2. [ al-Baqara, Medina 87 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلْنَا
اهْبِطُواْ
مِنْهَا جَمِيعاً...
2: 38. We said:
"Get ye down all from here;
... فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّي هُدًى ...
and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me,
C56. Note the transition from the plural "We" at the beginning of the verse to the singular "Me" later in the same verse.
Allah speaks of Himself usually in the first person plural "We"; it is the plural of respect and honour and is used in human language in Royal proclamations and decrees. But where a special personal relationship is expressed the singular, "I" or "Me" is used. Cf. 26:52, etc.
In spite of Man's fall, and in consequence of it, assurance of guidance is given. In case man follows the guidance he is free from any fear for the present or the future, and any grief or sorrow for the past. The soul thus freed grows nearer to Allah.
...فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ﴿٣٨﴾
whosoever follows My guidance on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."
لَّيْسَ
عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ
وَلَـكِنَّ
اللّهَ يَهْدِي
مَن يَشَاء...
2: 272. It is not required of thee (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth.
C320. In connection with charity this means that we must relieve those really in need, whether they are good or bad, on the right path or not, Muslims or otherwise. It is not for us to judge in these matters. Allah will give light according to His wisdom.
Incidentally it adds a further meaning to the command, "Let there be no compulsion in religion" (2:256). For compulsion may not only be by force, but by economic necessity.
In matters of religion we must not even compel by a bribe of charity. The chief motive in charity should be Allah's pleasure and our own spiritual good. This was addressed in the first instance to Mustafa in Madinah, but it is of universal application.
... وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلأنفُسِكُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلاَّ ابْتِغَاء وَجْهِ اللّهِ...
Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah.
C321. See note to 2:112.
Wajh means literally: face, countenance; hence, favour, glory, Self, Presence.
... وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لاَ تُظْلَمُونَ ﴿٢٧٢﴾
Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.
Other Versions:
2: 38
Asad [For although] We did say “Down with you all from this [state], “ there shall, none the less, most certainly come unto you guidance from Me: and those who follow My guidance need have no fear, and neither shall they grieve;
Pickthall We said: Go down, all of you, from hence; but verily there cometh unto you from Me a guidance; and whoso followeth My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
Transliteration Qulnah bitu_ minha_ jami'a_(n), fa imma_ ya'tiyannakum minni hudan fa man tabi'a huda_ya fa la_ khaufun 'alaihim wa la_ hum yahzanu_n(a).
2: 272
Pickthall The guiding of them is not thy duty (O Muhammad), but Allah guide whom He will. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search of Allah's countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.
Transliteration Laisa 'alaika huda_hum wa la_kinnalla_ha yahdi may yasya_'(u), wa ma_ tunfiqu_ min khairin fa li anfusikum, wa ma_ tunfiqu_na illa_btiga_'a wajhilla_h(i), wa ma_ tunfiqu_ min khairiy yuwaffa ilaikum wa antum la_ tuzlamu_n(a).
===================================
3. Sura al-Imran
Medina 89 [200 verses]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَلاَ
تُؤْمِنُواْ
إِلاَّ لِمَن
تَبِعَ دِينَكُمْ
...
3: 73. "And believe no one unless he follows your religion."
...قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَى هُدَى اللّهِ أَن يُؤْتَى أَحَدٌ مِّثْلَ مَا أُوتِيتُمْ ...
Say:
"True guidance is the guidance of Allah; (fear ye) lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you.
C407. The two clauses following have been variously construed, and some translations leave the sense ambiguous.
I have construed the conjunction "an" to mean "lest", as it undoubtedly does in 7:172. 'an taqulu", etc.
... أَوْ يُحَآجُّوكُمْ عِندَ رَبِّكُمْ...
Or that those (receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord."
C408. Cf. 2:76.
The People of the Book were doubly annoyed at the Muslims:
- that they should (being outside their ranks) receive Allah's revelations, and
- that having received such revelations, they should be able to convict them out of their own scriptures before their Lord!
... قُلْ إِنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاء...
Say: "All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth;
...وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٧٣﴾
and Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."
3: 73
Asad “but do not [really] believe anyone who does not follow your own faith.”
Say: “Behold, all [true] guidance is God’s guidance, consisting in one’s being granted [revelation] such as you have been granted.[note 55]” Or would they contend against you before your Sustainer?
Say: :Behold, all bounty is in the hand of God; He grants it unto whom He wills [note 56]: for God is infinite, all knowing,
Pickthall And believe not save in one who followeth your religion--Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the guidance is Allah's guidance--that any one is given the like of that which was given unto you or that they may argue with you in the presence of their Lord. Say (O Muhammad): Lo! the bounty is in Allah's hand. He bestoweth it on whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing.
Transliteration Wa la_ tu'minu_ illa_ liman tabi'a dinakum, qul innal huda_ hudalla_h(i), ay yu'ta_ ahadum misla ma_ u_titum au yuha_jju_kum 'inda rabbikum, qul innal fadla biyadilla_h(i), yu'tihi may yasya_'u, walla_hu wa_si'un'alim(un).
===================================
4. Sura an-Nisa
Medina 92 [Hijra 4]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَا
أَرْسَلْنَا
مِن رَّسُولٍ
إِلاَّ لِيُطَاعَ
بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ...
4: 64. We sent not a Messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah.
... وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذ ظَّلَمُواْ أَنفُسَهُمْ جَآؤُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُواْ اللّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ ...
If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them,
... لَوَجَدُواْ اللّهَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا ﴿٦٤﴾
they would have found Allah indeed Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
Other Versions:
4: 64
Asad for We have never sent any apostle save that he should be heeded by God’s leave [note 83]. If , then after having sinned against themselves, they would but come around to you and ask God to forgive them – with the Apostle, too, praying that they be forgiven –they would assuredly find that God is an acceptor of repentance, a dispenser of grace.
Pickthall We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Allah's leave. And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
Transliteration Wa maaa arsalnaa mir-Rasuulin illaa liyutaa-a bi-‘Iznillaah. Wa law annahum iz-zalamuuu anfusahum jaaa-uuka fastag-farullaaha was-tag-faralahumur-Rasuulu la-waja-dullaaha TawwaabarRahiimaa.
[[Asad’s note 83 – The expression “by God’s leave” is to be understood in this context as “with God’s help” or “by god’s grace” (Zamakhshari, Razi). as so often in the Quran, the sudden change, within one and the same sentence, from the pronoun “We” or “I” to “He”, or from “We” to “God”, is meant to impress upon the listener or reader of the Quranic fact that God is not a “person” but an all-embracing Power that cannot be defined or even adequately referred to within the limited range of any human language.]]
===================================
6. [al-Anam, Cattle, Mecca 55]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلْ
أَنَدْعُو مِن
دُونِ اللّهِ
مَا لاَ يَنفَعُنَا
وَلاَ يَضُرُّنَا...
6: 71. Say:
"Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah, things that can do us neither good nor harm,
C895. In continuation of the seven heads of argument referred to in notes. 876 and 885, we have here the final two heads:
8. who would, after receiving guidance from the living, eternal God, turn to lifeless idols? to do so would indeed show that we were made into fools, wandering to a precipice;
9. therefore accept the only true guidance, the guidance of God, and obey his Law, for we shall have to answer before His judgment-seat.
...وَنُرَدُّ عَلَى أَعْقَابِنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَانَا اللّهُ...
and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah?
...كَالَّذِي اسْتَهْوَتْهُ الشَّيَاطِينُ فِي الأَرْضِ حَيْرَانَ لَهُ أَصْحَابٌ يَدْعُونَهُ إِلَى الْهُدَى ائْتِنَا...
-- like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling 'Come to us', (vainly) guiding him to the Path."
...قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَىَ وَأُمِرْنَا لِنُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٧١﴾
Say:
"Allah's guidance is the (only) guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds;
Other Versions:
6: 71
Asad Say: “Shall we invoke, instead of God, something that can neither benefit us nor harm us, and [thus] turn around on our heels after God has guided us aright? – like one whom the satans have enticed into blundering after earthly lusts, the while his companions, trying to guide him, call out unto him [from afar} [note 63], ‘come you to us!’
“ Say: “Verily, God’s guidance is the only guidance: and so we have been bidden to surrender ourselves into the Sustainer of all the worlds,
Pickthall Say: Shall we cry, instead of unto Allah, unto that which neither profiteth us nor hurteth us, and shall we turn back after Allah hath guided us, like one bewildered whom the devils have infatuated in the earth, who hath companions who invite him to the guidance (saying): Come unto us? Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah is Guidance, and we are ordered to surrender to the Lord of the Worlds,
Transliteration Qul anad'u_ min du_nilla_hi ma_ la_ yanfa'una_ wa la_ yadurruna_ wa nuraddu 'ala_ a'qa_bina_ ba'da iz hada_nalla_hu kallazistahwathusy syaya_tinu fil ardi haira_na lahu_ asha_buy yad'u_nahu_ ilal huda'tina_, qul inna hudalla_hi huwal huda_, wa umirna_ linuslima lirabbil'a_lamin(a).
===================================
Protection of God supreme
3. Sura al-Imran
Medina 89 [200 verses]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِن
يَنصُرْكُمُ
اللّهُ فَلاَ
غَالِبَ لَكُمْ...
3: 160. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you:
...وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا الَّذِي يَنصُرُكُم مِّن بَعْدِهِ...
if He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you?
...وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكِّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٦٠﴾
In Allah, then, let believers put their trust.
Pickthall’s Version:
3: 160
Pickthall If Allah is your helper none can overcome you, and if He withdraw His help from you, who is there who can help you? In Allah let believers put their trust.
Transliteration Iy yansurkumulla_hu fala_ ga_liba lakum, wa iy yakhzulkum fa man zallazi yansurukum mim ba'dih(i), wa 'alalla_hi falyatawakkalil mu'minu_n(a).
===================================
4. Sura an-Nisa
Medina 92 [Hijra 4]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَلَوْلاَ
فَضْلُ اللّهِ
عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَتُهُ
لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ
مُّنْهُمْ أَن
يُضِلُّوكَ...
4: 113. But for the Grace of Allah to thee and His Mercy, a party of them would certainly have plotted to lead thee astray.
... وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلاُّ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَيْءٍ...
But (in fact) they will only lead their own souls astray,
and to thee they can do no harm in the least.
... وَأَنزَلَ اللّهُ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُنْ تَعْلَمُ...
For Allah hath sent down to thee the Book and wisdom and taught thee what thou knewest not (before);
... وَكَانَ فَضْلُ اللّهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمًا ﴿١١٣﴾
and great is the grace of Allah unto thee.
Asad’s Version:
4: 113 ...Nor can they harm thee in any way,....
===================================
6. Sura al-Anam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلْ
أَرَأَيْتُكُم
إِنْ أَتَاكُمْ
عَذَابُ اللّهِ
أَوْ أَتَتْكُمُ
السَّاعَةُ...
6: 40. Say:
"Think ye to yourselves, if there come upon you the wrath of Allah, or the hour (that ye dread),
...أَغَيْرَ اللّهِ تَدْعُونَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿٤٠﴾
would ye then call upon other than Allah?
(Reply) if ye are truthful!"
بَلْ
إِيَّاهُ تَدْعُونَ
فَيَكْشِفُ
مَا تَدْعُونَ
إِلَيْهِ إِنْ
شَاء...
6: 41. "Nay, On Him would ye call,
and if it be His Will, He would remove (the distress) which occasioned your call upon Him,
...وَتَنسَوْنَ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ ﴿٤١﴾
and ye would forget (the false gods) which ye join with Him!"
قُلْ
مَن يُنَجِّيكُم
مِّن ظُلُمَاتِ
الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ
...
6: 63. Say:
"Who is it that delivereth you from the dark recesses of land and sea,
C885. In continuation of the four heads of argument referred to in n. 876, we have three more heads here in 6:63-65:
1. your calling upon Him in times of danger shows that in the depths of your hearts you feel His need;
2. Allah's Providence saves you, and yet you ungratefully run after false gods;
3. it is not only physical calamities that you have to fear; your mutual discords and vengeances are even more destructive, and only faith in God can save you from them.
C886. Zulumat: dark recesses, terrible lurking dangers, as in deserts or mountains, or forests, or seas.
... تَدْعُونَهُ تَضَرُّعاً وَخُفْيَةً...
when ye call upon Him in humility and silent terror:
C887. There are two readings, but they both ultimately yield the same meaning.
- Khufyatan; silently, secretly. from the depth of your inner heart, suggesting unspeakable terror.
- Khfatan; out of terror or fear or reverence, as in 7:205.
...لَّئِنْ أَنجَانَا مِنْ هَـذِهِ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ ﴿٦٣﴾
'if He only delivers us from these (dangers), (we vow) we shall truly show our gratitude.'?"
قُلِ
اللّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم
مِّنْهَا وَمِن
كُلِّ كَرْبٍ
ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ
تُشْرِكُونَ
﴿٦٤﴾
6: 64. Say:
"It is Allah that delivereth you from these and all (other) distresses: and yet ye worship false gods!"
قُلْ
هُوَ الْقَادِرُ
عَلَى أَن يَبْعَثَ
عَلَيْكُمْ
عَذَابًا مِّن
فَوْقِكُمْ
أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ
أَرْجُلِكُمْ
...
6: 65. Say:
"He hath power to send calamities on you, from above and below,
C888. Calamities from above and below: such as;
- storms and blizzards, torrential rain, etc., or
- earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc.
...أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعاً وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ...
or to cover you with confusion in party strife giving you a taste of mutual vengeance -- each from the other."
...انظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَفْقَهُونَ ﴿٦٥﴾
See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols), that they may understand.
C889. Cf. 6:46, where this refrain commences the argument now drawing to a close.
وَكَذَّبَ
بِهِ قَوْمُكَ
وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ...
6: 66. But thy people reject this, though it is the truth.
...قُل لَّسْتُ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ ﴿٦٦﴾
Say:
"Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs;
C890. At the date of this revelation, the Messenger's people had as a body not only rejected Allah's truth, but were persecuting it. The Messenger's duty was to deliver his Message, which he did. He was not responsible for their conduct.
But he told them plainly that all warnings from Allah had their time limit, as they would soon find out, within a very few years. For the leaders of the resistance came to an evil end, and their whole system of fraud and selfishness was destroyed, to make room for the purer Faith of Islam.
Apart from that particular application, there is the more general application, for the present time and for all time.
لِّكُلِّ
نَبَإٍ مُّسْتَقَرٌّ
وَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
﴿٦٧﴾
6: 67. "For every Message is a limit of time, and soon shall ye know it."
Pickthall’s Version:
6: 40
Pickthall Say: Can ye see yourselves, if the punishment of Allah come upon you or the Hour come upon you, calling upon other than Allah? Do ye then call (for help) to any other than Allah? (Answer that) if ye are truthful.
Transliteration Qul ara'aitakum in ata_kum'aza_bulla_hi au atatkumus sa_'atu agairalla_hi tad'u_n(a), in kuntum sa_diqin(a).
6: 41
Pickthall Nay, but unto Him ye call, and He removeth that because of which ye call unto Him, if He will, and ye forget whatever partners ye ascribed unto Him.
Transliteration Bal iyya_hu tad'u_na fa yaksyifu ma_ tad'u_na ilaihi in sya_'a wa tansauna ma_ tusyriku_n(a).
Asad’s Version:
6: 63 Say: “Who is it that saves you from the dark dangers of land and sea [when] you call unto Him humbly, and in the secrecy of your hearts, ‘If he will but save us from this [distress], we shall most certainly be among the grateful’?”
6: 64 Say: “God [alone] can save you from this [distress] and from every distress – and still you ascribe divinity to other powers beside Him!”
6: 65 Say: “It is He alone who has the power to let loose upon you suffering from above you or from beneath your feet, or to confound you with mutual discord and let you taste the fear of one another.”
Behold how many facets We give to these messages, so that they might understand the truth;
6: 66 and yet , to all this thy people have given the lie, although it is the truth. Say [then]: “ I am not responsible for your conduct.
6: 67 Every tiding [from God] has a term set for its fulfillment: and in time you will come to know [the truth].”
===================================
7. [al-Araf, Mecca 39]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
مَن
يَهْدِ اللّهُ
فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِي...
7: 178. Whom Allah doth guide, he is on the right path:
...وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ ﴿١٧٨﴾
whom He rejects from His guidance, such are the persons who perish.
C1152. Those who reject Allah will be deprived of Allah's grace and guidance. His Mercy is always open for sincere repentance.
But with each step downwards, they go lower and lower, until they perish.
وَلَقَدْ
ذَرَأْنَا
لِجَهَنَّمَ
كَثِيرًا مِّنَ
الْجِنِّ
وَالإِنسِ...
7: 179. Many are the Jinns and men, We have made for Hell:
...لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لاَّ يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا...
They have hearts wherewith they understand not,
...وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لاَّ يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا...
eyes wherewith they see not,
C1153. Cf. 2:18.
Though they have apparently all the faculties of reason and perception, they have so deadened them that those faculties do not work, and they go headlong into hell. They are, as it were, made for Hell.
...وَلَهُمْ آذَانٌ لاَّ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا...
and ears wherewith they hear not.
...أُوْلَـئِكَ كَالأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ...
They are like cattle, nay more misguided:
...أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْغَافِلُونَ ﴿١٧٩﴾
for they are heedless (of warning).
Other Versions:
7: 178
Asad He whom God guides, he alone is truly guided: whereas those whom He lets go astray – it is they, they who are the losers!
Pickthall He who Allah lead, he indeed is led aright, while he whom Allah send astray they indeed are losers.
Transliteration May yahdilla_hu fa huwal muhtadi, wa may yudlil fa ula_'ika humul kha_siru_n(a).
7: 179
Asad And most certainly have We destined for hell many of the invisible beings and men who have hearts with which they fail to grasp the truth, and eyes with which they fail to see and ears with which they fail to hear. They are like cattle – nay, they are even less conscious of the right way: it is they, they who are the [truly] heedless!
Pickthall Already have We urged unto hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle nay, but they are worse! These are the neglectful.
Transliteration Wa laqad zara'na_ lijahannama kasiram minal jinni wal ins(i), lahum qulu_bul la_ yafqahu_na biha_, wa lahum a'yunul la_ yubsiru_na biha_, wa lahum a_za_nul la_ yasma'u_na biha_, ula_'ika kal an'a_mi bal hum adall(u), ula_'ika humul ga_filu_n(a).
[[ Ruby’s note – The above two verses are together, the first is reflecting the state of failure and the next is explaining the cause of this failure. Humans at their worst can be below the state of animals because the animals cannot violate moral laws and deliberately go against the instincts they are given. Whereas humans can violate the moral law and go against the natural laws.]]
===================================
9. Surah At Tawbah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَا
كَانَ اللّهُ
لِيُضِلَّ
قَوْمًا بَعْدَ
إِذْ هَدَاهُمْ
حَتَّى يُبَيِّنَ
لَهُم مَّا
يَتَّقُونَ...
9: 115. And Allah will not mislead a people after He hath guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid) --
C1367. Allah's clear commands are given, so that Believers may not be misled by their human frailty into unbecoming conduct.
... إِنَّ اللّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١١٥﴾
for Allah hath knowledge of all things.
إِنَّ اللّهَ
لَهُ مُلْكُ
السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضِ
يُحْيِـي
وَيُمِيتُ...
9: 116. Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth.
He giveth life and He taketh it.
... وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ ﴿١١٦﴾
Except for Him ye have no protector nor helper.
Pickthall’s Version:
9: 115
Pickthall It was never Allah's (part) that he should send a folk astray after He had guided them until He had made clear unto them what they should avoid. Lo! Allah is Aware of all things.
Transliteration Wa ma_ ka_nallu_hu liyudilla qaumam ba'da iz hada_hum hatta_ yubayyina lahum ma_ yattaqu_n(a), innall_ha bi kulli syai'in 'alim(un).
9: 116
Pickthall Lo! Allah! Unto Him belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He quickeneth and He giveth death. And ye have, instead of Allah, no protecting friend nor helper.
Transliteration Innalla_ha lahu_ mulkus sama_wa_ti wal ard(i), yuhyi wa yumit(u), wa ma_ lakum min du_nilla_hi miw waliyyiw wa la_ nasir(in).
[[Ali’s notes -
1367 Allah's clear commands are given, so that Believers may not be misled by their human frailty into unbecoming conduct. (9.115)]]
===================================
10. [Yunus, Mecca 51]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلْ هَلْ
مِن شُرَكَآئِكُم
مَّن يَهْدِي
إِلَى الْحَقِّ...
10: 35. Say: "Of your 'partners' is there any that can give any guidance towards Truth?"
...قُلِ اللّهُ يَهْدِي لِلْحَقِّ...
Say:
"It is Allah Who gives guidance towards Truth.
...أَفَمَن يَهْدِي إِلَى الْحَقِّ أَحَقُّ أَن يُتَّبَعَ أَمَّن لاَّ يَهِدِّيَ...
Is then He Who gives guidance to Truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided?
...إِلاَّ أَن يُهْدَى فَمَا لَكُمْ كَيْفَ تَحْكُمُونَ ﴿٣٥﴾
What then is the matter with you?
How judge ye?"
Pickthall’s Version:
10: 35
Pickthall Say: Is there of your partners (whom ye ascribe unto Allah) one that leadeth to the Truth? Say: Allah leadeth to the Truth. Is He Who leadeth to the Truth more deserving that He should be followed, or he who findeth not the way unless he (himself) be guided. What aileth you? How judge ye?
Transliteration Qul hal min syuraka_'ikum may yahdi ilal haqq(i), qulilla_hu yahdi lil haqq(i), afamay yahdi ilal haqqi ahaqqu ay yuttaba'a ammal la_ yahdi illa_ ay yuhda_, fama_ lakum, kaifa tahkumu_n(a).
===================================
16. [an-Nahl, Mecca 70]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَعَلَى
اللّهِ قَصْدُ
السَّبِيلِ
وَمِنْهَا
جَآئِرٌ...
16: 9. And unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside:
C2029. Through material things "the Way" does always lead to Allah. But some minds are so obsessed with material things that they miss the pointers to the spiritual.
Allah could have forced all to the true Way, but in His Will and Plan is the training of man's will, and that is done by the Signs in nature and Revelation.
... وَلَوْ شَاء لَهَدَاكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ ﴿٩﴾
if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you.
إِن تَحْرِصْ
عَلَى هُدَاهُمْ
فَإِنَّ اللّهَ
لاَ يَهْدِي
مَن يُضِلُّ...
16: 37. If thou art anxious for their guidance, yet Allah guideth not such as He leaves to stray,
C2062. When once Allah's Grace is rejected by any one, such a person loses all help and guidance. Such persons are then outside Allah's Grace, and therefore they are outside guidance.
... وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾
and there is none to help them.
Pickthall’s Version:
16: 9
Pickthall And Allah's is the direction of the way, and some (roads) go not straight. And had He willed He would have led you all aright.
Transliteration Wa 'alalla_hi qasdus sabili wa minha_ ja_'ir(un), wa lau sya_'a lahada_kum ajma'in(a).
16: 37
Pickthall Even if thou (O Muhammad) desirest their right guidance, still Allah assuredly will not guide him who misleadeth. Such have no helpers.
Yuksel If you are concerned for their guidance, God does not guide whom He misleads. They will have no victors.
Transliteration In tahris 'ala_ huda_hum fa innalla_ha la_ yahdi may yudillu wa ma_ lahum min na_sirin(a).
===================================
17. Surah Al Isra
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَن يَهْدِ اللّهُ
فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِ...
17: 97. It is he whom Allah guides, that is on true guidance;
...وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء مِن دُونِهِ...
but he whom He leaves astray -- for such wilt thou find no protector besides Him.
C2302. 'All your insincere subtleties are of no use. The only real guidance is the guidance of Allah. If you do not seek His grace, you will be lost. Besides Him, there is no true friend or protector'.
...وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَى وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّا...
On the Day of Judgment We shall gather them together, prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf:
...مَّأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَاهُمْ سَعِيرًا ﴿٩٧﴾
their abode will be Hell:
every time it shows abatement, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire.
C2303. 'If you still persist in your evil ways, what is to be your evil end?
You will become more and more identified with the Company of Evil. You will come to shame and ignominy, like men thrown down prone on their faces. You will lose the use of all the faculties of judgment with which Allah has endowed you.
Instead of seeing, you will be blind to Allah's Signs. Instead of having the power of seeking Him in prayer and rejoicing in His grace, you will be dumb. Instead of hearing the harmony and music of the spheres, as typified in the pure and harmonious lives of men, you will hear nothing or only hear dull or confused sounds like deaf men.
The scorching fire of your punishment will not grow less, but grow more fierce as you go deeper into Hell'.
Pickthall’s Version:
17: 97
Transliteration Wa may yahdilla_hu fahuwal muhtad(i), wa may yudlil falan tajida lahum auliya_'a min du_nih(i), wa nahsyuruhum yaumal qiya_mati 'ala_ wuju_hihim 'umyaw wa bukmaw wa summa_(n), ma'wa_hum jahannam(u), kullama_ khabat zidna_hum sa'ira_(n).
Pickthall And he whom Allah guideth, he is led aright; while, as for him whom He sendeth astray, for them thou wilt find no protecting friends beside Him, and We shall assemble them on the Day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, dumb and deaf; their habitation will be hell; whenever it abateth, We increase the flame for them.
Transliteration Za_lika jaza_'uhum bi annahum kafaru_ bi a_ya_tina_ wa qa_lu_ a'iza_ kunna_ 'iza_maw wa rufa_tan a'inna_ lamab'u_su_
===================================
18. Surah Al Kahf
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَتَرَى الشَّمْسَ
إِذَا طَلَعَت
تَّزَاوَرُ
عَن كَهْفِهِمْ
ذَاتَ الْيَمِينِ...
18: 17. Thou wouldst have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave,
C2347. In the latitude of Ephesus, 38* north, i.e., well above the sun's northern declination, a cave opening to north, would never have the heat of the sun within it, as the sunny side would be the south.
If the youths lay on their backs with their faces looking to the north, i.e., towards the entrance of the Cave, the sun would rise on their right side, declining to the south, and set on their left sides, leaving them cool and comfortable.
... وَإِذَا غَرَبَت تَّقْرِضُهُمْ ذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ...
and when it set, turning away from them to the left,
... وَهُمْ فِي فَجْوَةٍ مِّنْهُ...
while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave.
... ذَلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ...
Such are among the Signs of Allah:
... مَن يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِي...
he whom Allah guides is rightly guided;
C2348. The youths, having faith and trust in Allah, found safety and refuge in the Cave.
They were protected from the persecution and violence of the heathen. Their prayer (18:16) was heard.
... وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ وَلِيًّا مُّرْشِدًا ﴿١٧﴾
but he whom Allah leaves to stray -- for him wilt thou find no protector to lead him to the Right Way.
Other Versions:
18: 17
Asad And you may have seen the sun, ……………He whom God guides he alone has found the right way whereas for him whom He lets go astray you can never find any protector who would point out the right way.
Pickthall And thou mightest have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave to the right, and when it set go past them on the left, and they were in the cleft thereof. That was (one) of the portents of Allah. He whom Allah guideth, he indeed is led aright, and he whom He sendeth astray, for him thou wilt not find a guiding friend.
Transliteration Wa tarasy syamsa iza_ tala'at taza_waru 'an kahfihim za_tal yamini wa iza_ garabat taqriduhum za_tasy syima_li wa hum fi fajwatim minh(u), za_lika min a_ya_tilla_h(i), may yahdilla_hu fa huwal muhtadi wa may yudlil falan tajida lahu_ waliyyam mursyida_(n).