Water, Wind, Rain, Thunder
7. [al-Araf, Mecca 39]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهُوَ
الَّذِي
يُرْسِلُ
الرِّيَاحَ
بُشْرًا
بَيْنَ
يَدَيْ
رَحْمَتِهِ...
7: 57. It is He who sendeth the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy:
C1036. The Parable is complete in its triple significance.
1. In the physical world the winds go like heralds of glad tidings; they are the advance guard, behind which is coming the great army of winds driving heavily laden clouds before it; the wise Providence of Allah is their General, who directs them towards a parched land, on which the clouds deliver their gladdening showers of mercy, which convert the dead land into a living, fertile, and beautiful land bearing a rich harvest.
2. In the spiritual world, the winds are the great motive forces in the mind of man, or in the world around him, that bring the clouds or instruments of Allah's Mercy, which descend and fertilize souls hitherto spiritually dead.
3. If we can see or experience such things in our life here below, can we doubt the resurrection?
...حَتَّى إِذَا أَقَلَّتْ سَحَابًا ثِقَالاً سُقْنَاهُ لِبَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ...
when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead,
...فَأَنزَلْنَا بِهِ الْمَاء فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ...
make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith:
...كَذَلِكَ نُخْرِجُ الْموْتَى لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ ﴿٥٧﴾
thus shall We raise up the dead:
perchance ye may remember.
وَالْبَلَدُ
الطَّيِّبُ
يَخْرُجُ
نَبَاتُهُ
بِإِذْنِ
رَبِّهِ...
7: 58. From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its Cherisher, springs up produce, (rich) after its kind:
C1037. The triple parable explained in the last note is here continued.
1. In the physical world, the fertilising showers of rain yield a rich harvest on good soil, but bad soil yields little or nothing.
2. In the spiritual world, also, Allah's Mercies evoke no response in some souls which have chosen evil.
3. In the final reckoning, though all will be raised, not all will achieve the fulfilment of their lives.
...وَالَّذِي خَبُثَ لاَ يَخْرُجُ إِلاَّ نَكِدًا...
but from the land that is bad, spring up nothing but that which is niggardly:
...كَذَلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ الآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٥٨﴾
thus do We explain the signs by various (symbols) to those who are grateful.
C1038. Those who are grateful are those who joyfully receive Allah's Message, and respond to it by deeds of righteousness.
7: 57
Asad And He it is who sends forth the winds as a glad tiding of His coming grace-so that, when they have brought heavy clouds, We may drive them towards dead land and cause thereby water to descend;……Even thus shall We cause the dead to come forth: [and this] you ought to keep in mind [note 44].
Pickthall And He it is Who sends the winds as tidings heralding His mercy, till, when they bear a cloud heavy (with rain), We lead it to a dead land, and then cause water to descend thereon, and thereby bring forth fruits of every kind. Thus bring We forth the dead. Haply ye may remember.
Transliteration Wa huwal lazi yursilur riya_ha busyram baina yadai rahmatih(i), hatta_ iza_ aqallat saha_ban siqa_lan suqna_hu labaladim mayyitin fa anzalna_ bihil ma_'a fa akhrajna_ bihi min kulis samara_t(i), kaza_lika nukhrijul mauta_ la'allakum tazakkaru_n(a).
[[ Asad’s note 44 –This is the key-sentence of the parable set forth in verses 57-58: by the exercise of the same life-giving power by which God causes plants to grow, He will resurrect the dead at the end of time. ………]]
[[ Ali’s note - 1036 The Parable is complete in its triple significance. (1) In the physical world the winds go like heralds of glad tidings; they are the advance guard, behind which is coming the great army of winds driving heavily laden clouds before it; the wise Providence of Allah is their General, who directs them towards a parched land, on which the clouds deliver their gladdening showers of mercy, which convert the dead land into a living, fertile, and beautiful land bearing a rich harvest. (2) In the spiritual world, the winds are the great motive forces in the mind of man, or in the world around him, that bring the clouds or instruments of Allah's Mercy, which descend and fertilise souls hitherto spiritually dead. (3) If we can see or experience such things in our life here below, can we doubt the resurrection? (7.57) ]]
7: 58
Pickthall As for the good land, its vegetation cometh forth by permission of its Lord; while as for that which is bad, only evil cometh forth (from it) . Thus do We recount the tokens for people who give thanks.
Transliteration Wal baladut tayyibu yakhruju naba_tuhu_ bi izni rabbih(i), wallazi khabusa la_ yakhruju illa_ nakida_(n), kaza_lika nusarriful a_ya_ti liqaumiy yasykuru_n(a).
[[ Ali’s notes - 1037 The triple parable explained in the last note is here continued. (1) In the physical world, the fertilizing showers of rain yield a rich harvest on good soil, but bad soil yields little or nothing. (2) In the spiritual world, also, Allah's Mercies evoke no response in some souls which have chosen evil. (3) In the final reckoning, though all will be raised, not all will achieve the fulfillment of their lives. (7.58)
1038 Those who are grateful are those who joyfully receive Allah's Message, and respond to it by deeds of righteousness. (7.58)]]
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13. [ar-R’ad, Median 96]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
هُوَ الَّذِي
يُرِيكُمُ
الْبَرْقَ
خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا ...
13: 12. It is He Who doth show you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope:
C1818. Here then is the climax to the answer of the sarcastic challenge of the Unbelievers for punishment, in language of great sublimity.
- Why look to evil rather than to good?
- to punishment rather than to mercy?
- to the fear in the force and fire of the lightning rather than to the hope of good and abundant crops in the rain which will come behind the lightning clouds?
... وَيُنْشِىءُ السَّحَابَ الثِّقَالَ ﴿١٢﴾
it is He Who doth raise up the clouds, heavy with (fertilizing) rain!
وَيُسَبِّحُ
الرَّعْدُ
بِحَمْدِهِ ...
13: 13. Nay,
thunder repeateth His praises,
C1819. Nay, thunder itself, which may frighten you, is but a tame and beneficent force before Him, declaring His praises, like the rest of creation.
THUNDER thus aptly gives the name to this Surah of contrasts, where what we may think terrible is shown to be really a submissive instrument of good in Allah's hands.
... وَالْمَلاَئِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ...
and so do the angels, with awe:
C1820. And the angels, whom we think to be beautiful creatures of power and glory nearest to Allah, yet feel reverence and awe even as they praise His Holy Name.
...وَيُرْسِلُ الصَّوَاعِقَ فَيُصِيبُ بِهَا مَن يَشَاء وَهُمْ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي اللّهِ...
He flingeth the loud-voiced thunderbolts, and therewith He striketh whomsoever He will... Yet these (are the men) who (dare to) dispute about Allah,
...وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ الْمِحَالِ ﴿١٣﴾
with the strength of His power (supreme)!
C1821. Who is puny man, to call Allah in question?
Cf. some variations on this theme in the Book of Job, e.g. chapters 38 to 41.
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.
لِلَّذِينَ
اسْتَجَابُواْ
لِرَبِّهِمُ
الْحُسْنَى...
13: 18. For those who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things.
...وَالَّذِينَ لَمْ يَسْتَجِيبُواْ لَهُ لَوْ أَنَّ لَهُم مَّا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا...
But those who respond not to Him -- even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth,
...وَمِثْلَهُ مَعَهُ لاَفْتَدَوْاْ بِهِ أُوْلَـئِكَ لَهُمْ سُوءُ الْحِسَابِ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ...
and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom.
...وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ ﴿١٨﴾
what a bed of misery!
Other Versions:
13: 12
Pickthall He it is Who show you the lightning, a fear and a hope, and raise the heavy clouds.
Yuksel He is the One who shows you the lightning, giving you fear and hope. He establishes the heavy clouds.
Transliteration Huwal lazi yurikumul barqa khaufaw wa tama'aw wa yunsyi'us saha_bas siqa_l(a).
13: 13
Asad ……And yet, they stubbornly argue about God, not withstanding [all evidence] that He alone has the power to contrive whatever His unfathomable wisdom wills!
Pickthall The thunder hymneth His praise and (so do) the angels for awe of Him. He launcheth the thunder bolts and smiteth with them whom He will while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah, and He is mighty in wrath.
Transliteration Wa yusabbihur ra'du bi hamdihi wal mala_'ikatu min khifatih(i), wa yursilus sawa_'iqa fa yusibu biha_ may yasya_'u wa hum yuja_dilu_na filla_h(i), wa huwa syadidul miha_l(i).
[asad note 29: …….the expression “shaded al-mihal (which occurs in the Quran once) ]
13: 17
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.
Yuksel
He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their capacity, and the flood produces foam. From what they burn to smelt jewelry or goods a similar foam is produced. It is in such a manner that God strikes the falsehood with the truth. As for the foam, it passes away; as for what benefits the people, it remains in the earth. It is such that God cites the examples.
Transliteration abodenzala 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).
[[Ali’s notes - 1831 This verse is full of parables……….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. (13.17)
1832 In continuation of the last note, the fourth parable is that of metal ores: (4) the ore is full of baser admixture, but the fire will separate the gold from the dross for ornaments, or (5) 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. (13.17) ]]
13: 18
Pickthall For those who answered Allah's call is bliss; and for those who answered not His call, if they had all that is in the earth, and therewith the like thereof, they would proffer it as ransom. Such will have a woeful reckoning, and their habitation will be hell, a dire abode.
Yuksel
For those who responded to their Lord is goodness. As for those who did not respond to Him, if they had all that is in the earth twice over, they would offer it to be saved. To these will be a terrible reckoning, and their abode is hell; what a miserable
Transliteration Lillazina-staja_bu_ lirabbihimul husna_, wallazina lam yastajibu_ lahu_ lau anna lahum ma_ fil ardi jami'aw wa mislahu_ ma'ahu_ la-ftadau bih(i), ula_'ika lahum su_'ul hisa_b(i), wa ma'wa_hum jahannam(u), wa bi'sal miha_d(u).
[[Ali’s note - 1833 Cf. iii. 91 and x. 54. (13.18)]]
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15. [al-Hijr, Mecca 54]
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).
[Asad note 21: I.e., by pollination as well as by bringing rain-clouds.]
[Ali’s notes - 1960 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. (15.22)
1961 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. (15.22)
1962 This verse must be understood as furnishing an example of illustration of what is said in the last verse. (15.22) ]]
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14. [al-Ibrahim. Mecca 72]
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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2. [ al-Baqarah. Medina 87 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
فِي خَلْقِ
السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضِ
وَاخْتِلاَفِ
اللَّيْلِ
وَالنَّهَارِ...
2: 164. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day;
... وَالْفُلْكِ الَّتِي تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ ...
in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind;
... وَمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاء مِن مَّاء فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الأرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا...
in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead;
... وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ ...
in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth;
... وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخِّرِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاء وَالأَرْضِ...
in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;
... لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿١٦٤﴾
(here) indeed are signs for a people that are wise.
C166. This magnificent Nature passage stands out like a hill in a landscape, enhancing the beauty of our view, and preparing us for the every-day laws and ordinances which follow.
Note its literary architecture. Allah is One and among His wondrous Signs is the unity of design in the widest diversity of Nature. The Signs are taken from the features of beauty, power, ad utility to man himself, and lead up to an appeal to Man’s own intelligence ad wisdom.
We begin with the glory of the heavens ad the earth, the wide spaces covered by man’s imagination, remote and yet so near to his own life. The most striking everyday phenomenon resulting from the interrelations of the heavens ad the earth is the alternation of day ad night, regular and yet changing in duration with the seasons ad the latitudes of our globe.
The night for rest, and the day for work; and we can think of the work in terms of nature’s beauty; the stately ships “flowing” (as the original text has it) across the seas, for communications ad merchandise as between men ad men. The seas thus serve us no less than land, and the give-and-take as between sea, sky, ad land, is further exemplified by the rain.
The rain leads to the fertility of the land, and here we are reminded of the contrast between Winter’s death of Nature ad her revivification in the Spring. Here we are reminded of agriculture ad the use we make of cattle ad all kinds of living creatures.
The word translated “beasts” has a wide meaning, including crawling creatures, insects, etc. - all contributing to the round of Nature’s operations.
This leads us on to the wonderful winds, the region of the air, which man is just beginning to explore ad navigate. The personified winds drive the clouds in the sky like “slaves.”
Here is another aspect of clouds besides that of giving rain. The fleecy clouds are things of sunset beauty; at midday they temper the glare of the sun; at all times they affect radiation ad other processes going on in the sky. So we come back to the sky, rounding off the argument, and correlating our life with the Will ad Power of Allah, if we had the wisdom to see!.
Other Versions:
2: 164
Asad Verily, in the creation of the heavens and of the earth, and the succession of night and day: and in the ships that speed through the sea with what is useful to man: and in the waters which God sends down from the sky, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless, and causing all manner of living creatures to multiply thereon: and in the change of the winds, and the clouds that run their appointed courses between sky and earth: [in all this] there are messages indeed for people who use their reason.
Pickthall Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's sovereignty) for people who have sense.
Transliteration 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).
[ Asad’s note 130 This passage is one of the many in which the Quran appeals to “those who use their reason” to observe the daily wonders of nature, including the evidence of man’s own ingenuity (“the ships that speed upon the sea”), as so many indications of a conscious, creative Power pervading the universe. ]
[ Ruby’s note – The word “ayat” is used here the same term is used to denote a verse of the Quran or of another scripture meaning a “Message” or a “Sign”. It is important to note this because a message inscribed in the nature can be read and understood in the same way a verse can be read. Both convey the Messages of God in the same way. It is interesting the way the Quran use this term “ayat” to convey that God is speaking not only through the scriptures and revelations but He is also speaking or revealing the same way through nature and the reality. It is up to one’s reason and sincerity to receive that Message. Islam is proclaiming here that faith is based on “reason”. The reason that is exercised through humility, purity and sincerity in taking everything into account and in helping
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16. [an-Nahl, Mecca 70]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
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: 65
Asad And God sends down water from the skies, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless: in this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who listen.
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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23. Surah Al-Muminun
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَأَنزَلْنَا
مِنَ السَّمَاء
مَاء بِقَدَرٍ
فَأَسْكَنَّاهُ
فِي الْأَرْضِ...
23: 18. And We send down water from the sky according to (due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil;
C2878. Normally the rain comes well distributed; it soaks into the soil; the moisture is retained for a long time in all high grounds; it soaks and penetrates through many layers of soil and forms the architecture of physical geography; the retentive powers of higher soil enable rivers to flow perennially even where, as in India, the rainfall is seasonal and confined to a few months in the year.
Another form in which water comes down from the sky according to due measure is in snow and hail: these also have their place in the economy of air and soil. Were it not for snow and glaciers in the higher mountain regions, some of the rivers would fail in their abundant flow.
As wonderful as the supply of water and moisture is its drainage. It returns to the sea and air in all sorts of ways, and the formation of mist and clouds repeats the cycle. Were it not for the drainage and the clearance of the waters, we should have floods and waterlogging, as happens when the normal processes of nature are temporarily obstructed.
The same thing happens when the rain comes down in other than due measure. These abnormal conditions also have their value. But how grateful should man be for Allah's gifts in the ceaseless processes of nature on such an enormous scale!
...وَإِنَّا عَلَى ذَهَابٍ بِهِ لَقَادِرُونَ ﴿١٨﴾
and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).
Asad’s Version:
(23:18) And We send down water from the skies in accordance with a measure [set by Us], and then We cause it to lodge in the earth: but, behold, We are most certainly able to withdraw this [blessing)!
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25. [al-Furqan, Mecca 42]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهُوَ
الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ
الرِّيَاحَ
بُشْرًا بَيْنَ
يَدَيْ رَحْمَتِهِ...
25: 48. And He it is Who sends the Winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy,
C3104. Cf. 7:57.
The Winds are heralds of Joy, ushering in Rain, which is one form of Allah's Mercy.
Again, the symbolism presents a fresh point of view. Heat (which is connected with light) sets up currents in the atmosphere, besides sucking up moisture from the seas, and distributing it by means of Winds over wide surfaces of the earth.
In the physical world we know the beneficent action of heat on life, and by contrast, we also know how intolerable high temperatures may become, and how the cloud-bearing Winds come as welcome heralds of rain. (R).
... وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء طَهُورًا ﴿٤٨﴾
and We send down purifying water from the sky --
C3105. Rain water (in pure air) is not only pure water distilled in air and sky, but it is the best purifying and sanitating agent on the largest scale known to US.
لِنُحْيِيَ
بِهِ بَلْدَةً
مَّيْتًا...
25: 49. That with it We may give life to a dead land,
... وَنُسْقِيَهُ مِمَّا خَلَقْنَا أَنْعَامًا وَأَنَاسِيَّ كَثِيرًا ﴿٤٩﴾
and slake the thirst of things We have created, cattle and men in great numbers.
C3106. The whole cycle of water, -sea, clouds, rain or hail or snow, rivers, and sea again,- is a remarkable illustration of the processes of nature making Allah's providence visible to us.
The salts of the sea sanitate and purify all the filth that pours into it. Water action, in the form of rain, frost, glaciers, rivers, lakes, etc., is responsible for the building up and configuration of the crust of the earth, and is the chief agent in physical geography. A parched desert quickly comes to life under the action of water.
All drinking water, whether derived from rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, springs, wells, or water-works of any kind, are ultimately traceable to rain.
The connection of life with water is intimate. The physical basis of life itself, protoplasm, is in great part water; see 25:54 below.
وَلَقَدْ
صَرَّفْنَاهُ
بَيْنَهُمْ
لِيَذَّكَّرُوا...
25: 50. And We have distributed the (water) amongst them, in order that they may celebrate (Our) praises,
C3107. The water is distributed all over the world, in order that all life may receive its support according to its needs. In 25:48-50, we have the argument of contrasts stated in another way.
Water is life, and is made available to sustain life all over the world; this is a physical fact which all can see. But water is also the symbol of spiritual life, whose sustaining principle is the Will of Allah as made known to us through Revelation. It sometimes comes to us in our inward or spiritual storms.
Many violent unsettlements of the spirit are but heralds of the refreshing showers of spiritual understanding that come in their wake. They purify our souls, and produce spiritual Life even where there was a parched spiritual desert before. They continue to sustain us in our normal spiritual Life out of the reservoirs of Allah's Revelation, which are open to all, and well distributed in time and space.
The universality of distribution is again referred to in the following verse.
... فَأَبَى أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ إِلَّا كُفُورًا ﴿٥٠﴾
but most men are averse (to aught) but (rank) ingratitude.
C3108. In contrast to Allah's abounding Mercy is man's base ingratitude; another symbolic contrast between Light and Darkness, or Water and Drought.
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27. Surah An-Naml (The Ants)
Mecca Period 48
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلِ
الْحَمْدُ
لِلَّهِ وَسَلَامٌ
عَلَى عِبَادِهِ
الَّذِينَ
اصْطَفَى...
27: 59. Say:
Praise be to Allah, and Peace on His servants whom He has chosen (for his Message).
C3292. Allah's revelation having been described as Light, Guidance, and Mercy, we ought all to be grateful to Allah for vouchsafing His revelation.
We ought also to appreciate the services of Allah's Messengers, who are chosen to deliver Ms Message: we ought to send salutations of Peace on them, instead of plotting, as the wicked do, for their removal or persecution, or banishment or death. For these Prophets of Allah undergo every kind of hardship and forego every kind of advantage or pleasure in life for serving mankind.
And Allah is truth and goodness, and all our fancies of false worship are falsehoods and evils. Shall we prefer falsehood and evil to truth and goodness? (R).
...آللَّهُ خَيْرٌ أَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾
(Who) is better? --
Allah or the false gods they associate with Him?
أَمَّنْ
خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالْأَرْضَ...
27: 60. Or, who has created the heaven and the earth,
C3293. The order, beauty, and grandeur of the Universe are appealed to. They show unity of design and purpose.
How can unjust, ignorant, foolish, heedless, false men think of a multiplicity of gods, or of any god, besides the One True God?
...وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاء مَاء...
and who sends you down rain from the sky?
...فَأَنبَتْنَا بِهِ حَدَائِقَ ذَاتَ بَهْجَةٍ...
Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty and delight:
...مَّا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُنبِتُوا شَجَرَهَا...
it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them.
C3294. To make a single seed germinate and grow into a tree is beyond man's power. When it comes to a great well-laid-out garden of beauty and delight, no one would think it grew up of itself without a Gardener's consummate art.
And the orchard is more than the trees in it: there is design and beauty in their arrangement: proper spaces have to be left between them for the growth of their roots, for the aeration of the soil beneath them, and for the penetration of air and sunlight between their branches.
How can any one then think of the wonderful Universe as a whole, without thinking of the far higher Unity of Design, the evidence of the One True Allah? (R).
...أَإِلَهٌ مَّعَ اللَّهِ ...
(Can there be another) god besides Allah?
...بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ يَعْدِلُونَ ﴿٦٠﴾
Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.
Asad’s Version:
27:59 SAY: "All praise is due to God, and peace be upon those servants of His whom He chose [to be His message-bearers]!" Is not God far better than anything to which men [falsely] ascribe a share in His divinity? 54
27:60 Nay - who is it that has created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you [life-giving] water from the skies? For it is by this means that We cause gardens of shining beauty to grow - [whereas] it is not in your power to cause [even one single of] its trees to grow! Could there be any divine power besides God? Nay, they [who think so] are people who swerve [from the path of reason] !
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29. Surah Al 'Ankabut
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَلَئِن
سَأَلْتَهُم
مَّن نَّزَّلَ
مِنَ السَّمَاء
مَاء...
29: 63. And if indeed thou ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky,
C3496. In 29:61 above, the point was that there is a certain type of man that realizes the power of Allah, but yet goes after false ideas and false worship.
Here the point is that there is another type of man to whom the goodness of Allah is made clear by rain and the gifts of nature and who realizes the daily, seasonal, and secular changes which evidence Allah's goodness in giving us life (physical and Spiritual) and reviving us after we seem to die,-and who yet fails to draw the right conclusion from it and to make his own life true and beautiful, so that when his period of probation in this transitory life is ended, he can enter into his eternal heritage.
Having come so far, such men fail at the crucial stage. At that stage they ought to have praised and glorified Allah and accepted His Grace and Light, but they show their want of true understanding by failing to profit by Allah's gifts.
...فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ مِن بَعْدِ مَوْتِهَا...
and gives life therewith to the earth after its death,
...لَيَقُولُنَّ اللَّهُ...
they will certainly reply, "Allah!"
...قُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ...
Say, "Praise be to Allah!"
...بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٦٣﴾
But most of them understand not.
وَمَا
هَذِهِ
الْحَيَاةُ
الدُّنْيَا
إِلَّا لَهْوٌ
وَلَعِبٌ...
29: 64. What is the life of this world but amusement and play?
C3497. Cf. 6:32.
Amusement and play have no lasting significance except as preparing us for the serious work of life. So this life is but an interlude, a preparation for the real Life, which is in the Hereafter.
This world's vanities are therefore to be taken for what they are worth; but they are not to be allowed to deflect our minds from the requirements of the inner life that really matters.
...وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ... ...
But verily the Home in the Hereafter, that is life indeed,
...لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٦٤﴾
if they but knew.
Asad’s Version:
29:63
And thus it is: if thou ask them, "Who is it that sends down water from the skies, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless?" they will surely answer, "God."
Say thou: "[Since this is so,] all praise is due to God [alone]!"
But most of them will not use their reason:
(29:64) for, [if they did, they would know that] the life of this world is nothing but a passing delight and a play - whereas, behold, the life in the
hereafter is indeed the only [true] life: if they but knew this!
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30. Surah Ar Rum
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمِنْ
آيَاتِهِ
أَن يُرْسِلَ
الرِّيَاحَ
مُبَشِّرَاتٍ...
30: 46. Among His Signs is this, that He sends the Winds, as heralds of Glad Tidings,
C3563. The theme of Allah's artistry in the physical and the spiritual world was placed before us above in 30:20-27.
Then, in verse 28-40, we were shown how man and nature were pure as they came out of the hand of Allah, and how we must restore this purity in order to fulfill the Will and Plan of Allah.
Now we are told how the restorative and purifying agencies are sent by Allah Himself, in both the physical and the spiritual world.
...وَلِيُذِيقَكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِ...
giving you a taste of His (Grace and) Mercy, --
C3564. Cf. 7:57 and n. 1036 and 25:48 and n. 3104.
...وَلِتَجْرِيَ الْفُلْكُ بِأَمْرِهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ...
that the ships may sail (majestically) by His Command and that ye may seek of His Bounty:
C3565. In the physical world, the winds not only cool and purify the air, and bring the blessings of rain, which fertilizes the soil, but they help international commerce and intercourse among men through sea-ways and now by air-ways.
Those who know how to take advantage of these blessings of Allah prosper and rejoice, while those who ignore or fail to understand these Signs perish in storms.
So in the spiritual world: heralds of glad tidings were sent by Allah in the shape of Messengers: those who profited by their Message prospered and those who ignored or opposed the Clear Signs perished, see next verse.
...وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٤٦﴾
in order that ye may be grateful.
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!
فَانظُرْ
إِلَى آثَارِ
رَحْمَتِ اللَّهِ
كَيْفَ يُحْيِي
الْأَرْضَ
بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا...
30: 50. Then contemplate (O man!) the memorials of Allah's Mercy! -- how He gives life to the earth after its death:
C3568. After the two Parables about the purifying action of the Winds and their fertilizing action, we now have the Parable of the earth that dies in winter or drought and lives again in spring or rain, by Allah's Grace:
so in the spiritual sphere, man may be dead and may live again by the Breath of Allah and His Mercy if she will only place himself in Allah's hands.
...إِنَّ ذَلِكَ لَمُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى...
verily the Same will give life to the men who are dead:
...وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٥٠﴾
for He has power over all things.
وَلَئِنْ
أَرْسَلْنَا
رِيحًا فَرَأَوْهُ
مُصْفَرًّا
لَّظَلُّوا
مِن بَعْدِهِ
يَكْفُرُونَ
﴿٥١﴾
30: 51. And if We (but) send a Wind from which they see (their tilth) turn yellow, behold, they become, thereafter, ungrateful (Unbelievers)!
C3569. Another Parable from the forces of nature.
We saw how the Winds gladdened, vivified, and enriched those who utilized them in the right spirit. But a wind might be destructive to tilth in certain circumstances: so the blessings of Allah may-by the wrongdoers resisting and blaspheming-bring punishment to the wrongdoers. Instead of taking the punishment in the right spirit-in the spirit in which Believers of Allah take their misfortunes,-the Unbelievers curse and deepen their sin!
فَإِنَّكَ
لَا تُسْمِعُ
الْمَوْتَى
وَلَا تُسْمِعُ
الصُّمَّ الدُّعَاء
إِذَا وَلَّوْا
مُدْبِرِينَ
﴿٥٢﴾
30: 52. So verily thou canst not make the dead to hear, nor canst thou make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.
Asad’s Version:
(30:46) for among His wonders is this: He sends forth [His messages as He sends forth] the winds that bear glad tidings," so that He might give you a taste of His grace [through life-giving rains], and that ships might sail at His behest, and that you might go about in quest of some of His bounties, and that you might have cause to be grateful.
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!
30:51 But thus it is: if 45 We send a wind [that scorches their land], and they see it turn yellow, they begin, after that [erstwhile joy], to deny the truth [of Our almightiness and grace]! 46
(30:52) And, verily, thou canst not make the dead hear: and [so, too,] thou canst not make the deaf [of heart] hear this call when they turn their backs [on thee] and go away,