4. Sura an-Nisa
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ
الصَّالِحَاتِ
سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ
جَنَّاتٍ...
4: 122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit them to gardens,
... تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا...
with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein for ever.
... وَعْدَ اللّهِ حَقًّا ...
Allah's promise is the truth,
... وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللّهِ قِيلاً ﴿١٢٢﴾
and whose word can be truer than Allah's?
الَّذِينَ
يَتَرَبَّصُونَ
بِكُمْ ...
4: 141. (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you:
... فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمْ فَتْحٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ قَالُواْ أَلَمْ نَكُن مَّعَكُمْ...
if ye do gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you?"
... وَإِن كَانَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ نَصِيبٌ قَالُواْ أَلَمْ نَسْتَحْوِذْ عَلَيْكُمْ وَنَمْنَعْكُم مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ...
But if the unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them):
"Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?"
... فَاللّهُ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ...
But Allah will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment.
... وَلَن يَجْعَلَ اللّهُ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ سَبِيلاً ﴿١٤١﴾
And never will Allah grant to the unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers.
C650. The methods and motives of Hypocrisy are thoroughly unmasked here.
It has no principles, but watches for an opportunity to turn any event to its own advantage. If battle is joined between two inconsistent principles, it has no belief in either, but watches the result.
There is unceasing fight between Good and Evil in this world. if the Good seems to win, the hypocrites range themselves on its side with unctuous words, taking a great part of the credit to themselves. Perhaps the balance tips the other way later, and they have to make their peace with Evil.
“Oh!” they say, we were in the ranks of your enemy before, on purpose to protect you when they were too strong for you!”
This may suit the ways of the world. but the duty of their account will come eventually. For the Good must ultimately triumph.
Other versions:
4: 122
Yusuf Ali But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We shall soon admit them to gardens with rivers flowing beneath to dwell therein for ever. Allah's promise is the truth and whose word can be truer than Allah's?
Pickthall But as for those who believe and do good works, We shall bring them into gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. It is a promise from Allah in truth ; and who can be more truthful than Allah in utterance?
Transliteration Wallazina a_manu_ wa 'amilus sa_liha_ti sanudkhiluhum janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ abada_(n), wa'dalla_hi haqqa_(n), wa man asdaqu minalla_hi qila_(n).
4: 141 .....and never will God allow those who deny the truth to harm the believers. (see Asad Note 157)
6. Sura al-Anam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَهَـذَا
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ
مُبَارَكٌ
مُّصَدِّقُ
الَّذِي بَيْنَ
يَدَيْهِ...
6: 92. And this is a Book which We have revealed, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it:
C912. Muharak: blessed, as having received Allah's blessing; bringer of blessings to others, as having been blessed by Allah.
Allah's highest blessing is the Guidance and Light which the Book brings to us, and which brings us nearer to Him.
...وَلِتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَى وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا...
that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her.
C913. Mother of Cities: Makkah, now the Qiblah and Centre of Islam.
If this verse was (like the greater part of the Chapter) revealed in Makkah before the Hijrah, and before Makkah was made the Qiblah of Islam, Makkah was nonetheless the Mother of Cities, being traditionally associated with Abraham and with Adam and Eve (see 2:125, and n. 217 to 2:197).
All round Makkah: would mean, the whole world if we took upon Mecca as the centre.
...وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالآخِرَةِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ ...
Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book),
...وَهُمْ عَلَى صَلاَتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ ﴿٩٢﴾
and they are constant in guarding their prayers.
C914. An earnest study of the Quran is true worship; so is Prayer, and so are all deeds of goodness and charity.
Other versions:
6: 92
Asad And this, too, is a divine writ which We have bestowed from on high – blessed, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains [of earlier revelations] [note 74 – and [this] in order that you may warn the foremost of all cities and all who dwell around it [note 75]. And those who believe in the life to come do believe in this [warning]; and it is they who are ever-mindful of their prayers.
Yusuf Ali And this is a Book which We have revealed bringing blessings and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that you may warn the Mother of Cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book) and they are constant in guarding their prayers.
Pickthall And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed, confirming that which (was revealed) before it, that you may warn the Mother of Villages and those around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe herein, and they are careful of their worship.
Transliteration Wa ha_za_ kita_bun anzalna_hu muba_rakum musaddiqul lazi baina yadaihi wa litunzira ummal qura_ wa man haulaha_, wallazina yu'minu_na bil a_khirati yu'minu_na bihi wa hum 'ala_ sala_tihim yuha_fizu_n(a).
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَسْأَلُونَكَ
عَنِ الأَنفَالِ...
8: 1. They ask thee concerning (things taken as) spoils of war.
C1178. The occasion was the question of the division of the booty after the battle of Badr- See Introduction to this Surah.
...قُلِ الأَنفَالُ لِلّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ...
Say:
"(such) spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger:
C1179. Booty taken in a lawful and just war. It belongs to the Cause, in this case the Cause of Allah, as administered by His Messenger. The chief thing is to remain staunch to the Cause of Allah, and have no differences among those who stand for the Cause.
Our internal relations must be kept straight: they must not be disturbed by cupidity or worldly considerations of gain, for any windfalls of this kind should be outside our calculations.
...فَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَأَصْلِحُواْ ذَاتَ بِيْنِكُمْ...
so fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves:
...وَأَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿١﴾
obey Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe."
إِنَّمَا
الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
الَّذِينَ إِذَا
ذُكِرَ اللّهُ
وَجِلَتْ
قُلُوبُهُمْ...
8: 2. For, believers are those who,
- when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts,
...وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا...
- and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened,
...وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ ﴿٢﴾
- and put (all) their trust in their Lord.
الَّذِينَ
يُقِيمُونَ
الصَّلاَةَ
وَمِمَّا
رَزَقْنَاهُمْ
يُنفِقُونَ ﴿٣﴾
8: 3. - Who establish regular prayers
- and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance:
أُوْلَـئِكَ
هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
حَقًّا...
8: 4. Such in truth are the believers:
...لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴿٤﴾
they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance.
C1180. Sustenance: again in both the literal and the metaphorical sense. The object is to warn off from the love of booty and worldly wealth.
Why do we want these?
To all true Believers Allah gives generous sustenance in any case, in both senses, but especially in the spiritual sense, for it is coupled with forgiveness and grades of dignity before Allah' in the next verse.
Other versions:
8: 1 [al-Anfal, Medina 88]
Asad They will ask you about the spoils of war. Say: “All spoils of war belong to God and the Apostle [note 1].” Remain, then, conscious of God, and keep alive the bonds of brotherhood among yourselves [note 2], an pay heed unto God and his Apostle, if you are [truly] believers!
Yusuf Ali They ask thee concerning (things taken as) spoils of war. Say: "(Such) spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the apostle: so fear Allah and keep straight the relations between yourselves: obey Allah and His apostle if ye do believe."
Pickthall They ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils of war. Say: The spoils of war belong to Allah and the messenger, so keep your duty to Allah, and adjust the matter of your difference, and obey Allah and His messenger, if ye are (true) believers.
Transliteration Yas'alu_naka 'anil anfa_l(i), qulil anfa_lu lilla_hi war rasu_l(i), fattaqulla_ha wa aslihu_ za_ta bainikum, wa ati'ulla_ha wa rasu_lahu_ in kuntum mu'minin(a).
8: 2
Yusuf Ali For believers are those who when Allah is mentioned feel a tremor in their hearts and when they hear His signs rehearsed find their faith strengthened and put (all) their trust in their Lord.
Pickthall They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when the revelations of Allah are recited unto them they increase their faith, and who trust in their Lord;
Transliteration Innamal mu'minu_nal lazina iza_ zukiralla_hu wajilat qulu_buhum wa iza_ tuliyat 'alaihim a_ya_tuhu_ za_dathum ima_naw wa'ala_ rabbihim yatawakkalu_n(a)
[[ Asad’s note 1 – The “nafl” ( of which “anfal” is the plural) denotes, in its purely linguistic sense, “an accretion or addition received beyond one’s due” or “something given in excess of one’s obligation” (from which latter meaning the term “salat al-nafl” – i.e., a “supererogatory prayer” – is derived). In its plural form “anfal” which occurs in the Quran only in the above verse, this world signifies “spoils of war”, …………..an incidental accession above and beyond anything that a mujahid (“a fighter in God’s cause”) is entitled to expect. The statement that “all spoils of war belong to God and the Apostle” implies that no individual warrior ahs a claim to any war booty: it is public property, to be utilized or distributed by the government of an Islamic state …..For further details relating to the division of the spoils of war, see verse 41 of this surah.
8: 3
Asad Those who are constant in prayer and spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance [note 4]:
Yusuf Ali Who establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance:
Pickthall Who establish worship and spend of that We have bestowed on them.
Transliteration Allazina yuqimu_nas sala_ta wa mimma_ razaqna_hum yunfiqu_n(a).
[[ Asad’s note 4 – see surah 2, note 4]]
8: 4
Asad it is they, they who are truly believers! Theirs shall be great dignity in their Sustainer’s sight, and forgiveness of sins, and a most excellent sustenance [note 5].
Yusuf Ali Such in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord and forgiveness and generous sustenance.
Pickthall Those are they who are in truth believers. For them are grades (of honor) with their Lord, and pardon, and a bountiful provision.
Transliteration Ula_'ika humul mu'minu_na haqqa_(n),lahum daraja_tun 'inda rabbihim wa magfiratuw wa rizqun karim(un).
[[ Asad’s note 5 – I.e., in paradise. According to Razi, however, the “most excellent sustenance” is a metonym for “the spiritual raptures arising from the knowledge of God, the love of Him, and the self-immersion (istighraq) in worshipping Him”. In Razi’s interpretation, this expression refers to the spiritual reward of faith in this world. ……]]
9. Surah At Tawbah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّمَا
يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ
اللّهِ مَنْ
آمَنَ بِاللّهِ
وَالْيَوْمِ
الآخِرِ...
9: 18. The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as
- believe in Allah and the Last Day,
...وَأَقَامَ الصَّلاَةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلاَّ اللّهَ...
- establish regular prayers,
- and practice regular charity,
- and fear none (at all) except Allah.
C1267. See the previous note.
Sincere Believers are those who have faith in Allah and the future, and have a spirit of devotion and charity -a true and abiding spirit, not merely isolated acts now and again.
Moreover they must not bow to worldly greed or ambition, which produces fear of worldly power.
...فَعَسَى أُوْلَـئِكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ ﴿١٨﴾
It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.
C1268. Others may call themselves by what names they like. True guidance is shown by the tests here indicated.
وَعَدَ
اللّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي
مِن تَحْتِهَا
الأَنْهَارُ
خَالِدِينَ
فِيهَا...
9: 72. Allah hath promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein,
...وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ...
and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.
...وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ أَكْبَرُ...
But the greatest bliss in the Good Pleasure of Allah:
...ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٧٢﴾
that is the supreme felicity.
Other versions:
9: 18 Only he should visit or tend God’s house of worship who believes in God and the Last Day, and in constant in prayer, and spends in charity, and stands in awe of none but God: for [only such as] these may hope to be among the right guided!.
9: 72 [at-Tawbah, Medina 113, after Tabuk 9H]
Asad …………gardens of perpetual bliss [note 100]: but God’s goodly acceptance is the greatest [bliss of all] – for this, this is the triumph supreme!
Yusuf Ali Allah hath promised to believers men and women gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss in the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.
Pickthall Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide--blessed dwellings in Gardens of Eden. And greater (far)!--acceptance from Allah. That is the supreme triumph.
Transliteration Wa'adalla_hul mu'minina wal mu'mina_ti janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ wa masa_kina tayyibatan fi janna_ti 'adn(in), wa ridwa_num minalla_hi akbar(u), za_lika huwal fauzul 'azim(u).
[[ Asad’s note 100 – For an explanation of this rendering of ‘and (akin to the Hebrew eden, delight or bliss) see note 45 on 38:50, where this expression occuprs for the first time in the chronological order of Quranic revelation.]]
12. Surha Yusuf (Joseph)
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
لَقَدْ
كَانَ
فِي قَصَصِهِمْ
عِبْرَةٌ
لِّأُوْلِي
الأَلْبَابِ...
12: 111. There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding.
C1796. Their stories, i.e., the stories of Prophets or of the wicked; for the two threads inter-twine, as in Joseph's story.
...مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَى وَلَـكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ...
It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it --
C1797. A story like that of Joseph is not a purely imaginary fable. The People of the Book have it in their sacred literature. It is confirmed here in its main outline, but here there is a detailed spiritual exposition that will be found nowhere in earlier literature.
The exposition covers all sides of human life. If properly understood it gives valuable lessons to guide our conduct,-an instance of Allah's grace and mercy to people who will go to Him in faith and put their affairs in His hands.
...وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١١١﴾
a detailed exposition of all things, and a Guide and a Mercy to any such as believe.
Other versions:
12: 111 [Yususf, Mecca 53]
Asad Indeed, in the stories of these men there is a lesson for those who are endowed with insight. [As for this revelation ] it could not possibly be a discourse invented: nay indeed, it is confirming the truth whatever there still remains, clearly spelling out everything, and guidance and grace unto people who will believe.
Yusuf Ali There is in their stories instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented but a confirmation of what went before it a detailed exposition of all things and a Guide and a Mercy to any such as believe.
Pickthall In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.
Yuksel [The Quran is not a Fabricated Hadith]
In their stories is a lesson for the people of intelligence. It is not a hadith that was invented, but an authentication of what is already present, a detailing of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who acknowledge.*
Transliteration Laqad ka_na fi qasasihim 'ibratul li'ulil alba_b(i), ma_ ka_na hadisay yuftara_ wa la_kin tasdiqal lazi baina yadaihi wa tafsila kulli syai'iw wa hudaw wa rahmatal liqaumiy yu'minu_n(a).
Yuksel’s note:-
012:111 In this verse, God the Most Wise, rejects both the "hadith" and the basic excuse for accepting it as a source of Islam. No excuse is accepted from the followers of hadith in this world, nor on the Day of Judgment. The followers of fabricated hadiths claim that the Quran is not sufficiently detailed! They thus reject God's repeated assertion that the Quran is "complete, perfect, and sufficiently detailed" (6:19,38,114), and thereby justify the creation of 60 volumes of hadith, and a library full of contradictory teachings that are supposed to complete the Quran. By reflecting on 12:111 above, one can see God's answer to those fabricators and their followers. God informs us that we do not need fabricated hadith; that the Quran as a sufficiently detailed guide, is all we need. The Quran is the only "ahsan al-hadith" (best statement) to ]]