is the same religion as that of your ancestors?

Or do you really assert that Abraham and his son and his sons' sons, who founded the Tribes long before Moses, followed your Jewish religion as you know it?

History of course proves that claim absurd. If the Christians claim that these Patriarchs knew of and followed the teaching of Jesus, the claim is still more absurd, - except in the sense of Islam that Allah's teaching is one in all ages.

... قُلْ أَأَنتُمْ أَعْلَمُ أَمِ اللّهُ ...

Say: Do ye know better than Allah?

... وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن كَتَمَ شَهَادَةً عِندَهُ مِنَ اللّهِ ...

Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah?

... وَمَا اللّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٤٠﴾

But Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!

تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ...

2: 141. That was a people that hath passed away.

They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do!

... وَلاَ تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٤١﴾

Of their merits there is no question in your case.

C139. Verse 134 began a certain argument, which is now rounded off in the same words in this verse. To use a musical term, the motif is now completed.

The argument is that it is wrong to claim a monopoly for Allah's Message: it is the same for all peoples and in all ages: if it undergoes local variations or variations according to times and seasons those variations pass away.

This leads to the argument in the remainder of the Surah that with the renewal of the Message and the birth of a new People, a new symbolism and new ordinances become appropriate, and they are now expounded.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَى ...

2: 159. Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the guidance,

... مِن بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ...

after We have made it clear for the people in the book,

أُولَـئِكَ يَلعَنُهُمُ اللّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ ﴿١٥٩﴾

on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse.

C163. Those entitled to curse: i.e., angels and mankind (see 2:161 below): the cursed ones will deprive themselves of the protection of Allah and of the angels, who are the Powers of Allah, and of the good wishes of mankind, because by contumaciously rejecting Faith, they not only sin against Allah but are false to their own manhood, which Allah created in the "best of moulds" (95:4).

The terrible curses denounced in the Old Testament are set out in Deut. 28:15-68.

There is one difference.

Here it is for the deliberate rejection of Faith, a theological term for the denying of our higher nature.

There it is for a breach of the lease part of the ceremonial Law. (R).

إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصْلَحُواْ وَبَيَّنُواْ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ أَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِمْ ...

2: 160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the truth), to them I turn;

... وَأَنَا التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿١٦٠﴾

for I am Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ أُولَئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَعْنَةُ اللّهِ...

2: 161. Those who reject faith, and die rejecting, on them is Allah's curse,

... وَالْمَلآئِكَةِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ ﴿١٦١﴾

and the curse of angels, and of all mankind.

خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ...

2: 162. They will abide therein:

C164. Therein: in the curse.

A curse is not a matter of words: it is a terrible spiritual state, opposite to the state of Grace.

Can man curse?

Not of course in the same sense in which we speak of the curse of Allah. A mere verbal curse is of no effect. Hence the English saying:

"A causeless curse will not come."

But if men are oppressed or unjustly treated, their cries can ascend to Allah in prayer, and then it becomes Allah's "wrath" or curse, the deprivation of Allah's Grace as regards the wrongdoer.

... لاَ يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلاَ هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ ﴿١٦٢﴾

Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَشْتَرُونَ بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلاً ...

2: 174. Those who conceal Allah's revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,

... أُولَـئِكَ مَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ إِلاَّ النَّارَ ...

they swallow into themselves naught but fire;

C175. "They eat nothing but fire into their bellies" is a literal translation that produces an effect of rude inelegance which is not in the Arabic words.

Even in the matter of food and drinks, the mission of Islam is to avoid the extremes of lawlessness on the one hand and extreme formalism on the other. It has laid down a few simply and very reasonable rules. Their infraction causes loss of health or physical powers in any case.

But if there is further a spirit of subjective rebellion or fraud - passing off in the name of religion something which is far from the purpose - the consequences become also moral and spiritual. Then it becomes a sin against Faith and Spirit.

Continuing the physical simile, we actually swallow fire into ourselves. Imagine the torments which we should have if we swallowed fire into our physical body! They would be infinitely worse in our spiritual state, and they would go on to the Day of Resurrection, when we shall be deprived even of the words which the Judge speaks to a reasonable culprit, and we shall certainly not win His Grace and Mercy.

... وَلاَ يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلاَ يُزَكِّيهِمْ ...

Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them;

... وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١٧٤﴾

grievous will be their penalty.

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الضَّلاَلَةَ بِالْهُدَى وَالْعَذَابَ بِالْمَغْفِرَةِ...

2: 175. They are the ones who buy error in place of guidance and torment in place of forgiveness.

... فَمَآ أَصْبَرَهُمْ عَلَى النَّارِ ﴿١٧٥﴾

Ah! what boldness (they show) for the Fire!

ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللّهَ نَزَّلَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ...

2: 176. (Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth

... وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِي الْكِتَابِ لَفِي شِقَاقٍ بَعِيدٍ ﴿١٧٦﴾

but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism far (from the purpose).

C176. From the mere physical regulation we are at once lifted up into the sphere of morals and faith. For the one acts and reacts on the other. If we are constantly carping at wholesome regulations, we shall do nothing but cause division and schisms among the people, and ordered society would tend to break up.

Others version:

2: 42

Asad And do not overlay the truth with falsehood, and do not knowingly suppress the truth; (note 33)

Pickthall Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth.

Transliteration Wa la_ talbisul haqqa bil ba_tili wa taktumul haqqa wa antum ta'lamu_n(a).

[Asad’s note 33: By “overlaying the truth with falsehood” is meant the corruption of the Biblical text, of which the Quran frequently accuses the Jews (and which has since been established by objective textual criticism), while the “suppression of the truth” refers to their disregard or deliberately false interpretation of the words of Moses in the Biblical passage, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deuteronomy xviii, 15), and the words attributed to God Himself, “I will raise them up a prophet from among thy brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in his mouth” (Deuteronomy xviii, 18) …………the above Biblical passages must be taken as referring to his advent.]

[ Ali’s notes: 58 The appeal is made to Israel subjectively in terms of their own tradition. You claim to be a favoured nation; have you forgotten My favours? You claim a special Covenant with Me: I have fulfilled My part of the Covenant by bringing you out of the land of bondage and giving you Canaan, the land "flowing with milk and honey" how have you fulfilled your part of the Covenent? Do you fear for your national existence? If you fear Me, nothing else will matter. (2.40)

59. You receive revelations before: now comes one confirming it: its first appeal should be to you: are you to be the first to reject it? And reject it for what? God's Signs are worth more than all your paltry considerations. And the standard of duty and righteousness is to be taken from God, and not from priests and customs. (2.41)

2: 79

Asad Woe, then, unto those who write down, with their own hands, [something which they claim to be] divine writ, and then say, “This is from God,” in order to acquire a trifling gain thereby; (note 64) woe, then, unto them for what their hands have written, and woe unto them for all that they may have gained!

Pickthall Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby.

Transliteration Fa wailul lillazina yaktubu_nal kita_ba bi aidihim summa yaqu_lu_na ha_za_ min 'indilla_hi liyasytaru_ bihi samanan qalila_(n), fa wailul lahum mimma_ katabat aidihim wa wailul lahum mimma_ yaksibu_n(a).

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[ Ruby’s note: Here the “woe” is not mentioned for those who are ignorant and do not know any better, the “woe” is mentioned for those who knows and deliberately change the word of God and mislead the ignorant ones. The degrees of failure and corresponding punishments are not the same for these two groups, the punishment is severe for the later. [see verse 81 below and notes]

[ Asad’s note 64: The reference here is to the scholars responsible for corrupting the text of the Bible and thus misleading their ignorant followers. The “trifling gain” is their feeling of pre-eminence as the alleged “chosen people”. ]

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2: 85 And yet, it is you who slay one another and drive some of your own people from their homelands, aiding one another against them in sin and hatred; but if they come to you as captives, you ransom them – although the very [act of] driving them away has been make unlawful to you! [note 69]

Do you, then, believe in some parts of the divine writ and deny the truth of other parts? What, then, could be the reward of those among you who do such things but ignominy in the life of this world and, on the Day of Resurrection, commitment to most grievous suffering? For God is not unmindful of what you do.]

Pickthall Yet ye it is who slay each other and drive out a party of your people from their homes, supporting one another against them by sin and transgression, and if they came to you as captives ye would ransom them, whereas their expulsion was itself unlawful for you.

Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelieve ye in part thereof? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous doom. For Allah is not unaware of what ye do.

Transliteration Summa antum ha_'ula_'i taqtulu_na anfusakum wa tukhriju_na fariqam minkum min diya_rihim, taza_hara_na 'alaihim bil ismi wal'udwa_n(i), wa iy ya'tu_kum usa_ra_ tufa_du_hum wa huwa muharramun 'alaikum ikhra_juhum afatu'minu_na bi ba'dil kita_bi wa takfuru_na bi ba'd(in), fama_ jaza_'u may yaf'alu za_lika minkum illa_ khizyun fil haya_tid dunya_, wa yaumal qiya_mati yuraddu_na ila_ asyaddil 'aza_b(i), wa malla_hu bi ga_filin 'amma_ ta'malu_n(a).

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[ Ruby’s note: In religion there is no place for half hearted faith. A sincere faith should be based on Truth and nothing but the truth, no matter how difficult it is, and there should not be any mix up of truth with falsehood. This is the right idea. However, human beings are not perfect and they are not always right in their understanding. Any mix up because of ignorance or because of one’s limitation to understand the right thing due to one’s situation of birth, family, society, culture etc. would probably be forgiven.

However, the mix up which would deserve serious consequence is a deliberate attempt to change the truth due to one’s arrogance, envy, negligence and addictions of life. The Quran is repetitively warning the seriousness of this failure. One ever true religion for human kind is based on the truth, and this truth is the nature of human being and things with which God has created reality. Any deviation from this true nature [“fitra”] is a step towards falsehood. God is proclaimed to be the Ultimate Truth or Reality. When one resorts to any kinds of false things, lies or distortions, one is violation the fundamental Law of God. The law of truth is at the truth of every thing. Justice is based on truth, and without justice there cannot be true harmony or peace. This idea is at the core and most fundamental idea of Islam.]

[ Ali’s notes: 87 So far from the Covenant being of the kind you suggest in ii. 80, the real Covenant is about the moral law, which is set out in ii. 83. This moral law is universal and if you break it, no privileges will lighten your punishment or help you in any way (ii. 86). "Speak fair to the people" not only means outward courtesy from the leaders to the meanest among the people, but the protection of the people from being exploited, deceived, defrauded, or doped with things to lull their intelligence. (2.83)

88 Verse 83 referred to the universal moral law. This verse 84 refers to its application under a special Covenant entered into with the Jews of Medina by the new-born Muslim Commonwealth under its Guide and teacher Muhammad. This Covenant is given in Ibn Hisham's Sivat-ur-Rasul, and comments on it will be found in Ameer Ali's Spirit of Islam (London 1922), pp. 57-61. It was entered into in the second year of the Hijra, and was treacherously broken by the Jews almost immediately afterwards. (2.84)

89 I understand "ransom them" here to mean "take ransom for them" though most of the Commentators take it to mean "give ransom for them". Mustafa had made a Pact which, if it had been faithfully observed by all parties, would have brought a reign of law and order for Medina. But some of the treacherous Jews never intended to observe its terms. They fought and slew each other and not only banished those who were obnoxious to them but intrigued with their enemies. If by chance they came back into their hands as captives, they demanded ransom for them to return to their homes although they had no right to banish them at all. If we understand by "ransom them" pay "ransom for them to release them from the hands of their enemies," it would mean that they did this pious act for show, although they were themselves the authors of their unlawful banishment. I think the former makes better sense. (2.85) ]

[ Asad’s notes: 66: In the preceding passages, the children of Israel have been reminded of the favors that were bestowed on them. Now, however, the Quran reminds them of the fact that the way of righteousness has indeed been shown to them by means of explicit social and moral injunctions: and this reminder follows directly from the statement that the human condition in the life to come depends exclusively on the manner of one’s life in this world, and not on one’s descent.

Note 68: The Old Testament contains many allusions to the waywardness and stubborn rebelliousness of the children of Israel – e.g., Exodus xxxii, 9, xxxiii, 3, xxxiv, 9; Deuteronomy, ix, 6-8, 23-24, 27.

Note 69: This is a reference to the conditions prevailing at Medina at the time of the Prophet’s ‘hijrah’. The two Arab tribes of Medina – Al Aws and Khazra – were in pre-Islamic times permanently at war with one another; and out of the three Jewish tribes living there- the Banu Qaynuqa, Banu n-Nadir and Banu Qurayzah – the first- named two were allied with Khazraj, while the third was allied with Al-Aws. Thus, in the course of their warfare, Jew would kill Jew in alliance with pagans (“aiding one another in sin and hatred”): a twofold crime from the viewpoint of Mosaic Law. Nevertheless, they would subsequently ransom their mutual captives in obedience to that very same Law – and it is this glaring inconsistency to which the Quran alludes in the next sentence.]

2: 86

Asad All who buy the life at the price of the life to come – their suffering shall not be lightened, nor shall they be succored!

Pickthall Such are those who buy the life of the world at the price of the Hereafter: Their punishment will not be lightened, neither will they have support.

Transliteration Ula_'ikal lazinas tarawul haya_tad dunya_ bil a_khirah(ti), fala_ yukhaffafu 'anhumul 'aza_bu wa la_ hum yunsara_n(a).

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2: 140

Asad “Do you claim that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants were “Jews” or “Christians”? [note 114] Say: “ Do you know more than God does? And who could be more wicked than he who suppresses a testimony given to him by God? [ note 115] Yet God is not unmindful of what you do.

Pickthall Or say ye that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know best, or doth Allah? And who is more unjust than he who hide a testimony which he hath received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what ye do.

Transliteration Am taqu_lu_na inna ibra_hima wa isma_'ila wa isha_qa wa ya'qu_ba wal asba_ta ka_nu_ hu_dan au nasa_ra_, qul a'antum a'lamu amilla_hu, wa man azlamu mimman katama syaha_datan 'indahu_ minalla_h(i), wa malla_hu bi ga_filin 'amma_ ta'malu_n(a).

[ Asad’s note 113: ……….The Jews believe that prophethood was a privilege granted to the children of Israel alone, while the Christians maintain that Jesus – who, too, descended from the Children of Israel – was God’s final manifestation on earth; and each of these two denominations claims that salvation is reserved to its followers alone [see 2:111 and 135]. The Quran refutes these ideas by stressing, in the next sentence, that God is the Lord of all mankind, and that every individual will be judged on the basis of his own beliefs and his own behavior alone.

Note 114: Regarding the term ‘asbat’ (rendered here as well in verse 136 as “descendants”), see note 111 above. In the above words the Quran alludes to the fact that the concept of “Jewry” came into being many centuries after the time of the Patriarchs, and even long after time of Moses, while the concepts of “Christianity” and “Christians” were unknown in Jesus’ time and represent later developments.

Note 115: A reference to the Biblical prediction of the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (see note 33 on verse 42 on this surah), which effectively contradicts the Judeo-Christian claim that all true prophets, after the Patriarchs, belong to the children of Israel.]

[ Ali’s notes: 138 ………….. Or do you really assert that Abraham and his son and his sons' sons, who founded the Tribes long before Moses, followed your Jewish religion as you know it? History of course proves that claim absurd. If the Christians claim that these Patriarchs knew of and followed the teaching of Jesus, the claim is still more absurd, - except in the sense of Islam that God's teaching is one in all ages. (2.140)

139 …………….The argument is that it is wrong to claim a monopoly for God's Message: it is the same for all peoples and in all ages: if it undergoes local variations or variations according to times and seasons those variations pass away. This leads to the argument in the remainder of the Sura that with the renewal of the Message and the birth of a new People, a new symbolism and new ordinances become appropriate, and they are now expounded. (2.141)]

2: 141

Pickthall Those are a people who have passed away; theirs is that which they earned and yours that which ye earn. And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.

Tilka ummatun qad khalat, laha_ ma_ kasabat wa lakum ma_ kasabtum, wa la_ tus'alu_na 'amma_ ka_nu_ ya'malu_n(a).

2: 159

Asad Behold, as for those who suppress aught of the evidence of the truth and of the guidance which We have bestowed from on high, after We have made it clear unto mankind through the divine writ – these it is whom God will reject, and whom all who can judge will reject. [note 129 ]

Pickthall Those who hide the proofs and the guidance which We revealed, after We had made it clear in the Scripture: such are accursed of Allah and accursed of those who have the power to curse.

Transliteration Innal lazina yaktumu_na ma_ anzalna_ minal bayyina_ti wal huda_ mim ba'di ma_ bayyanna_hu linna_si fil kita_b(i), ula_'ika yal'anuhumulla_hu wa yal'anuhumul la_'inu_n(a).

[Ruby’s note – This is not rejection or change due to ignorance, this is deliberate attempts to conceal or change God’s word revealed to people. I disagree with the past scholars who indicated that his verse specifically indicates the Jews and the Christians. This is a general statement inclusive of all who did or does this deliberate alteration of God’s word for their interest and mislead many others through this alterations. Later years some Muslims could be within this category also. And before Islam, some Christians or Jews could be part of this perpetration of grave sin. ]

[Ali’s note - 163 Those entitled to curse: i.e., angels and mankind (see ii. 161 below): the cursed ones will deprive themselves of the protection of God and of the angels, who are the Powers of God, and of the good wishes of mankind, because by contumaciously rejecting Faith, they not only sin against God but are false to their own manhood, which God created in the "best of moulds" (Q xcv. 4). The terrible curses denounced in the Old Testament are set out in Deut. xxviii. 15-68. There is one difference. Here it is for the deliberate rejection of Faith, a theological term for the denying of our higher nature. There it is for a breach of the lease part of the ceremonial Law. (2.159) ]

2: 160

Asad Excepted, however, shall be they that repent, and put themselves to rights, and make known the truth: and it is they whose repentance I shall accept – for I alone am the Acceptor of REPENTANCE, the Dispenser of Grace.

Pickthall Except such of them as repent and amend and make manifest (the truth). These it is toward whom I relent. I am the Relenting, the Merciful.

Transliteration Illal lazina ta_bu_ wa aslahu_ wa bayyanu_ fa ula_'ika atu_bu'alaihim, wa anat tawwa_bur rahim(u).

Innal lazina kafaru_ wa ma_tu_ wa hum kuffa_run ula_'ika 'alaihim la'natulla_hi wal mala_'ikati wan na_si ajma'in(a).

2: 161

Pickthall Lo! those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers; on them is the curse of Allah and of angels and of men combined.

Transliteration Illal lazina ta_bu_ wa aslahu_ wa bayyanu_ fa ula_'ika atu_bu'alaihim, wa anat tawwa_bur rahim(u).

2: 162

Pickthall They ever dwell therein. The doom will not be lightened for them, neither will they be reprieved.

Transliteration Kha_lidina fiha_, la_ yukhaffafu 'anhumul 'aza_bu wa la_ hum yunzaru_n(a).

Wa ila_hukum ila_huw wa_hid(un), la_ ila_ha illa_ huwar rahma_nur rahim(u).

Inna fi khalqis sama_wa_ti wal ardi wakhtila_fil laili wan naha_ri wal fulkil lati tajri fil bahri bima_yanfa'un na_sa wa ma_ anzalalla_hu minas sama_'i mim ma_'in fa ahya_ bihil arda ba'da mautiha_ wa bassa fiha_ min kulli da_bbah(tin), wa tasrifir riya_hi was saha_bil musakhkhari bainas sama_'i wal ardi la a_ya_til li qaumiy ya'qilu_n(a).

2: 174

Asad Verily, as for those who suppress aught of the revelation which [note 140] God as bestowed from on high, and barter it away for a trifling gain-they but fill their bellies with fire. And God will not speak unto them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He cleanse them [of their sins]; and grievous suffering awaits them.

Pickthall Lo! those who hide aught of the Scripture which Allah hath revealed, and purchase a small gain therewith, they eat into their bellies nothing else than fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina yaktumu_na ma_ anzalalla_hu minal kita_bi wa yasytaru_na bihi samanan qalila_(n), ula_'ika ma_ ya'kulu_na fi butu_nihim illan na_ra wa la_ yukallimuhumulla_hu yaumal qiya_mati wa la_ yuzakkihim, wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

[Ruby’s note – Here I believe is given a glimpse of what is to occur on the Day of Judgment. God’s communication and interaction on that day is going to be decisive on one’s eternal existence, the existence that would merge with the Ultimate State [ in other places it is mentioned that the final goal of all things is to “RETURN” to God, everything comes back to this “Eternal” Being or Existence. ] All the corruption from the original state must be purified, Because that state is the most Purified STATE. God can expedite that process by forgiving and cleaning on that Day or before here in this life. If He does not then the suffering can be prolonged. My personal belief is that these are the warnings for possible consequences. However, if God’s Forgiveness and Mercy overwhelm His wrath, then it is likely that all may be forgiven at one time or another. Also Warning must be strong in order to be a deterrence, otherwise a “warning” does not serve its purpose. ]

[Ali’s note: 175 "They eat nothing but fire into their bellies" is a literal translation that produces an effect of rude inelegance which is not in the Arabic words. Even in the matter of food and drinks, the mission of Islam is to avoid the extremes of lawlessness on the one hand and extreme formalism on the other. It has laid down a few simple and very reasonable rules. Their infraction causes loss of health or physical powers in any case. But if there is further a spirit of subjective rebellion or fraud - passing off in the name of religion something which is far from the purpose - the consequences become also moral and spiritual. Then it becomes a sin against Faith and Spirit. Continuing the physical simile, we actually swallow fire into ourselves. Imagine the torments which we should have if we swallowed fire into our physical body! They would be infinitely worse in our spiritual state, and they would go on to the Day of Resurrection, when we shall be deprived even of the words which the Judge speaks to a reasonable culprit, and we shall certainly not win His Grace and Mercy. (2.174) ]

[ Asad’s note 140- This term is used here in its generic sense, comprising both the Quran and the earlier revelations. ]

2: 175

Pickthall Those are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, and torment at the price of pardon. How constant are they in their strife to reach the Fire!

Transliteration Ula_'ikal lazinasy tarawud dala_lata bil huda_ wal 'aza_ba bil magfirah(ti), fama_ asbarahum 'alan na_r(i).

2: 176

Pickthall That is because Allah hath revealed the Scripture with the truth. Lo! those who find (a cause of) disagreement in the Scripture are in open schism.

Transliteration Za_lika bi annalla_ha nazzalal kita_ba bil haqq(i), wa innal lazinakh talafu_ fil kita_bi lafi syiqa_qim ba'id(in).

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3. [al-Imran, Medina 89 ]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوْتُواْ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ...

3: 23. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book?

C366. A portion of the Book: I conceive that Allah's revelation as a whole throughout the ages is "The Book".

The Law of Moses, and the Gospel of Jesus were portions of the Book. The Quran completes the revelation and is par excellence the Book of Allah.

...يُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى كِتَابِ اللّهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّى فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ ﴿٢٣﴾

They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).

C367. The Commentators mention a particular incident when a dispute was submitted by the Jews for arbitration to the Holy Prophet. He appealed to the authority of their own books, but they tried to conceal and prevaricate.

The general lesson is that the People of the Book should have been the first to welcome in Muhammad the living exponent of the Message of Allah as a whole, and some of them did so: but others turned away from guilty arrogance, relying on corrupted texts and doctrines forged out of their own fancies, though they were not conformable to reason and good sense.

ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُواْ لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلاَّ أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ...

3: 24. This because they say: "The fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days;"

C368. Cf. 2:80.

...وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ يَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٢٤﴾

for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لاَّ رَيْبَ فِيهِ...

3: 25. But how (will they fare) when We gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt,

...وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لاَ يُظْلَمُونَ ﴿٢٥﴾

and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favor or injustice)?

قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ...

3: 26. Say:

"O Allah! Lord of Power (and Rule),

...تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاء وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاء...

thou givest Power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest,

...وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاء وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاء...

thou enduest with honor whom thou pleasest, and thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest;

...بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ ...

in Thy hand is all Good.

C369. Another glorious passage, full of meaning. The governing phrase in it all is: "In Thy hand is all Good."

What is the standard by which we may judge Good?

It is Allah's Will. Therefore when we submit to Allah's Will, and real Islam illuminates us, we see the highest Good.

There has been and is much controversy as to what is the Highest Good.

To the Muslim there is no difficulty: it is the Will of Allah. He must ever strive to learn and understand that Will. But once in that fortress, he is secure. He is not troubled with the nature of Evil.

... إِنَّكَ عَلَىَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٢٦﴾

Verily, over all things thou hast power.

وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللّهُ مِيثَاقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ ...

3: 187. And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book,

C494. Truth -Allah's Message- comes to any man or nation as a matter of sacred trust. It should be broadcast and published and taught and made clear to all within reach.

Privileged priesthood at once erects a barrier. But worse, -when such priesthood tampers with the truth, taking what suits it and ignoring the rest, it has sold Allah's gift for a miserable ephemeral profit; how miserable, it will learn when retributive justice comes.

... لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلاَ تَكْتُمُونَهُ...

o make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it;

...فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَاء ظُهُورِهِمْ وَاشْتَرَوْاْ بِهِ ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً ...

but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain!

C495. Cf. 2:101.

... فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾

and vile was the bargain they made!

Others version:

3: 23

Pickthall Hast thou not seen how those who have received the Scripture invoke the Scripture of Allah (in their disputes) that it may judge between them; then a faction of them turn away, being opposed (to it)?

Transliteration Alam tara ilal lazina u_tu_ nasibam minal kita_bi yad'u_na ila_ kita_billa_hi liyahkuma bainahum summa yatawalla_ fariqum minhum wa hum mu'ridu_n(a).

3: 24

Pickthall That is because they say: The Fire will not touch us save for a certain number of days. That which they used to invent hath deceived them regarding their religion.

Transliteration Za_lika bi annahum qa_lu_ lan tamassanan na_ru illa_ ayya_mam ma'du_da_t(in), wa garrahum fi dinihim ma_ ka_nu_ yaftaru_n(a).

[ Ali’s notes - 366 A portion of the Book. I conceive that Allah's revelation as a whole throughout the ages is "The Book". The Law of Moses, and the Gospel of Jesus were portions of the Book. The Qur-an completes the revelation and is par excellence the Book of Allah. (3.23)

367 The Commentators mention a particular incident when a dispute was submitted by the Jews for arbitration to the Holy Prophet. He appealed to the authority of their own books, but they tried to conceal and prevaricate. The general lesson is that the People of the Book should have been the first to welcome in Muhammad the living exponent of the Message of Allah as a whole, and some of them did so: but others turned away from guilty arrogance, relying on corrupted texts and doctrines forged out of their own fancies, though they were not conformable to reason and good sense. (3.23)

368 Cf. Q. ii. 80. (3.24)

368 Cf. Q. ii. 80. (3.26) ]

3: 25

Pickthall How (will it be with them) when We have brought them all together to a Day of which there is no doubt, when every soul will be paid in full what it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.

Transliteration Fa kaifa iza_ jama'na_hum li yaumil la_ raiba fih(i), wa wuffiyat kullu nafsim ma_ kasabat wa hum la_ yuzlamu_n(a).

3: 26

Pickthall Say: O Allah! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.

Transliteration Qulilla_humma ma_likal mulki tu'til mulka man tasya_'u wa tanzi'ul mulka mimman tasya_'(u), wa tu'izzu man tasya_'u wa tuzillu man tasya_'(u),biyadikal khair(u), innaka 'ala_ kulli syai'in qadir(un).

3:187 And Lo, God accepted a solemn pledge from those who were granted earlier revelation : " Make it known unto mankind, and do not conceal it!"

But they cast this behind their backs: and bartered it away for triffling gain: and how evil was their bargain!

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4. Sura an-Nisa

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ ...

4: 51.  Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book?

C572. Cf. 3:23 and n. 366.

The phrase also occurs in 4:44.

... يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْجِبْتِ وَالطَّاغُوتِ...  

They believe in sorcery and evil,

C573. The word I have translated Sorcery is jibt, which may mean divination, sorcery, magic, or any false object of belief or worship, such as an idol.

The word I have translated Evil (here and in 2:256) is Taghut, which means the evil one, the one who exceeds all bounds, Satan: or it may refer to some idol worshipped by the Pagan Arabs, with whom the Jews of Madinah were intriguing against the Holy Prophet.

The Jews had taken much to sorcery, magic, divination, and such superstitions.

... وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ هَؤُلاء أَهْدَى مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ سَبِيلاً ﴿٥١﴾  

and say to the unbelievers that they are better guided in the (right) way than the believers!

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ اللّهُ...   

4: 52.  They are (men) whom Allah hath cursed:

... وَمَن يَلْعَنِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ نَصِيرًا ﴿٥٢﴾

and those whom Allah hath cursed, thou wilt find, have no one to help.

C574. The Jews were then seeking the aid of the Makkan Pagans against Muhammad, but far from getting any help from them, they and the Pagans were both overthrown.

That was the immediate occasion, but the words have a perfectly general -a universal- meaning.

Asad’s Version:

4: 51 Are you not aware of those who, having been granted their share of the divine writ, [now] believe in baseless mysteries and in the powers of evil, and maintain that those who are bent on denying the truth are more surely guided than those who have attained to faith?

4: 52 It is they whom God has rejected: and he whom God rejects shall find none to succor him.

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6. Sura al-Anam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُ إِلَيْكَ...

6: 25. Of them there are some who (pretend to) listen to thee;

...وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا...

but We have thrown veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears;

C852a. It: The Quran.

...وَإِن يَرَوْاْ كُلَّ آيَةٍ لاَّ يُؤْمِنُواْ بِهَا...

if they saw every one of the Signs, not they will believe in them;

...حَتَّى إِذَا جَآؤُوكَ يُجَادِلُونَكَ يَقُولُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِنْ هَذَآ إِلاَّ أَسَاطِيرُ الأَوَّلِينَ ﴿٢٥﴾

in so much that when they come to thee, they (but) dispute with thee;

the unbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the ancients."

Asad’s Version:

6: 25 (con’t)......And were they to see every sign [for the truth], they would still not believe in it – so much so that when they come unto thee to contend with thee, those who are bent on denying the truth say, “This is nothing but fables of ancient times!”

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5. [al-Maidah, Medina 112]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلَقَدْ أَخَذَ اللّهُ مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَآئِيلَ وَبَعَثْنَا مِنهُمُ اثْنَيْ عَشَرَ نَقِيبًا...

5: 12. Allah did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve captains among them,

C709. Cf. 2:63 and n. 78.

"Moses... called for the elders of the people... and all the people answered together and said. 'All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.'" (Exod. 19:7-8).

This was under the towering height of Mount Sinai. The chieftains or elders or leaders of the people were selected, one from each of the twelve tribes (see 2:60 and n. 73).

For census purposes the names of the elders of the tribes are given in Num. 1:4-16: they are called "every one the head of the house of his fathers". Later, twelve other "heads of the Children of Israel" were selected to spy but the land of Canaan: their names are mentioned in Num. 13:1-16.

See also, below, 5:20-26 and notes.

... وَقَالَ اللّهُ إِنِّي مَعَكُمْ ...

and Allah said: "I am with you:

... لَئِنْ أَقَمْتُمُ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتَيْتُمُ الزَّكَاةَ وَآمَنتُم بِرُسُلِي وَعَزَّرْتُمُوهُمْ ...

- if ye (but) establish regular prayers,

- practice regular charity,

- believe in My apostles, honor and assist them and

... وَأَقْرَضْتُمُ اللّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا ...

- loan to Allah a beautiful loan,

C710. Cf. 2:245, n. 276.

The phrase means "spending in the cause of Allah".

Allah in His infinite grace looks upon this as a loan, for which He gives a recompense manifold.

... لَّأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَلأُدْخِلَنَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ ...

verily I will wipe out from you your evils, and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath;

... فَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ مِنكُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاء السَّبِيلِ ﴿١٢﴾

but if any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from the path of rectitude."

C711. The path of rectitude: or the even way:

see 2:108. n. 109.

فَبِمَا نَقْضِهِم مِّيثَاقَهُمْ لَعنَّاهُمْ وَجَعَلْنَا قُلُوبَهُمْ قَاسِيَةً ...

5: 13. But because of their breach of their Covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard:

C712. Cursed them: that means that because of the breach of their Covenant, Allah withdrew His overflowing Grace from them.

The withdrawal of Grace made their hearts grow hard in two ways:

1. they were no longer protected from the assaults of evil, and

2. they became impervious even to the message of forgiveness and mercy which is open to all Allah's creatures.

... يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِ وَنَسُواْ حَظًّا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُواْ بِهِ...

they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them,

... وَلاَ تَزَالُ تَطَّلِعُ عَلَىَ خَآئِنَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنْهُمُ ...

nor wilt thou cease to find them, barring a few, ever bent on (new) deceits:

C713. Israel, when it lost Allah's grace as above, began to sin against truth and religion in three ways:

1. they began to misuse Scripture itself, by either taking words out of their right meaning, or applying them to things for which they were never meant;

2. in doing so, they conveniently forgot a part of the Message and purpose of Allah: and

3. they invented new deceits to support the old ones.

... فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاصْفَحْ ...

but forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds):

C714. Cf. 2:109 and n. 110, where I have explained the different shades of meaning in the words for "forgiveness."

... إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٣﴾

for Allah loveth those who are kind.

وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّا نَصَارَى أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَهُمْ ...

5: 14. From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a Covenant,

C715. The Christian Covenant may be taken to be the charge which Jesus gave to his disciples, and which the disciples accepted, to welcome Ahmad (56:6).

Glimpses of this are to be found in the Gospel of St. John even as it exists now (John 15:26. 16:7).

It is those who call themselves "Christians" who reject this. True Christians have accepted it. The enmity between those who call themselves Christians and the Jews will continue till the Last Day.

... فَنَسُواْ حَظًّا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُواْ بِهِ ...

but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent them:

... فَأَغْرَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاء إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ...

so We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the Day of Judgment.

... وَسَوْفَ يُنَبِّئُهُمُ اللّهُ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ ﴿١٤﴾

And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.

C715a. The change from the First Person in the beginning of the verse to the Third Person here illustrates the change from the personal relationship of the Covenant, to the impersonal operation of Justice at Judgment.

Cf. 35:9.

Others version:

5: 12

Asad And, indeed, God accepted a [similar] solemn pledge from the children of Israel when We caused twelve of their leader to be sent [to Canaam as spies]. And God said: “Behold, I shall be with you! If you are constant in prayer, and spend in charity, and believe in My apostles and aid them, and offer up unto God a goodly loan, I will surely efface your bad deeds and bring you into gardens through which running waters flow. But he from among you who, after this, denies the truth, will indeed have strayed from the right path!”

Pickthall Allah made a covenant of old with the Children of Israel and We raised among them twelve chieftains: and Allah said: Lo! I am with you. If ye establish worship and pay the poor due, and believe in My messengers and support them, and lend unto Allah a kindly loan, surely I shall remit your sins, and surely I shall bring you into gardens underneath which rivers flow. Whoso among you disbelieve after this will go astray from a plain road.

Transliteration Wa laqad akhazalla_hu misa_qa bani isra_'il(a), wa ba'asna_ minhumusnai 'asyara naqiba_(n), wa qa_lalla_hu inni ma'akum, la'in aqamtumus sala_ta wa a_taitumuz zaka_ta wa a_mantum bi rusuli wa'azzartumu_hum wa aqradtumulla_ha qardan hasanal la'ukaffiranna'ankum sayyi'a_tikum wala'udkhilannakum janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_r(u), fa man kafara ba'da za_lika minkum fa qad dalla sawa_'as sabil(i).

[[ Ali’s notes:

709 Cf. ii. 63 and n. 78, "Moses... called for the elders of the people... and all the people answered together and said. 'All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.' " (Exod. xix, 7-8). This was under the towering height of Mount Sinai. The chieftains or elders or leaders of the people were selected, one from each of the twelve tribes (see ii. 60 and n. 73). For census purposes the names of the elders of the tribes are given in Num. i. 4-16: they are called "every one the head of the house of his fathers". Later, twelve other "heads of the Children of Israel" were selected to spy out the land of Canaan: their names are mentioned in Num. xiii. 1-16. See also, below, v. 20-26 and notes. (5.12)

710 Cf. ii. 245, n. 276. The phrase means "spending in the cause of Allah". Allah in His infinite grace looks upon this as a loan, for which He gives a recompense manifold. (5.12)

711 The path of rectitude: or the even way: see ii. 108. n. 109. (5.12) ]]

5: 13

Asad Then, for having broken their solemn pledge, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden – [so that now] they distort the meaning of the [revealed] words, taking them out of their context; they have forgotten much of what they had been told to bear in mind; and from all but a few of them you will always experience treachery. But pardon them, and forbear; verily, God loves the doers of good.

Pickthall And because of their breaking their covenant, We have cursed them and made hard their hearts. They change words from their context and forget a part of that whereof they were admonished. Thou wilt not cease to discover treachery from all save a few of them. But bear with them and pardon them. Lo! Allah loveth the kindly.

Transliteration Fabima_ naqdihim misa_qahum la'anna_hum wa ja'alna_ qulu_bahum qu_siyah(tan), yuharrifu_nal kalima 'an mawa_di'ih(i), wa nasu_ hazzam mimma_ zukkiru_ bih(i), wa la_ taza_lu tattali'u 'ala_ kha_'inatim minhum illa_ qalilam minhum, fa'fu 'anhum wasfah, innalla_ha yuhibbul muhsinin(a).

[[ Ali’s notes - 712 Cursed them: that means that because of the breach of their Covenant, Allah withdrew His overflowing Grace from them. The withdrawal of Grace made their hearts grow hard in two ways: (1) they were no longer protected from the assaults of evil, and (2) they became impervious even to the message of forgiveness and mercy which is open to all Allah's creatures. (5.13)

713 Israel, when it lost Allah's grace as above, began to sin against truth and religion in three ways: (1) they began to misuse Scripture itself, by either taking words out of their right meaning, or applying them to things for which they were never meant; (2) in doing so, they conveniently forgot a part of the Message and purpose of Allah; and (3) they invented new deceits to support the old ones. (5.13)

714 Cf. ii. 109 and n. 110, where I have explained the different shades of meaning in the words for "forgiveness." (5.13) ]]

Asad note 25 : See 4:46 where the same accusation is leveled against the children of Israel.

5: 14

Pickthall And with those who say: "Lo! we are Christians," We made a covenant, but they forgot a part of that whereof they were admonished. Therefore We have stirred up enmity and hatred among them till the Day of Resurrection, when Allah will inform them of their handiwork.

Transliteration Wa minal lazina qa_lu_ inna_ nasa_ra_ akhazna_ misa_qahum fa nasu_ hazzam mimma_ zukkiru_ bih(i), fa agraina_ bainahumul 'ada_wata wal bagda_'a ila_ yaumil qiya_mah(ti), wa saufa yunabbi'uhumulla_hu bima_ ka_nu_ yasna'u_n(a).

[[ Ali’s notes - 715 The Christian Covenant may be taken to be the charge which Jesus gave to his disciples, and which the disciples accepted, to welcome Ahmad (Q. lxi. 6). Glimpses of this are to be found in the Gospel of St. John even as it exists now (John xv. 26. xvi. 7). It is those who call themselves "Christians" who reject this. True Christians have accepted it. The enmity between those who call themselves Christians and the Jews will continue till the Last Day. A) The change from the First Person in the beginning of the verse to the Third Person here illustrates the change from the personal relationship of the Covenant, to the impersonal operation of Justice at Judgment. Cf. xxxv. 9. (5.14) ]]

[[ Asad’s note 27 I.e., their going astray from the genuine teachings of Jesus – and thus from true faith in God – is the innermost cause of the enmity and hatred which has so often set the so-called Christian nations against one another and led to unceasing wars and mutual persecution.]]

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6. [al-Anam, Mecca 55]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ...

6: 21. Who doth more wrong than he who inventeth a lie against Allah or rejecteth His Signs?

...إِنَّهُ لاَ يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ ﴿٢١﴾

But verily the wrongdoers never shall prosper.

وَهُمْ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ وَيَنْأَوْنَ عَنْهُ ...

6: 26. Others they keep away from it, and themselves they keep away;

...وَإِن يُهْلِكُونَ إِلاَّ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ ﴿٢٦﴾

but they only destroy their own souls, and they perceive it not.

وَلَوْ تَرَىَ إِذْ وُقِفُواْ عَلَى النَّارِ فَقَالُواْ...

6: 27. If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with the fire! They will say:

...يَا لَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلاَ نُكَذِّبَ بِآيَاتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٢٧﴾

"Would that we were but sent back! then would we not reject the Signs of our Lord,

but would be amongst those who believe!

بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ...

6: 28. Yea, in their own (eyes) will become manifest what before they concealed,

...وَلَوْ رُدُّواْ لَعَادُواْ لِمَا نُهُواْ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ ﴿٢٨﴾

but if they were returned, they would certainly relapse to the things they were forbidden, for they are indeed liars.

C853. Their falsity was not due to want of knowledge, but to perversity and selfishness. In their heart was a disease (2:10): therefore neither their understanding, nor their ears, nor their eyes do their proper work. They twist what they see, hear, or are taught, and go deeper and deeper into the mire.

The deceptions which they used to practice on other people will, before the Seat of Judgement, become clear in their own eyes.

قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُ لَيَحْزُنُكَ الَّذِي يَقُولُونَ...

6: 33. We know indeed the grief which their words do cause thee:

...فَإِنَّهُمْ لاَ يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَكِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ ﴿٣٣﴾

it is not thee they reject: it is the Signs of Allah, which the wicked condemn.

وَمَا نُرْسِلُ الْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلاَّ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ...

6: 48. We send the Messengers only to give good news and to warn:

C866. The Prophets are not sent to cancel man's limited free-will. They are sent to preach and teach,

- to preach hope to the repentant ("good news"), and

- to warn the rebellious of the Wrath to come.

...فَمَنْ آمَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ﴿٤٨﴾

so those who believe and mend (their lives), upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا...

6: 93. Who can be more wicked than one who inventeth a lie against Allah,

...أَوْ قَالَ أُوْحِيَ إِلَيَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ...

or saith, "I have received inspiration," when he hath received none,

...وَمَن قَالَ سَأُنزِلُ مِثْلَ مَا أَنَزلَ اللّهُ...

or (again) who saith, "I can reveal the like of what Allah hath revealed?"

...وَلَوْ تَرَى إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ ...

If thou couldst but see how the wicked (do fare) in the flood of confusion at death! --

... وَالْمَلآئِكَةُ بَاسِطُواْ أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُواْ أَنفُسَكُمُ...

the angels stretch forth their hands, (saying), "Yield up your souls.

C915. Yield up your souls: or "get your souls to come out of your bodies."

The wicked, we may suppose, are not anxious to part with the material existence in their bodies for the "reward" which in irony is stated to be there to welcome them.

...الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ ...

This day shall ye receive your reward, a penalty of shame, for that ye used to tell lies against Allah,

...وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ ﴿٩٣﴾

and scornfully to reject of His Signs!"

وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَادَى كَمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ...

6: 94. "And behold! ye come to Us bare and alone as We created you for the first time:

C916. Some of the various ideas connected with "creation" are noted in n. 120 to 2:117.

In the matter of creation of man there are various processes. If his body was created out of clay, i.e. earthy matter, there was an earlier process of the creation of such earthy matter.

Here the body is left behind, and the soul is being addressed. The soul underwent various processes of fashioning and adapting to its various functions in its various surroundings (32:7-9). But each individual soul, after release from the body, comes back as it was created, with nothing more than it history, "the deeds which it has earned," which are really a part of it. Any exterior things given to help in its development, "the favours which we bestowed on you," it must necessarily leave behind, however it may have been proud of them.

These exterior things may be material things, e.g. wealth, property, signs of power, influence and pride such as sons, relatives, and friends, etc., or they may be intangible things, like talents, intellect, social gifts, etc.

...وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَاكُمْ وَرَاء ظُهُورِكُمْ...

Ye have left behind you all (the favors) which We bestowed on you:

...وَمَا نَرَى مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَاءكُمُ الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَاء...

We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs:

...لَقَد تَّقَطَّعَ بَيْنَكُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنكُم مَّا كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ ﴿٩٤﴾

so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!"

C917. The false ideas of intercessors, demi-gods, gods, saviours, etc., now vanish like unsubstantial visions, "leaving not a wrack behind."

Now the soul is face to face with reality. Its personal responsibility is brought home to it.

قَدْ خَسِرَ الَّذِينَ قَتَلُواْ أَوْلاَدَهُمْ سَفَهًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ...

6: 140. Lost are those who slay their children, from folly, without knowledge,

...وَحَرَّمُواْ مَا رَزَقَهُمُ اللّهُ افْتِرَاء عَلَى اللّهِ...

and forbid food which Allah hath provided for them, inventing (lies) against Allah.

...قَدْ ضَلُّواْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ ﴿١٤٠﴾

They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance

Others version:

6: 21 Asad Who could be more wicked than he who attributed divinity his own lying inventions to God or gives the lie to His messages? Verily, such evildoers will never attain to a happy state:

Pickthall Who doth greater wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah and denies His revelations? Lo! the wrong doers will not be successful

Transliteration Wa man azlamu mimmaniftara_'alalla_hi kaziban au kazzaba bi a_ya_tih(i),

innahu_ la_ yuflihuz za_limu_n(a).

6: 26 And they bar other therefrom, and go far away from it: but they destroy none but themselves, and perceive it not.

6: 27 If you could but see [them] when they will be made to stand before the fire and will say, “Oh, would that we were brought back [to life]: then we would not give the lie to our Sustainer’s messages, but would be among the believers!”

6: 28 But nay-the truth which they used to conceal [from themselves] in the past will have become obvious to them; and if they were brought back [to life], they would return to the very thing which was forbidden to them: for, behold, they are indeed liars!

6: 33 Well do We know that what that such people say grieves thee indeed: yet, behold, it is not thee to whom they give the lie, but God’s messages do these evildoers deny. 6:34 And, indeed, [even] before thy time have apostles been given the lie, and they endured with patience all those charges of falsehood, and all the hurt done to them, till succor came unto them from Us: for there is no power that could alter [the outcome of ] God’s promises. And some of the histories of those apostles have already come within your ken.

6: 48 And We sent (Our) message-bearers only as heralds of glad tidings and as warners; hence, all who believe and live righteously – no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve; 6:49 whereas those who give the lie to Our messages – suffering will afflict them in result of all their sinful doings.

6: 93

Asad and who could be more wicked than he who invents a lie about God, or says, “This has been revealed unto me,” the while nothing has been revealed to him? – or he who says, “ I, too, can bestow from on high the like of what God has bestowed”? If you could but see when these evildoers find themselves in the agonies of death, and the angels stretch forth their hands: “Give up your souls! Today you shall be requited with the suffering of humiliation for having attributed to God something that is not true, and for having persistently scorned His messages in your arrogance!”

Pickthall Who is guilty of more wrong than he who forgeth a lie against Allah, or saith : I am inspired, when he is not inspired in aught; and who saith: I will reveal the like of that which Allah hath revealed? If thou couldst see, when the wrong doers reach the pangs of death and the angels stretch their hands out, saying: Deliver up your souls. This day ye are awarded doom of degradation for that ye spake concerning Allah other than the truth, and scorned His portents.

Transliteration Wa man azlamu mimmaniftara_ 'alalla_hi kaziban au qa_la u_hiya ilayya wa lam yu_ha ilaihi syai'uw wa man qa_la sa'unzilu misla ma_ anzalalla_h(u), wa lau tara_ iziz za_limu_na fi gamara_til mauti wal mala_'ikatu ba_situ_ aidihim, akhriju_ anfusakum, al yauma tujzauna 'aza_bal hu_ni bima_ kuntum taqu_lu_na'alalla_hi gairal haqqi wa kuntum 'an a_ya_tihi tastakbiru_n(a).

6: 94

Pickthall Now have ye come unto Us solitary as We did create you at the first, and ye have left behind you all that We bestowed upon you, and We behold not with you those your intercessors, of whom ye claimed that they possessed a share in you. Now is the bond between you severed, and that which ye presumed hath failed you.

Transliteration Wa laqad ji'tumu_na_ fura_da_ kama_ khalaqna_kum awwala marratiw wa taraktum ma_ khawwalna_kum wara_'a zuhu_rikum, wa ma_ nara_ ma'akum syufa'a_'akumul lazina za'amtum annahum fikum syuraka_'(u), laqat taqatta'a bainakum wa dalla'ankum ma_ kuntum taz'umu_n(a).

6: 140

Asad …..and declare as forbidden that which God has provided for them as sustenance. falsely ascribing [such prohibitions] to God: …..

Pickthall They are losers who besottedly have slain their children without knowledge, and have forbidden that which Allah bestowed upon them, inventing a lie against Allah. They indeed have gone astray and are not guided.

Transliteration Qad khasiral lazina qatalu_ aula_dahum safaham bi gairi 'ilmiw wa harramu_ ma_ razaqahumulla_huftira_'an'alalla_h(i), qad dallu_ wa ma_ ka_nu_ muhtadin(a).

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7. [al-Araf, Mecca 39]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ...

7: 37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects his signs?

...أُوْلَـئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ...

For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book (of decrees);

C1018. It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth.

During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late.

...حَتَّى إِذَا جَاءتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ قَالُواْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ...

until, when Our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they say:

"Where are the things that ye used to invoke besides Allah?"

...قَالُواْ ضَلُّواْ عَنَّا وَشَهِدُواْ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُواْ كَافِرِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾

They will reply, "They have left us in the lurch,"

and they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.

سَاء مَثَلاً الْقَوْمُ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا وَأَنفُسَهُمْ كَانُواْ يَظْلِمُونَ ﴿١٧٧﴾

7: 177. Evil as an example are people who reject Our signs and wrong their own souls.

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٨٢﴾

7: 182. Those who reject Our signs, We shall gradually visit with punishment, in ways they perceive not.

C1154a. See also 68:44 and n. 5626.

وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ ﴿١٨٣﴾

7: 183. Respite will I grant unto them:

for My scheme is strong (and unfailing).

Others version:

7: 37 Asad And who could be more wicked than they who attribute their own lying inventions to God or give the lie to His messages? Whatever has been decreed to be their lot [in life] will be theirs – till there shall come unto them Our messengers to cause them to die,…………….

Pickthall Who doeth greater wrong than he who invent a lie concerning Allah or deny Our tokens. (For such) their appointed portion of the Book (of destiny) reaches them till, when Our messengers come to gather them, they say: Where (now) is that to which ye cried beside Allah? They say: They have departed from us. And they testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

Transliteration Faman azlamu mimmaniftara_'alalla_hi kaziban au kazzaba bi a_ya_tih(i), ula_'ika yana_luhum nasibuhum minal kita_b(i), hatta_ iza_ ja_'athum rusuluna_ yatawaffaunahum, qa_lu_ aina ma_ kuntum tad'u_na min du_nilla_h(i), qa_lu_ dallu_'anna_ wa syahidu_ 'ala_ anfusihim annahum ka_nu_ ka_firin(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 1018 It must not be supposed that the rebels against Allah would at once be cut off in this life for their sins. They will get the portion allotted to them, including the good things of life and the chance of repentance and reformation, during their probationary period on this earth. During that period they will have a full run. After that period expires, they will be called to account. They will themselves see that the false things, in which they put their trust, were false, and they will confess their sin, but it will be too late. (7.37)]]

(Moses story)

Thus, his parable is that of a dog: if you approach him threateningly, he will pant with his tongue lolling; and if you leave him alone, he will pant with his tongue lolling. Such is the parable of those who are bent on giving the lie to Our messages. Tell, then, this story so that they might take thought.

7: 177 Evil is the example of people who are bent on giving the lie to Our messages: for it is against their own selves that they are sinning!

7: 182-83 But as for those who are bent on giving the lie to Our messages – We shall bring them low, step by step, without their perceiving how it came about: for, behold, though I may give them rein for a while, My subtle scheme is exceedingly firm!

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10. Surah Yunus

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version: 

فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ...   

10: 17.  Who doth more wrong than such as forge a lie against Allah, or deny His Signs?

...إِنَّهُ لاَ يُفْلِحُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ ﴿١٧﴾  

But never will prosper those who sin.

C1430. Cf. 2:23 and n. 42.

بَلْ كَذَّبُواْ بِمَا لَمْ يُحِيطُواْ بِعِلْمِهِ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ تَأْوِيلُهُ...   

10: 39.  Nay,

they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them:

C1431. Taawil: elucidation, explanation, final fulfilment, Cf., 7:53,

The Message of Allah not only gives us rules for our every-day conduct, but speaks of high matters of religious significance, which require elucidation in two ways:

-         by experience from the actual facts of life, and

-         by the final fulfilment of the hopes and warnings which we now take on trust through our Faith.

The Unbelievers reject Allah's Message simply because they cannot understand it and without giving it even a chance of elucidation in any of these ways. (R).

...كَذَلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ... ...

thus did those before them make charges of falsehood:

...فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٣٩﴾  

but see what was the end of those who did wrong!

C1432. Wrong-doers always came to grief ultimately.

The true course of history shows it from a broad standpoint. But they are so headstrong that they prejudge issues in their ignorance before they are decided.

وَمَا ظَنُّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ...   

10: 60.  And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day of Judgment?

C1448. People who lie in Religion or invent false gods, or false worship,-have they any idea of the Day of Judgment, when they will be called to account, and will have to answer for their deeds?

...إِنَّ اللّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لاَ يَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٦٠﴾

Verily Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

C1449. Allah is most kind, and gracious, and generous with His gifts of all kinds, material and spiritual. But men do not understand, and are ungrateful in forgetting the Giver of all and setting up false objects of worship and false standards of pride.

Others version:

10: 17

And who could be more wicked that they who attribute their own lying inventions to God or give the lie to His messages? Verily, those who re lost in sin will never attain to happy state – and they worship, side by side with God, things or beings that can neither harm nor benefit them, saying “These are our intercessors with God!”

Say: “Do you inform God of anything in the heavens or on earth that He does not know?

Limitless is He in His glory, and sublimely exalted above anything to which men may ascribe a share in His divinity!”

10: 39

Pickthall Nay, but they denied that, the knowledge whereof they could not compass, and whereof the interpretation (in events) hath not yet come unto them. Even so did those before them deny. Then see what was the consequence for the wrongdoers!

Transliteration Bal kazzabu_ bima_ lam yuhitu_ bi 'ilmihi wa lamma_ ya'tihim ta'wiluh(u_), kaza_lika kazzabal lazina min qablihim fanzur kaifa ka_na 'a_qibatuz za_limin(a).

10: 60

Pickthall And what think those who invent a lie concerning Allah (will be their plight) upon the Day of Resurrection? Lo! Allah truly is Bountiful toward mankind, but most of them give not thanks.

Transliteration Wa ma_ zannul lazina yaftaru_na 'alalla_hil kaziba yaumal qiya_mah(ti), innalla_ha lazu_ fadlin 'alan na_si wa la_kinna aksarahum la_ yasykuru_n(a).

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11. Surah Hud

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِبًا...   

11; 18.   Who doth more wrong than those who invent a lie against Allah?

...أُوْلَـئِكَ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَى رَبِّهِمْ وَيَقُولُ الأَشْهَادُ هَـؤُلاء الَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ عَلَى رَبِّهِمْ...

They will be turned back to the presence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say,

"These are the ones who lied against their Lord!

...أَلاَ لَعْنَةُ اللّهِ عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿١٨﴾

Behold!

the Curse of Allah is on those who do wrong! --

الَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا...   

11: 19.  "Those who would hinder (men) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked:

...وَهُم بِالآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَ ﴿١٩﴾

these were they who denied the Hereafter!

Pickthall’s Version:

11: 18

Pickthall Who doeth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah? Such will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say: These are they who lied concerning their Lord. Now the curse of Allah is upon wrong-doers,

Transliteration Wa man azlamu mim man-iftara_ 'alalla_hi kaziba_(n), ulu_'ika yu'radu_na 'ala_ rabbihim wa yaqu_lul asyha_du ha_'ula_'il lazina kazabu_ 'ala_ rabbihim, ala_ la'natulla_hi 'alaz za_limin(a),

11: 19

Pickthall Who debar (men) from the way of Allah and would have it crooked, and who are disbelievers in the Hereafter.

Transliteration Allazina yasuddu_na 'an sabililla_hi wa yabgu_naha_ 'iwaja_(n), wa hum bil a_khirati hum ka_firu_n(a).

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16. [an_nahl, Mecca 70]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِلّهِ مَا يَكْرَهُونَ...   

16: 62.  They attribute to Allah what they hate (for themselves),

C2088. See above, 16:57-58 and notes.

... وَتَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُهُمُ الْكَذِبَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ الْحُسْنَى... 

and their tongues assert the falsehood that all good things are for themselves:

C2089. The philosophy of Pleasure (Hedonism) assumes that worldly enjoyment is good in itself and that there is nothing beyond. But it can be shown, even on its own ground, that every act has its inevitable consequences.

No Good can spring out of Evil. For falsehood and wrong the agony of the Fire is waiting, and the boastful votaries of Falsehood will be the first to fall into it.

... لاَ جَرَمَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ الْنَّارَ وَأَنَّهُم مُّفْرَطُونَ ﴿٦٢﴾

without doubt for them is the fire, and they will be the first to be hastened on into it!

إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ...

16: 115. He has only forbidden you

C2152. Cf. 2:173 and notes, 5:3-4, and 6:121 and 138-146.

... الْمَيْتَةَ وَالْدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ الْخَنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللّهِ بِهِ... 

-    dead meat,

-    and blood,

-    and the flesh of swine,

-    and any (food) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked.

... فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلاَ عَادٍ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١١٥﴾  

But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ الْكَذِبَ ...

16: 116. But say not, for any false thing that your tongues may put forth,

C2153. Men are apt to create taboos for themselves, out of superstition, and often for selfish ends, and enforce them in the name of religion. Nothing can be more reprehensible.

... هَـذَا حَلاَلٌ وَهَـذَا حَرَامٌ... 

"This is lawful, and this is forbidden,"

... لِّتَفْتَرُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ... 

so as to ascribe false things to Allah.

... إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ لاَ يُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١١٦﴾  

For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.

مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١١٧﴾   

16: 117.  (In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.

Pickthall’s Version:

16: 62

Pickthall And they assign unto Allah that which they (themselves) dislike, and their tongues expound the lie that the better portion will be theirs. Assuredly theirs will be the Fire, and they will be abandoned.

Transliteration Wa yaj'alu_na lilla_hi ma_ yakrahu_na wa tasifu alsinatuhumul kaziba anna lahumul husna_ la_ jarama anna lahumun na_ra wa annahum mufratu_n(a).

16: 115

Pickthall He hath forbidden for you only carrion and blood and swine-flesh and that which hath been immolated in the name of any other than Allah; but he who is driven thereto, neither craving nor transgressing, lo! then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Transliteration Innama_ harrama 'alaikumul maitata wad dama wa lahmal khinziri wa ma_ uhilla ligairilla_hi bih(i), faman-idturra gaira ba_giw wa la_ 'a_din fa innalla_ha gafu_rur rahim(un).

16: 116

Pickthall And speak not, concerning that which your own tongues qualify (as clean or unclean), the falsehood: "This is lawful, and this is forbidden," so that ye invent a lie against Allah. Lo! those who invent a lie against Allah will not succeed.