Why One Succeeds

2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الأهِلَّةِ...

2: 189. They ask thee concerning the new moons.

C202. There were many superstitions connected with the New Moon, as there are to the present day. We are told to disregard such superstitions.

As a measure of time, where the lunar calendar is used, the New Moon is one great sign, for which people watch with eagerness. Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, are fixed by the appearance of the New Moon.

The Arabs, among other superstitions, had one which made them enter their houses by the back door during or after the Pilgrimage. This is disapproved, for there is no virtue in any such artificial restrictions. All virtue proceeds from the love and fear of Allah.

... قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ ...

Say: they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for pilgrimage.

... وَلَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِأَنْ تَأْتُوْاْ الْبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَـكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَى ...

It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back; it is virtue if ye fear Allah.

... وَأْتُواْ الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١٨٩﴾

Enter houses through the proper doors, and fear Allah, that ye may prosper.

C203. This is a Muslim proverb now, and much might be written about its manifold meanings. A few may be noted here.

- If you enter a society, respect its manners and customs.

- If you want to achieve an object honorably, go about it openly and not "by a backdoor".

- Do not beat about the bush. If you wish success in an undertaking, provide all the necessary instruments for it.

The subject of the New Moon provides a good transition between the Ramadan fast, which begins and ends with the New Moon, the Pilgrimage, whose ten days commence with the New Moon, and the War which Islam had to wage in self-defence against the Pagans, who wanted to exclude them from the Pilgrimage after they had driven them out of the house and home.

Other versions:

2: 189 [al-Baqarah, Medina 87 ]

Asad They will ask thee about the new moon. Say: “They indicate the periods for [various doings of] mankind, including the pilgrimage.” [note 165]. However, piety does not consist in your entering houses from the rear, [ all it were,] but truly pious is he who is conscious of God [note 166]. Hence, enter houses through their doors, and remain conscious of God, so that you might attain to a happy state.

Yusuf Ali They ask thee concerning the new moons. Say: they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back; it is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors and fear Allah that ye may prosper.

Pickthall They ask thee, (O Muhammad), of new moons. Say: They are fixed seasons for mankind and for the pilgrimage. It is not righteousness that ye go to houses by the backs thereof (as do the idolaters at certain seasons), but the righteous man is he who ward off (evil). So go to houses by the gates thereof, and observe your duty to Allah, that ye may be successful

Transliteration Yas'alu_naka 'anil ahillah(ti), qul hiya mawa_qitu linna_si wal hajj(i), wa laisal birru bi anta'tul buyu_ta min zuhu_riha_ wa la_kinnal birra manit taqa_, wa'tul buyu_ta min abwa_biha_, wattaqulla_ha la'allakum tuflihu_n(a).

[Ruby’s notes – 1. Lunar phases are given as a measure of period for human activities and sacred duties.

2. Here again the Quran is placing the intent or purpose of an action as the quintessence of faith. Rituals have no meaning if the right purpose is not achieved. Rigorous rites and rituals should be taken only in light of their purpose, if due to a circumstance or a mindset change of a people or culture at different time, if a particular ritual fails to achieve its objective, it should be discarded or adjusted. This is what the Quran is qualifying again and again regarding performance of a ritual with this kind of injunctions. A believer then must be aware about the final responsibility of serving the purpose at all times in all circumstances. And that is the most important message here. ]

[Asad’s note 165 – The reference, at this stage, to lunar months arises from the fact the observance of several of the religious obligations instituted by Islam – like the fast of Ramadan, or the pilgrimage to Mecca (which is dealt with in verses 196-203) – is based on the lunar calendar, in which the months rotate through the seasons of the solar year. This fixation on the lunar calendar results in a continuous variation of the seasonal circumstances in which those religious observances are performed ……………periodical increase and the decrease of the hardship involved. In addition………by lunar months has a bearing on the tide and ebb of the oceans, as well as on human physiology (e.g., a woman’s courses – a subject dealt with later on this surah).]

[ Ali’s notes - 202 There were many superstitions connected with the New Moon, as there are to the present day. We are told to disregard such superstitions. As a measure of time, where the lunar calendar is used, the New Moon is one great sign, for which people watch with eagerness. Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, are fixed by the appearance of the New Moon. The Arabs, among other superstitions, had one which made them enter their houses by the back door during or after the Pilgrimage. This is disapproved, for there is no virtue in any such artificial restrictions. All virtue proceeds from the love and fear of God. (2.189)

203 This is a Muslim proverb now, and much might be written about its manifold meanings. A few may be notes here. (1) If you enter a society, respect its manners and customs. (2) If you want to achieve an object honourably, go about it openly and not "by a backdoor". (3) Do not beat about the bush. (4) If you wish success in an undertaking, provide all the necessary instruments for it. (2.189)

3. Sura al-Imran

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ...

3: 104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong;

...وَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١٠٤﴾

they are the ones to attain felicity.

C431. Muflih, aflaha, falah: the root idea is;

- attainment of desires;

- happiness, in this world and the next;

- success;

- prosperity;

- freedom from anxiety, care, or a disturbed state of mind;

the opposite of 'azab in the next verse, which includes:

- failure;

- misery;

- punishment or penalty;

- agony or anguish.

The ideal Muslim community is happy, untroubled by conflicts or doubts, sure of itself, strong, united, and prosperous: because it invites to all that is good; enjoins the right; and forbids the wrong, -a master- stroke of description in three clauses.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ...

3: 200. O ye who believe!

...اصْبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ ...

persevere in patience and constancy:

vie in such perseverance;

C502. The full meaning of Sabr is to be understood here, viz.: Patience, perseverance, constancy, self-restraint, refusing to be cowed down.

These virtues we are to exercise for ourselves and in relation to others; we are to set an example, so that others may vie with us, and we are to vie with them, lest we fall short; in this way we strengthen each other and bind our mutual relations closer, in our common service to Allah.

... وَرَابِطُواْ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٢٠٠﴾

strengthen each other;

and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.

C503. Prosperity (falah) here and in other passages is to be understood in a wide sense, including prosperity in our mundane affairs as well as in spiritual progress.

In both cases it implies happiness and the attainment of our wishes, purified by the love of Allah.

Other versions:

3: 104

Asad and that there might grow out of you a community [of people] who invite unto all that is good, and enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong: and it is they, they who shall attain to a happy state!

Yusuf Ali Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.

Pickthall And there may spring from you a nation who invite to goodness, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency. Such are they who are successful.

Transliteration Waltakum minkum ummatuy yad'u_na ilal khairi wa ya'muru_na bil ma'ru_fi wa yanhauna 'anil munkar(i), wa ula_'ika humul muflihu_n(a).

3: 200 O you who have attained to faith! Be patient in adversity, and vie in patience with one another, and be ever ready [to do what is right], and remain conscious of God, so that you might attain to a happy state!

3: 200

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.

Pickthall O ye who believe! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready, and observe your duty to Allah, in order that ye may succeed.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manusbiru_ wa sa_biru_ wa ra_bitu_, wattaqulla_ha la'allakum tuflihu_n(a).

[[ Ali’s notes - 502 The full meaning of Sabr is to be understood here, viz.: Patience, perseverance, constancy, self-restraint, refusing to be cowed down. These virtues we are to exercise for ourselves and in relation to others; we are to set an example, so that others may vie with us, and we are to vie with them, lest we fall short; in this way we strengthen each other and bind our mutual relations closer, in our common service to Allah. (3.200)

503 Prosperity (falah here and in other passages is to be understood in a wide sense, including prosperity in our mundane affairs as well as in spiritual progress. In both cases it implies happiness and the attainment of our wishes, purified by the love of Allah. (3.200) ]]

5. Surah Al-Ma'idah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ...

5: 35. O ye who believe!

... اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَابْتَغُواْ إِلَيهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ ...

do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him,

C740. Taqwa here too might be translated "fear of Allah", but the very next clause shows that "fear of Allah" does not mean "fear" in the ordinary sense, which would make you avoid the object of fear.

On the contrary the "fear of Allah" is the intense desire to avoid everything that is against His Will and Law.

It is in fact duty to Allah, for we are told to seek ardently the means by which we may approach Him, and that can only be done by striving with might and main for His cause.

... وَجَاهِدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٣٥﴾

and strive with might and main in His cause: that ye may prosper.

C741. "Prosper" in the real sense, for that is all that matters, as the life of this world is brief and fleeting, and of small account as against Eternity.

Other versions:

5: 35 [al-Maidah, Medina 112 ]

Asad O you who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and seek to come closer unto Him, and strive hard in His cause, so that you might attain to a happy state.

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! do your duty to Allah seek the means of approach unto Him and strive with might and main in His cause: that ye may prosper.

Pickthall O ye who believe! Be mindful of your duty to Allah, and seek the way of approach unto Him, and strive in His way in order that ye may succeed.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manuttaqulla_ha wabtagu_ ilaihil wasilata wa ja_hidu_ fi sabilihi la'allakum tuflihu_n

[[ Ali’s notes -740 Taqwa here too might be translated "fear of Allah", but the very next clause shows that "fear of Allah" does not mean "fear" in the ordinary sense, which would make you avoid the object of fear. On the contrary the "fear of Allah" is the intense desire to avoid everything that is against His Will and Law. It is in fact duty to Allah, for we are told to seek ardently the means by which we may approach Him, and that can only be done by striving with might and main for His cause. (5.35)

741 "Prosper" in the real sense, for that is all that matters, as the life of this world is brief and fleeting, and of small account as against Eternity. (5.35) ]]

6. Sura al-Anam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَهَـذَا صِرَاطُ رَبِّكَ مُسْتَقِيمًا...

6: 126. This is the way of thy Lord, leading straight:

...قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا الآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ﴿١٢٦﴾

We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition.

Asad’s Version:

6: 126 And undeviating is this your Sustainer’s way. Clearly, indeed, have We spelled out these messages unto people who [are willing to] take them to heart! Theirs shall be an abode of peace with their Sustainer; and He shall be near unto them in result of what they have been doing. Asad

6; 126 This is the Way of your Lord, leading straight: We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition. Ali

8. Surah Al Anfal

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَاثْبُتُواْ...

8: 45. O ye who believe!

when ye meet a force, be firm,

...وَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلَحُونَ ﴿٤٥﴾

and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper.

وَأَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ...

8: 46. And obey Allah and His Messenger;

...وَلاَ تَنَازَعُواْ فَتَفْشَلُواْ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ...

and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart;

...وَاصْبِرُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾

and be patient and persevering:

for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

C1215. A fine description of the Muslim virtues which make for success and whose loss brings about humiliation and failure.

"Power": literally, "wind", -the favourable wind for a sailing ship.

ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًا نِّعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَى قَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ...

8: 53. "Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls:

C1221. Allah bestows His grace freely, but He never withdraws it arbitrarily. Before He changes their state and circumstances, an actual state of rebellion and contumacy has arisen in their own souls, which brings about its inevitable punishment.

...وَأَنَّ اللّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٥٣﴾

and verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)."

Asad’s Version:

[Re Badr]

8: 45 O you who believe ! When you meet a force, be firm, and call God in remembrance much that you may prosper:

8: 46 And obey God and His Apostle; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: for God is with those who patiently persevere:

8: 53 Because God will never change the Grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their [own] souls: and verily God is He who hears and knows [all things].”

9. Surah At Tawbah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَوَلاَ يَرَوْنَ أَنَّهُمْ يُفْتَنُونَ فِي كُلِّ عَامٍ مَّرَّةً أَوْ مَرَّتَيْنِ...

9: 126. See they not that they are tried every year once or twice?

C1377. Yet, in spite of their infidelity, one or two chances are given them every year. The door is not closed to them. Yet thy deliberately turn away, and take no heed of all the warnings which their own nature and the teaching and example of good men should give them.

... ثُمَّ لاَ يَتُوبُونَ وَلاَ هُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ﴿١٢٦﴾

Yet they turn not in repentance,

and they take no heed.

وَإِذَا مَا أُنزِلَتْ سُورَةٌ نَّظَرَ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَى بَعْضٍ...

9: 127. Whenever there cometh down a Surah, they look at each other, (saying),

... هَلْ يَرَاكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ ثُمَّ انصَرَفُواْ...

"Doth anyone see you?"

Then they turn aside:

... صَرَفَ اللّهُ قُلُوبَهُم بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لاَّ يَفْقَهُون ﴿١٢٧﴾

Allah hath turned their hearts (from the light); for they are a people that understand not.

C1378. Even the Unbelievers, in their heart and conscience, feel uncomfortable when they turn away from Faith and Truth, and therefore their turning aside is figured by furtive glances, such as we may suppose literally to have been cast by the Hypocrites in the assemblies of the Holy Prophet, Then they slink away, feeling superior in their minds.

And yet, if they only knew it, their contumacy deprives them of Allah's grace and light. They are turning Grace away, and when Allah withdraws it altogether, they perish utterly.

Asad’s Version:

9: 126 Are they, then, not aware that they are being tested year-in, year-out? And yet, they do not repent and do not bethink themselves [of God];

9: 127 and whenever a Surah is bestowed from on high, they look at one another [and say, as it were], “ Is there anyone [referring to God] who can see what is in your hearts ?” – and then they

turn away. God has turned their hearts away [from the truth] – for the yare people who will not grasp it. [asad]

Now as for those who have attained to faith, it does strength them in their faith, and they rejoice in the glad tiding. [asad]

13.Surah ArRa'd

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ...

13: 28. "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah:

...أَلاَ بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ ﴿٢٨﴾

for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.

C1843. The Sign or Miracle is not something external: it is something internal, something in your mind, heart, and soul. It depends on your inner spiritual experience. If you turn to Allah, that light, that experience, will come. If you do not, Allah will not force you.

الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ طُوبَى لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَآبٍ ﴿٢٩﴾

13: 29. "For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return."

C1844. "Blessedness": Tuba: an internal state of satisfaction, an inward joy which is difficult to describe in words, but which reflects itself in the life of the good man, through good and ill fortune, through good report and evil. And then, there is always the final goal to which his eyes are turned, the beautiful Home of rest in the Hereafter, after this life's struggles are over.

That goal is Allah Himself.

Other versions:

13: 28 [ar-R’ad, Madina 96]

Yusuf Ali "Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.

Pickthall Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!

Yuksel The ones who acknowledged and their hearts are satisfied by the remembrance of God; for in God's remembrance the hearts are satisfied.

Transliteration Allazina a_manu_ wa tatma'innu qulu_buhum bi zikrilla_h(i), ala_ bi zikrilla_hi tatma'innul qulu_b(u).

13: 29

Yusuf Ali "For those who believe and work righteousness is (every) blessedness and a beautiful place of (final) return."

Pickthall Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end.

Yuksel Those who acknowledged, and did good works, there will be happiness for them and a good abode.

Transliteration Allazina a_manu_ wa 'amilus sa_liha_ti tu_ba_ lahum wa husnu ma'a_b(in).

39. Surah Az-Zumar (The Throngs)

Mecca Period 59 [75 verses]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمْ...

39:10 [Ali]. Say:

"O ye my servants who believe!

Fear your Lord:

C4260. The "fear of Allah" (Taqwa) is explained in n. 26 to 2:2.