Trust in God [[rabbihim yatawakkalu_n(a)]]



3: 122

Asad when two groups from among you were about to lose heart [note 91], although God was near unto them and it is in God that the believers must place their trust:

Yusuf Ali Remember two of your parties meditated cowardice; but Allah was their Protector and in Allah should the faithful (ever) put their trust.

Pickthall When two parties of you almost fell away, and Allah was their Protecting Friend. In Allah do believers put their trust.

Transliteration Iz hammat ta_'ifata_ni minkum an tafsyala_, walla_hu waliyyuhuma_, wa 'alalla_hi falyatawakkalil mu'minu_n(a).


3: 159

Asad And it was by God’s grace that you [O Prophet] did deal gently with your followers [note 121]: for if you had been harsh and hard, they would indeed have broken away from you. Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven.

And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; place your trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him [note 122].

Yusuf Ali It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted they would have broken away from about thee; so pass over (their faults) and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).

Pickthall It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).

Transliteration Fabima_ rahmatim minalla_hi linta lahum, wa lau kunta fazzan galizal qalbi lanfaddu_ min haulik(a), fa'fu 'anhum wastagfir lahum wa sya_wirhum fil amr(i), fa iza_ 'azamta fa tawakkal 'alalla_h(i), innalla_ha yuhibbul mutawakklilin(a).


3: 160

Yusuf Ali If Allah helps you none can overcome you: if He forsakes you who is there after that that can help you? In Allah then let believers put their trust.

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).


3: 172 [al-Imran, Medina 89 ] [ see Asad’s note 130]

Yusuf Ali Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Apostle even after being wounded those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward.

Pickthall As for those who heard the call of Allah and His messenger after the harm befell them (in the fight); for such of them as do right and ward off (evil), there is great reward,

Transliteration Allazinastaja_bu_ lilla_hi war rasu_li mim ba'di ma_ asa_bahumul qarh(u), lillazina ahsanu_ minhum wattaqau ajrun 'azim(un).

3: 173

Yusuf Ali Men said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": and frightened them: but it (only) increased their faith. They said: "For us Allah sufficeth and He is the best disposer of affairs."

Pickthall Those unto whom men said: Lo! the people have gathered against you, therefore fear them. (The threat of danger) but increased the faith of them and they cried: Allah is sufficient for us! Most Excellent is He in Whom we trust!

Transliteration Allazina qa_la lahumun na_su innan na_sa qad jama'u_ lakum fakhsyauhum fa za_dahum ima_na_(w), wa qa_lu_ hasbunalla_hu wa ni'mal wakil(u).

3: 174

Yusuf Ali And they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah: no harm ever touched them; for they followed the good pleasure of Allah: and Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

Pickthall So they returned with grace and favor from Allah, and no harm touched them. They followed the good pleasure of Allah, and Allah is of infinite bounty.

Transliteration Fanqalabu_ bi ni'matim minalla_hi wa fadlil lam yamsashum su_'(uw),wattaba'u_ ridwa_nalla_h(i), walla_hu zu_ fadlin 'azim(in).

3: 175

Yusuf Ali It is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be ye not afraid of them but fear Me if ye have faith.

Pickthall It is only the devil who would make (men) fear his partisans. Fear them not; fear Me, if ye are true believers.

Transliteration Innama_ za_likumusy syaita_nu yukhawwifu auliya_'ah(u_), fala_ takha_fu_hum wa kha_fu_ni in kuntum mu'minin(a).


4: 81

Asad And they say, “We do pay heed unto you” [note 95] – but when they leave your presence, some of them devise in the dark of night, [beliefs] other than you are voicing [note 96]; and all the while God records what they thus devise in the dark of night. Leave them, then, alone, and place your trust in God: for none is as worthy of trust as God.

Yusuf Ali They have "Obedience" on their lips; but when they leave thee a section of them meditate all night on things very different from what thou tellest them but Allah records their nightly (plots): so keep clear of them and put thy trust in Allah; and enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.

Pickthall And they say: (It is) obedience; but when they have gone forth from thee a party of them spend the night in planning other than what thou sayest. Allah recordeth what they plan by night. So oppose them and put thy trust in Allah. Allah is sufficient as Trustee.

Transliteration Wa yaqu_lu_na ta_'ah(tun), fa iza_ barazu_ min 'indika bayyata ta_'ifatum minhum gairal lazi taqu_l(u), walla_hu yaktubu ma_ yubayyitu_n(a), fa a'rid'anhum wa tawakkal'alalla_h(i), wa kafa_ billa_hi wakila_(n).


[Asad’s note 95 – Lit., “And they say, ‘Obedience’” – a reference to the hypocrites of Medina, in the time of the Prophet, and – by implication – the hypocritical “admirers” and half-hearted followers of Islam at all times.]


5: 11 [al-Maidah, Medina 112]

Asad O you who have attained to faith! Remember the blessings which God bestowed upon you when [hostile] people were about to lay hands on you and He stayed their hands from you. Remain, then conscious of God: and in God le the believers place their trust.

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you but (Allah) held back their hands from you: so fear Allah. And on Allah let believers put (all) their trust.

Pickthall O ye who believe! Remember Allah's favor unto you, how a people were minded to stretch out their hands against you but He withheld their hands from you; and keep your duty to Allah. In Allah let believers put their trust.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manuzkuru_ ni'matalla_hi 'alaikum iz hamma qaumun ay yabsutu_ ilaikum aidiyahum fa kaffa aidiyahum 'ankum, wattaqulla_h(a), wa 'alalla_hi falyatawakkalil mu'minu_n(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 708 In the life-time of the Prophet it happened again and again that the enemies of Islam stretched out their hands against him, his people, and his teaching. The odds were, from a worldy point of view, in their favour, but their hands were rendered inert and powerless because they were fighting against the truth of Allah. So does it happen always, now as it did then. True faith must take heart, and at the same time humbly recognise Allah's favour and mercy, and be grateful. (5.11) ]]


7: 88 Said the great ones among his people, who gloried in their arrogance: “Most certainly, O Shuayb, we shall expel you and your fellow-believers from our land, unless you indeed return to our ways!”

Said [Shuayab] : “Why, even though we abhor ? We should be guilty of blaspheming against God were we to return to your ways after God has saved us from them! It is not conceivable that we should return to them – unless God, our Sustainer, so wills.

All things does out Sustainer embrace within His knowledge: in God do we place our trust. O our Sustainer! Lay you open the truth between us and our people – for Thou are the best of all to lay open the truth!”


7: 90-93 But the great ones among his people, who were bent on denying the truth, said : “Indeed, if you follow Shuayb, you will, verily, be the losers!

Thereupon an earthquake overtook them..................

“....How then , could I mourn for people who have denied the truth?”


8:2-4 Believers are only they whose hearts tremble with awe whenever God is mentioned, and whose faith is strengthened whenever His message are conveyed unto them, and who is their Sustainer place their trust – those who are constant in prayer

and spend on others out of what We have provided for them as sustenance: 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.


9: 51


9: 50

Yusuf Ali If good befalls thee it grieves them; but if a misfortune befalls thee they say "we took indeed our precautions beforehand" and they turn away rejoicing.

Pickthall If good befalleth thee (O Muhammad) it afflicteth them, and if calamity befalleth thee, they say: We took precaution, and they turn away well pleased.

Transliteration In tusibka hasanatun tasu'hum, wa in tusibka musibatuy yaqu_lu_ qad akhazna_ amrana_ min qablu wa yatawallau wa hum farihu_n(a).

9: 51

Asad Say: “Never can anything befall us save what God has decreed! He is our Lord Supreme; and in God let the believers place their trust!”


Yusuf Ali Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the believers put their trust.

Pickthall Say: Naught befalleth us save that which Allah hath decreed for us. He is our protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust!

Transliteration Qul lay yusibana_ illa_ ma_ kataballa_hu lana_, huwa maula_na_ wa 'alalla_hi falyatawakkalil mu'minu_n(a).



9: 58 And among them are such as find fault with you [O Prophet] concerning [the distribution of] the offerings given for the sake of God: if they are given something thereof, they are well-pleased; but if the are not given anything thereof, lo! They are consumed with anger. And yet, [if would be but for their own good] if they were content themselves with what God has given them and His Apostle, and would say, “God is enough for us! God will give us out of His bounty, and His Apostle [to give us, too] : verily, unto God alone so we turn with hope!”


9: 129 [at-Tawbah, Medina 113 after Tabuk, 9H]

Yusuf Ali But if they turn away Say : "Allah sufficeth me: There is not god but He: On Him is my trust - He the Lord of the Throne (Of Glory) Supreme!

Pickthall Now, if they turn away (O Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me. There is no God save Him. In Him have I put my trust, and He is Lord of the Tremendous Throne.

Transliteration Fa in tawallau fa qul hasbiyalla_hu la_ ila_ha illa_ huw(a), 'alaihi tawakkaltu wa huwa rabbul 'arsyil 'azim(i).


[[ Ali’s notes - 1379 The tender heart of the Teacher is grieved that any among his flock should rush headlong to ruin. He watches ardently over them, and whenever any of them show signs of Faith, his kindness and mercy surround him and rejoice over him. (9.128)

1380 But if the Message is rejected, he still proclaims the burning Faith of his heart, which is unquenchable. Allah is sufficient to all. To trust]]


11: 88

Asad He answered: “ O my people! What do you think? If I am taking my stand on

A clear evidence from my Sustainer, who has vouchsafed me goodly sustenance from Himself [how could I speak to you otherwise than I do]? And yet, I have no desire to do, out of opposition to you, what I am asking you not to do: I desire no more than to set things to rights in so far as it lies within my power; but the achievement of my aim depends on God alone. In Him have I placed my trust, and unto Him do I always turn!

Yusuf Ali He said: "O my people! see ye whether I have a Clear (Sign) from my Lord and He hath given me sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? I wish not in opposition to you to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah: in Him I trust and unto Him I look.

Pickthall He said: O my people! Bethink you: if I am (acting) on a clear proof from my Lord and He sustaineth me with fair sustenance from Him (how can I concede aught to you)? I desire not to do behind your backs that which I ask you not to do. I desire naught save reform so far as I am able. My welfare is only in Allah. In Him I trust and unto Him I turn (repentant).


Yuksel He said, "O my people, do you see that if I am on clear evidence from my Lord, and He has provided me with good provision from Him, then I would not want to contradict by doing what I forbid you from. I only want to fix what I can, and my guidance is only with God. To Him I place my trust, and to Him I repent."


Transliteration Qa_la ya_ qaumi ara'aitum in kuntu 'ala_ bayyinatim mir rabbi wa razaqani minhu rizqan hasanaw wa ma_ uridu an ukha_lifakum ila_ ma_ anha_kum 'anh(u), in uridu illal isla_ha ma-stata't(u), wa ma_ taufiqi illa_ billa_h(i), 'alaihi tawakkaltu wa ilaihi unib(u).



11: 123

Yusuf Ali To Allah do belong the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth and to Him goeth back every affair (for decision): then worship Him and put thy trust in Him: and thy Lord is not unmindful of aught that ye do.

Pickthall And Allah's is the Invisible of the heavens and the earth, and unto Him the whole matter will be returned. So worship Him and put thy trust in Him. Lo! thy Lord is not unaware of what ye (mortals) do.

Transliteration Wa lilla_hi gaibus sama_wa_ti wal ardi wa ilaihi yurja'ul amru kulluhu_ fa-'budhu wa tawakkal 'alaih(i), wa ma_ rabbuka bi ga_filin 'amma_ ta'malu_n(a).


12: 67 [ Yusuf, Mecca 53, Yusuf’s story – Jacob, his father trusting God in the most difficult time ]

Yusuf Ali Further he said; "O my sons! enter not all by one gate: enter ye by different gates. Not that I can profit you aught against Allah (with my advice): none can command except Allah: on Him do I put my trust and let all that trust put their trust on Him."

Pickthall And he said: O my sons! Go not in by one gate; go in by different gates. I can naught avail you as against Allah. Lo! the decision rests with Allah only. In Him do I put my trust, and in Him let all the trusting put their trust.

Transliteration Wa lamma_ dakhalu_ min haisu amarahum abu_hum, ma_ ka_na yugni 'anhum minalla_hi min syai'in illa_ ha_jatan fi nafsi ya'qu_ba qada_ha_, wa innahu_ lazu_ nilmil lima_ 'allamna_hu wa la_kinna aksaran na_si la_ ya'lamu_n(a).

13: 30

Asad Thus have We raised thee [OMohammad] as Our Apostle amidst a community before whose time communities have come and gone, so that you may propound to them what We have revealed unto thee: for they deny the Most Gracious! Say: “He is my Sustainer. There is no deity save Him. In Him have I placed my trust, and unto Him is my recourse!”

Yusuf Ali Thus have We sent thee amongst a People before whom (long since) have (other) Peoples (gone and) passed away; in order that thou mightest rehearse unto them what We send down unto thee by inspiration; yet do they reject (Him) the Most Gracious! Say: "He is my Lord! There is no god but He! On Him is my trust and to Him do I turn!"

Pickthall Thus We send thee (O Muhammad) unto a nation, before whom other nations have passed away, that thou mayst recite unto them that which We have inspired in thee, while they are disbelievers in the Beneficent. Say: He is my Lord; there is no God save Him. In Him do I put my trust and unto Him is my recourse.

Transliteration Kaza_lika arsalna_ka fi ummatin qad khalat min qabliha_ umamul litatluwa 'alaihimul lazi auhaina_ ilaika wa hum yakfuru_na bir rahma_n(i), qul huwa rabbi la_ ila_ha illa_ huw(a), 'alaihi tawakkaltu wa ilaihi mata_b(i).


14: 11

Yusuf Ali Their apostles said to them: "True we are human like yourselves but Allah doth grant His grace to such of His servants as He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority except as Allah permits. And on Allah let all men of faith put their trust.

Pickthall Their messengers said unto them: We are but mortals like you, but Allah giveth grace unto whom He will of His slaves. It is not ours to bring you a warrant unless by the permission of Allah. In Allah let believers put their trust!

Transliteration Qa_lat lahum rusuluhum in nahnu illa_ basyarum mislukum wa la_kinnalla_ha yamunnu 'ala_ may yasya_'u min 'iba_dih(i), wa ma_ ka_na lana_ an na'tiyakum bi sulta_nin illa_ bi iznilla_h(i), wa 'alalla_hi falyatawakkalil mu'minu_


[Asad note 14: it is to the contents of the divine message propounded to the mthat all sekers after truth must turn for illumination [ see 7:75 and 13:43, as well as the corresponsing ntoes]. The Quran dwells in many places ………….for a morally valid and intellectually justifiable conviction of the intrinsic truth of such a message can be gained only through “conscious insight accessible to reason” [ 12:108].


14: 12

Asad And how could we not place our trust in God, seeing that it is He who has shown us the path which we are to follow?”

Yusuf Ali "No reason have we why we should not put our trust on Allah. Indeed He has guided us to the Ways we (follow). We shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us: for those who put their trust should put their trust on Allah."

Pickthall How should we not put our trust in Allah when He hath shown us our ways? We surely will endure that hurt ye do us. In Allah let the trusting put their trust!

Transliteration Wa ma_ lana_ alla_ natawakkala 'alalla_hi wa qad hada_na_ subulana_, wa lanasbiranna 'ala_ ma_ a_zaitumu_na_, wa 'alalla_hi fal yatawakkalil mutawakkilu_n(a).


16: 98 [an=Nahl, Mecca 70]

Asad Now whenever you happen to read this Quran seek refuge with God from Satan, the accursed.

Yusuf Ali When thou dost read the Qur'an seek Allah's protection from Satan the rejected one.

Pickthall And when thou recitest the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast.

Transliteration Fa iza_ qara'tal qur'a_na fa-sta'iz billa_hi minasy syaita_nir rajim(i).

16: 99

Asad Behold, he has no power over those who have attained to faith and in their Sustainer place their trust:

Yusuf Ali No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.

Pickthall Lo! he hath no power over those who believe and put trust in their Lord.

Transliteration Innahu_ laisa lahu_ sulta_nun 'alal lazina a_manu_ wa 'ala_ rabbihim yatawakkalu_n(a).

16: 100

Asad he has power only over those who are willing to follow him, and who ascribe to him a share in God’s divinity.

Yusuf Ali His authority is over those only who take him as patron and who join partners with Allah.

Pickthall His power is only over those who make a friend of him, and those who ascribe partners unto Him (Allah).

Transliteration Innama_ sulta_nuhu_ nalal lazi yatawallaunahu_ wal lazina hum bihi musyriku_n(a).



8: 2

Asad Believers are only they whose hearts tremble with awe whenever God is mentioned, and whose faith is strengthened whenever His messages are conveyed unto them, and who in their Sustainer place their trust-

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)


16: 41 [an-Nahl, Mecca 70]

Yusuf Ali To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah after suffering oppression We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world: but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater if they only realize (this)!

Pickthall And those who became fugitives for the cause of Allah after they had been oppressed, We verily shall give them goodly lodging in the world, and surely the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if they but knew;

Transliteration Wallazina ha_jaru_ filla_hi mim ba'di ma_ zulimu_ lanubawwi'annahum fid dunya_ hasanah(tan), wa la'ajrul a_khirati akbar(u), lau ka_nu_ ya'lamu_n(a),

16: 42

Yusuf Ali (They are) those who persevere in patience and put their trust on their Lord.

Pickthall Such as are steadfast and put their trust in Allah.

Transliteration Allazina sabaru_ wa 'ala_ rabbihim yatawakkalu_n(a).

18: 39 [ al-Kahf (cave), Mecca 69]


Asad …”Alas, …’whatever God wills [shall come to pass, for] there is not power save with God!’ Although, as you see, I have less wealth and offspring than you,

Yusuf Ali "Why didst thou not as thou wentest into thy garden say: `Allah's Will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons

Pickthall If only, when thou enteredst thy garden, thou hadst said: That which Allah willeth (will come to pass)! There is no strength save in Allah! Though thou seest me as less than thee in wealth and children.

Transliteration Wa lau la_ iz dakhalta jannataka qulta ma_ sya_'alla_h(u), la_ quwwata illa_ billa_h(i), in tarani ana aqalla minka ma_law wa walada_(n).

18: 40

Asad yet it may well be that my Sustainer will give me something better than your garden – just as He may let loose a calamity out of heaven upon this [your garden], so that it becomes a heap of barren dust

Yusuf Ali "It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven making it (but) slippery sand!

Pickthall Yet it may be that my Lord will give me better than thy garden, and will send on it a bolt from heaven, and some morning it will be a smooth hillside,

Transliteration Fa 'asa_ rabbi ay yu'tiyani khairam min jannatika wa yursila 'alaiha_ husba_nam minas sama_'i fatusbiha sa'idan zalaqa_(n).

18: 41

Asad or its water sinks deep into the ground, so that you will never be able to find it again!”

Yusuf Ali "Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it."

Pickthall Or some morning the water thereof will he lost in the earth so that thou canst not make search for it.

Transliteration Au yusbiha ma_'uha_ gauran falan tastati'a lahu_ talaba_(n).


[Ruby’s note – These verses could be taken to mean that God can render a failure [even from the seemed most successful and invincible state] in various ways, often through unexpected events. All keys and control are in His disposition alone.]

18: 44

Asad For thus it is: all protective power belongs to God alone, the True One. He is the best to grant recompense, and the best to determine what is to be.

Yusuf Ali There the (only) protection comes from Allah the True One. He is the Best to reward and the Best to give success.

Pickthall In this case is protection only from Allah, the True. He is best for reward, and best for consequence.

Yuksel 18:44 Such is the true authority of God. He is best to reward, and best to punish.*


Transliteration Huna_likal wala_yatu lilla_hil haqq(i), huwa khairun sawa_baw wa khairun 'uqba_(n).



[ Ali’s notes: 2380 The companion's argument divides itself into five parts. (1) He remonstrates against the proud man denying Allah. (2) He, from his own spiritual experience, proclaims that Allah is One and that He is good. (3) He points out to him the better way of enjoying Allah's gifts, with gratitude to Him. (4) He expresses contentment and satisfaction in Allah's dealings with him. (5) He gives a warning of the fleeting nature of this world's goods and the certainty of Allah's punishment for inordinate vanity. (18.39)

2381 The punishment was that of thunderbolts (husbanan), but the general meaning of the word includes any punishment by way of a reckoning (hisab), and I think that an earthquake is also implied, as it alters water-courses, diverts channels underground, throws up silt and sand, and covers large areas with ruin. (18.41)

2382 "Fruits", "spent" , "twisting of the hands", should all be understood in a wide metaphorical sense, as well as the literal sense. He had great income and satisfaction, which were all gone. What resources he had lavished on his property! His thoughts had been engrossed on it; his hopes had been built on it; it had become the absorbing passion of his life. ……]]




[al-Furqan, Mecca 42]


وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِ...

25:58 [Asad]

Hence, place thy trust in the Living One who dies not, and extol His limitless glory and praise: for none is as aware of His creatures' sins as He

25:58. [Ali] And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate His praise;

... وَكَفَى بِهِ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا ﴿٥٨﴾

and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants --

C3116. Allah knows our faults better than we or anyone else. It is no use hiding anything from Him. We must put our trust completely in Him. His care is for all, and He is Allah Most Gracious.

Al-Qasas, (The Story)

Mecca Period 49




28:56 VERILY, thou canst not guide aright everyone whom thou lovest: but it is God who guides him that wills [to be guided]; 55 and He is fully aware of all who would let themselves be guided. 56


(28:57) Now some say, "If we were to follow the guidance to which thou invitest us, we would be torn away from our very soil!" 57 Why - have We not established for them a sanctuary secure, to which, as a provision from Us, shall be gathered the fruits of all [good] things? 58 But most of them are unaware [of this truth].




[[ Asad’s notes:


58 Like the preceding expression of fear, this Qur'anic answer, too, can be understood in two senses. In the limited, historical sense it is an allusion to Abraham's prayer that the land around the Kabah be made secure for all times and its natural barrenness be compensated by fruitful help from outside (cf 14:35-41; also 2:126), and to God's acceptance of this prayer: thus, the Prophet's Meccan contemporaries are reminded that they need not fear to be dispossessed of this holy land so long as they remain righteous and trust in God. In its purely spiritual connotation, on the other hand, the "sanctuary secure" is God's promise - referred to in verse 61 below - that all who have faith in Him and are conscious of their responsibility to Him shall be graced with a sense of inner peace in this world and with enduring bliss in the life to come; and since they are thus to be rewarded with the "fruits" of all their good deeds, "no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve" (cf. 2:62, 3:170, 5:69, 6:48, 7:35, 10:62, 46:13). See also note 59 on 29:67. ]]



[Ruby’s notes – the previous and the following verses convey that people do not have to fear other people – the trust and faith in God and their good work earns guaranteed security encompassing their lives and living. In difficulties therefore believers do not need to fear at all.]]


28:58


And how many a community that [once] exulted in its wanton wealth and ease of life have We destroyed, so that those dwelling-places of theirs - all but a few have never been dwelt-in after them: for it is indeed We alone who shall remain when all else will have passed away! 5 '


(28:59) Yet, withal, thy Sustainer would never destroy a community without having [first] raised in its midst an apostle who would convey unto them Our messages; 60 and never would We destroy a community unless its people are wont to do wrong [to one another]."


28:60 And [remember:] whatever you are given [now] is but for the [passing] enjoyment of life in this world, and for its embellishment - whereas that which is with God is [so much] better and more enduring. Will you not, then, use your reason? (28:61) Is, then, he to whom We have given that goodly promise which he shall see fulfilled [on his resurrection] 62 comparable to one on whom We have bestowed [all] the enjoyments of this worldly life but who, on Resurrection Day, will find himself among those that shall be arraigned [before Us]? 63



33 Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)[73 verses]

Medina Period 90 [3-5 Hijrah]



In The Name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:

33:1 O PROPHET! Remain conscious of God, and defer not to the deniers of the truth and the hypocrites: for God is truly all-knowing, wise.


(33:2) And follow [but] that which comes unto thee through revelation from thy Sustainer: 1 for God is truly aware of all that you do, [O men].

(33:3) And place thy trust in God [alone]: for none is as worthy of trust as God.


NEVER has God endowed any man with two hearts in one body: 2 and [just as] He has never made your wives whom you may have declared to be "as unlawful to you as your mothers' bodies" [truly] your mothers, 3 so, too, has He never made your adopted sons [truly] your sons: 4 these are but [figures of] speech uttered by your mouths - whereas God speaks the [absolute] truth: 5 and it is He alone who can show [you] the right path.



[[ Asad’s notes -

1 Lit., "what is revealed to thee from thy Sustainer" - indicating that He is the source of all revelation.


2 Lit., "within him". In the first instance, this connects with the preceding passage, implying that man cannot be truly conscious of God and at the same time defer to the views of "the deniers of the truth and the hypocrites" (Razi) Beyond this, however, the above sentence forms a conceptual link with the sequence, which states that it is against the God- willed laws of nature - and, therefore, unreasonable and morally inadmissible - to attribute to one and the same person two mutually incompatible

roles within the framework of human relationships (Zamakhshari).


3 This is a reference to the pre-islamic Arabian custom called zihar, whereby a husband could divorce his wife by simply declaring, "Thou art [henceforth as unlawful] to me as my mother's back", the term zahr ("back") being in this case a metonym for "body". In pagan Arab society, this mode of divorce was considered final and irrevocable; but a woman thus divorced was not allowed to remarry, and had to remain forever in her former husband's custody. As is evident from the first four verses of surah 58 (Al-Mujadalah) - which was revealed somewhat earlier than the present surah - this cruel pagan custom had already been abolished by the time of the revelation of the above verse, and is

mentioned here only as an illustration of the subsequent dictum that the "figures of speech [lit., "your sayings"] which you utter with your mouths" do not necessarily coincide with the reality of human relations.



4 I.e., in the sense of blood relationship: hence, the marriage restrictions applying to real sons - and, by obvious implication, daughters as well do not apply to adoptive children. This statement has a definite bearing on verses 37 ff below.


5 Sc, by bringing into being the factual, biological relationship of parent and child in distinction from all man-made, social relationships like husband and wife, or foster-parent and adoptive child. In this connection it should be borne in mind that the Qur'an frequently uses the metaphor of God's "speech" to express His creative activity. ]]




33 Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)[73 verses]

Medina Period 90 [3-5 Hijrah]



(33:48) and defer not to [the likes and dislikes of] the deniers of the truth and the hypocrites, and disregard their hurtful talk, 54 and place thy trust in God: for none is as worthy of trust as God.


وَلَا تُطِعِ الْكَافِرِينَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ وَدَعْ أَذَاهُمْ ...

33:48 [Ali] And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites,

and heed not their annoyances,

C3737. Men of little or no Faith will often lay down the law and tell better men than themselves what to do. In case of refusal they shower insults and injuries. No attention is to be paid to them. It is their way. All will be right under the government of Allah.

... وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ...

but put thy trust in Allah,

...وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلًا ﴿٤٨﴾

for enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.





39 Az-Zumar (The Throngs)

Mecca Period 59 [75 verses]


39:36 IS NOT God enough for His servant? And yet, they would frighten thee with those [imaginary divine powers which they worship] beside Him! 39 But he whom God lets go astray can never find any guide;


(39:37) whereas he whom God guides aright can never be led astray. Is not God almighty, an avenger of evil? And thus it is [with most people): 40 thou ask them, "Who is it that has created the heavens and the earth?" - they Will surely answer, "God." 41

Say: "Have you, then, ever considered what it is that you invoke instead of God? If God wills that harm should befall me, could those [imaginary powers] remove the harm inflicted by Him? Or, if He wills that grace should alight on me, could they withhold His grace [from me]?" Say: "God is enough for me! In Him [alone] place their trust all who have trust [in His existence]."


42 Ash-Shura (Consultation)

Mecca Period


42:10 [Asad] AND ON WHATEVER you may differ, [O believers,] the verdict thereon rests with God. 8 [Say, therefore:] "Such is God, my Sustainer: in Him have I placed my trust, and unto Him do I always turn!"

وَمَا اخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِيهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فَحُكْمُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ...

42:10. [Ali] Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is with Allah:

C4538. In the highest issues of life men may see things differently. If their differences arise merely from selfish motives, or narrowness of vision, they are sinning against their own souls.

If their differences arise from sincere but mistaken notions, their proper course is not to form divisions and sects, or to increase contention and hatred among men, but to leave all things to Allah, trusting in Him and turning to Him in all difficulties. The final decision in all things is with Him.

...ذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ ﴿١٠﴾

Such is Allah my Lord: in Him I trust, and to Him I turn.



58 Al-Mujadalah (The Pleading)

Medina Period [105]


Ali’s version and the Arabic text



إِنَّمَا النَّجْوَى مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ لِيَحْزُنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا...

10.  Secret counsels are only (inspired) by the Evil One, in order that he may cause grief to the Believers;

...وَلَيْسَ بِضَارِّهِمْ شَيْئًا إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ...

but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits;

C5346. Evil can harm no one who is good, except in so far as

Nothing happens without Allah's will and permission. And we must always trust Him, and not our cleverness or any adventitious circumstances that draw us the least bit from the path of rectitude.

...وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٠﴾

and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.



58:10 [All other kinds of] secret confabulations are but of Satan's doing, so that he might cause grief to those who have attained to faith; yet he cannot harm them in the least, unless it be by God's leave: 17 in God, then, let the believers place their trust!


[[Asad’s note - 17 I.e., in and by itself, the force of evil epitomized in the concept of "Satan" has no power whatever: cf. 14:22 - "I had no power at all over you: I but called you - and you responded unto me. Hence, blame not me, but blame yourselves." (See also Razi's views quoted in my note 3 1 on the above- mentioned verse.) As regards the problem of God's "letting" or "allowing" a person to go astray (implied in the phrase "unless it be by God's leave"), see note 4 on 14:4. ]]



64 At-Taghabun (Mutual Loss And Gain)

Period Uncertain [108][18 verses]




اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ...   

64:13.  Allah!

there is no god but He:

... وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٣﴾

and on Allah, therefore, let the Believers put their trust.

 


64:13 God - there is no deity save Him! 10 In God then let the believers place their trust.