2. Surah Al Baqarah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
الَّذِي
جَعَلَ
لَكُمُ الأَرْضَ
فِرَاشاً وَالسَّمَاء
بِنَاء وَأَنزَلَ
مِنَ السَّمَاء
مَاء...
2: 22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heaven your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens;
... فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقاً لَّكُمْ...
and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance;
... فَلاَ تَجْعَلُواْ لِلّهِ أَندَاداً وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونََ ﴿٢٢﴾
then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).
C41. Further proofs of Allah's goodness to you are given in this verse. Your whole life, physical and spiritual, depends upon Him. The spiritual is figured by the Canopy of Heaven.
The truth has been brought plainly before you. Will you still resist it and go after false gods, the creation of your own fancy?
The false gods may be idols, superstitions, Self, or even great or glorious things like Poetry, Art, or Science, when set up as rivals to Allah. They may be pride of race, pride of birth, pride of wealth or position, pride of power, pride of learning, or even spiritual pride.
2: 22
Asad who has made the earth a resting –place for you and the sky a canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby brought forth fruits for your sustenance: do not , then, claim that there is any power that could rival God, when you know [that He is One]. (Note13)
Pickthall Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
Transliteration Allazi ja'ala lakumul arda fira_syaw was sama_'a bina_'a(n), wa anzala minas sama_'i ma_'an fa akhraja bihi minas samara_ti rizqal lakum, fala_ taj'alu_ lilla_hi anda_daw wa antum ta'lamu_n(a).
[ Asad’s note 13: Lit., “ do not give God any compeers” (andad, pl. of nidd). There is full agreement among all commentators that this term implies any object of adoration to which some or all of God’s qualities are ascribed, whether it be conceived as a deity “in its own right” or a saint supposedly possessing certain divine or semi-divine powers……]
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6. [al-Anam, Cattle, Mecca 55]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهُوَ
الَّذِيَ
أَنزَلَ
مِنَ
السَّمَاء
مَاء...
6: 99. It is He who sendeth down rain from the skies:
C925. Our allegory now brings us to maturity, the fruit, the harvest, the vintage.
Through the seed we came up from nothingness to life; we lived our daily life of rest and work and passed the mile-stones of time; we had the spiritual experience of traversing through vast spaces in the spiritual world, guiding our course through the star of Faith; we grew; and now for the harvest or the vintage!
How satisfied the grower must be when the golden grain is harvested in heaps or in vintage gathered! So will man if he has produced the fruits of Faith!
...فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ نَبَاتَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ...
with it We produce vegetation of all kinds:
...فَأَخْرَجْنَا مِنْهُ خَضِرًا نُّخْرِجُ مِنْهُ حَبًّا مُّتَرَاكِبًا...
from some We produce green (crops), out of which We produce grain, heaped up (at harvest);
...وَمِنَ النَّخْلِ مِن طَلْعِهَا قِنْوَانٌ دَانِيَةٌ...
out of the date-palm and its sheaths (or spathes) (come) clusters of dates hanging low and near:
...وَجَنَّاتٍ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَالزَّيْتُونَ وَالرُّمَّانَ مُشْتَبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَابِهٍ...
and (then there are) gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates,
each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety):
C926. Each fruit- whether it is grapes, or olives, or pomegranates, -looks alike in its species, and yet each variety may be different in flavour, consistency, shape, size, colour, juice or oil contents, proportion of seed to fruit, etc. In each variety, individuals may be different and yet equally valuable!
...انظُرُواْ إِلِى ثَمَرِهِ إِذَا أَثْمَرَ وَيَنْعِهِ...
when they begin to bear fruit, and the ripeness thereof.
C927. And so we finish this wonderful allegory.
Search through the world's literature, and see if you can find another such song or hymn, -so fruity in its literary flavour, so profound in its spiritual meaning!
...إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكُمْ لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿٩٩﴾
Behold! in these things there are signs for people who believe.
C928. There is a refrain in this song, which is subtly varied. In verse 97 it is:
"We detail our Signs for people who know."
So far we were speaking of the things we see around us every day Knowledge is the appropriate instrument for these things.
In verse 98 we read:
"We detail Our Signs for people who understand."
Understanding is a higher faculty than knowledge, and is necessary for seeing the mystery and meaning of this life.
At the end of verse 99 we have:
"In these things there are Signs for people who believe."
Here we are speaking of the real fruits of spiritual Life. For them Faith is necessary, as bringing us nearer to Allah.
Other Versions:
6: 99
Asad And He it is who has caused waters to come down from the sky: and by this means have We brought forth all living growth, and out of this have We brought forth verdue. Out of this do We bring forth close-growing grain; and out of the spathe of the palm tree, dates in thick clusters; and gardens of vines, and the olive tree, and the pomegranate: [all ] so alike, and yet so different! Behold their fruit when it comes to fruition and ripens! Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for people who will believe!
Pickthall He it is Who send down water from the sky, and therewith We bring forth buds of every kind; We bring forth the green blade from which we bring forth the thick clustered grain; and from the date palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike. Look upon the fruit thereof, when they bear fruit, and upon its ripening. Lo! herein verily are portents for a people who believe.
Transliteration Wa huwal lazi anzala minas sama_'i ma_'a(n), fa akhrajna_ bihi naba_ta kulli syai'in fa akhrajna_ minhu khadiran nukhriju minhu habbam mutara_kiba_(n), wa minan nakhli min tal'iha_ qinwa_nun da_niyatuw wa janna_tim min a'na_biw waz zaitu_na war rumma_na musytabihaw wa gaira mutasya_bih(in), unzuru_ ila_ samarihi iza_ asmara wa yan'ih(i), inna fi za_likum la'a_ya_til liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).
[[Ruby’s note – A broad pattern of diversity in creation is manifested here: there are commonalities of functions and characteristics but diversity in the details of fruits, vegetables, living things and even non-living things as well. This pattern of commonality-diversity is a sign of God. Both commonality and diversity implies that the Designer and Creator is the same. The commonality points to the same origin and the diversity points that each class of group has a special edge and all these different specialty fit in to render the whole.]]
[[Asad’s note 84 – In contrast with its sequence, which is governed by the present tense, the whole of the above sentence is expressed in the past tense – thus indicating, obliquely, the original, basic aspect of God’s creating life “out of water” (cf. 21:30 and the corresponding note 39).
[[ Ali’s notes 926 Each fruit- whether it is grapes, or olives, or pomegranates, -looks alike in its species, and yet each variety may be different in flavor, consistency, shape, size, color, juice or oil contents, proportion of seed to fruit, etc. In each variety, individuals may be different and yet equally valuable! (6.99)
927 And so we finish this wonderful allegory. Search through the world's literature, and see if you can find another such song or hymn, -so fruity in its literary flavor, so profound in its spiritual meaning! (6.99)
928 There is a refrain in this song, which is subtly varied. In verse 97 it is: " We detail our Signs for people who know." Se far we were speaking of the things we see around us every day Knowledge is the appropriate instrument for these things. In verse 98 we read: "We detail Our Signs for people who understand." Understanding is a highter faculty than knowledge, and is necessary for seeing the mystery and meaning of this life. At the end of verse 99 we have: "In these things there are Signs for people who believe." Here we are speaking of the real fruits of spiritual Life. For them Faith is necessary, as bringing us nearer to God. (6.99) ]]
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13. Surah Ar Ra'd
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَفِي
الأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ
مُّتَجَاوِرَاتٌ...
13: 4. And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighboring,
وَجَنَّاتٌ
مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ
وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ
صِنْوَانٌ
وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ
يُسْقَى بِمَاء
وَاحِدٍ وَنُفَضِّلُ...
and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees -- growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water,
C1806. Does "growing out of single roots or otherwise" qualify "palm trees" or "vines" and "corn" as well?
The former construction is adopted by the classical Commentators: in which case the reference is to the fact either;
- that two or more palm trees occasionally grow out of a single root, or
- that palm trees grow sometimes as odd trees and sometimes in great thick clusters.
If the latter construction is adopted, the reference would be to the fact that date-palm (and palms generally) and some other plants arise out of a single tap-root, while the majority of trees arise out of a net-work of roots that spread out extensively.
Here is adaptation to soil and water conditions,-another Sign or wonder of Creation.
...بَعْضَهَا عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِي الأُكُلِ...
yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat.
C1807. The date-palm, the crops of food-grains, and the grape-vine are all fed by the same kind of water, yet how different the harvests which they yield! And that applies to all vegetation.
The fruit or eatable produce may vary in shape, size, colour, flavour, etc., in endless variety.
...إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٤﴾
Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who understand!
أَنزَلَ
مِنَ السَّمَاء
مَاء فَسَالَتْ
أَوْدِيَةٌ
بِقَدَرِهَا...
13: 17. He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure:
C1831. This verse is full of parables.
1. It is Allah Who sends rain and sends it to all.
See how it flows in different channels according to their capacities. Some are sluggish-, some have a swift current. Some form great rivers and irrigate wide tracts of country; some are clear crystal streams, perhaps in hilly tracts, with beds of clean pebbles which you can see through the water.
Some produce delicious edible fish; and some are infested by crocodiles or injurious monsters.
And there are degrees and degrees among brooks, streams, lakes, rivers, and seas.
So with the rain of Allah's mercy and the knowledge and wisdom and guidance which He sends. All can receive it. Different ones will respond according to their capacities.
2. In the physical world, water is pure and beneficial. But froth and scum will gather according to local conditions.
As the floods will carry off the scum and purify the water, so will the flood of Allah's spiritual mercy carry away our spiritual scum and purify the water.
3. The froth may make a greater show on the surface, but it will not last. So will there be frothy knowledge, which will disappear, but Allah's Truth will endure.
...فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا...
but the torrent bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface.
...وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِي النَّارِ ابْتِغَاء حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَاعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُ...
Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise.
C1832. In continuation of the last note, the fourth parable is that of metal ores:
- the ore is full of baser admixture, but the fire will separate the gold from the dross for ornaments, or
- some metal of household utility, with which you make every-day utensils, which the fire will separate from admixtures which you do not want.
So the fire of Allah's test, either by adversity or by affluence, will search out the true metal in us and reject the dross. it will show us what is valuable or what is useful, all sorts of scum and vanity which we collect and miscall knowledge.
...كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ...
Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity:
...فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاء وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الأَرْضِ...
for the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth.
...كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللّهُ الأَمْثَالَ ﴿١٧﴾
Thus doth Allah set forth parables.
Other Versions:
13: 4
Asad And there are on earth tracts of land close by one another [ and yet widely differing from one another ] : and ……..watered with the same water…yet some of them We have favored above others by way of the food…..Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for people who use their reason.
Pickthall And in the Earth are neighboring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and date palms, like and unlike, which are watered with one water. And We have made some of them to excel others in fruit. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who have sense.
Transliteration Wa fil ardi qita'um mutaja_wira_tuw wa janna_tum min a'na_biw wa zar'uw wa nakhilun sinwa_nuw wa gairu sinwa_niy yusqa_ bi ma_'iw wa_hid(in), wa nufaddilu ba'daha_ 'ala_ ba'din fil ukul(i), inna fi za_likala a_ya_til liqaumiy ya'qilu_n(a).
13: 17
Asad He sends down water from the sky, and river-beds are running high according to their measure, the stream carries scum on its surface; and, likewise from that [metal] which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, [there rises] scum.
In this way does God set forth the parable of truth and falsehood; for, as far as the scum is concerned, it passes away as dross; but that which is of benefit to man abides on earth. In this way does God set forth the parables. …………….
Pickthall He sendeth down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam from that which they felt in the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it thus Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes.
Transliteration Anzala minas sama_'i ma_'an fa sa_lat audiyatum bi qadariha_ fa-htamalas sailu zabadar ra_biya_(n), wa mimma_ yu_qidu_na 'alaihi fin na_ri-btiga_'a hilyatin au mata_'in zabadum misluh(u_), kaza_lika yadribull_hul haqqa wal ba_til(a), fa ammaz zabadu fa yazhabu jufa_'a(n), wa amma_ ma_ yanfa'un na_sa fa yamkusu fil ard(i), kaza_lika yadribulla_hul amsa_l(a).
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14. Surah Ibrahim
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
اللّهُ الَّذِي
خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضَ...
14: 32. It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth
...وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَّكُمْ...
and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you;
...وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ لِتَجْرِيَ فِي الْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِ...
it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command;
...وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الأَنْهَارَ ﴿٣٢﴾
and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you.
C1908. We must realise that behind all our strength, skill, and intelligence there is the power and goodness of Allah, Who gave us all these things. Man can understand and control the forces of nature so as to bring them to his own service: he can only do so, because
- he has got these gifts from Allah, and
- Allah has fixed definite laws in nature, of which he can take advantage by Allah's command and permission.
He has been made Vicegerent on earth (2:30);
Allah commanded the highest creatures to bow down to Adam (2:34).
Man, by Allah's command, can use rain to produce food for himself; make ships to sail the seas; use rivers as highways, and cut canals for traffic and irrigation.
Not only this, but even the heavenly bodies can (by Allah's command) contribute to his needs (see next verse).
Pickthall’s Version:
14: 32
Pickthall Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and causeth water to descend from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you, and maketh the ships to be of service unto you, that they may run upon the sea at His command, and hath made of service unto you the rivers;
Transliteration Alla_hul lazi khalaqas sama_wa_ti wal arda wa anzala minas sama_'i ma_'an fa akhraja bihi minas samara_ti rizqal lakum, wa sakhkhara lakumul fulka litajriya fil bahri bi amrih(i), wa sakhkhara lakumul anha_r(a).
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15. Surah Al Hijr
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَأَرْسَلْنَا
الرِّيَاحَ
لَوَاقِحَ ...
15: 22. And We send the fecundating winds,
C1960. Lawaqih, plural of laqih, from laqaha, to impregnate or fecundate the female date-palm by putting the pollen of the male tree on to the ovaries of the female tree. The date palm is uni-sexual.
The wind performs this office for many flowers. Here, by a bold metaphor, its fecundating quality is transferred to the clouds, which by means of rain produce all kinds of fruit, grain, and vegetation. The clouds as vapour are manipulated by the winds, which set up atmospheric currents resulting in condensation and the descent of rain.
Note the appropriateness of the little article "then", showing the connection of winds with rain.
... فَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء...
then cause the rain to descend from the sky,
...فَأَسْقَيْنَاكُمُوهُ وَمَا أَنتُمْ لَهُ بِخَازِنِينَ ﴿٢٢﴾
therewith providing you with water (in abundance), though ye are not the guardians of its stores.
C1961. Cf. the previous verse, and n. 1958.
Man may store water in cisterns, tanks, lakes, and head-waters of canals. But he has no control over its original sources, which are the clouds, which by the help of the winds, act as the grand distributors of water over wide spaces of the world's surface.
C1962. This verse must be understood as furnishing an example of illustration of what is said in the last verse.
Other Versions:
15: 22
Asad And We let loose the winds to fertilize [plants], and We send down water from the skies and let you drink thereof: and it is not you who dispose of its source-
Pickthall And We send the winds fertilizing, and cause water to descend from the sky, and give it you to drink. It is not ye who are the holders of the store thereof.
Transliteration Wa arsalnar riya_ha lawa_qiha fa anzalna_ minas sama_'i ma_'an fa asqaina_kuma_h(u), wa ma_ antum lahu_ bi kha_zinin(a).
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16. [an_nahl, Mecca 70]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
هُوَ الَّذِي
أَنزَلَ مِنَ
السَّمَاء
مَاء...
16: 10. It is He Who sends down rain from the sky:
... لَّكُم مِّنْهُ شَرَابٌ وَمِنْهُ شَجَرٌ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ ﴿١٠﴾
from it ye drink,
and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
يُنبِتُ
لَكُم بِهِ
الزَّرْعَ
وَالزَّيْتُونَ
وَالنَّخِيلَ
وَالأَعْنَابَ
وَمِن كُلِّ
الثَّمَرَاتِ...
16: 11. With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit:
... إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿١١﴾
verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
C2030. The least thought and study of nature will show you Allah's wise and benign Providence in making the processes of nature subserve man's use and refined life.
A higher degree of intelligence and study is required ("men who are wise") to understand Allah's Signs to man in the processes connected with the heavenly bodies (verse 12).
And a still higher spiritual understanding ("men who celebrate His praises" with gratitude) to realise the marvelous gradations, colours, and nuances in the creatures on this little globe of ours (verse 13), Reason this out carefully.
وَاللّهُ أَنزَلَ
مِنَ الْسَّمَاء
مَاء فَأَحْيَا
بِهِ الأَرْضَ
بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا...
16: 65. And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death:
... إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ ﴿٦٥﴾
verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.
C2092. When the earth with all its vegetation is well-nigh dead, parched and shriveled up, a vivifying shower of rain from above gives it new life.
This natural phenomenon is a sign of Allah's infinite power, especially of His power to resurrect the dead, and thereafter muster them for judgment. [Eds.]
Other Versions:
16: 10
Asad It is He who sends down water from the skies: you drink thereof, and thereof [drink] the plants upon which you pasture your beasts;
Pickthall He it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, whence ye have drink, and whence are trees on which ye send your beasts to pasture.
Transliteration Huwal lazi anzala minas sama_'i ma_'al lakum minhu syara_buw wa minhu syajarun fihi tusimu_n(a).
16: 11
Asad By virtue thereof He causes crops to grow for you, and olive trees, and date-palms, and grapes, and all kinds of fruit: in this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who think!
Pickthall Therewith He causeth crops to grow for you, and the olive and the date palm and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.
Transliteration Yumbitu lakum bihiz zar'a waz zaitu_na wan nakhila wal a'na_ba wa min kullis samara_t(i), inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liqaumiy yatafakkaru_n(a).
16: 65
Pickthall Allah sendeth down water from the sky and therewith revives the earth after her death! Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a folk who hear.
Transliteration Walla_hu anzala minas sama_'i ma_'an fa ahya_ bihil arda ba'da mautiha_, inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liqaumiy yasma'u_n(a).
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20. [Ta’ha, Mecca 45]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
الَّذِي
جَعَلَ لَكُمُ
الْأَرْضَ
مَهْدًا وَسَلَكَ
لَكُمْ فِيهَا
سُبُلًا...
20: 53. "He Who has made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels);
C2576. Sabil means not only a road, but would include water-roads or channels, and in modern conditions, airways- in fact all means of communication.
وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء ...
and has sent down water from the sky."
C2577. This seems to be outside the speech of Moses, and connects itself with the following verses 54-56, as part of the Word of Allah, expanding the speech of Moses and explaining the working of Allah's Providencein nature.
... فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّن نَّبَاتٍ شَتَّى ﴿٥٣﴾
With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others.
C2578. Azwaj. - we might translate here (as in 15:88) by "classes" instead of "pairs"; but as sex in plants seems to be referred to elsewhere (see 13:3, and n. 1804), 1 translate "pairs".
Other Versions:
20:53
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22. [al-Hajj, Medina 103]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَلَمْ
تَرَ أَنَّ
اللَّهَ أَنزَلَ
مِنَ السَّمَاء
مَاء فَتُصْبِحُ
الْأَرْضُ
مُخْضَرَّةً...
22: 63. Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and forthwith the earth becomes clothed with green?
...إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ ﴿٦٣﴾
For Allah is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted (with them).
C2844. Latif, as a name of Allah, is as difficult to define in words as the idea it seeks to represent is difficult to grasp in our minds.
It implies:
1. fine, subtle (the basic meaning);
2. so fine and subtle as to be imperceptible to human sight;
3. so pure as to be incomprehensible;
4. with sight so perfect as to see and understand the finest subtleties and mysteries;
5. so kind and gracious as to bestow gifts of the most refined kind; extraordinarily gracious and understanding.
No. 4 is the predominant meaning here and in 12:100;
Nos. 2 and 3 in 6:103;
and No.5 in 42:19;
but every shade of meaning must be borne in mind in each case, as a subsidiary factor in the spiritual melody.
لَهُ
مَا
فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَمَا فِي
الْأَرْضِ...
22: 64. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth:
...وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ ﴿٦٤﴾
for verily Allah -- He is Free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.
C2845. Each of the verses 22:61-63 mentioned two attributes of Allah with reference to the contents of that verse.
This verse now sums up the whole argument, and the two attributes with which it closes sum up the idea by which we can understand Allah's goodness.
Allah's loving kindness and mercies are not like those of human creatures who all depend upon one another, and often expect some kindness or recognition in return. Allah is above all wants and depends in no way whatever on His creatures. His mercies have therefore a special quality, which we cannot describe except by gratefully singing the praises of Allah.
Cf. 2:267.
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23. Surah Al-Muminun
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
فَأَنشَأْنَا
لَكُم بِهِ
جَنَّاتٍ مِّن
نَّخِيلٍ
وَأَعْنَابٍ...
23: 19. With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines:
...لَّكُمْ فِيهَا فَوَاكِهُ كَثِيرَةٌ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ ﴿١٩﴾
in them have ye abundant fruits:
and of them ye eat (and have enjoyment) --
C2879. Cf. 7:19 and n. 776 to 5:66.
وَشَجَرَةً
تَخْرُجُ مِن
طُورِ سَيْنَاء...
23: 20. Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai,
C2880. For Arabia the best olives grow round about Mount Sinai. The fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and the sacred city of Makkah are mentioned together in association in 95:1-3, where we shall consider its meaning.
Olive oil is an ingredient in medicinal ointments. If used for food, the olive has a delicious flavour, Cf. also 24:35, where the olive is called a Blessed Tree, and n. 3000.
...تَنبُتُ بِالدُّهْنِ وَصِبْغٍ لِّلْآكِلِينَ ﴿٢٠﴾
which produces oil, and relish for those who use it for food.
Asad’s Version:
23:19
And by means of this [water] We bring forth for you gardens of date-palms and vines, wherein
you have fruit abundant and whereof you eat,
(23:20) as well as a tree that issues from [the
lands adjoining] Mount Sinai, 8 yielding oil and relish for all to eat.
Other Versions:
Faansha/na lakum bihi jannatin min nakheelin waaAAnabin lakum feeha fawakihu katheeratun waminha ta/kuloona |
Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning |
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And by means of this [water] We bring forth for you gardens of date-palms and vines, wherein you have fruit abundant and whereof you eat, |
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Then We produce for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you and whereof ye eat; |
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Then We cause to grow thereby gardens of palm trees and grapes for you; you have in them many fruits and from them do you eat; |
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With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines: in them have ye abundant fruits: and of them ye eat (and have enjoyment),- |
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24. Sura an-Nur
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَلَمْ
تَرَ
أَنَّ اللَّهَ
يُزْجِي سَحَابًا
ثُمَّ يُؤَلِّفُ
بَيْنَهُ ثُمَّ
يَجْعَلُهُ
رُكَامًا...
24: 43. Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? --
...فَتَرَى الْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَالِهِ...
then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst.
C3019. Artists, or lovers of nature, or observers of clouds will appreciate this description of cloud effects-
thin clouds floating about in fantastic shapes, joining together and taking body and substance, then emerging as heavy clouds heaped up, which condense and pour forth their rain. Then the heavy dark clouds in the upper regions, that bring hail,-
how distinct and yet how similar!
They are truly like mountain masses! And when the hailstones fall, how local their area! It hits some localities and leaves free others almost interlaced!
And the lightning- how blinding flashes come from thunderous clouds!
In this Book of Nature can we not see the hand of the powerful and beneficent Allah?
...وَيُنَزِّلُ مِنَ السَّمَاء مِن جِبَالٍ فِيهَا مِن بَرَدٍ...
And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail:
...فَيُصِيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاء وَيَصْرِفُهُ عَن مَّن يَشَاء...
He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away fro whom He pleases.
...يَكَادُ سَنَا بَرْقِهِ يَذْهَبُ بِالْأَبْصَارِ ﴿٤٣﴾
The vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight.
Asad’s Version:
24:43
Art thou not aware that it is God who causes the clouds to move onward, then joins them
together, then piles them up in masses, until thou canst see rain come forth from their midst? And He it is who sends down from the skies, by degrees, mountainous masses [of clouds] charged with hail, striking therewith whomever He wills and averting it from whomever He wills, [the while] the flash of His lightning well-nigh deprives [men of their] sight!
30. Ar-Rum (The Byzantines)
Mecca Period [6-7 years before Hijra]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَلَقَدْ
أَرْسَلْنَا
مِن قَبْلِكَ
رُسُلًا إِلَى
قَوْمِهِمْ...
30: 47. We did indeed send, before thee, apostles to their (respective) peoples,
...فَجَاؤُوهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ ...
and they came to them with Clear Signs:
... فَانتَقَمْنَا مِنَ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا...
then, to those who transgressed, We meted out Retribution:
...وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيْنَا نَصْرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
and it was due from us to aid those who believed.
اللَّهُ
الَّذِي
يُرْسِلُ الرِّيَاحَ
فَتُثِيرُ
سَحَابًا...
30: 48. It is Allah Who sends the Winds, and they raise the Clouds:
C3566. Again the Parable of the Winds is presented from another aspect, both physical and spiritual.
In the physical world, see their play with the Clouds:
how they suck up the moisture from terrestrial water, carry it about in dark clouds as needed, and break it up with rain as needed.
So Allah's wonderful Grace draws up men's spiritual aspirations from the most unlikely places and suspends them as dark mysteries, according to His holy Will and Plan: and when His Message reaches the hearts of men even in the smallest fragments, how its recipients rejoice, even though before it, they were in utter despair!
...فَيَبْسُطُهُ فِي السَّمَاء كَيْفَ يَشَاء...
then does He spread them in the sky as He wills,
...وَيَجْعَلُهُ كِسَفًا فَتَرَى الْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَالِهِ...
and break them into fragments, until thou seest rain-drops issue from the midst thereof:
...فَإِذَا أَصَابَ بِهِ مَن يَشَاء مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ...
then when He has made them reach such of his servants as He wills,
C3567. See last note.
... إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ ﴿٤٨﴾
behold, they do rejoice!
وَإِن
كَانُوا مِن
قَبْلِ أَن
يُنَزَّلَ
عَلَيْهِم مِّن
قَبْلِهِ
لَمُبْلِسِينَ
﴿٤٩﴾
30: 49. Even though, before they received (the rain) -- just before this -- they were dumb with despair!
Asad’s Version:
30;47 And indeed, [O Muhammad, even] before thee did We send forth apostles - each one unto his own people" - and they brought them all evidence of the truth: and then, [by causing the believers to triumph,] We inflicted Our retribution upon those who [deliberately] did evil: for We had willed it upon Ourselves to succour the believers.
(30:48) It is God who sends forth the winds [of hope],"so that they raise a cloud - whereupon He spreads it over the skies as He wills, and causes it to break up so that thou seest rain issue from within it: and as soon as He causes it to fall upon whomever He wills of His servants - lo! they rejoice,
(30:49) even though a short while ago, [just] before it was sent down upon them, they had abandoned all hope!
