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.
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 verdure [note 84]…….
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. [ar-R’ad, Medina 96]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهُوَ
الَّذِي مَدَّ
الأَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ
فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ
وَأَنْهَارًا...
13: 3. And it is He Who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and (flowing) rivers:
...وَمِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ جَعَلَ فِيهَا زَوْجَيْنِ اثْنَيْنِ...
and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two:
C1804. I think that this refers to sex in plants, and I see M Pickthalls has translated accordingly.
Plants like animals have their reproductive apparatus, -male stamens and female pistils. In most cases the same flower combines both stamens and pistils, but in some cases these organs are specialized in separate flowers, and in some cases, even in separate trees. The date-palm of Arabia and the Papaya of India, are instances of fruit trees which are unisexual.
...يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ...
He draweth the Night as a veil o'er the Day.
C1805. Cf. 7:54 and n. 1032. The whole passage there may be compared with the whole passage here.
Both their similarity and their variation show how closely reasoned each argument is, with expressions exactly appropriate to each occasion.
...إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿٣﴾
Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who consider!
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!
Other Versions:
13: 3
Asad It is He who has spread the earth wide and placed on it firm mountains and running waters, and created thereon two sexes of every [kind of]plant;……….Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for people who think!
Pickthall And He it is who spread out the earth and placed therein firm hills and flowing streams, and of all fruits be placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the night with the day. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take thought.
Transliteration Wa huwal lazi maddal arda wa ja'ala fiha_ rawa_siya wa anha_ra_(n), wa min kullis samara_ti ja'ala fiha_ zaujaini-snaini yugsyil lailan naha_r(a), inna fi za_lika la a_ya_til liqaumiy yatafakkaru_n(a).
13: 4
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.
Yuksel On earth are neighboring pieces of land with gardens of grapes and plants and palm trees, some of which may be twins sharing the same root, or single, even though they are being watered with the same water source; and We make preference for some of them over others in what they consume. In that are signs for a people who reason.
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).
[[ Ali’s notes -
1806 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. (13.4)
1807 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. (13.4)
1808 After seeing the Signs in nature and the Signs in revelation, it is indeed strange that people should deny their Creator. But if they admit the Signs of the Creator, Who works marvels before their very eyes every day, why should they doubt that when they are reduced to dust, they can be raised up again? If one creation is possible, what difficulty can there be in accepting a renewed creation? It becomes then a question of an obstinate and rebellious will, for which the punishment is described. (13.5)
1809 Aglal: yokes (of servitude): Cf. vii. 157 and n. 1128. The punishment may be conceived of in two stages: immediately, yokes of servitude to superstition, falsehood, etc., as against the freedom in Faith; and finally, the Fire which burns the very soul. (13.5)
1810 The Unbelievers by way of a taunt say: "If there is a punishment, let us see it come down now." The answer to it is threefold. (1) Why do you want to see the punishment rather than the mercy of Allah? Which is better? (2) Have you not heard in history of terrible punishments for evil? And have you not before your very eyes seen examples of wickedness brought to book? (3) Allah works not only in justice and punishment, but also in mercy and forgiveness, and mercy and forgiveness come first. (13.6)
1811 After all the Signs that have just been mentioned it is mere fractiousness to say, "Bring down a Sign." Al-Mustafa brought Signs and credentials as other Prophets did, and like them, refused to satisfy mere idle curiosity. (13.7)
1812 The last sentence of this verse has usually been interpreted to mean that the Prophet's function was merely to warn, and that guidance was sent by Allah to every nation through its Prophets. I think the following interpretation is equally possible: 'it is itself a Sign that Al-Mustafa should warn and preach and produce the Qur-an, and the guidance which he brings is universal guidance, as from Allah. (13.7)]]
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6. Sura al-Anam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
لِّكُلِّ
نَبَإٍ
مُّسْتَقَرٌّ
وَسَوْفَ
تَعْلَمُونَ
﴿٦٧﴾
6: 67. "For every Message is a limit of time, and soon shall ye know it."
Other Versions:
6: 67
Asad And from the fruit of date-palms and vines: from it you derive intoxicants as well as wholesome sustenance – in this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who use their reason!
Pickthall And of the fruits of the date palm, and grapes, whence ye derive strong drink and (also) good nourishment. Lo! therein, is indeed a portent for people who have sense.
Transliteration Wa min samara_tin nakhili wal a'na_bi tattakhizu_na minhu sakaraw wa rizqan hasana_(n), inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liqaumiy ya'qilu_n(a).
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16. Sura al-Nahl
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.
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).
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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.
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.