2. [al-Baqarah, Medina 89 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
ذَلِكَ
الْكِتَابُ
لاَ رَيْبَ
فِيهِ هُدًى
لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
﴿٢﴾
2: 2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.
C26. Taqwa and the verbs and nouns connected with the root, signify:
1. the fear of Allah which according to the writer of Proverbs (1:7) in the Old Testament is the beginning 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 the translation, only one or other of these ideas can be indicated according to the context.
See also 47:17; and 74:56, n.5808.
قُلْ
مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا
لِّجِبْرِيلَ
فَإِنَّهُ
نَزَّلَهُ عَلَى
قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ
اللّهِ...
2: 97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah's will,
C101. A party of the Jews in the time of Muhammad ridiculed the Muslim believe that Gabriel brought down revelations to Muhammad Mustafa.
Michael was called in their books "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people": (Daniel 12:1). The vision of Gabriel inspired fear (Daniel, 8:16-17).
But this pretence - that Michael was their friend and Gabriel their enemy - was merely a manifestation of their unbelief in angels, apostles, and Allah Himself; and such unbelief could not win the love of Allah.
In any case it was disingenuous to say that they believed in one angel and not in another.
Muhammad's inspiration was through visions of Gabriel. Muhammad had been helped to the highest spiritual light, and the message which he delivered and his spotless integrity and exemplary life were manifest Signs which every one could understand except those who were obstinate and perverse. Besides, the verses of the Quran were in themselves reasonable and clear.
... مُصَدِّقاً لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٩٧﴾
a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe.
مَن
كَانَ عَدُوًّا
لِّلّهِ وَمَلآئِكَتِهِ
وَرُسُلِهِ
وَجِبْرِيلَ
وَمِيكَالَ
...
2: 98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,
... فَإِنَّ اللّهَ عَدُوٌّ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ ﴿٩٨﴾
Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.
شَهْرُ
رَمَضَانَ
الَّذِيَ أُنزِلَ
فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ
هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
وَبَيِّنَاتٍ
مِّنَ الْهُدَى
وَالْفُرْقَانِ...
2: 185. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'án, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).
C192. Judgment (between right and wrong):
Furqan: the criterion or standard by which we judge between right and wrong. See 2:53 n. 68.
... فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ...
So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting,
... وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ...
but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period, (should be made up) by days later.
... يُرِيدُ اللّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ...
Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to difficulties.
... وَلِتُكْمِلُواْ الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ اللّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ ...
(He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you;
C193. The regulations are again and again coupled with an insistence on two things:
- the facilities and concessions given, and
- the spiritual significance of the fast, without which it is like an empty shell without a kernel.
If we realise this, we shall look upon Ramadhan, not as a burden, but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in this matter.
... وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾
and perchance ye shall be grateful.
2: 2
Asad This Divine Writ – let there be no doubt about it – is [meant to be] a guidance for all the God-conscious (note 2)
Pickthall This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
Transliteration Za_likal kita_bu la_ raiba fihi hudal lilmuttaqin(a).
[Ali’s note: 26 Taqwa and the verbs and nouns connected with the root, signify: (1) the fear of God which according to the writer of Proverbs (i.7) in the Old Testament is the beginning 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 the translation, only one or other of these ideas can be indicated according to the context. See also xivii 17; and ixxiv 56, n.5808. (2.2) ]
[Asad’s note: The conventional translation of muttaqi as “God-fearing” does not adequately render the positive content of this expression – namely, the awareness of His all-presence and the desire to mould one’s existence in the light of this awareness; while the interpretation adopted by some translators, “one who guards himself against evil” or “one who is careful of his duty”, does not give more than one particular aspect of the concept of God consciousness.]
2: 97
Asad Say [ O Prophet]: “Whatever is an enemy of Gabriel” – wo, verily, by God’s leave, has brought down upon they heart this [divine writ] which confirms the truth of whatever there still remains [of earlier revelations], and is a guidance and a glad tiding for the believers -:
Pickthall Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;
Transliteration Qul man ka_na 'aduwwal li jibrila fa innahu_ nazzalahu_ 'ala_ qalbika bi iznilla_hi musaddiqal lima_ baina yadaihi wa hudaw wa busyra_ lil mu'minin(a).
2: 98
Asad “whosoever is an enemy of God……….verily, God is the enemy of all who deny the truth”
Pickthall Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Transliteration Man ka_na 'aduwwal lilla_hi wa mala_'ikatihi wa rusulihi wa jibrila wa mika_la fa innalla_ha 'aduwwul lil ka_firin(a).
2: 185
Asad It was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self- evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ell, or o a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks [unto Him].
Pickthall The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.
Transliteration Syahru ramada_nal lazi unzila fihil qur'a_nu hudal lin na_si wa bayyina_tim minal huda_ wal furqa_n(i), faman syahida minkumusy syahra fal yasumh(u), wa man ka_na maridan au 'ala_ safarin fa'iddatum min ayya_min ukhar(a), yuridulla_hu bikumul yusra wa la_ yuridu bikumul'usr(a), wa litukmilul 'iddata wa litukabbirulla_ha'ala_ ma_ hada_kum wa la'allakum tasykuru_n(a).
[ Ruby’s Note – The exhorting about fasting. It is starting with a reminder that fasting was prescribed for all bygone people as it is prescribed now for the contemporary community and for tomorrow. This emphasis conveys that there is some inherent good in fasting. I think it is not only denial of a basic nourishment of body for a limited time, but through this one attains a higher objective of spiritual uplifting if done with right intention and mindset. Hardship and suffering has its role to take one to a higher plane by helping directing one towards consciousness of God and reliance on God. ]
[Asad’s note 155 – I.e., during the twenty-nine or thirty days of Ramadan, the noneth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (see next verse). It consists of a total abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset. As the Quran points out, fasting has been widely practiced at all times of man’s religious history. The extreme rigor and the long duration
of the Islamic fast – which is incumbent on every healthy adult, man or woman – fulfils, in addition to the general aim of spiritual purification, a threefold purpose: 1. to commemorate the beginning of the Quranic revelation, which took place in the month of Ramadan about thirteen years before the Prophet’s exodus to Medina; (2) to provide an exacting exercise of self-discipline; and (3) to make everyone realize, through his or her own experience, how it feels to be hungry and thirsty, and thus to fain a true appreciation of the needs of the poor. ]
[ Ali’s notes - 188 As it was prescribed: this does not mean that the Muslim fast is like the other fasts previously observed, in the number of days, in the time or manner of the fast, or in other incidents; it only means that the principle of self-denial by fasting is not a new one. (2.183)
189 This verse should be read with the following verses, 185-88, in order that the incidents of the physical fast may be fully understood with reference to its spiritual meaning. (2.184)
190 Illness and journey must not be interpreted in an elastic sense: they must be such as to cause real pain or suffering if the fast were observed. For journeys, …………..It is better to determine it in each case according to circumstances. (2.184)
191 Those who can do it with hardship: such as aged people, or persons specially circumstanced. The Shafiis would include a woman expecting a child, or one who is nursing a baby, but on this point opinion is not unanimous, some holding that they ought to put in the fasts later, when they can. (2.184)
192 Judgment (between right and wrong): Furqan - the criterion or standard by which we judge between right and wrong. See ii. 53 n. (2.185)
193 The regulations are again and again coupled with an insistence on two things: (a) the facilities and concessions given, and (b) the spiritual significance of the fast, without which it is like an empty shell without a kernel. If we relise this, we shall look upon Ramadhan, not as a burden, but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in this matter. (2.185)
===================================
6. [al-Anam, Cattle, Mecca 55]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهَـذَا
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ
مُبَارَكٌ
فَاتَّبِعُوهُ
وَاتَّقُواْ
لَعَلَّكُمْ
تُرْحَمُونَ
﴿١٥٥﴾
6: 155. And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing:
so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:
أَن
تَقُولُواْ
إِنَّمَا أُنزِلَ
الْكِتَابُ
عَلَى طَآئِفَتَيْنِ
مِن قَبْلِنَا...
6: 156. Lest ye should say:
"The Book was sent down to two peoples before us,
...وَإِن كُنَّا عَن دِرَاسَتِهِمْ لَغَافِلِينَ ﴿١٥٦﴾
and for our part, we remained unacquainted with all that they learned by assiduous study."
C981. Because the diligent studies of the earlier People of the Book were in languages foreign to the new People of Islam, or because they were meant for circumstances different from those of the new world after Islam.
أَوْ
تَقُولُواْ
لَوْ أَنَّا
أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا
الْكِتَابُ
لَكُنَّا أَهْدَى
مِنْهُمْ...
6: 157. Or lest ye should say:
"If the Book had only been sent down to us, we should have followed its guidance better than they."
...فَقَدْ جَاءكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ ...
Now then hath come unto you a Clear (sign) from your Lord, and a guide and a mercy:
C982. The Quran and the life and the teaching of Muhammad the Messenger of Allah.
...فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ وَصَدَفَ عَنْهَا...
then who could do more wrong than one who rejecteth Allah's signs, and turneth away therefrom?
...سَنَجْزِي الَّذِينَ يَصْدِفُونَ عَنْ آيَاتِنَا سُوءَ الْعَذَابِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْدِفُونَ ﴿١٥٧﴾
In good time shall We requite those who turn away from Our Signs, with a dreadful penalty, for their turning away.
Other Versions:
6: 155
Asad And this, too, is a divine writ which We have bestowed from on high, a blesses one: follow it, then, and be conscious of God, so that you might be graced with His mercy.
Pickthall And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed. So follow it and ward off (evil), that ye may find mercy.
Transliteration Wa ha_za_ kitabun anzalna_hu muba_rakun fattabi'u_hu wattaqu_ la'allakum turhamu_n(a).
6: 156
Asad [It has been given to you] lest you say, “Only unto two groups of people, [both of them] before our time, has a divine writ been bestowed from on high [note 157] – and we were indeed unaware of their teachings”;
Pickthall Lest ye should say: The Scripture was revealed only to two sects before us, and we in truth were unaware of what they read;
Transliteration An taqu_lu_ innama_ unzilal kita_bu 'ala_ ta_'ifataini min qablina_, wa in kunna_ 'an dira_satihim laga_filin(a).
6: 157
Asad or lest you say, “If a divine writ had been bestowed from on high upon us, we would surely have followed its guidance better than they did.” [note 158].
And so, a clear evidence of the truth has now come unto you from your Sustainer, and guidance, and grace. Who, then could be more wicked than he who gives the lie to God’s messages, and turns away from them in disdain?
Pickthall Or lest ye should say: If the Scripture had been revealed unto us, we surely had been better guided than are they. Now hath there come unto you a clear proof from your Lord, a guidance and a mercy; and who doeth greater wrong than he who denies the revelations of Allah, and turnes away from them? We award unto those who turn away from Our revelations an evil doom because of their aversion.
Transliteration Au taqu_lu_ lau anna_ unzila 'alainal kita_bu lakunna_ ahda_ minhum, faqad ja_'akum bayyinatum mir rabbikum wa hudaw wa rahmah(tun), faman azlamu mimman kazzaba bi a_ya_tilla_hi wa sadafa 'anha_, sanajzil lazina yasdifu_na'ana_ya_tina_ su_'al 'aza_bi bima_ ka_nu_ yasdifu_n(a).
[[ Ali’s notes - 981 Because the diligent studies of the earlier People of the Book were in languages foreign to the new People of Islam, or because they were meant for circumstances different from those of the new world after Islam. (6.156)
982 The Qur-an and the life and the teaching of Muhammad the Apostle of God. (6.157) ]]
[[ Asad’s note 157 – I.e., to the Jews and the Christians, who were the only two communities known to the Arabs as possessing reveled scriptures.
note 158 – Although this passage refers, in the first instance, to the Arabian contemporaries of the Prophet, its message is not restricted to them but relates to all people, at all times, who refuse to believe in revelation unless they themselves are its direct recipients.]]
===================================
7. [al-Araf, Mecca 39]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِذَا
لَمْ تَأْتِهِم
بِآيَةٍ قَالُواْ
لَوْلاَ اجْتَبَيْتَهَا...
7: 203. If thou bring them not a revelation, they say: "Why hast thou not got it together?"
C1174. "Ayah" here, I think, means specially an Ayah of the Holy Quran.
The infidels did not believe in revelation, and used to taunt the Holy Prophet, as much as to say that he used to put together words and promulgate them as revelation. The answer is contained in the sentence that follows.
No human composition could contain the beauty, power, and spiritual insight of the Quran. Without inspiration it is impossible to suppose that a man, with or without literary and philosophic training could produce such a book as the Quran.
...قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَتَّبِعُ مَا يِوحَى إِلَيَّ مِن رَّبِّي ...
Say:
"I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord:
...هَـذَا بَصَآئِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ...
This is (nothing but) lights from your Lord,
C1175. "Lights": eyes, faculty of spiritual insight.
The revelation is for us
1. spiritual eyes,
2. guidance, and
3. mercy,
- 1 is the highest in degree:
just as a blind man, if he is given eyes and the faculty of sight, is at once removed into an entirely new world, so those who can reach the stage of spiritual insight pass into and become citizens of a wholly new spiritual World,
- 2 is next in degree;
the man of the world can act up to the teaching about right conduct and prepare for the Hereafter,
- 3 is the Mercy of Allah, free to every one, saint and sinner, who sincerely believes and puts his trust in Allah.
...وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿٢٠٣﴾
and guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith.
وَإِذَا
قُرِىءَ الْقُرْآنُ
فَاسْتَمِعُواْ
لَهُ وَأَنصِتُواْ
لَعَلَّكُمْ
تُرْحَمُونَ
﴿٢٠٤﴾
204. When the Qur'án is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace:
that ye may receive Mercy.
Other Versions:
7: 203
Asad And yet, when you [O Prophet] does not produce any miracle for them, some [people] say, “Why do you not seek to obtain it [from God] (note 167)? Say: “I only follow whatever is being revealed to me by my Sustainer: this [revelation] is a means of insight from your Sustainer, and a guidance and grace unto people who will believe.
Pickthall And when thou bringest not a verse for them they say: Why hast thou not chosen it? Say: I follow only that which is inspired in me from my Lord. This (Qur'an) is insight from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people that believe.
Transliteration Wa iza_ lam ta'tihim bi a_yatin qa_lu_ lau lajtabaitaha_, qul innama_ attabi'u ma_ yu_ha_ ilayya mir rabbi, ha_za_ basa_'iru mir rabbikum wa hudaw wa rahmatul liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).
[[ Asad’s note 167 – Sc., “if you are really His apostle” (cf. 6:37 and 109, and the corresponding notes). Some of the commentators assume that the term ‘ayah’ – translated by me as “miracle” – denotes here a verbal “message” which would answer the objections of those who did not believe in the Prophet. ……………the demand of the unbelievers must have related to some particular manifestation or “proof” of his divinely inspired mission: namely, to a concrete miracle which would establish the truth of his claim in supposedly “objective” manner. ………………]
[[ Ali’s notes - 1174 "Ayat" here, I think, means specially an Ayat of the Holy Qur-an. The infidels did not believe in revelation, and used to taunt the Holy Prophet, as much as to say that he used to put together words and promulgate them as revelation. The answer is contained in the sentence that follows. No human composition could contain the beauty, power, and spiritual insight of the Qur-An. Without inspiration it is impossible to suppose that a man, with or without literary and philosophic training could produce such a book as the Qur-an. Commentators of the Qur-An, however, consider Ayah here to refer to miracle as the context seems to evidence. (7.203)
1175 "Lights": eyes, faculty of spiritual insight. The revelation is for us (1) spiritual eyes, (2) guidance, and (3) mercy, (1) is the highest in degree: just as a blind man, if he is given eyes and the faculty of sight, is at once removed into an entirely new world, so those who can reach the stage of spiritual insight pass into and become citizens of a wholly new spiritual World, (2) is next in degree; the man of the world can act up to the teaching about right conduct and prepare for the Hereafter, (3) is the Mercy of Allah, free to every one, saint and sinner, who sincerely believes and puts his trust in Allah. (7.203)]]
11. [Hud, Mecca 52]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَفَمَن
كَانَ عَلَى
بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن
رَّبِّهِ وَيَتْلُوهُ
شَاهِدٌ مِّنْهُ...
11: 17. Can they be (like) those who accept a Clear (Sign) from their Lord, and whom a witness from Himself doth teach,
C1512. "A witness from Himself': i.e., the Book which was given to Al-Mustafa, the Holy Quran, which is compared to the original Revelation given to Moses. We make no difference between one true and genuine Message and another, nor between one apostle and another, for they all come from the One True God.
...وَمِن قَبْلِهِ كِتَابُ مُوسَى إَمَامًا وَرَحْمَةً...
as did the Book of Moses before it -- a guide and a mercy?
C1513. "Guide": the Arabic word here is Imam, a leader, a guide, one that directs to the true Path. Such a direction is an instance of the Mercy and Goodness of Allah to man.
The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad are also called, each, a Guide and a Mercy, and so are these epithets applicable to previous Books and Prophets.
...أُوْلَـئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ...
They believe therein;
...وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ مِنَ الأَحْزَابِ فَالنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُ...
but those of the Sects that reject it -- the Fire will be their promised meeting place.
...فَلاَ تَكُ فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِّنْهُ...
Be not then in doubt thereon:
...إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٧﴾
for it is the Truth from thy Lord: yet many among men do not believe!
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! --
Other Versions:
11: 17
Asad Can, then, [he who cares for no more than the life of this world be compared with [[note 28]]] one who takes his stand on a clear evidence from his Sustainer, conveyed through [this] testimony from Him [note 29], as was the revelation vouchsafed to Moses aforetime - …..to be a guidance and grace [unto man]? ……..
Pickthall Is he (to be counted equal with them) who relieth on a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him reciteth it, and before it was the Book of Moses, an example and a mercy? Such believe therein, and Whoso disbelieveth therein of the clans, the Fire is his appointed place. So be not thou in doubt concerning it. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord; but most of mankind believe not.
Yuksel Similar Proof in the Book Given to Moses
11:17 As for those who are on a proof from their Lord, and are followed by a testimony from Him; and before it was the book of Moses as a guide and a mercy; they will acknowledge it. Whoever rejects it from amongst the parties, then the fire is his meeting place. So do not be in any doubt about it. It is the truth from your Lord, but most people do not acknowledge.*
Transliteration Afaman ka_na 'ala_ bayyinatim mir rabbihi wa yatlu_hu sya_hidum minhu wa min qablihi kita_bu mu_sa_ ima_maw wa rahmah(tan), ula_'ika yu'minu_na bih(i), wa may yakfur bihi minal ahza_bi fan na_ru mau'iduhu_ fala_ taku fi miryatim minhu innahul haqqu mir rabbika wa la_kinna aksaran na_si la_ yu'minu_n(a).
[[Ali’s notes - [[Ali’s notes - 1512 "A witness from Himself': i.e., the Book which was given to Al-Mustafa, the Holy Qur-an, which is compared to the original Revelation given to Moses. We make no difference between one true and genuine Message and another, nor between one apostle and another,-for they all come from the One True God. (11.17)
1513 "Guide": the Arabic word here is Imam, a leader, a guide, one that directs to the true Path. Such a direction is an instance of the Mercy and Goodness of Allah to man. The Qur-an and the Prophet Muhammad are also called, each, a Guide and a Mercy, and so are these epithets applicable to previous Books and Prophets. (11.17) ]]
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,
Yuksel The Most Wicked: Rabbis, Priests, Mullahs, Monks Who Attribute Lies to God
11:18 Who is more wicked than one who invents lies about God? They will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "These are the ones who lied about their Lord." Alas, God's curse will be upon the wicked.
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),
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12. Surah Yusuf
12: 111
Asad Indeed, in the stories of these men there is a lesson for those who are endowed with insight. [As for this revelation ] it could not possibly be a discourse invented: nay indeed, it is confirming the truth whatever there still remains, clearly spelling out everything, and guidance and grace unto people who will believe.
Yusuf Ali There is in their stories instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented but a confirmation of what went before it a detailed exposition of all things and a Guide and a Mercy to any such as believe.
Pickthall In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.
16: 88
Asad Upon all who were bent on denying the truth and who turned others away from the path of God will We heap suffering upon suffering in return for all the corruption that they wrought:
Yusuf Ali Those who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the path of Allah for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief.
Pickthall For those who disbelieve and debar (men) from the way of Allah, We add doom to doom because they wrought corruption.
Transliteration Allazina kafaru_ wa saddu_ 'an sabililla_hi zidna_hum 'aza_ban fauqal 'aza_bi bima_ ka_nu_ yufsidu_n(a).
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16. Sura al-Nahl
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ
فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ
شَهِيدًا عَلَيْهِم
مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ...
16: 89. One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves:
C2126. To the thought expressed in 16:84 above, is added another detail here.
Not only will there be witnesses from Peoples, but the witnesses will be men from amongst the Peoples themselves, men of their own kith and kin, who understood them and explained Allah's Message in their own language.
The Prophet Muhammad will be witness against all those who rejected the Message he brought.
For those who believe in him of (all races and peoples), the Book which he brought will be an explanation, a guide, a mercy and a Gospel. (R).
... وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَى هَـؤُلاء...
and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people):
... وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ...
and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things,
... وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ ﴿٨٩﴾
a guide a Mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.
Other Versions:
16: 89
Asad for one Day We shall raise up within every community a witness against them from among themselves. And thee [too, O Prophet,] have We brought forth to bear witness regarding those [whom thy message may have reached], inasmuch as We have bestowed from on high upon thee, step by step, this divine writ, to make everything clear, and to provide guidance and grace and a glad tiding unto all who have surrendered themselves to God.
Pickthall And (bethink you of) the day when We raise in every nation a witness against them of their own folk, and We bring thee (Muhammad) as a witness against these. And We reveal the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of all things, and a guidance and a mercy and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
Transliteration Wa yauma nab'asu fi kulli ummatin syahidan 'alaihim min anfusihim wa ji'na_ bika syahidan 'ala_ ha_'ula_'(i), wa nazzalna_ 'alaikal kita_ba tibya_nal likulli syai'iw wa hudaw wa rahmataw wa busyra_ lil muslimin(a).
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17. [al-Israa, mecca 50 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَنُنَزِّلُ
مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
مَا هُوَ شِفَاء
وَرَحْمَةٌ
لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ...
17: 82. We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'án that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe:
...وَلاَ يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إَلاَّ خَسَارًا ﴿٨٢﴾
to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.
C2282. In Allah's revelation there is healing for our broken spirits, hope for our spiritual future, and joy in the forgiveness of our sins. All who work in faith will share in these privileges.
It is only the rebels against Allah's Law who will suffer loss. The more they will oppose Truth, the deeper down will they go into the mire-the state of sin and Wrath, which is worse than destruction.
إِلاَّ رَحْمَةً
مِّن رَّبِّكَ...
17: 87. Except for Mercy from thy Lord:
C2287. In that case the only one who can plead for us is the Mercy of Allah.
We can interpret the phrase in its widest abstract sense, as well as in the concrete sense of the title which is applied to the holy Prophet Muhammad, the Mercy of Allah. Thus we come from the abstract question to the concrete question of the Quran, which is referred to by name in the verses that follow.
...إِنَّ فَضْلَهُ كَانَ عَلَيْكَ كَبِيرًا ﴿٨٧﴾
for His Bounty is to thee (indeed) great.
Other Versions:
17: 82
Wa nunazzilu minal qur'a_ni ma_ huwa syifa_'uw wa rahmatul lil mu'minin(a), wa la_ yaziduz za_limina illa_ khasa_ra_(n).
Asad Thus, step by step, We bestow from on high through this Quran all that gives health and is a grace unto those who believe, the while it only adds to the ruin of evildoers.
Pickthall And We reveal of the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy for believers though it increase the evil-doers in naught save ruin.
17: 87
Transliteration Illa_ rahmatam mir rabbik(a), inna fadlahu_ ka_na 'alaika kabira_(n).
Pickthall (It is naught) save mercy from thy Lord. Lo! His kindness unto thee was ever great.
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18. Surah Al Kahf
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا
فِي هَذَا الْقُرْآنِ
لِلنَّاسِ مِن
كُلِّ مَثَلٍ...
18: 54. We have explained in detail in this Qur'án, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude:
... وَكَانَ الْإِنسَانُ أَكْثَرَ شَيْءٍ جَدَلًا ﴿٥٤﴾
but man is, in most things, contentious.
C2398. If men had not cultivated the habit of contention and obstinacy, they would have found that the parables and similitudes of Scripture had fully met their difficulties, and they would gladly have obeyed the call of Allah.
وَمَا
مَنَعَ النَّاسَ
أَن يُؤْمِنُوا
إِذْ جَاءهُمُ
الْهُدَى
وَيَسْتَغْفِرُوا
رَبَّهُمْ...
18: 55. And what is there to keep back men from believing, now that Guidance has come to them, nor from praying for forgiveness from their Lord,
... إِلَّا أَن تَأْتِيَهُمْ سُنَّةُ الْأَوَّلِينَ ...
but that (they ask that) the ways of the ancients be repeated with them,
C2399. But man's obstinacy or contrariness asks or calls for a repetition of what happened to the wicked and those who rejected Faith in ancient times.
Out of curiosity, or by way of challenge, they seem to court the Punishment and ask that it be brought to pass at once.
But it will come soon enough, and then they will think it too early! Cf. 13:6 and n. 1810.
... أَوْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ الْعَذَابُ قُبُلًا ﴿٥٥﴾
or the Wrath be brought to them face to face?
وَمَا نُرْسِلُ
الْمُرْسَلِينَ
إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ
وَمُنذِرِينَ...
18: 56. We only send the Messengers to give glad tidings and to give warnings:
C2400. The Prophets of Allah are not sent to humour us with dialectics or satisfy the vulgar curiosity for miracles or dark unusual things.
There is no "crookedness" (18:1) in their preaching. They come to preach the Truth, -not in an abstract way, but with special reference to our conduct.
They give us the good news of salvation lest we despair in the presence of Sin, and to warn us clearly of the dangers of Evil. Vain controversies about words only weaken their mission, or turn it into ridicule.
The ungodly have a trick also of treating the earnest preaching to them itself as a jest and ridiculing it. (R).
... وَيُجَادِلُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِالْبَاطِلِ لِيُدْحِضُوا بِهِ الْحَقَّ...
but the Unbelievers dispute with vain argument, in order therewith to weaken the truth,
... وَاتَّخَذُوا آيَاتِي وَمَا أُنذِرُوا هُزُوًا ﴿٥٦﴾
and they treat My Signs as a jest, as also the fact that they are warned!
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ
مِمَّن ذُكِّرَ
بِآيَاتِ
رَبِّهِ...
18: 57. And who doth more wrong than one who is reminded of the Signs of his Lord,
... فَأَعْرَضَ عَنْهَا وَنَسِيَ مَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدَاهُ...
but turns away from them, forgetting the (deeds) which his hands have sent forth?
C2401. Considering the power of sin, and how it gets hold of the hearts of men, and considering all the wrongs that men have done, it is the height of folly and injustice on their part to turn away from warnings which are given expressly for their good.
But a stage of callousness is reached, when, by their own choice, they have rendered themselves impervious to Allah's Grace. At that stage a veil is put over their hearts and they are left alone for a time, that they may commune with themselves and perhaps repent and seek Allah's Mercy again. If they do not, it is their own loss.
See next verse.
... إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا...
Verily We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this, and over their ears, deafness.
... وَإِن تَدْعُهُمْ إِلَى الْهُدَى فَلَن يَهْتَدُوا إِذًا أَبَدًا ﴿٥٧﴾
If thou callest them to guidance, even then will they never accept guidance.
وَرَبُّكَ الْغَفُورُ
ذُو الرَّحْمَةِ...
18: 58. But your Lord is Most Forgiving, Full of Mercy.
... لَوْ يُؤَاخِذُهُم بِمَا كَسَبُوا لَعَجَّلَ لَهُمُ الْعَذَابَ...
If He were to call them (at once) to account for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened their Punishment:
... بَل لَّهُم مَّوْعِدٌ لَّن يَجِدُوا مِن دُونِهِ مَوْئِلًا ﴿٥٨﴾
but they have their appointed time, beyond which they will find no refuge.
C2402. Min duni hi: should we take the pronoun to refer to "the appointed time." or to "your Lord" mentioned at the beginning of the verse?
Most Commentators take the former view, and I have translated accordingly. But I agree with those who take the latter view, and the better translation would be:
"But they have their appointed time, and except with Allah, they will find no refuge."
That means that even during the period allowed them, when they are left to wander astray as they have rejected Allah's Grace, Allah's Mercy is open to them if they will repent and return; but nothing but Allah's Mercy can save them.
Other Versions:
18: 54
Asad Thus, indeed, have We given in this Quran many facets to every kind of lesson [designed] for [the benefit of] mankind. However, man is, above all else, always given to contention:
Pickthall And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all manner of similitudes, but man is more than anything contentious.
Transliteration Wa laqad sarrafna_ fi ha_zal qur'a_ni lin na_si min kulli masal(in), wa ka_nal insa_nu aksara syai'in jadala_(n).
18: 55
Asad for, what is there to keep people from attaining to faith now that guidance has come unto them, and from asking their Sustainer to forgive them their sins -………………..
Pickthall And naught hindereth mankind from believing when the guidance cometh unto them, and from asking for forgiveness of their Lord, unless (it be that they wish) that the judgment of the men of old should come upon them or (that) they should be confronted with the Doom.
Transliteration Wa ma_ mana'an na_sa ay yu'minu_ iz ja_'ahumul huda_ wa yastagfiru_ rabbahum illa_ ay ta'tiyahum sunnatul awwalina au ya'tiyahumul 'azu_bu qubula_(n).
18: 56
Pickthall We send not the messengers save as bearers of good news and warners. Those who disbelieve contend with falsehood in order to refute the Truth thereby. And they take Our revelations and that wherewith they are threatened as a jest.
Transliteration Wa ma_ nursilul mursalina illa_ mubasysyirina wa munzirin(a), wa yuja_dilul lazina kafaru_ bil ba_tili liyudhidu_ bihil haqqa wa-ttakhazu_ a_ya_ti wa ma_ unziru_ huzuwa_(n).
18: 57
Pickthall And who doth greater wrong than he who hath been reminded of the revelations of his Lord, yet turneth away from them and forgetteth what his hands send forward (to the Judgment)? Lo! on their hearts We have placed coverings so that they understand not, and in their ears a deafness. And though thou call them to the guidance, in that case they can never be led aright.
Transliteration Wa man azlamu mim man zukkira bi a_ya_ti rabbihi fa a'rada 'anha_ wa nasiya ma_ qaddamat yada_h(u), inna_ ja'alna_ 'ala_ qulu_bihim akinnatan ay yafqahu_hu wa fi a_za_nihim waqra_(n), wa in tad'uhum ilal huda_ falay yahtada_ izan abada_(n).
18: 58
Pickthall Thy Lord is the Forgiver, Full of Mercy. If He took them to task (now) for what they earn, He would hasten on the doom for them; but their is an appointed term from which they will find no escape.
Transliteration Wa rabbukal gafu_ru zur rahmah(ti), lau yu'a_khizuhum bima_ kasabu_ la'ajjala lahumul 'aza_b(a), bal lahum mau'idul lay yajidu_ min du_nihi mau'ila_(n).